Adult Education
As part of its mission, admission to Adult Education Programs is open
to adult learners 17 and over wishing to improve their basic skills, learn
English as a second language, prepare for the GED, improve their job readiness
skills, or develop skills to continue their education at Austin Community
College.
Austin Community College serves as the primary sponsor for the Adult Education
Program of the Travis County Consortium. This consortium, comprised of
participating independent school districts and other service providers,
develops programs responsive to community needs as well as state and federal
guidelines. A major focus of Adult Education is to prepare individuals
for success in the workplace.
Adult Education offers year-round programs open to all eligible persons
who are at least 17 years old and not in public school. Students who are
only 17 must show proof (transcript or official letter of withdrawal)
that they are no longer attending public school. Most classes are offered
free of charge throughout the Capital Area. For information on orientation
and registration for classes, call the Adult Education office at 512/223-5123,
512/223-7528, or 512-223-7532.
The Adult Educational Program includes the following components:
- Adult Education
assists individuals who do not have High School diplomas or GED credentials
and need to improve their basic reading, writing, and math skills for
personal improvement, for employment purposes, or to prepare for the
next level of education. These classes, which consist of both self-paced
and group instruction, are also part of the entry component for adult
secondary or GED preparation.
- Adult Secondary
Education (ASE) classes are designed to help students prepare for the
GED test. These classes, which also help students develop life and job-readiness
skills, can provide a successful transition into the world of work or
into other educational and job training programs.
General Educational Development (GED) is a national examination developed by the GED Testing Service of the American Council of Education. The GED test consists of five examinations: Literature and Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing Skills. There is a fee to take the test. (See next page.) Upon successful completion of all five tests, students receive a credential that is widely recognized by colleges, training schools, and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma.
- English as a Second
Language (ESL) classes are for adults who want to read, speak and write
practical, everyday English. (Students who are not U.S. citizens must
be permanent, registered legal aliens.)
- Programs for special populations.
Classes in Correctional Institutions: Adult Education, English as
a Second Language, and GED preparation classes are offered to the incarcerated
through special project funding from the Texas Education Agency at the
Del Valle/Travis County Correctional Center, and the Travis County Community
Justice Center.
Family Literacy: ACC’s Adult Education Program in partnership
with local school districts and Communities in Schools - Central Texas,
Inc. provides instruction in basic skills, ESL, and GED preparation within
an environment that promotes and nurtures parenting and child development
issues. ACC’s Adult Education Program continues to provide instructional
support and training, as well as specific curriculum for these projects.
GED Testing
The Austin Community College GED Testing Center is currently located on
the Eastview Campus. For other sites and information call 512-223-5126
or fax 512 223-5128. Tests are given Monday through Thursday at 12:15
p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Examinees do not need an
appointment to test. One or two tests may be taken at one session. Examinees
will be admitted at test times only.
GED Exams Test Length
Writing Skills 2 hours
Part I (multiple choice) 1 hour 15 minutes
Part II (200 word essay) 45 minutes
Social Studies 1 hour 25 minutes
Science 1 hour 35 minutes
Interpreting Literature and
the Arts (Reading) 1 hour 5 minutes
Mathematics 1 hour 30 minutes
Testing Requirements
Identification: A photo identification (such as a Texas driver’s
license, Texas Department of Public Safety ID, Military ID or a notarized
statement bearing the examinees name, date of birth, recent photograph
and signature) and a social security card or proof of number. (i.e. pay
stub). If you do not understand the above ID requirements call the GED
Testing Center for information at 512-223-5126.
Fees: $55 (or proper billing papers from sponsoring agency) for the following
services: $10 TEA processing fee, $6 GEDTS processing fee, $39 test fee.
Fees are good for one year from the date paid. After that year, the fee
is $8 per exam. Retest fees are $10 for Writing Skills and $8 for all
other GED retests. Fees are subject to change by the ACC Board of Trustees
at any time without notice.
Age: Persons 18 years of age or older and not enrolled in school are fully
eligible for GED exams. Persons 17 years of age who bring a permission
letter from their parent or legal guardian may take the GED tests. Persons
16 years of age who are recommended in writing by a public agency which
has custody of that person under a court order may take the GED tests.
Residency: Examinee must be a Texas resident, residing in Texas, or a
member of the military stationed in Texas.
Other GED Testing
Center
GED tests are also offered through The University of Texas at Austin Testing
Center located at Lake Austin Center, 3001 Lake Austin Blvd., Room 1.202,
512-471-2911.
