Austin Community College this fall is creating a new learning community for military veterans by pairing two core curriculum courses and offering them back-to-back.

The courses, Introduction to Public Speaking (SPCH 1315-017) and Effective Learning: Strategies for College Success (EDUC 1300-019), teach marketable communication skills and effective learning habits. Success courses like EDUC 1300 are mandatory for students entering ACC with fewer than 12 college credits.

“These courses teach skills that are essential for all students,” says Dr. Gaye Lynn Scott, associate vice president of academic transfer programs. “We want to offer them in a way that not only leverages the knowledge and experience our student veterans bring to the classroom, but also provides a way for them to connect with other veterans early in their college careers.”

The courses are well-suited to veterans entering college for the first time or returning after an extended absence. SPCH 1315 teaches effective communication and presentation skills, while EDUC 1300 helps students develop strategies to be effective learners. Students attend the courses back-to-back at Highland Campus. Instructors are military veterans who understand veteran perspectives and can relate to their experiences.

Some vets find talking to people who ‘get it’ to be validating and rewarding.

“Some vets find talking to people who ‘get it’ to be validating and rewarding,” says Mark Butland, communications studies professor and SPCH 1315 instructor. “Helping them feel comfortable engaging in the classroom and giving them opportunities to network with peers will aid in their success.”

Dr. Sharon Frederick, chair of ACC’s General Studies Department and EDUC 1300 instructor, says studies show veterans who are around fellow students with like experiences persist in college at higher rates than other non-traditional students.

The courses are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:50 a.m. Students must enroll in both sections. Enrollment for fall classes begins May 15, and early registration is recommended. The class will be open to non-veteran enrollment beginning July 23.

For more information, visit ACC’s Communication Studies-Paired Course website or phone 512-223-6797.

Tags: Introduction to Public Speaking, paired courses, Strategies for College Success, student success course, veterans