Update: All ACC Campuses and Centers Open Thursday and on Regular Schedule

Updated 5:30 a.m., Thursday, 2/3/2011

All ACC campuses and centers will be open Thursday, February 3, and operating on regular schedule. That includes Rio Grande Campus, which closed Wednesday, February 2 due to rolling power outages. |Â Campus hours of operation

Austin Energy and the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) report no blackouts or rolling power outages are expected Thursday. This could change; ACC will continue to monitor the situation and may adapt campus operations as necessary.

In the event rolling outages occur, students, faculty, and staff are advised to use stairs and only use elevators if they have a disability. Outages will affect central heating systems and may cause buildings to be cold even when the power is restored because of disruption of the boilers. Â The power outages also may disrupt telephone and Internet service. The college is working to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Friday and possiblyÂ into the weekend.Â Â

ACC is continuing to monitor the power situation and the weather. Updates will be posted on the college homepage, Facebook, and Twitter. For questions, please contact the Help Desk at (512) 223.4636.

Officials ask you to turn off unnecessary electrical devices to conserve energy. Â Please be aware space heaters are not allowed on campus.

Thank you for your patience.Â The college will continue to keep you informed.

15 Responses to "Update: All ACC Campuses and Centers Open Thursday and on Regular Schedule"

By Sean February 3, 2011 - 8:18 am

ACC, Thank you for having some sense and not cancelling classes for all of the Texans that ignore the fact that temperatures will drop below freezing (almost) every winter in central Texas.

These weather conditions will not be dangerous unless there is some precipitation and roads become icy. I really think that the majority of the people that complain about the current “hazardous conditions” either have not ever seen truly dangerous cold weather (not likely), or just want an excuse to miss class/work.

This weather is somewhat uncomfortable, NOT dangerous. I’ve grown so loathsome of the southerners who think that we should kick back and relax at home if a cold wind blows through.

Also, if a person truly feels that they are in danger if they leave their house on a cold day, then it is up to that person to decide to stay home, not a school or any other organization. We, as a society, should not depend on any organization to make our own personal safety decisions. Every American citizen has the freedom and responsibility to use their own judgement (skewed or not) to protect themselves.

By katie February 3, 2011 - 8:50 am

Maybe to you these weather conditions arents “dangerous” but i have seen how people here attempt to drive in just rain..

By Katie February 3, 2011 - 9:22 am

I have a two hour bus ride each way. I stand outside and wait for the 383, then I transfer and wait for the 3. Yesterday I attended classes with no heat, then made the return trip back home. I was FREEZING for hours.

We do not have the clothing here in Texas to wear for this type of weather if you have to be out in it.

They are predicting more blackouts, all of my classes are at Rio Grande. One is in the basement, how can you learn anything sitting in the dark?

For those of us who have classes into the evening we will be leaving after the snow starts.

By mreyes February 3, 2011 - 9:28 am

Hi Katie, local energy sources report more electricity is available so rolling blackouts are less likely. See http://tinyurl.com/6crazyu for updates.

By Student February 3, 2011 - 9:27 am

My opinion: a light rain is more dangerous than the current road conditions.

By pamela February 3, 2011 - 11:06 am

I feel it is necessary to remain cautious and do what is best for everyone. ACC does consider this.

By John February 3, 2011 - 11:24 am

Dear Sean,

I feel the loathsome feeling towards northerners who say, let’s do nothing when the thermometer hits 100 degrees. Seriously, it usually hits that temp every year. Many of us have to take the bus to class, and waiting is terrible. Texans simply don’t own the proper clothing for weather that feels like 7 degrees. And yes, cold road conditions do unfortunately equal unsafe driving conditions, have you seen the way we handle hills in a light mist?

By Cassie February 3, 2011 - 12:41 pm

I know that even on just cool days it is REALLY cold in the annex building. Not sure what it will be like today. Not to mention how far you have to park to get to class at Rio Grande. I don’t think driving is dangerous now, but I do think it will be this evening. And I agree that most of us don’t own the right clothes for this cold of weather. We just aren’t used to it. 🙂

By Student February 3, 2011 - 1:56 pm

I feel as if the weather is okay right now to attend classes, although It is planning on snowing tonight and for those of us who have night classes around 7 and 8 should not have to be out in the cold and driving. Especially if you are driving from out of town.