Bookstore
ACC Bookstores are located at Cypress Creek, Eastview, Northridge, Pinnacle
and Riverside Campuses, and at 817 West 12th Street to serve the Rio Grande
Campus. Instructional course materials and supplies are available. On-line
reserving of course materials for pick-up at any ACC Bookstore location
is available at http://www.austincc.bkstore.com. ACC Centers and distance
learning students may order course materials through MBS Direct Textbook
Exchange, Inc. on line at http://www.mbsdirect.net, by fax at 1-800-325-4147
or telephone at 1-800-325-3252.
Child Development
Center
The Children’s Laboratory School on the Eastview Campus is a full-day,
year-round preschool program that also serves as a demonstration school
for ACC’s Child Development Department. Child Development students
observe, practice and receive feedback from degreed and experienced classroom
teachers. The Children’s Lab School offers a quality program for
children six months through five years during the day and two through
nine years in the evening. It enrolls children of ACC students, staff,
faculty, as well as children from the greater Austin community.
The Children’s Lab School is accredited by the National Academy of
Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the
Education of Young Children. The program strives to provide children with
a culturally enriched environment reflective of Austin. For more information,
call 223-5200.
Developmental Education
Courses in Developmental Education help students to succeed in college.
ACC offers three types of Developmental Education courses: (1) Courses
of one-, two-, or three-hours credit prepare students to enter college-level
courses. These courses include mathematics, reading skills, vocabulary,
writing skills, spelling, speech, and English as a second language. Students
with skills below college level—including those identified on local
assessment tests and the TASP Test—should enroll in these classes
before enrolling in college-level courses. (2) One-hour lab classes parallel
to courses in other divisions, where students work together in small tutorial
groups to get additional practice and explanation. These include language
and study skills labs, math labs, and writing labs. Students must be enrolled
in the course that the lab parallels. (3) College-level courses that help
students succeed in their academic studies. These courses include college
study skills, advanced college vocabulary, and speed reading. Of these,
advanced college reading may be transferable to other institutions.
English as a Second
Language (ESL)—Academic
ACC offers ESL in three skill areas—oral communication, reading and
vocabulary, writing and grammar—and at four levels: high beginning,
low intermediate, high intermediate and advanced. Students should consult
an adviser or ESL faculty member for an ESL assessment test to determine
proper placement. Call 223-3354 (RGC) or 223-4014 (NRG) for more information
about the academic ESL program. Call 223-3139 (RGC) or 223-4807 (NRG)
to sign up to take the ESL assessment test.
Field and International
Studies
In order to provide students the unique advantages of academic, cultural,
and physical resources not available in the classroom, Austin Community
College offers some select courses that are taught out-of-state or out-of-country.
Such courses offer students the opportunity to “experience”
the subject they are studying and enhance their understanding of other
peoples and places.
Generally, study programs take place during the summer.
Health Services
Austin Community College is not equipped to provide health services to
students. However, first aid kits are available at the Campus Police Offices
and in various vocational instructional areas. Optional health/accident
insurance is available to students; information is available from the
Student Services Offices on the Northridge, Riverside, Rio Grande, Pinnacle,
Eastview and Cypress Creek campuses.
Human Development
Human Development courses are electives designed to provide students in
all programs with the skills to maximize their success both in and out
of the classroom. HDP1601 is a developmental level course; other HDP courses
are college credit courses. By drawing on the tenets of modern psychology,
sociology, and learning theory, these courses assist students in achieving
greater self-awareness, self-management skills; setting and accomplishing
personal, educational, and career goals; improving interpersonal communication
skills, and mastering effective learning and study skills. Interested
students can consult with an ACC counselor for additional information
and assistance.
ID Cards
A student needs two ID cards to use ACC services. An ACC ID card and a
photo ID such as a valid driver’s license, DPS ID or passport must
be shown with the ACC ID as proof of identity. All rights and privileges
of the ID card are governed by ACC policy and procedures. ID’s are
available through the Admissions Offices after the semester begins. A
$4 replacement fee may be charged. The charge for lost ID’s is also
$4.
