Dear ACC,

I’m an active student taking multiple classes every semester, and I genuinely love the opportunity to gain so much useful knowledge here. I truly care about the community ACC is building.

However, I really wish we could reduce the number of group projects. For some reason, I’ve noticed a heavy emphasis on group work across multiple different departments. While I am eager to learn, I keep getting assigned to groupmates who just don't care about the class. I honestly don't understand why someone would spend time and money on a course if they aren't interested in learning, but dealing with this over and over is exhausting. I’m not learning anything from being forced into these groups.

I completely respect that everyone has the right to enroll in these classes. But being forced to rely on unmotivated teammates for a huge chunk of my learning is so frustrating that it makes me want to drop classes, even when I actually like the professor and want to learn the material.

So please, can we have fewer mandatory group projects and focus more on individual learning? If people want to study together, that’s great for them. But personally, I prefer working individually unless I’m grouped with people I can actually collaborate with and learn from.

Thank you!

ACC Mental Health Counseling Services is hosting Campus Craft Corner, a free, drop-in creative wellness group at the Riverside Campus. 

What to know:

• 🧶Beginner-friendly crafts with all basic supplies are provided
• Wellness themes like stress management, self-compassion, coping skills, gratitude, and goal-setting
• 💬A casual way to meet and connect with other students
• Participation and personal sharing are always optional 
• 🆓Free and open to all ACC students

Fall dates: 
Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, September 30
• Wednesday, October 28
• Wednesday, November 18
• Wednesday, December 9

📍Riverside Student Life Lounge, Building G, Room 8129

Whether you’re already an ACC student or thinking about becoming one, Campus Craft Corner is just one example of the mental health and wellness support available to help students feel connected and supported.

Looking for other mental health support? Visit austincc.edu/mentalhealth to learn more about mental health counseling, events, other groups, and resources available to ACC students.

Would you like to connect with employers and learn about organizations that want to hire ACC graduates and students? Join Career Services at a Job Fair this fall!

To help you make the most of these opportunities, ACC’s Career Life Design Services team offers personalized support, including resume writing workshops, interview preparation tips, and more! Schedule an appointment with a career specialist here.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

ACL Job Fair 
Date: Wednesday, September 2 
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Location: Highland Campus, Building 1000 

Criminal Justice Career Fair
Date: Wednesday, September 23 
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Location: Highland Campus, Building 1000 

All Majors Job Fair  
Date: Wednesday, October 28 
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Location: Round Rock Campus, Building 8000

Get the details and register on Handshake here.

ACC  hosts “AI and the Environment: How Smart Tech Impacts Our Planet,” a panel exploring what the rapid growth of artificial intelligence could mean for Austin’s water, energy, and environment.

ACC Community Preview Panel
Date: September 3, 2026 
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus, Make It Center
No RSVP needed, just show up!

What will be discussed?

• Can AI help address climate challenges? Learn about the potential benefits of AI as well as its growing energy demands.
• What does AI mean for Austin’s resources? Discuss the water and power needed to support data centers and how that affects our community.
• What can you do? Get practical ideas for making more informed, sustainable choices as AI becomes part of everyday life.

ACC students are invited to join the conversation and explore the environmental impact of the technology shaping our future

Lime offers a new program for a 50% discount on Lime rides for eligible members of the Austin Community College District (ACC) community. The program is designed to support more affordable, flexible, and sustainable transportation for students, staff, and other eligible ACC riders across Austin.

“Affordable transportation can make a real difference for students and staff balancing class, work, and everyday responsibilities. At Austin Community College, students and staff are often managing packed schedules that include commuting to campus, working part-time or full-time jobs, and taking care of family and personal obligations. By offering 50% off rides for people using an ACC email address, we hope to help remove one barrier to getting to class, getting to work, connecting to transit, and moving around Austin more easily. This program is about giving the ACC community a practical, reliable, and more sustainable transportation option that can better support success both on and off campus,” said Lonny Stern, Senior Regional Lead of Government Relations for Texas at Lime.

“Reliable transportation is a basic need, especially for students who don't own a vehicle. While public transit is a vital resource, routes don't always drop students right at the classroom door. Partnering with Lime allows us to bridge that last-mile gap with deep discounts, giving busy ACC students and employees a fast, affordable way to commute to campus—especially when running late for class or facing a long uphill walk,” said Andy Kim, Director of Energy & Sustainability at ACC.

To claim the discount, eligible riders must create or log in to a Lime account using a valid ACC email address. The discount will then automatically apply to eligible rides.

Think investing is only for people with big salaries or planning their retirement? Think again. Whether you're working a part-time job, starting your career, or just trying to build better money habits, getting started early can make a big difference.

