{"id":39884,"date":"2016-08-08T19:58:10","date_gmt":"2016-08-08T19:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=39884"},"modified":"2016-08-16T12:41:29","modified_gmt":"2016-08-16T12:41:29","slug":"fall-2016-facstaff-change-guide-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/newsroom\/2016\/08\/08\/fall-2016-facstaff-change-guide-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall 2016 FacStaff Change Guide update"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AreasNew and ongoing changes to ACC processes and programs will impact students, faculty, and staff throughout the new academic year. Stay updated through the faculty\/staff announcements on the ACC Faculty & Staff<\/a> webpage. Following is a summary of recent developments and updates.<\/p>\n

Advising and counseling<\/h2>\n

ACC advisor and counselor roles are more delineated. Advisors assigned to specific areas of study (AoS) will help students identify and plan their academic program. Counselors assist students with personal, academic, financial, and mental health issues.<\/p>\n

Students with fewer than 12 college credits will be assigned to advisors based on their area of study and home campus. Current students or new students with 12 or more credits can meet with AoS advisor or faculty advisor.<\/p>\n

New student advising is by appointment. The college is moving to an appointment system for all\u00a0advising, although in some instances same-day appointments are available.<\/p>\n

See advisors for each AoS at New webpage helps students, faculty connect with area-of-study advisors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Application and enrollment steps\/student onboarding<\/h2>\n

Incoming ACC students now follow four primary enrollment steps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. View \u201cFirst Step<\/a>\u201d online presentation<\/li>\n
  2. Apply<\/li>\n
  3. Attend an Area of Study Information Session<\/li>\n
  4. Register for classes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Prospective students complete a streamlined application after viewing the First Step video. They receive follow-up messaging and assistance from ACC enrollment management staff, including information about Area of Study Information Sessions. Learn more at Pathways Update: Links to new webpages and information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Areas of study<\/h2>\n

    ACC programs are now clustered under 10 areas of study (AoS). View them on the Areas of Study<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n

    Areas of study faculty coordinators<\/h2>\n

    Area of study faculty coordinators will ensure instructional and support services within each area of study are aligned and complementary. They will also help develop activities to build student engagement. See the list of coordinators at New faculty coordinators support areas of study<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Area of Study Information Sessions<\/h2>\n

    \"aossession\"<\/p>\n

    Jay Stephens, adjunct associate professor of geology, talks to students at a recent Area of Study Information Session.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Almost 2,000 students have attended Area of Study Information Sessions<\/a> since June, and another 1,000 incoming students are scheduled to attend. The sessions are required for first-time-in-college students with fewer than 12 credits. Students returning to college may attend an AoS session or meet one-on-one with an advisor.<\/p>\n

    Students requiring developmental education courses are referred to an advisor after their Area of Study Information Session.<\/p>\n

    Block scheduling<\/h2>\n

    A number of programs plan to offer block scheduling to give students the predictability of having all of their classes at a certain time, such as morning, evening, or weekends. State law passed last year requires community colleges to establish block scheduling for at least five degree or certificate programs. Programs offering block scheduling this fall are:<\/p>\n