International Studies Program
The Center for International Programs demonstrates the global mission
that is central to Austin Community College. The Center coordinates all
international activities throughout the district. Its focus includes supporting
innovative student/faculty exchanges, expanding contract training, internationalizing
the curricula, strengthening language institutes, supporting our international
students, and serving the international training needs of the Austin business
community. ACC partnerships with local, national, and international organizations
have benefitted students, faculty, and the community. Students, faculty
and members of the community can use the center as a resource for study
abroad programs, work-study programs, international service projects,
international study tours and independent learning and student projects
for credit. Help is also available for recruiting international students
and faculty, assisting with academic advising and counseling, and other
special international programs in consultation with appropriate departments.
Call 223-7051 or come to the Highland Business Center for more information.
Instructional Resources and Technology (IRT)
ACC’s Office of Instructional Resources and Technology (IRT) is committed
to effective instruction and support of instruction. IRT service areas
for students include Open Campus, Instructional Technology, and Library
Services.
Open Campus
Open Campus provides access to courses via distance learning. Distance
learning courses offer students an opportunity to earn college credit
by participating in a variety of non-classroom oriented courses. The content
and transferability to four-year colleges is identical to the courses
offered on campus. Students also follow the same admissions and registration
procedures as on-campus students. Instead of attending on-campus classes,
students participate in an orientation session, complete readings in texts
and study guides, take periodic exams, and in some cases write papers
or reports. Exams are taken at ACC Testing Centers or other designated
testing centers at distant sites. Each course also has an instructor for
students to contact when they need assistance.
OPC offers the following types of distance learning courses:
Telecourses (ITV) use recorded video programs that students may access
on cable television or in ACC libraries and Centers. For most ITV courses
videotapes may be rented from a commercial distributor for the semester.
Internet-based Courses (PCM) require students to have access to a personal
computer with a modem. Blackboard is the only online course management
system supported by the College.
Interactive Video Classes (IVC) use two-way audio/video technology. Interactive
video classes connect two or more locations where students see, hear,
and talk with their instructor and classmates at other sites.
Print-based Courses (PRN) are textbook-based courses. Some use video programs,
e-mail or the Internet as supplementary activities.
Directed Study Courses (DIR) are offered on a limited basis. These require
students to spend time at a social service, health or governmental institution
or other sites as a major part of their course work.
Orientations
Students are required to participate in orientation sessions for distance
learning courses. The current Course Schedule provides orientation information
for the courses.
General Information
For general information and new Open Campus course offerings, see the
current ACC Course Schedule, visit http://dl.austin.cc.tx.us or call (512)
223-8026, toll-free 1-888-223-8026 or email opc@austin.cc.tx.us with your
questions.
Correspondence
Courses
Austin Community College does not offer correspondence courses. Distance
learning telecommunications-based courses which enable students to work
at home and take tests in ACC Testing Centers are offered.
Teleconferences
Open Campus manages the College’s teleconference program. Teleconferences
are offered at College sites on a wide variety of subjects throughout
the year. Call 2238070 for either a list of upcoming teleconferencing
events or information about how local groups can use the College’s
teleconference facilities.
Instructional Technology
Instructional Technology environments include Media Centers and open access
Computer Centers. Media Centers offer students alternative formats for
learning including videos, CD-ROMS and audiocassettes and hardware for
viewing. Instructional Technology/Media Center staff assist students in
locating and using media relevant to their courses. Computer Centers provide
students access to instructional and productivity software and are equipped
with computers, printers, software and access to Internet. Computer Center
staff are available to assist students in using the resources available.
Library Services
Library Services and Instructional Technology include libraries, media
centers and computer centers. All ACC libraries offer access to the college
online network of resources. Library Services at Northridge, Rio Grande
and Riverside campuses have larger general collections of reference and
circulating print materials and periodicals as well as electronic resources.
Media centers at these campuses have audiovisual collections, and computer
centers have a general selection of instructional and productivity computer
software. The Riverside Campus library also focuses on materials for the
health sciences curriculum.
Cypress Creek, Eastview, and Pinnacle campuses have small collections
of general circulating and reference books, periodicals, and media as
well as computer centers. Resources and services vary at the evening open
campuses located in high school sites. All ACC library, media and computer
center locations are linked to the ACC online catalog listing print, audiovisual,
and computer software materials available for your use.
Hours and Locations
Call the information number (223-3084) for a recording of the library,
media centers and computer center hours, pick up the Locations and Hours
brochure at an ACC library, or visit the Library Services web site for
complete information, http://library.austin.cc.tx.us.