By Sean February 3, 2011 - 2:47 pm

John,

I have lived in several different climates (including central TX for 11 years). I am aware of the central TX climate, and prepare accordingly. I have worked outside in all types of weather, from below freezing (yesterday I was being sprayed by water while replacing a 4″ cracked water valve) to 115 degrees F. North or south, if you know that the temperature in your area may fall to freezing, you should own a heavy jacket or wear layers of clothing (especially if you’re waiting at a bus stop).

All that said, I know that some people (particularly elderly) are not very tolerant of cold weather. If you fall into the category of people that decide not to prepare for, or just can’t handle the cold weather, stay inside.

My main point is that ACC does not need to alter their operations in any way for the folks that will not prepare for the inevitable. And if you feel unsafe, don’t wait for ACC to tell you that you are not safe, stay inside.

I agree with Pamela. I would feel ok driving to school if it were to snow a little, but I know that drivers in this area do not properly adjust their driving habits for road conditions, so I would have no complaint if the school closed for snow.

By Student February 3, 2011 - 4:12 pm

I agree the night courses for 2/3/11 after 7 PM should be canceled. I don’t mind driving in a bit of snow, but its the other people out there on the road that panic in winter conditions that worry me. Making it to one class in the snow, it not worth costing you your life, or a car accident. Just because ACC will not close. I say use your best judgement. I will not be attending my class tonight if it is snowing.

By Student February 3, 2011 - 5:01 pm

I haven’t seen anything posted about classes for the evening, nothing posted since5:30 a.m. Some classes start after 7 p.m. and goes until almost 9:30. What would be nice is if they can post something before 4:30 p.m. before those that have the evening classes can make preparations to either drive or not drive to the Rio Grande campus, park and walk before finding out that they have been canceled. That is the concern.

By Student Student February 3, 2011 - 5:03 pm

Reading some of these comments make me laugh. (not in a bad way, but in an entertaining way)

Just felt like sharing.

As for Sean. No need to hate. We’re Southerners for a reason.

Heat and dry weather is what we are used to.

By Student February 3, 2011 - 7:38 pm

Really?? Are we southerners so helpless we can’t prepare for cold weather?? Born and raised hear guys and hey, it freezes hear every year! Pleeease, we have heard about this front for a week now and everyone has been praying for work/school to close the whole time so they can PLAY in the snow!! If you don’t want to go to class, DON’T GO and take an absence! Don’t blame ACC because someone ran into you in bad weather after class. Are they suppose to close class every time it rains too because wrecks happen then as well?? Its not ACC’s fault Austinites freak out when it rains/gets cold and can’t drive!But ohh my goodness lets cry about it being cold and quit everything we’re doing!! Your actions are your own! If you think its unsafe or the wait is too cold, stay home!! It’d be better that way so everyone else doesn’t have to hear you complain!

By Sean, February 3, 2011 - 9:25 pm

Just to be clear, I don’t hate the south or southern raised people. I guess I gave the wrong impression.

By Sean February 3, 2011 - 8:18 am

ACC, Thank you for having some sense and not cancelling classes for all of the Texans that ignore the fact that temperatures will drop below freezing (almost) every winter in central Texas.

These weather conditions will not be dangerous unless there is some precipitation and roads become icy. I really think that the majority of the people that complain about the current “hazardous conditions” either have not ever seen truly dangerous cold weather (not likely), or just want an excuse to miss class/work.

This weather is somewhat uncomfortable, NOT dangerous. I’ve grown so loathsome of the southerners who think that we should kick back and relax at home if a cold wind blows through.

Also, if a person truly feels that they are in danger if they leave their house on a cold day, then it is up to that person to decide to stay home, not a school or any other organization. We, as a society, should not depend on any organization to make our own personal safety decisions. Every American citizen has the freedom and responsibility to use their own judgement (skewed or not) to protect themselves.
By katie February 3, 2011 - 8:50 am

Maybe to you these weather conditions arents “dangerous” but i have seen how people here attempt to drive in just rain..
By Katie February 3, 2011 - 9:22 am

I have a two hour bus ride each way. I stand outside and wait for the 383, then I transfer and wait for the 3. Yesterday I attended classes with no heat, then made the return trip back home. I was FREEZING for hours.

We do not have the clothing here in Texas to wear for this type of weather if you have to be out in it.

They are predicting more blackouts, all of my classes are at Rio Grande. One is in the basement, how can you learn anything sitting in the dark?

