Values inherent in the use of Austin Community College District (“ACC” or “the College”) facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assignment of space for instructional and instructional support purposes of the College are highest priority;
- Use of College facilities for official student organizations and employee organizations will be provided free when used during the regularly scheduled hours of operation;
- External groups may request use of College facilities, but will be subject to a charge to cover expenses of staff, utilities, and insurance.
All requests for use of College facilities will be directed to the appropriate facility administrator or designee. The terms and conditions of use will be provided upon approval.
Fees for facility use by external groups may be waived or reduced by approval of the appropriate facility administrator when the external group’s activity is made available to students, faculty and staff on a free or reduced-cost basis.
All organizations using College facilities assume the liability for any occurrences on College property.
I Signs and Advertising
For the purposes of this rule, “sign” shall be defined as a billboard, decal, notice, placard, poster or banner; and “posting” shall be defined as any means used for displaying a sign.
Signs shall only be permitted on College property for College sponsored or College-related events; or for events for which College facilities have been lawfully reserved, including authorized use by student groups.
College District facilities shall not be available for use by individuals or groups for political advertising or campaign communications, as those terms are used in state law. Exceptions to this prohibition are limited to occasions when a College District facility is used as an official polling place, or when a group has properly arranged to use College facilities for a specific event. In those instances, signage must conform to the following restrictions and limitations.
- Restrictions
A sign shall not be larger than 22 inches by 28 inches. A sign shall not be attached or posted:- To a shrub or plant;
- To a tree, except by string to its trunk;
- To a permanent sign installed for another purpose;
- To a fence or chain or its supporting structure;
- To a brick, concrete, or masonry structure;
- To a statue, monument, or similar structure;
- On or adjacent to a fire hydrant;
- In any manner that obstructs the view of drivers on College District property, or otherwise creates an unsafe condition on College District property;
- On or between a curb and sidewalk; or
- In a College District building, except on a bulletin board designated for that purpose.
- Limitations
Non-school literature shall not be distributed on College District property if:- The materials are obscene;
- The materials contain defamatory statements about public figures or others;
- The materials advocate imminent lawless or disruptive action and are likely to incite or produce such action;
- The materials are considered prohibited harassment;
- The materials constitute unauthorized solicitation; or
- The materials infringe upon intellectual property rights of the College District or a third party, upon notification from the third party.
- Removal
Signs shall be removed not later than 14 days after posting or, if related to an event (including use of the College facility as a polling place), not later than 24 hours after the event to which it relates has ended.
II Prohibited Uses of College Facilities
College facilities may not be used by an organization commonly recognized as promoting and advocating theories and doctrines intended to undermine or overthrow the constituted government of the United States of America.
College facilities may not be used for an activity which may be deemed a nuisance by people living nearby.
College facilities may not be used for any unlawful activity. Revenue-generating activities shall be limited to organizations known to have strong educational or community services programs.
College facilities will not be available for commercial purposes. No activity or program can be approved which has as its purpose, profit or gains to the organization concerned.
III Multi-Occupancy Private Spaces
The College has established procedures for implementing Texas Government Code Chapter 3002, which requires public institutions of higher education to designate certain facilities for use according to biological sex. This applies to all ACC facilities that include multiple occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas where individuals may be in a state of undress. Facility access, signage, accommodations, and enforcement will be consistent with state law and institutional policy.
ACC is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, employees, contractors, and campus visitors while following state law. The college values dignity, privacy, and the wellbeing of every person on our campuses. ACC believes that compliance with state requirements must be carried out in a way that honors each individual, promotes a sense of belonging, and supports a campus culture rooted in compassion and respect.
Facility Designation and Access
- Designation Requirements
In compliance with Texas Government Code Chapter 3002, ACC is legally required to designate multiple occupancy private spaces where a person may be in a state of undress as male or female based on biological sex as defined by Texas Government Code Chapter 3002. - Access Options
- ACC shall provide access to private single occupancy or family restrooms that may be used by any individual, regardless of biological sex. These facilities are available to all students, employees, and visitors.
- An individual may only enter a multiple-occupancy private space designated for the exclusive use of individuals of the sex opposite to the individual’s sex:
- for a custodial purpose;
- for a maintenance or inspection purpose;
- to render medical or other emergency assistance;
- to accompany and provide assistance to an individual who needs assistance in using the facility;
- for a law enforcement purpose;
- to render assistance necessary in preventing a serious threat to proper order or safety; or,
- if the individual is a child who is nine years of age or younger entering a multiple-occupancy private space designated for the exclusive use of individuals of the sex opposite to the child ’s sex and is accompanied by an individual caring for the child.
- Facility Review and Modifications
The Office of Campus Planning, Construction & Sustainability shall be responsible for the continuous evaluation of campus facilities to determine the need for additional family or single occupancy spaces. When appropriate and feasible, the College may retrofit or modify facilities. - Signage Standards
ACC will ensure all facility designations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signage will be reviewed by the Office of Campus Planning, Construction & Sustainability and the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance prior to installation. - Conduct, Reporting, and Enforcement
- Each notice of violation will be reviewed individually. The College will maintain confidentiality and will provide appropriate support or guidance consistent with institutional policy and applicable law. Appeals or disputes will follow established College grievance procedures. Refer to G/P 7.0400.01.1 for procedures and definitions.
- Harassment, confrontation, or vigilante style enforcement is not permitted. ACC encourages all members of our community to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to seek support through the appropriate college channels when concerns arise.
- ACC affirms its responsibility to maintain safe learning and working environments and to approach all matters with care, consistency, and a commitment to the success and wellbeing of our diverse community.