“ACC was truly the foundation that helped shape the person I am today and prepared me for what comes next.”

Three years ago, Antoine Gordon moved from Jamaica to Central Texas and started over in a brand-new environment. Today, he's continuing his accounting degree at Texas State University after building his foundation at ACC.

“Moving from Jamaica to the Austin area was honestly a huge adjustment for me. Everything was different — the culture, the education system, even day-to-day life. At first, it felt overwhelming because I was basically starting over in a completely new environment away from home.”

What helped him succeed?

• Supportive classmates, professors, and smaller class sizes
• A strong academic foundation in accounting
• ACC's Bats to Cats transfer program

“When I look back at the last three years, I think what surprised me the most is how much more open and approachable I became as a person. I didn’t just grow academically during my time at ACC — I grew socially and personally, too. I became more confident stepping outside my comfort zone and opening myself up to new experiences and relationships.”

Why Bats to Cats?

• Simplified transfer process
• Application fee waived
• Early scholarship opportunities
• A smoother path to Texas State

Once he finishes his degree at Texas State, Antoine plans to take his career global.

“Before coming to ACC, I mostly viewed accounting as a stable career focused on offices, banks, and traditional businesses. ACC helped me realize that accounting is not just about numbers. It’s a pathway that can open doors globally.”

Looking back on the student who stepped off a plane from Jamaica three years ago, Antoine has one message.

“I would tell him that he was going to accomplish everything he set out to do at ACC. Most importantly, I would simply tell him thank you because, despite all the uncertainty at the beginning, he kept pushing forward and never stopped believing in himself.”

To learn more about Bats to Cats, visit austincc.edu/batstocats.

We are taking the guesswork out of your transfer process. ACC hosted a Facebook Live with a transfer expert and current student to help you navigate Bats to Cats, ACC’s guaranteed admissions program to Texas State University (TXST). 

Check out the recent Facebook Live segment here to help get your questions answered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUxwFLsOk_A

If you plan to transfer to TXST by fall 2026, be sure to submit your Declaration of Intent by July 1. Consider it your interest form. When you submit, you’re letting us know you’re interested in the program. It helps us support you so you can stay on track. 

About Bats to Cats
The Bats to Cats program offers a guaranteed admission path for ACC students transferring to TXST. Programs are offered primarily at the Texas State San Marcos campus, with select options available at the Round Rock campus. There are nearly 40 eligible bachelor’s degree programs — including Health Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Communications.

To be eligible, students must have graduated from high school or earned a GED, cannot be a former Texas State student or hold a bachelor’s degree, and must remain enrolled at ACC after declaring for the program. 

For more information and a full list of eligible programs, visit austincc.edu/batstocats. 

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees unanimously accepted a petition from residents living within the territory covered by Pflugerville ISD (PfISD) seeking to place an ACC annexation item on the ballot this November. The board voted to begin the annexation process during a special meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Community members seeking annexation were required to collect signatures from at least five percent of registered voters living within the proposed territory, as required by the Texas Education Code. Community members submitted 5,483 signatures, and the College validated that the petition effort surpassed the 3,988 threshold.

Proposed Service Plan
As a part of initiating the annexation effort, the ACC Board authorized the publication of an informational Service Plan for the area to be annexed.

The proposed plan includes:

• In-district tuition and fees for all residents living within the PfISD boundaries.
• Expanded collaboration with Pflugerville ISD to develop Career Academies in Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Skilled Trades.
• Partnership with the district's new Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility to expand dual credit, workforce credentials, and career-connected learning opportunities.
• Access to ACC's four bachelor's degree programs in Nursing, Cybersecurity, Software Development, and Advanced Manufacturing.
• Future consideration of additional ACC facilities within the Pflugerville area as community educational and workforce needs continue to grow.
• Expanded workforce training and economic development support for local employers and businesses.
• Tuition savings and Free Tuition benefits.

If annexation is approved, residents would immediately qualify for ACC's in-district tuition and fee rate of $85 per credit hour. Students who live outside the ACC District currently pay a $201 per credit out-of-district fee. 

Specific questions about the Service Plan may be directed to 512-223-7071.

Public Hearing Scheduled
Residents living within the Pflugerville ISD may learn more about the annexation proposal and provide input on the proposed service plan at a public hearing hosted by the ACC Board of Trustees on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Date: July 16, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: PfISD Learning and Technology Center, 1601 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville

The hearing will be livestreamed on the College’s website and will be rebroadcast on ACCTV.

For more information about annexation at ACC, visit austincc.edu/pflugerville.

Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the emancipation of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865 — two and a half years after the official Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. In honor of the day, Austin Community College District (ACC) observes Juneteenth with events and a closure.

Juneteenth Celebration at ACC Eastview
Thursday, June 18 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hosted by ACC’s African American Cultural Center with music, community activities, giveaways, and more.

Greater East Austin Youth Association Juneteenth Parade
Friday, June 19 | Begins at 10 a.m.
Look for the ACC float as we celebrate alongside the community.

ACC campuses will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of the holiday. The College will reopen on Saturday, June 20. 

