AUSTIN, TX (July 8, 2009) – The Austin Community College District approved a $225 million balanced budget Monday night that holds the line on in-district tuition while ensuring residents continue to have access to the college’s high-quality, affordable education.

“ACC is in good fiscal shape, and we’re ensuring it stays that way,” says Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. “That said, community colleges are asked to do more during a recession and it’s important that we expand programs and services in response to the growing needs of residents, and business and industry.”

ACC has experienced 7 percent to 15 percent enrollment growth over the last three semesters – a common recessionary trend that is expected to continue. The fiscal year begins Sept. 1, 2009.

In drafting the 2009-10 budget, the board took a judicious approach to reducing costs without impacting student services. Few new positions were added, and the college plans to hire additional full-time faculty and support staff as appropriate – including those necessary to operate the new ACC Round Rock Campus, set to open in fall 2010.

The $225 million budget includes initiatives to meet the needs of the community, including:

• Maintaining in-district tuition at its current level, to maximize access to the college for taxpayers who support ACC;
• Increasing out-of-district tuition by less than 8 percent, or $10 per credit hour; and
• Honoring commitments to the ACC campus under construction in Round Rock. Revenue from the recent RRISD annexation is dedicated to the new campus.

To ensure key services will continue even if revenue sources fluctuate, the college identified areas where costs can be cut. The board lowered cost-of-living raises to 2 percent, half of the 4 percent raises faculty and staff received in previous years. It reduced technology funding by $750,000. Trustees also trimmed the deferred maintenance budget by $2 million.

The budget also incorporates new methods of generating revenue. The board increased campus parking fees, which still remain the lowest among area colleges and universities. Students who park on campus will pay $15 per year – up from $10. Faculty, staff, and administrators will pay an additional $10 to $40.

A new addition to the budget is a sustainability student fee. Scheduled for spring 2010, the new fee will provide a revenue source to enact ACC’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the college’s carbon footprint. The fee is $1 per semester credit hour.

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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):

ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 35,700 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”