For those of us who have classes into the evening we will be leaving after the snow starts.
- By mreyes February 3, 2011 - 9:28 am
  
  Hi Katie, local energy sources report more electricity is available so rolling blackouts are less likely. See http://tinyurl.com/6crazyu for updates.
By Student February 3, 2011 - 9:27 am

My opinion: a light rain is more dangerous than the current road conditions.
By pamela February 3, 2011 - 11:06 am

I feel it is necessary to remain cautious and do what is best for everyone. ACC does consider this.
By John February 3, 2011 - 11:24 am

Dear Sean,

I feel the loathsome feeling towards northerners who say, let’s do nothing when the thermometer hits 100 degrees. Seriously, it usually hits that temp every year. Many of us have to take the bus to class, and waiting is terrible. Texans simply don’t own the proper clothing for weather that feels like 7 degrees. And yes, cold road conditions do unfortunately equal unsafe driving conditions, have you seen the way we handle hills in a light mist?
By Cassie February 3, 2011 - 12:41 pm

I know that even on just cool days it is REALLY cold in the annex building. Not sure what it will be like today. Not to mention how far you have to park to get to class at Rio Grande. I don’t think driving is dangerous now, but I do think it will be this evening. And I agree that most of us don’t own the right clothes for this cold of weather. We just aren’t used to it. 🙂
By Student February 3, 2011 - 1:56 pm

I feel as if the weather is okay right now to attend classes, although It is planning on snowing tonight and for those of us who have night classes around 7 and 8 should not have to be out in the cold and driving. Especially if you are driving from out of town.
By Sean February 3, 2011 - 2:47 pm

John,

I have lived in several different climates (including central TX for 11 years). I am aware of the central TX climate, and prepare accordingly. I have worked outside in all types of weather, from below freezing (yesterday I was being sprayed by water while replacing a 4″ cracked water valve) to 115 degrees F. North or south, if you know that the temperature in your area may fall to freezing, you should own a heavy jacket or wear layers of clothing (especially if you’re waiting at a bus stop).

All that said, I know that some people (particularly elderly) are not very tolerant of cold weather. If you fall into the category of people that decide not to prepare for, or just can’t handle the cold weather, stay inside.

My main point is that ACC does not need to alter their operations in any way for the folks that will not prepare for the inevitable. And if you feel unsafe, don’t wait for ACC to tell you that you are not safe, stay inside.

I agree with Pamela. I would feel ok driving to school if it were to snow a little, but I know that drivers in this area do not properly adjust their driving habits for road conditions, so I would have no complaint if the school closed for snow.
By Student February 3, 2011 - 4:12 pm

I agree the night courses for 2/3/11 after 7 PM should be canceled. I don’t mind driving in a bit of snow, but its the other people out there on the road that panic in winter conditions that worry me. Making it to one class in the snow, it not worth costing you your life, or a car accident. Just because ACC will not close. I say use your best judgement. I will not be attending my class tonight if it is snowing.
By Student February 3, 2011 - 5:01 pm

I haven’t seen anything posted about classes for the evening, nothing posted since5:30 a.m. Some classes start after 7 p.m. and goes until almost 9:30. What would be nice is if they can post something before 4:30 p.m. before those that have the evening classes can make preparations to either drive or not drive to the Rio Grande campus, park and walk before finding out that they have been canceled. That is the concern.
By Student Student February 3, 2011 - 5:03 pm

Reading some of these comments make me laugh. (not in a bad way, but in an entertaining way)

Just felt like sharing.

As for Sean. No need to hate. We’re Southerners for a reason.

Heat and dry weather is what we are used to.
By Student February 3, 2011 - 7:38 pm

Really?? Are we southerners so helpless we can’t prepare for cold weather?? Born and raised hear guys and hey, it freezes hear every year! Pleeease, we have heard about this front for a week now and everyone has been praying for work/school to close the whole time so they can PLAY in the snow!! If you don’t want to go to class, DON’T GO and take an absence! Don’t blame ACC because someone ran into you in bad weather after class. Are they suppose to close class every time it rains too because wrecks happen then as well?? Its not ACC’s fault Austinites freak out when it rains/gets cold and can’t drive!But ohh my goodness lets cry about it being cold and quit everything we’re doing!! Your actions are your own! If you think its unsafe or the wait is too cold, stay home!! It’d be better that way so everyone else doesn’t have to hear you complain!
By Sean, February 3, 2011 - 9:25 pm

Just to be clear, I don’t hate the south or southern raised people. I guess I gave the wrong impression.