Reference Help
Librarians are faculty members who are professionally trained to assist
students in finding and using information. They have designed or are familiar
with library assignments handed out in classes and also offer instruction
in the print and electronic research process. They can help you at campus
reference desks, by phone, or by e-mail.
Access
Using library workstations or your own computer off-campus, you can reach
the library web site (http://library.austin.cc.tx.us) which allows you
to access the library web catalog, locate full-text periodical articles,
search electronic reference sources, print out electronic reserves, view
study guides, tutorials and recommended web sites, or search the Internet.
For instructions on how to access the library’s electronic resources
(450+) from home, view http://library.austin.cc.tx.us/research/databases/proxy/offcamp-instr.htm.
You must validate your current ACC ID at a campus library every semester
and assign yourself a PIN to access indexes and reference databases from
off campus. Call campus reference desks for assistance in remote use.
Materials
All library locations are linked to a web catalog listing more than 130,000
items. This catalog is accessible through the Library Services web site
at http://alicat.austin.cc.tx.us/screens/opacmenu.html. Materials and
services available in libraries include current periodicals; back issues
of periodicals on microfilm; online full-text databases of periodicals
and reference materials; local, state and national newspapers; circulating
books; the Internet; and a wide variety of audiovisual materials such
as videos.
More than 2000 periodicals and newspapers are available in print or online.
You can locate articles in online and print periodical indexes, which
librarians can help you use. Many indexes offer the full text of periodical
articles that you may print, download or email to yourself. You may check
out periodical back issues at many libraries as well. In addition, there
is a reserve collection of materials, placed on reserve by instructors
for specific classes. All media materials and the equipment to use them
(ex. videotapes, audiocassettes, and CD-ROMs) are available for use in
the libraries.
Printing and Copying
Current ACC students may print from library workstations; however, all
students are encouraged to bring formatted 3.5” disks to libraries
and computer centers for downloading information. Most libraries have
photocopiers and high-speed audiotape duplicators for your use.
Material From Other Libraries
If you need material that is at another campus, you can request that it
be sent to your campus through intercampus delivery. Also, ACC Library
Services offer TexShare Cards, and through this statewide consortium agreement,
ACC students may use the libraries of many other local libraries.
Fines
| All items except reserves | 25 cents/day |
| Two-hour reserves | $1 first hour; 25 cents/hour thereafter |
| Other reserves | $1 first hour; $1 a day thereafter |
If you do not return
materials within four weeks from the due date or if you owe $10 or more
in fines, you will be placed on student records hold. This hold must be
cleared before students can check out more materials, register for classes,
receive grades or obtain transcripts.
For more information on Instructional Technology and Library Services
visit http://irt.austin.cc.tx.us and http://library.austin.cc.tx.us.
Access, Use and
Check-out
Procedures for Libraries, Media Centers and Computer Centers
Students need a current ACC I.D. and a photo I.D. to check out materials
or renew them. Students must also have the appropriate identification
listed above to use Computer Centers. Books are loaned for two weeks.
Reserve material loan periods vary and may include room-use only restrictions.
Video Services
Video Services provides the technology to deliver distance learning courses
and campus-to-campus instruction to students via cable outlets in the
Austin area and streaming video technology. Video Services also maintains
the College’s interactive classrooms and provides technical support
to its users. Additionally, Video Services supports the instructional
needs of faculty through its production services by creating video class
orientations, ‘virtual fieldtrips’, workshops, and other instructional
audio and video programs.
Reserve Officers
Training Corps (AROTC—Army)
The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (AROTC) offers many unique opportunities
for both male and female students. ROTC normally is a four-year program:
the basic course is conducted during the first two years of college, the
advanced course during the last two years. In order to qualify for the
advanced course, credit must be received for the basic course. Through
a cooperative agreement between ACC and The University of Texas at Austin,
ACC students may earn ROTC credits applicable to the four-year program.
Credit for the first two years does not obligate the student for further
military service, but it does prepare him or her for entry into the advanced
phase of ROTC with eventual commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the active
Army or Reserve Force. In addition, entrance into the basic ROTC program
gives students the opportunity to be eligible for ROTC scholarships.
Students may register at ACC for two semester credit hours of Military
Science (MLS) each semester (see Course Descriptions). All instruction,
however, will be conducted at The University of Texas at Austin.
