Changes to several college policies, processes, and programs will impact students and employees beginning with the fall semester. Stay updated through the faculty/staff announcements on the ACC Faculty & Staff webpage.

ACC online catalog available

As part of the college’s commitment to sustainability, the 2014-2015 catalog is available online only (austincc.edu/catalog). In addition to course descriptions, the catalog includes critical academic and general regulations, degree plans, and credit information. Portions will be republished in a smaller student handbook available from the Student Services Office. Any changes or updates to the catalog throughout the year can be found on the Catalog updates webpage.

ACC’s core curriculum has been revised to align with state requirements.

Core curriculum gets major revision

ACC’s core curriculum has been revised to align with the new 42-credit core curriculum changes adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. There are new subject categories and some new course names. The revised core curriculum is available at austincc.edu/core and is in the 2014-15 catalog.

First Year Seminar

First time in college students will be required to take a 15-hour noncredit First Year Seminar beginning in spring. Â A pilot seminar will be held in August; additional pilots will occur in fall. Â View details about the First Year Seminar.

Green Pass fee

A Green Pass for Capital Metro bus and rail rides is now $25. The fee – which is 70 percent less than a comparable Cap Metro pass – is necessary because of rising transit service costs and the popularity of the passes. Faculty and full-time staff can obtain a Green Pass, valid for one semester, at any campus Cashier Office beginning August 12.

Highland Campus opens

ACC’s 11th full-service campus opens August 25; faculty and staff will begin moving in mid-August. Â The campus offers a full slate of core curriculum classes and the ACCelerator instructional lab – 600+ computer stations for individualized learning. It also is home to the Math Department’s all-levels Developmental Mathematics course (MATD 0421 — details below). Campus manager is Linda Morrison; dean of students is Dorado Kinney. View the Highland Campus Course Schedule.

Late registration no longer allowed

Students who have not registered for any courses in a teaching session will not be permitted to register for a course that has already begun unless they have written permission from the department chair or an instructional assistant dean. Previously only first-time-in-college students were prohibited from registering after the first class day. Registered students still can add classes during the add/drop period.

Name changes: OSD & Human Development (HUDE)

The Human Development Department (HUDE) is now the Student Development (SDEV) Department, while the Office for Students with Disabilities is Student Accessibility Services. Read more at about the HUDE-SDEV name change and the OSD name change.

Registration dates streamlined

Registration and payment deadline dates have been streamlined and currently are segmented by three groups only: 30+ credits, 1-29 credits, and new students (open registration). Three corresponding tuition payment deadlines are closer to the start of classes, giving students who register early more time to pay. See fall 2014 registration dates.

Orientation mandate for all first-time ACC students

All ACC applicants — not just those who have never attended college — must complete orientation before they can register for classes. In-person orientation is no longer offered. Students will access an online module (austincc.edu/orientation) that takes about 30 minutes to complete and covers ACC-specific information. An ACCeID is required.

New math course accommodates all levels

The college is introducing MATD 0421 exclusively at the Highland Campus. The new developmental math course is an alternative to Basic Math (MATD 0330/0332), Elementary Algebra (MATD 0370), and Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390), but is open to anyone. MATD 0421 classes will be in the Highland Campus ACCelerator, an instructional lab with 600+ computer stations. Learn more on the MATD 0421 webpage.

Tuition waivers incorporate academic progress requirement

State law now requires most students receiving tuition waivers or exemptions to meet the GPA and degree progress components of ACC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy (pdf). The provision excludes credits earned exclusively by examination (such as CLEP), high school dual credit, and up to 18 developmental course credits. Students may appeal waiver denials based on hardship or good cause; those who wish to appeal should be referred to a campus dean of student services.

Students who also receive federal financial aid must continue to meet the standards identified for financial aid satisfactory academic progress.

Vet tech program begins

The inaugural class of ACC’s new Veterinary Technician Program students is forming at the Elgin Campus. Dr. Kerry Coombs is the program chair. He previously chaired the vet tech program at Brown Mackie College in Kansas City. View the vet tech webpage for program information.

Employee Technical Support/Student Help Desk Requests Separated

Help requests for ACC- issued computers, peripheral equipment, and software are handled by the Technical Support Desk. To request help online, complete the Technical Support Services Request Form. The Technical Support Desk has a new phone number, (512) 223.TECH (8324), and webpage, Technical Support Services.

While typically not available on weekends or when the college is closed, the Technical Support Desk will offer limited weekend availability at the beginning of each semester. Fall semester weekend hours are 9 a.m. – noon, Aug. 23 and Aug. 30.

The Student Help Center handles student-only requests and is managed by the Student Services Division.