New and ongoing developments will impact processes relating to student admissions, registration, and services in AY 2014. Read about the latest developments below.

Career Coach Software

Career Services is promoting the Career Coach application to help students explore and compare ACC’s programs and degrees with job information and openings specific to Central Texas. Click on the Career Coach link to learn about its features.

Degree Map

A pilot of the Degree Map application launched this fall in time for spring registration. Advisors and counselors have been using the tool to help students create degree plans and track their progress to completion. While Degree Map is replacing the Education Plan program currently used by advisors, eventually students will be able to access the application on their own to make informed decisions about courses and careers. Preview a test version of Degree Map.

Group Advising

First-time college students enrolling at ACC must attend a two-hour Group Planning Session (GPS). TSI-complete students attend GPS-1; students taking developmental courses attend GPS-2. Students are directed to the appropriate GPS session upon verifying their TSI status or completing the new TSI Assessment (see below). Individual advising is available to current students, those who already have a college degree, or new students who request individual advising after attending GPS.

Student Services currently offers between two and 10 GPS sessions daily at different campuses; sessions will be added or eliminated based on demand. View schedules and instructions for GPS-1 and GPS 2 sessions. Read more about GPS.

Meningitis Requirement

In response to changes in state law, the college is revising its meningitis requirements and exemption processes for the spring semester. The meningitis vaccination requirement now applies to students under 22 years old, instead of those under 30. The Texas Department of State Health Services now provides a streamlined process for obtaining the conscience objection exemption. Students can fill out and print their exemption request at the DSHS website, and then deliver their proof of exemption certificate to any ACC Admissions and Records Office. The new form does not need to be notarized.

Online-Only Catalog

The ACC Catalog will be published online only beginning with the 2014-2015 edition. Duplication Services can produce a printed copy for faculty or staff upon request. Student Services will continue to provide staff with print copies of the student handbook.

Student Services Process Holders

The following individuals serve as the leads for these Student Services topics and areas:

TSI Assessment

The new TSI Assessment has been fully implemented, and Testing Services continues to refine processes to accommodate students. The TSI changes include:

• A single approved placement assessment for all students requiring assessment.
• A diagnostic test for students whose scores fall below passing rates.
• An online preparation module that’s required before students can verify their TSI status or take the assessment.

Based on their TSI status or assessment results, students are directed to attend a group planning session. (See information above.)