By Breeana Green
I had the pleasure of attending the Riverbat Bash at the Round Rock Campus on Sept. 24 and speaking with Antonio Jackson, an ACC employee who advocates for Student Life. Here’s what I learned:
What do you hope students get out of the Riverbat Bash?
Jackson: “Truthfully, we have a lot of booths here, so it can get pretty overwhelming. But because of all the options, we have a table for everyone! If you’re a veteran, we have a table for you. If you’re a first-year student, we have a table for you.”
The booths were a little mind-boggling, but there was a variety including ACC Library Services, the Mentor and Leadership program, and even Orgullo Coffee, a Honduran coffee café. You could feel the intent to show students what is offered and the ample amount of information always available.
What events do you wish more students knew about?
Jackson: “Bat Chats, for sure!”
Bat Chats are essentially in-person discussion groups that give students a way to connect with others who share their passions. These conversations are student-led, which can be inspiring. Bat Chats provide a way to meet like-minded people and build a community with shared values, goals, or ideas.
How can students utilize Student Life more?
Jackson: “Honestly, students don’t know this, but Student Life is something that you guys pay for, so why not utilize it? We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can take a brain break, eat snacks, play video games, and enjoy events we have planned!”
ACC has a lot to offer its students. Riverbat Bash is a way to show us that resources are available and that ACC can meet many student needs. As a student myself, it was inspiring to see how much opportunity attending ACC truly provides. Thanks to Antonio Jackson for the interview, and to the countless ACC employees who made Riverbat Bash a success!
If you attend the Round Rock Campus, you may have noticed construction. With many students in the construction, HVAC, welding, and automotive technology programs, the campus is expanding those facilities. The new building will include space for the ACC-Toyota (T-TEN) partnership and possibly battery electric vehicle training.
New to the area, Clean Eatz, a restaurant near the Round Rock campus, offers healthy, affordable meals and meal plans—perfect for health-conscious students on a budget.
Outside the Round Rock Campus, the Austin Community College District offers many clubs and community spaces. If no clubs interest you, you can start one! You need an idea, three student officers, and to register your organization. The student organizations team is always ready to help.
If you want to help other students navigate college, consider joining the Mentor and Leadership program. Interested in advocacy? Join SGA to represent students on a larger scale. ACC also offers sports teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, co-ed tennis, disc golf, and women’s volleyball. For those not into sports teams, ACC provides sports classes in aquatics, martial arts, dance, and fitness essentials—great for stress relief.
Career services are also available. Topic Tuesdays, held virtually, cover subjects to help students advance their careers. ACC GROW offers hands-on work experience on campus to build career skills.
The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center at the Highland campus is dedicated to transforming racial narratives in Central Texas. Also at Highland, the Mentor and Leadership program will host a welcome party on Oct. 14 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Eatery 73.
ACC is not only a place for learning but also a place to build community.
Community is important, but so is self-growth. ACC offers study abroad programs in places like Italy, Peru, and France, in fields such as fashion, painting, and pastry arts. The library provides a quiet space for assignments, calculator checkouts, and research support.
Course evaluations are sent near the end of each semester, giving students a chance to voice concerns and improve their college experience.
For students seeking stable jobs while pursuing degrees, Capital IDEA offers free certifications in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and applied technology. The C.A.R.E. Network provides assistance with housing, finances, child care, and mental health services.
Your health is important. Austin Public Health offers STD/HIV testing and mental health services. Agape Women’s Clinic provides STI/STD testing and support for unplanned pregnancies.
In conclusion, ACC is a place for you. No matter your campus, you have the power to make your voice heard and create a better college experience. Community and resources are here for students who need them.