Dear ACC Students,
I want to update you on new developments regarding Austin Community College’s response to the rapidly changing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. While there are no cases connected to ACC at this time, the college is taking additional steps to limit the number of people on our campuses and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.
Starting March 23, many ACC employees will be asked to begin working remotely. This decision will create new challenges, but we feel it is essential to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. The college is working hard to transition to online classes and student services. We are asking students to remain on spring break through March 29. Our hope is to allow limited student access to labs, ACCelerators, and libraries starting March 30.
State and local officials are asking all of us to take precautions, practice social distancing, and limit gatherings to no more than 10 people. Our goal is to do our part to slow the outbreak while ensuring you have what you need to finish this semester strong.
Here is what you can expect:
- All students will remain on an extended spring break through March 29.
- March 23-29, all classes and testing are suspended and campuses will be open only to essential personnel and faculty and staff who need access to offices, training, and/or equipment to transition to work, teach, and learn remotely. Campuses will not be open for students during this time.
- All spring classes will move primarily online beginning March 30.
- Courses that may require on-campus activities such as labs will be determined in the coming days. Details will be provided to impacted students.
- At this time, ACCelerators, labs, and libraries will be open on a limited basis to students beginning March 30.
- Campus hours of operation may change.
As you are aware, this situation is evolving. Our responses will evolve as well. The college will keep you updated. Please stay informed by checking your email and the ACC’s COVID-19 website often.
These are difficult times that none of us expected, but I am confident we will get through this together. We have an amazing team working with our regional partners daily and aligning our decisions with those of our peer institutions. I’m extremely proud of the ACC community.
I want to assure you the college will do everything we can to ensure all students and employees experience as little disruption as possible to their academic and work lives. This is a time for us to take care of each other.
Regards,
Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D.
President/CEO
Austin Community College District