Academic Coaching

The College offers academic coaching to students. Academic Coaches hold one-on-one meetings with students to work on time management, self-advocacy, motivation, goal clarification, reading comprehension, study skills, and developing personal plans for academic success. Visit Academic Coaching for more information.

ACCelerators

At the ACCelerator, you can take innovative classes, access state-of-the-art technology, get academic coaching, and much more.

The Highland Campus ACCelerator is the world’s largest high-tech learning emporium, providing access to 600+ computer stations for individualized learning and small group sessions. In addition to technology-based instruction, the ACCelerator features an extensive support network of faculty members, academic coaches, tutors, supplemental instructors, librarians, and other staff members—all ready to help you succeed. The lab is spread over 32,000 square feet, with clusters of desktop computer stations surrounded by classrooms and study rooms.

The San Gabriel Campus and Round Rock Campus ACCelerators offer similar services on a smaller scale.

Visit ACCelerator for more information and locations as well as to schedule a tour.

Career Counseling

The Career Counseling team possesses in-depth expertise in career counseling and career development that is utilized to, directly and indirectly, support career decision making of Austin Community College District (ACC) students (current and prospective) and alumni.

Career Counselors provide in-depth specialized personal counseling associated with critical career development and employment-related issues to current, former, and prospective students that exceeds the service level routinely available through existing campus personnel and resources. Career Counselors also support and confer with Student Accessibility Services, instructional departments, Continuing Education, Adult Education, Area of Study Advisors, Student Advocates, Clinical Counselors, Success Coaches, EDUC faculty, and others to develop a unified plan to meet group and individual needs associated with career development and career decision making.

Mental Health Counseling

Attending college is rewarding. However, at times, it can be challenging when trying to balance school, work, family, friends, and extracurricular activities. The Mental Health Counseling team provides psychosocial support to Austin Community College District (ACC) currently enrolled students (including Adult Education and Continuing Education) who are experiencing mental health challenges that could impede their ability to succeed. Our Licensed Mental Health Counselors assist students through personal challenges by offering services and programs across the district to help students build resilience, find balance, and help maintain safety, health, and overall wellness. Mental Health Counseling can help students:

    • Navigate through stress, depression, and anxiety
    • Cope with challenging situations
    • Create healthy habits for a balanced life
    • Develop tools and strategies when feeling overwhelmed
    • Improve overall well-being

Scope of Service

Short-term counseling services are provided by licensed mental health professionals to any student who is actively enrolled in ACC classes for the current semester, is physically located in Texas, and is not already receiving therapy from an outside clinician is eligible to receive counseling. Information that students share with mental health counseling professionals is kept confidential. Information will not be disclosed to anyone without written permission from the student unless the student expresses a safety risk or harm to self or others. Services offered by the Mental Health Counseling unit include:

    • Individual Counseling
    • Group Counseling
    • Student in Distress Intervention
    • Risk/Threat Assessments (self-harm/harm to others)
    • Prevention Programming and Outreach
    • Compliance Programming and Outreach
    • Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Screening
    • Referrals to Campus and Community Resources
    • Staff/Faculty/Student Training and Consultation

*Students who require services beyond the scope offered by the Mental Health Counseling team will be referred to community resources.

*Students under 18 years of age are required by Texas State Law (Texas Family Code Chapter 32.004) to obtain permission from a Parent, Legal Guardian, or Managing Conservator to receive counseling services (exceptions apply in accordance with state law).

Referrals or requests for services may be submitted online via ACC Mental Health Counseling. For emergencies, please dial 911 or contact the ACC District Police at 512-223-1231.

Computer Access & Acceptable Use

Doing research? Writing a paper? Completing an assignment? If you need a computer, Austin Community College District (ACC) provides state-of-the-art systems and software at various locations on campus.

    • Computer Centers
      The Computer Center, located in or near each campus library, has computer stations with software for general student use. This includes writing papers, conducting online coursework, accessing the Internet, utilizing Online Services, and using ACCmail.
    • iPad Kits
      Student Technology Services provides all ACC students with access to iPad kits (iPads, keyboards, cases) for semester-long checkout. More information about Student Technology Services is available further below on this page.

Financial Aid

You must reapply for financial aid every year, and you must maintain your grade point average (GPA) in order to remain in good standing to receive financial aid. Financial aid is an excellent opportunity to assist you with tuition, fees, and college expenses, so remember to visit or contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your eligibility for aid and receive assistance with applying for and accepting your aid package. Visit Financial Aid for more information.

Jobs for Students

Austin Community College District (ACC) offers students the opportunity to work part-time in a community service position or a field related to their Area of Study. In many cases, students may be receiving financial aid and are eligible for work-study. Visit Work-Study for more information. Students who are not receiving financial aid may also be eligible for paid employment. Jobs are often associated with students’ Area of Study, so they may receive career training and continue to learn while earning a paycheck. Visit Jobs and Internships for more information.

The Riverbat Ambassador programs are student leaders who work in the Office of Student Life. In order to be hired in the Office of Student Life, a student must be awarded work-study through ACC Financial Aid. Visit Riverbat Success for more information.

Learning Labs/Tutoring

Learning Labs across the College provide academic support across disciplines. In addition to free tutoring, Learning Labs offer interactive computer applications, student study groups and workshops, and an array of helpful materials and resources. The Learning Lab at each campus provides computer stations and staff assistance to help you reinforce instruction, complete assignments, and activate/access Online Services.