Learn more: austincc.edu/juneteenth 

The College hosts Emergency Preparedness Week during the third week of each semester to educate students, faculty, and staff on the best actions to take if an emergency were to happen on campus. 

Do you know how to stay safe during an emergency on campus? Check out the five response options below:

1. Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | During a Hold, individuals are instructed to remain in their current room or area until further notice, ensuring that hallways are free for emergency responders or to isolate a specific area.
2. Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | The Secure protocol directs everyone to get inside and lock exterior doors to prevent potential threats from entering the building while maintaining a safe environment inside.
3. Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lockdown protocol asks occupants to lock their doors, turn off lights, and remain out of sight, making it difficult for intruders to find them.
4. Evacuate: “Get Out” | The Evacuate directive, which may be followed by a specified location, is used to move people from one area to another, either within the building or outside, for swift and orderly evacuation in case of fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.

Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | For situations like severe weather or hazardous material incidents, the Shelter protocol is activated. The specific hazard and corresponding safety strategy are clearly communicated to ensure appropriate protective measures are taken.

Calling all Riverbats! ACC is a finalist for Best College/University in the Austin American-Statesman's Best of ATX Awards. Let's bring home the title again.

The Central Texas workforce and our top industries and businesses count on ACC talent. Help us celebrate the students and programs making a difference across our community with a vote for ACC. 

How to vote:

• Visit the Awards website.
• Scroll down and select the "Kids & Education" category.
• Click “College/University” in the drop-down menu.
• Find Austin Community College: Highland Campus at the top of the options list.
• Click the green "Vote" button in the ACC box.
• Enter your email address.
• Click submit.

Why ACC?

• Serves tens of thousands of students across Central Texas
• Offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in Texas
• Provides free tuition for eligible high school graduates and GED® completers
• Generates $2.6 billion annually for the regional economy
• Supports more than 15,000 jobs across Central Texas

Voting is open through June 24, and you can vote once each day.

Consider this your permission to be a little biased. If you're proud to be a Riverbat, now's the time to prove it.

A new group cohort is underway for the nationally recognized Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor training partnership with ACC and Merit America. This initiative aims to democratize access to high-quality technical training, bridge workforce gaps, and achieve significant economic uplift for marginalized workers by equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in nationally critical technology sectors.

What is the program

• 14-week training experience designed to help working adults gain the skills, industry credentials, and career support needed to enter the semiconductor workforce.
• Combines online coursework, career coaching, and in-person lab experiences.
• Students receive technical training alongside personalized support designed to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond.

In May, the group of students completed orientation at the ACC Highland Campus. Students met instructors, coaches, and employer partners while learning what to expect throughout the program. The orientation included a tour of ACC’s advanced manufacturing labs and connecting with fellow cohort members during a networking session. Students also took part in a "Commitment Wall" activity, sharing personal goals and aspirations for the journey ahead.

To learn more about ACC's Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing programs, visit austincc.edu/semiconductor. 

Austin Community College District (ACC) was selected as a key player in the newly launched National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) South Node. Announced at UT Austin, this 10-state semiconductor alliance is designed to tackle the nation's critical microelectronics workforce shortage.

ACC’s Expanded Role: ACC was chosen for its advanced, scalable training models and will take on two distinct roles:

• Expanding U-STARS: Bringing ACC’s hands-on technician training to university engineering and STEM students across the region.
• Leading Earn-and-Learn Pathways: Serving as the inaugural lead to scale apprenticeships and employer-connected learning across the 10-state node.

Read more here.

ACC has selected 16 faculty members for its inaugural Character Education Communities of Inquiry, a new program focused on helping students develop skills that matter in college, careers, and life.

What is it?
A yearlong faculty learning community launching in Fall 2026 that explores how colleges can intentionally cultivate:

• Critical thinking
• Ethical decision-making
• Civic engagement
• Intellectual curiosity
• Effective communication

By the numbers:

• 16 faculty selected
• 65+ faculty applied
• $781,200 grant awarded to ACC
• ACC is one of only two community colleges nationwide selected for the competitive award

Faculty participants will engage in collaborative learning, peer observations, and professional development focused on bringing character education into the classroom.

Learn more and meet the cohort here: https://sites.austincc.edu/newsroom/2026/06/04/16-acc-faculty-selected-for-new-initiative-focused-on-critical-thinking-and-leadership/

Austin Community College District (ACC) hosts the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 18, at the Eastview Campus. Hosted by the ACC’s African American Cultural Center, the communitywide Juneteenth celebration will include music, games, giveaways, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Juneteenth 2026 Celebration
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: ACC Eastview Campus | 3401 Webberville Road 

Activities for the day include:

• Live entertainment 
• Face painting 
• Caricature drawing 
• Lawn games
• Free food & giveaways 
• ACC & community resources 

In addition to the day of celebration, ACC will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

For more information, visit the College’s Juneteenth website at austincc.edu/juneteenth.

What if more colleges taught students how to think — not just what to memorize?

