College Sees Enrollment Spike Following Annexation

AUSTIN, TX. February 2, 2009 – The Austin Community College District is breaking ground on a new campus in Round Rock as last year’s successful annexation vote sends credit enrollment soaring.

A variety of activities are planned at the ceremony, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 5, at the site of the future campus near University Boulevard. The public is invited to join the celebration.

“Everything we’ve seen confirms the tremendous value of a community college campus in this area,” says Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw. “We are excited about the new opportunities Austin Community College is bringing to the citizens of Round Rock.”

The college’s new 598,000-square-foot ACC Round Rock Campus will be located at a site that has University Boulevard to the north and County Road 112 to the east.  Construction on the first phase begins in late March and will include nearly 275,000 square feet.

The ACC Round Rock Campus, which represents a $119 million investment, will be comprehensive and allow students to earn their entire associate degrees at this one facility. Phase I is scheduled to open for classes in 2010.

“We are working closely with the community to ensure citizens have affordable access to high-quality higher education and training programs to help them pursue successful careers,” says ACC President/CEO Stephen B. Kinslow, Ph.D.

On May 10, 64 percent of Round Rock ISD voters approved a proposal to join the ACC tax district in exchange for increased services and lower, in-district tuition rates. Residents immediately began receiving the benefit of in-district tuition, $39 per semester hour.

“We’ve seen phenomenal growth among Round Rock students since voters approved the annexation,” Kinslow says. “Spring enrollments are up 54 percent over last year for students residing in Round Rock.”

The ACC Round Rock Campus will be the college’s largest campus, eventually accommodating 11,500 students. It will offer traditional classrooms and science labs, as well as specialized facilities for a wide range of workforce programs, from automotive technology and renewable energy to the college’s renowned associate degree-registered nursing program.

“ACC continues to be the leader in solving the region’s nursing shortage,” Kinslow says. “The two-year associate degree is the fastest route to become a registered nurse, and many of our graduates later go on to a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree nursing specialty.”

The Round Rock Campus will also house noncredit Continuing Education classes for residents seeking professional development or personal enrichment opportunities.

“Round Rock will enjoy a world-class training center to provide the skilled workers we need to maintain the community’s infrastructure and support the local economy,” McGraw says. “We are very pleased with our partnership with ACC.”

If you go
What: ACC Round Rock Campus groundbreaking and celebration.
Where: Parking will be at the Round Rock Higher Education Center, 1555 University Blvd. Guests will be shuttled to the ACC site.
When: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 5.
Who: The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.austincc.edu/rrc to RSVP for the groundbreaking or to get the latest news about the project.

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