Austin Community College is a public institution of higher education that serves the capital area of Texas. The College maintains an open admissions policy and offers freshman and sophomore university parallel courses, occupational-technical programs in a variety of areas, avocational and vocational continuing education courses, and adult education.

Austin Community College is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees elected by voters of the Austin and Leander Independent School Districts. The college’s major revenue sources are appropriations from the State Legislature, local property taxes, and student tuition and fees.

Austin Community College was established by the voters of the Austin Independent School District on December 9, 1972, and opened for classes in September 1973 with 2,200 students. Enrollment in credit courses now exceeds 25,000 per semester.

Austin Community College operates on the belief that open access to quality post-secondary educational experiences is vital in a rapidly changing democratic society. Therefore, the College exists to provide such educational opportunities to all the people of the Austin Community College service area. Austin Community College maintains an "open door’’ admissions policy, offers a comprehensive variety of post-secondary educational programs, and actively seeks to eliminate barriers in the educational process.

 Commitment

Community and stewardship are the means by which we will achieve excellence. Community balances diversity and collaboration. Stewardship balances accountability and innovation. We will achieve these balances within an ethical framework, respecting each other’s rights and views and acting as trustworthy members of the college and the larger community.

 Goal

Austin Community College will be a learning organization, one that engages in self-evaluation, self-renewal, and self-sustaining growth. We pledge to assess and understand the needs of our communities and to deliver educational programs and services that meet those needs in the most effective manner.

 Values

Austin Community College’s vision and mission reflect its commitment to excellence, individual initiative, collaboration, and community action.

Austin Community College is committed to the belief that in a free and democratic society, all persons should have a continuing opportunity to develop skills and knowledge as well as to enhance their understanding of the responsibilities in that society. The college takes as its guiding educational principle the proposition that, insofar as available resources permit, instruction should be adapted to student needs. This principle requires both flexibility in instructional strategies and maintenance of high academic standards.

Austin Community College is an educational institution committed to challenging individuals to explore new ideas and see new opportunities. The college’s mission is to provide a wide range of high quality educational services to its students in an environment that supports the ideals of quality, flexibility, accessibility, and diversity. Student involvement in College activities and organizations is strongly encouraged. Student input regarding the improvement of the college’s educational services is valued. Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students will comply with College rules and procedures. ACC’s disciplinary procedures are outlined in detail in the ACC Student Handbook.

The following statement concerning student records maintained by Austin Community college is published in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The release of information to the public without the consent of the student will be limited to that designated as directory information. Directory information includes name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in activities, dates of attendance, degrees, certificates and awards, and name of the previous educational institution attended. Any student objecting to the release of all or any portion of such information must notify the Office of Admissions within the first twelve class days of the semester. The restriction will remain in effect until revoked by the student.