The College offers tutoring sessions that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. ACC tutors are dedicated professionals whose goal is to help you prepare for course requirements and gain confidence in your skills. Visit Tutoring for more information.

Library Services

Austin Community College District (ACC) provides library services through locations at each campus, select ACC teaching off-site locations, Early College High Schools, and virtually via a website and 24/7 live chat service. Visit ACC Library Services for more information.

Library services and resources include:

    • Faculty librarians who provide in-person and virtual assistance
    • Books and ebooks
    • Research databases, digital periodicals, and streaming media collections
    • Desktop computers
    • Printers, copiers, and scanners
    • Reference assistance 24/7
    • Group study rooms
    • School supply pantry

Collections: Library materials vary by campus. All items are listed in the online library catalog (library.austincc.edu) and may be picked up at any campus library.

The size of a library’s print collection also varies, with larger campuses housing the College’s larger general collections. Materials required for a specific program of study are housed at the program’s campus location, and items can be sent to any ACC library upon request.

Computers in Libraries: Your ACCeID is all you need to use library computers and your valid, current ACC ID card allows you to borrow a laptop for in-library use. You may print from library computers.

For specific information on library policies, visit the ACC Library Services website or consult with any campus librarian.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) offices are located at each Austin Community College District (ACC) campus. If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for classroom and/or testing accommodations. If you think you may qualify for services, please contact SAS at the campus that is most convenient to you. SAS staff will meet with you to determine reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations based on your disability and on the courses in which you are enrolled. Visit Student Accessibility Services for more information.

Student Advocacy Centers

ACC’s Student Advocacy Center provides specialized assistance including, but not limited to:

    • Childcare Scholarships
    • Textbook Collection
    • Student Emergency Fund (SEF)
    • Applying for state benefits (SNAP, TANF, WIC, and Medicaid)
    • Access to sexual and reproductive health information and
    • Referrals to food and housing providers
    • Resources for pregnant and parenting students

Eligibility for some services is based on your income. You may qualify for these services if you qualify for financial aid. Applications are accepted year-round and are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit Student Advocacy Center for more information.

Student Advocates at each campus also serve as Parenting Student Liaisons to act as a liaison officer for current or incoming students at the college who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age. The liaison officers provide information to students regarding support services and other resources available to the students at ACC. Visit Pregnant and Parenting Students for more information.

Additionally, there are many community services that offer help with childcare, employment, and housing. View ACC and Community Resource List for more information. Note: Links to these community resources are for your information only and not endorsed by ACC. Remember to research facts or claims about services offered.

Student Life

ACC Student Life promotes an environment committed to your personal, emotional, cultural, social, and ethical development. Through Student Life, you may be involved in student clubs, intramural sports, volunteer opportunities, and campus governance. The ACC campus experience can be rich and engaging.

Take advantage of meeting other students and learning and connecting with other interesting people. Visit ACC Student Life for more information.

Student Technology Services (STS)

STS is a centralized team within the Office of Academic Technology that focuses on facilitating access to technology devices and equipment for student use and providing support to students on using academic technologies.

Services

    • Technical support and student training on tools including Blackboard, Respondus, iPads, Google Suite (Google Docs, Calendar, Sites, etc).
    • Student assistance with ACC infrastructure including resetting ACC passwords, claiming ACCmail accounts, wifi. etc.
    • Student access to technology to ensure that students have the tools needed to succeed in their ACC courses. A list of technology is available on the Student Technology Services website along with instructions on how to check out technology.

Requesting Services & Support

Visit the Student Technology Services website for more information on available services, hours of operation, and real-time support options by phone, live chat, or email.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model that uses peer-assisted study sessions. The SI program targets traditionally difficult academic courses and provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions.

SI study sessions, led by student leaders who previously passed the course, are informal seminars in which classmates compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Visit Supplemental Instruction for more information.

Veterans Services

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Veterans Resource Center offers the College’s military and veteran students a central, one-stop location for obtaining essential support services such as VA certification and advising for VA benefits. The 4,000-square-foot center at the Highland Campus also features a lounge area where students can connect with peers and participate in veteran-specific activities. The Veterans Resource Center includes the Military Families Center, where spouses and their children can receive support with adjusting to life in Central Texas and connecting with other military families.

ACC’s Veterans Affairs Office specialists at the Veterans Resource Center and at the Northridge, Riverside, and Round Rock campuses are available to help you and your dependents enroll at ACC, pay for college, and tap into the rich network of support and services to help transition into and through college toward your graduation and/or transfer. Visit ACC’s Veterans Services for more information on the College enrollment process and on veterans resources and services.

Additionally, the VetSuccess on Campus program provides a counselor to help veterans, active duty military, and eligible family members obtain College and community services through hands-on assistance and referrals.

ACC’s VetSuccess counselor can help you:

    • Manage your education benefits.
    • Explore vocations and select a suitable major/career.
    • Elect your healthcare benefits with Veterans Healthcare Administration.
    • Access, understand, and apply for VA benefits (e.g., Disability Compensation, Life Insurance, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, and Vocational Rehabilitation).
    • Get referrals for medical and mental health care.
    • Get referrals for readjustment counseling services for eligible veterans and their families.
    • Coordinate with other ACC offices to provide veteran-specific services.
    • Find job placement assistance and coordinate with Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Programs (DVOP).
    • Locate community and other resources.

If you are a veteran, active duty military, or an eligible family member who attends or plans to attend ACC, call 512-223-7041 or come by the Veterans Resource Center at Highland for more information.

Visit Veteran Resources for additional resources and assistance with achieving your educational goals.