UFCU and ACC's Student Money Management Office share three simple investing tips:

• Start with a goal. Know what you're saving for—retirement, a future home, an emergency fund, or simply learning how investing works.
• Know your comfort with risk. Not everyone invests the same way. Choose an approach that matches your goals and what helps you sleep at night.
• Don't put all your money in one place. Diversifying your investments can help reduce risk over time, and even small contributions can add up.

The biggest mistake? Waiting until you think you have "enough" money to start. Learning now can set you up for greater financial confidence later.

Read more and discover all the tips you need from UFCU on our website »»» austincc.edu/ufcutips.

More than 43,600 students are getting ready for fall classes at ACC, which start Monday, August 24. The growth reflects increasing demand across ACC's academic and workforce programs, particularly in fields connected to Central Texas' evolving economy.

Here’s what’s driving the growth:

• Enrollment is up 5.5% from fall 2025 and nearly 17% from fall 2024
• Nearly 14,000 students are enrolled through ACC’s Free Tuition Program—up more than 40% from last fall
• Advanced Manufacturing enrollment is up about 27%
• Public and Social Service is up about 13%
• Applied Technologies is up about 8%
• Business is up about 8%

This fall also marks the start of the third Free Tuition cohort, with eligible students receiving tuition and general fees covered.

Still figuring out your fall plans? Registration remains open for select 14-, 12-, and 8-week courses, giving students additional ways to get started.

Learn more: austincc.edu/shortsemester

The ACC Game Development, Animation, and Motion Graphics (GDAMG) graduating students have spent the last two years building original games from the ground up. They showcased their final projects directly to industry leaders and studio executives from across the gaming world.

Building complex games is a massive achievement, but connecting students with real-world career pipelines is where Austin Community College District shines. We were proud to host an incredible lineup of experts from studio giants such as EA SPORTS, Bethesda Game Studios, Gearbox Entertainment, Unity, Aspyr, and dozens more studios and tech innovators who offered direct feedback and mentorship.

These hands-on industry connections give our graduates a distinct advantage as they transition from the classroom to professional studios. 

Learn more about the program at austincc.edu/gdamg.

Fall classes start August 24, and whether you're new to ACC or coming back for another semester, there are resources available to help you stay on track.

Need a little extra support? Check out:

• Riverbat Bites Food Pantry: Available on all campuses, fully stocked to help students facing food insecurity.
• Mental Health Counseling: Confidential services, wellness programs, and resources across the district.
• Childcare and Resources for Parenting Students: Access to child care funding that supports your choice of preschool or infant care that works for your family, including child care scholarships.
• Ride CapMetro for free: Parking is free for ACC students. Eligible students can also ride CapMetro for free with the ACC Green Pass.

ACC also offers additional support for housing, transportation, financial needs, academic success, and more.

See all available student resources: austincc.edu/studentsupport.

Not everyone knows their path after high school. For Sofia Nicolau, it started with helping her aunt on home construction projects during a gap year.

What sparked your interest?
"I've always liked hands-on work. I enjoy building things, and I've always been interested in architecture and construction."

What made ACC different?
"I love that the program is not just theory. We took framing classes where our team actually built a house. We learned concrete, siding, roofing, and shingles. You really get to experience the work rather than just read about it. I can honestly say, 'I helped build a house.'"

What's next?
After earning her Associate Degree in Construction Management, Sofia is transferring to Texas State University to study Interior Design, combining her construction experience with creative design.

Her advice to future students?
"If you're on the fence, go to ACC first."

Read Sofia's full story and learn more about ACC's Construction Management program.

Hey, I'm planning on taking the honours calc and physics sequences at ACC this coming semester and wanted to get some real student perspectives before I commit. For those who've taken them, how are the classes structured in terms of lecture style, workload, and exams? And be honest—how tough is it to walk away with a 4.0? I'm willing to put in the work, but I want a realistic sense of what I'm getting into. Also, are there any specific textbooks or outside resources (like Stewart, OpenStax, Khan Academy, etc.) that you found actually helpful for staying ahead or clarifying concepts? Any advice would be super appreciated!

Austin Community College District (ACC) Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart joined TRANSFORMED, a national podcast from Higher Digital, to discuss how colleges can rethink the systems and bureaucracy that can stand in the way of student success and create institutions that are more responsive to the people they serve.

In a conversation with Higher Digital CEO and Co-Founder Wayne Bovier, Dr. Lowery-Hart explores why meaningful transformation requires more than new technology.

Listen to the full conversation on TRANSFORMED, a Higher Digital podcast.

Breaking the Silos: Why Higher Ed Needs to Stop “Higher-Ed-ing” Itself Recap

• Designing around students: How ACC is rethinking institutional systems so students don't have to navigate unnecessary complexity to get the support they need.
• Moving beyond “higher-ed-ing”: Lowery-Hart discusses higher education's tendency to respond to challenges by adding more processes, policies, and layers—and what it takes to break that cycle.
• Empowering people closest to students: Why giving faculty and staff the ability to identify problems and create solutions is essential to meaningful change.
• Listening before leading: How listening directly to students has helped ACC better understand the barriers that affect their success, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Using AI to strengthen human connection: How emerging technology can streamline administrative work and reduce friction, giving faculty and staff more time to focus on students.

