Dear ACC,
I want to share important information with you regarding temporary changes to Austin Community College’s instruction and operations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. ACC will extend spring break one week for students. Classes will be suspended March 23-29, allowing faculty and staff time to finalize preparations to transition to a virtual environment where we are able to teach, learn, and work remotely as needed.
There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the Austin area. While area health officials assure us that the risk remains low at this time, we expect cases in Texas will likely increase. Our best chance of minimizing the risk to our community and slowing the spread is to make these changes in advance of any cases turning up in our region. These steps align with many of our counterparts across the state.
Here’s what you can expect:
- ACC students will remain on spring break one additional week through March 29.
- Employees will return to work as scheduled on Monday, March 23, to finalize preparations for transitioning to online instruction and to continue college operations.
- On Monday, March 30, students will return to class through online and hybrid instruction. Face-to-face instruction and services will be limited. Information for specific courses will be posted on the ACC Coronavirus Information website by Wednesday, March 25.
- Student services will remain available at designated locations beginning March 30.
- All ACC campuses will remain open to employees until further notice starting March 23.
- All ACC events will be canceled or postponed until further notice.
- All ACC travel is canceled until further notice.
Our primary concern is your health and safety. The college will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation and work closely with regional health agencies, governments, and education partners. ACC will follow recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities. I want to thank the administration, faculty, and staff for working together to keep our community prepared, informed, and safe.
While this is not the spring break any of us expected, I do hope you can enjoy your time away and please be safe. We will keep you informed. Updates will be shared on the ACC Coronavirus Information website.
Regards,
Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D.
President/CEO
Austin Community College District.