COVID-19 FAQs

The college strongly encourages but does not require vaccinations.

ACC employees are eligible for up to two hours of Administrative Leave per shot in order to get their first and second COVID vaccination as well as their booster. Employees must make arrangements with their supervisors and record it as Administrative Leave.

Employees who previously used personal/sick leave for their COVID-19 vaccine will have an opportunity to reclassify their leave to Administrative Leave.

The college periodically hosts vaccination clinics at campuses districtwide. For the latest information, visit austincc.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-testing/.

No. That is health information and the college does not require that an employee or student report having received a vaccine.

Yes. All employees and students are required to wear and properly display their ACC ID badge/card while on ACC premises or buildings at all times per ACC’s COVID-19 protocols. Visitors must obtain a daily Visitor Badge during screening.

Staff disinfect classrooms as soon as classes are over. Restrooms and surfaces that are commonly touched also are regularly disinfected throughout the day. Soap is available in every restroom and sanitizing solution is available in or near every classroom. In order to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, students and staff are reminded to disinfect their personal electronics on a regular basis.

ACC’s internal procedures meet and/or exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard for educational facilities. To date, there have been no documented cases of room to room transmission of small particles through HVAC systems in the United States.

Current research indicates that the small particles travel no more than 5 to 6 feet into the ductwork. In addition, the reduced occupancy that we have implemented, along with adjustments to our ventilation systems optimize fresh air and exhaust.

ACC implemented changes to its telework policy in fall 2021 to manage remote work when it is in the best interest of ACC, meets the needs of ACC’s business operations, enhances staff productivity, and supports student success. View the policy here.

Supervisors and the VP/EVP will determine whether a position is eligible for telework. ACC employees should contact their supervisor to make a request to continue to work remotely and for guidance on flexible work arrangements and telework options. The job duties must be appropriate for such assignments to achieve productivity levels and expectations. The decision to authorize these options is within ACC management’s discretion based on the nature of the work performed and other business considerations. A Telework Agreement must be completed and signed by the employee and the employee’s supervisor. It must have the department vice chancellor’s or higher approval prior to the employee initiating a telework arrangement.

ACC continues to offer online, in-person, and hybrid course options so that students may find the courses they need in the learning environment that works best for them. There is a balanced blend of all options.

Student support services are available both in-person and online. Find student support services at austincc.edu/student-support.

The college’s safety plans remain in effect with updates that are currently underway to reflect reductions in community virus load, uptake of vaccinations, CDC guidelines, and new executive orders.

Check austincc.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-testing for the latest information about COVID-19 testing on campus.

If an employee has a medical condition that prevents the employee from returning to work, the employee should notify their supervisor and review the information and application related to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or FMLA. The employee should submit the application and required paperwork to HR Benefits. Contact HR Benefits for more information.

The college strongly encourages everyone to respect others’ personal space and practice social distancing of at least 3 feet.

Beginning Monday, March 21, 2022, face masks are optional.

Supervisors are responsible for the employee’s work and work schedule. The employees should discuss their situation with their immediate supervisor.

Telework is simply an alternative work location. ADA accommodations will only be made to the location where the employee is assigned to work.

The college follows CDC guidelines for best disinfecting and cleaning processes for COVID-19. This includes daily cleaning and disinfection. Those who wish to have more frequent cleaning or disinfecting may pick up supplies on campus. Please contact the Campus Manager’s Office to get supplies as needed.

• Employees who are working remotely may continue to work remotely when approved, as long as they are able to perform the essential functions of their job.

• If essential and core work functions must be performed on campus and the employee is not able to return to work due to a COVID-19 related reason (contact or exposure) or illness, the employee will not be able to continue to work remotely. The employee should use their accrued leave (sick, vacation, or personal) for their absence.

• When an employee is not able to return to work for any reason related to COVID-19, the employee should use their accrued leave (sick, vacation or personal) for their absence.

• In any situation, an employee who is out sick for 3 or more days must submit a physician’s note to return to work to [email protected] prior to returning from leave.

There are other leave programs that are available to employees:

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): www.austincc.edu/admrule/6.09.001Guideline.pdf
The Sick Leave Pool: www.austincc.edu/admrule/6.09.010Guideline-Procedure.pdf
For additional questions about leave and benefits, please email [email protected]

Yes. Student support services are available both virtually and in-person. Visit the support services webpage to see the full list of resources and find dates/times of availability.

A list of lower-cost health care resources, listed by county, is available on the Support Center Community Resources page, under Insurance and Medical.

If you don’t have a personal computer, laptop, or tablet, complete the Student Technology Access Form. Please keep in mind resources are limited, but we will do our best to support your success.

A full list of academic, financial, and personal online resources are available at Remote Student Support.

ACC has provided a Teaching Online Continuity Guide that includes how to get expert help, upcoming training, web conferencing options, resources, and frequently asked questions related to transitioning courses to an online format. Teaching Online: Continuity Guide >

Email your designated faculty librarian or email [email protected].