Reserve Officer
Training Corps (AFROTC—Air Force)
Students transferring to senior colleges and universities for upper-level
work leading to a bachelor’s degree, have the opportunity to earn
a commission in the Air Force by participating in the AFROTC four-year
program. AFROTC units are hosted by The University of Texas at Austin,
The University of Texas at San Antonio, The University of Texas at El
Paso, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Angelo State University,
Southwest Texas State University, North Texas State University, Texas
A&M University, East Texas State University, and Texas Technological
University. Both scholarship and non-scholarship options are offered.
In addition, AFROTC offers a two-year program for juniors and seniors,
and several special one-year programs for nurses and lawyers.
Students interested in the two-year program should contact the AFROTC
unit, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712 (471-1776), during the
first semester of their sophomore year. All AFROTC students attend AFROTC
courses on the senior university campus. Graduates are commissioned as
Air Force Second Lieutenants and go on to become pilots, navigators, missile
officers, engineers, and staff officers in a multitude of career fields.
Safety and Security
ACC Campus Police Department
The Campus Police Department is a public service-oriented law enforcement
agency charged with the responsibility of providing police protection
for the college’s students, faculty, staff and property. It is staffed
by state licensed police officers responsible for enforcing federal, state
and local laws in addition to college rules and regulations.
All accidents, thefts or other criminal matters that occur on ACC property
are to be reported to the Campus Police Office at the site where the incident
occurs. Students may also contact the Campus Police for assistance with
dead batteries, keys locked in vehicles or to get an escort to a vehicle.
Lost and found is also located in each Campus Police Office. The Central
Dispatch emergency number is 223-7999.
Alcohol
Possession, sale or use of alcoholic beverages on ACC premises is prohibited
by policy. State law and ACC policy prohibit possession or use of alcoholic
beverages on ACC premises by a person under the age of 21.
Drug Free Campuses
ACC policy and state law prohibits the possession of illicit drugs and
drug paraphernalia on any of its premises.
Weapons
State law and ACC policy prohibit the possession of weapons as defined
in Article 46.03 of the Texas Penal Code and prohibitive weapons as defined
in Article 46.05(a) of the code on ACC premises. A legal weapon may be
used as a teaching aid if prior approval has been obtained from the Campus
Provost’s Office and the campus police are notified.
Campus Facilities
Austin Community College has six full-service campuses located in
the district:
Cypress Creek Campus: 1555 Cypress Creek Rd., Cedar Park, TX 78613; (512) 223-2000
Eastview Campus: 3401 Webberville Rd., Austin, TX 78702; (512) 223-5100
Northridge Campus: 11928 Stonehollow Dr., Austin, TX 78758; (512) 223-4000
Pinnacle Campus: 7748 Highway 290 W., Austin, TX 78736; (512) 223-8001
Rio Grande Campus: 1212 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78701; (512) 223-3000
Riverside Campus: 1020 Grove Blvd., Austin, TX 78741; (512) 223-6000
While not all programs
are offered at all locations, campuses have a wide variety of day and
evening classes (and some weekends) and a large array of student and educational
services.
Centers
The College, in partnership with area independent school districts, offers
evening courses at some high schools which are referred to as Centers.
Courses and support services vary and, in some cases, may be provided
through a designated ACC campus.
Parking
Parking at many Austin Community College locations is limited. Students
enrolled for classes at the Rio Grande Campus are encouraged to utilize
the Dillo Express Service (East and West routes) which originates at the
City Coliseum and goes to the campus every fifteen minutes throughout
the instructional schedule.
Parking is by permit only. Parking permits for faculty, staff and students
are $10.00 per academic year. Students may obtain their parking permits
at any Campus Police Office. Copies of the ACC Parking Policy can be obtained
at any Campus Police Office.
Adult Education, Business Services, and Continuing Education students
may call 512-223-7723 for applicable policies.
Housing
Austin Community College neither operates residence halls nor maintains
lists of available or approved housing. Housing is available in the city
of Austin. Students are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Student Right to
Know
Copies of the crime report as required by the “Student Right to Know
and Campus Security Act” are available at each Campus Police Office
and Campus Library. They also are published in the ACC Student Handbook
and on the Web at www3.austin.cc.tx.us./evpcss/accpd/stats.htm
WorkKeys Service
Center and Highland Assessment Center
The WorkKeys Service Center provides job and occupational profiling to
determine the skills needed for successful employment, and assessment
of individuals’ skill levels to help in determining the education
and training they need to meet these standards. The Highland Assessment
Center provides additional career and placement assessment services to
individuals and organizations.