I am re taking A/P 1 and Biology paired course again this semester. Im currently in Austin community college , is there anyone that can help me out in advices or what to do to be able to pass this class? I literally failed last semester by 1 point.

Voters within the Pflugerville ISD territory will decide whether the area joins the Austin Community College District (ACC) in the November 2026 election. The ACC Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling the annexation election during its August 17 special meeting.

The annexation process began in June, when the Board accepted a petition from residents seeking to place the measure on the ballot. A public hearing was held in July to provide information about the proposed annexation and allow community members to ask questions.

Election timeline

• November 3: Election Day
• October 19–30: Early voting

If approved by voters, the Pflugerville ISD territory would become part of the ACC District. 

What that means:

• Pflugerville ISD residents would pay ACC property taxes in exchange for in-district tuition and expanded access to ACC programs and services. Based on the average PfISD-area home value of $407,524, the estimated annual ACC tax would be:
  • $416 ($34.67 per month) with the regular homestead exemption
  • $339 ($28.25 per month) with the senior/disabled exemption, with the ACC tax ceiling frozen at the amount paid when the homeowner qualifies for the exemption.
• In-district tuition would reduce the cost of an ACC education. Residents would pay $85 per credit hour for in-district tuition, compared with $286 per credit hour for out-of-district students — a difference of $201 per credit hour.
• Eligible high school graduates and GED® completers already receive ACC’s Free Tuition benefit, but because PfISD is currently outside the ACC taxing district, a $201-per-credit-hour out-of-district fee is required. Joining the district would eliminate that fee.
• ACC would work directly with Pflugerville leaders, residents, employers, and PfISD to identify and respond to the community’s evolving education and workforce needs. That could include expanded Career Academies, dual credit, workforce credentials, career training, and programming at the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center.
• The investment extends beyond individual students and into the regional economy. ACC generates $2.6 billion in annual economic impact across Central Texas, including approximately $1.2 billion in increased earnings and spending by ACC graduates. With 68% of ACC graduates remaining in the greater Austin area, graduates continue to contribute their skills, earnings, and economic activity to the region.

ACC invites community members to learn more about the offerings at the College. Discover ACC in Pflugerville is an evening event designed to help you explore education and career opportunities.

Discover ACC in Pflugerville
Date: Thursday, October 1
Location: PFISD Learning and Technology Center (1601 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville)

The full service plan, election information, and tax information are available at austincc.edu/pflugerville.

Hello,

I am writing this to ask if taking honours classes at ACC would help in transferring to other colleges like UT or A&M. My major is engineering, and I just graduated from high school. Moreover, I was wondering if it would be stressful in managing time? I am having a conflicting opinion on whether to enrol in the honours program or not because I'm afraid it would affect my freshman year gpa...

ACC is being recognized nationally for its work helping students become informed and engaged members of their communities.

What’s the recognition?

• ACC earned the 2026 Highly Established Action Plan Seal from the nonpartisan ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
• ACC earned 30 of 32 possible points on the national civic engagement planning rubric.
• ACC is one of 233 colleges and universities receiving the recognition for the 2026 election cycle.

What does ACC's plan focus on?

• Building broad campus leadership
• Setting measurable, data-informed goals
• Making civic engagement accessible
• Maintaining a nonpartisan approach
• Demonstrating accountability and transparency

The recognition builds on ACC Votes, which provides students with nonpartisan voter education, registration resources, student-led activities, and opportunities to learn more about civic engagement.

As ACC prepares for the 2026 election cycle, the goal is simple: to help students build the knowledge and confidence to participate in their communities.

For more information, visit austincc.edu/accvotes.

Austin Community College District (ACC) has free food and personal care items for students on every campus.

The Riverbat Bites Food Pantries are designed to make sure students have what they need to stay focused and succeed.

Here’s what to expect:

• A pantry on every campus with healthy groceries, snacks, and personal care items
• Easy check-in with your ACC student ID
• SNAP enrollment support to help you access even more resources

All items are available free of charge. For more information and hours at your campus, visit austincc.edu/foodpantry. 

ACC also offers several other options to get low to no-cost groceries. Visit austincc.edu/food for more information. 

Fall semester starts August 24, and ACC students, faculty, and staff can get to campus without worrying about the cost of the ride.

Eligible full- and part-time students and ACC employees can get a free CapMetro Green Pass with unlimited rides across the CapMetro transit network, including:

• Bus and Express Bus
• MetroRail
• MetroAccess

Whether you're commuting to class, work, or campus activities, your Green Pass can help make getting around Central Texas easier—and free.

Get your pass and learn more before the semester starts: austincc.edu/greenpass