The Business Division is part of Workforce Education and Business Development at Austin Community College. Within Business, students can select from a variety of disciplines leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate. The Associate of Science in Business Administration degree, designed for those planning to transfer to a university, is also in Business Studies. All Business Studies programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  

The Austin Community College Office of the Dean exists to provide support services and to promote the programs in the Business Studies Division.

 

AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS STUDIES DIVISION
MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Mission Statement

To cultivate entrepreneurial, ethical, and globally competent business professionals, including those in the culinary and hospitality industries, through innovative and accessible education that empowers students to complete their degrees and succeed in a dynamic economy, contributing positively to their communities.

Vision Statement

To empower and inspire future business leaders by providing accessible, innovative, and transformative educational experiences that foster global competence, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning.

Values Statement

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that reflects our core values:

• Student-Centered Excellence: We prioritize the success of our students by providing high-quality instruction, personalized support, and opportunities for growth.
• Innovative Learning: We embrace cutting-edge teaching methods and technologies to prepare our students for the evolving business landscape.
• Ethical Leadership: We cultivate ethical business practices and social responsibility in our students, equipping them to make a positive impact on their communities.
• Global Perspective: We foster a global mindset in our students, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.
• Lifelong Learning: We encourage continuous learning and professional development, empowering our students to adapt to changing industries and technologies.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: We foster a supportive community where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Community Engagement: We foster strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide real-world learning opportunities and contribute to community development.

By embodying these values, we aim to create a vibrant and dynamic business, culinary and hospitality program that empowers students to achieve their full potential and contribute to a thriving economy.

AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS STUDIES DIVISION
2025 STRATEGIC PLAN

1. Increase the course completion rate for the division by 8% in AY 25-26 in order to support ACC’s North Star of achieving 70% completion of degrees, certificates, awards, and transfers to 4-year schools by 2030 through a variety of strategies, including an increase of 8-week programs. Reevaluate the percentage increase each year.
2. Expand faculty expertise with AI tools, and incorporate instruction related to AI tools in the business division’s curriculum. This strategic objective will be coordinated with the Achieving the Dream (ATD) goals and metrics. The metrics for ATD are that 20% of faculty will report the inclusion of AI in 2025 and 30% in 2026. And, 25% of the faculty will engage in AI professional development in 2025 and 40% in 2026.
3. Expand high school partnerships in order to increase high school students’ exposure to workforce opportunities, to increase enrollment, and to support local employers.
4. Strengthen the involvement of the Advisory Committees in curriculum development, understanding of emerging technologies, and identifying opportunities for partnerships in the community.
5. Increase grants, internships, apprenticeships, articulation agreements, and other community partnerships in support of the other strategic goals.