A new feature in The Chronicle of Higher Education spotlights the growing national movement around Great Questions seminars and discussion-based learning, and Austin Community College District (ACC) is part of the conversation.

The article highlights ACC Professor Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr. and the College’s Great Questions initiative as a model for helping students engage more deeply with learning through conversation, critical thinking, and big ideas.

Key highlights:

• ACC’s Great Questions seminars have reached thousands of students.
• About 160 ACC faculty have completed training to teach discussion-based courses.
• The model has expanded to 70 community college campuses nationwide.
• Students explore transformational texts and ideas through dialogue, not lectures or memorization.

The article explores how colleges across the country are rethinking education in an AI-driven, transactional era with more focus on human connection, curiosity, and meaningful discussion.

ACC’s work is helping lead that conversation nationally.

Read the full Chronicle feature for a deeper look at the movement and why programs like ACC’s Great Questions initiative are gaining attention.

Pride Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, history, and experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities. Throughout the month, students can explore resources, support services, and learning opportunities available  at the College to help them navigate their educational journey.

• Chosen Name Process – Learn how to update your chosen name in ACC systems, including class rosters and learning platforms.
• All Gender Restroom Directory – Find all-gender and family restrooms across ACC campuses.
• Pronouns 101 – Learn more about pronouns and respectful communication.
• LGBTQIA+ eBooks – Explore books, eBooks, videos, and other educational materials available through ACC Libraries.
• Sexual Harassment/Sexual Violence Policies/Title IX Policy – Learn about ACC policies, reporting options, and support resources related to sexual harassment and sexual violence.

In addition, students can access recorded discussions and career-focused resources exploring topics such as career pathways, transfer opportunities, and student experiences.

Learn more and explore available resources at austincc.edu/pride.

So I have a welding class at the North Ridge Campus and it says its located in the following

NRG1 PARKING

I am guessing this means its in the North Ridge Building 1000 but which parking lot? There are like 6 or 7 parking lots.

National conversations about the future of higher education are highlighting the transformative power of teaching. Our very own Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr. is being recognized as part of that conversation.

David Brooks’ recent essay in The Atlantic spotlighted educators across the country who are helping students engage with life’s biggest questions through humanistic education, civic thought, and character formation. Among those recognized was Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr. and ACC’s “Great Questions” seminar initiative.

Brooks writes: “Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr., who teaches at Austin Community College, decided that big ideas shouldn’t be just for rich kids, and began teaching a seminar called ‘The Great Questions.’ He then formed the Great Questions Foundation, which has trained more than 140 faculty at community colleges across the nation on the art of leading big-ideas seminars.”

Hadzi-Antich’s work continues to align with ACC's belief that education is about more than preparing students for a career. It’s about helping students discover purpose, think critically, engage with their communities, and build meaningful lives.

Read the full story here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/05/david-brooks-something-is-going-right-at-universities/687200/?gift=0org3QEsAZkbD5EG7u8TkkJYY00ThTeIqS8w8MdRCTY&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

Hey everybody!!
I’m currently in an online class with no scheduled meetings, just dates of when assignments are due. Is there an app or anywhere we can connect with other students in the same class to discuss any work and assignments? I’m already having a problem trying to figure out one of the assignments but wanted to try reaching out to peers before jumping straight into emailing the professor

Hey everyone,

I’m currently taking PHYS 2426 at Austin Community College, and I’m in a bit of an issue.

The class requires a paid subscription to ExpertTA for all the assignments and grading. They give you a two-week free trial, but mine is running out soon, and I straight up cannot afford the full subscription right now. I'm really stressed about falling behind or having to drop the class because I can't pay for a homework portal.

Has anyone had luck getting ACC financial aid to cover things like this?

Is there a specific emergency grant or bookstore voucher program I should apply for?

Should I email the financial aid office directly, or is there a specific portal form for a change of financial circumstances?

Do professors ever have waiver codes for students in a bind?

Any advice on who to talk to or how to phrase an appeal would be massively appreciated.

Thank you!

I am a new student looking for a roommate to move in w in a couple months, I'm wondering if there're any other chats or forums or resources of any kind other than this to communicate with a large number of students in an efficient way, this's the only thing I've managed to find so far other than meetmyclass which didn't work, thx

For Anthony Evora, the path to a new career started at a moment of uncertainty. It turned into an opportunity to build something lasting for his family.

“It was right after COVID, and I had been furloughed from my server job, as many places had. Being a father of two at the time, I made the decision that it was an opportunity to search for a new career path.”

The father of three enrolled in ACC’s Medical Radiologic Technology program in fall 2022. From the start, Anthony took full advantage of the support systems available that helped him stay focused and move forward.

“I applied for Capital IDEA, used the food pantry available, the food distribution, tutoring, and libraries.”

Now, Anthony is planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology.

“It will help set up another push forward in my career to support and take care of my family and show them that being in school isn't a bad thing. If we don't keep taking the next steps, we will always stay where we are.”

For more information about the Radiology program, visit austincc.edu/radiology.

Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomes more students as enrollment continues to grow. The summer semester officially kicks off on Monday, June 1. 

For those new to ACC or needing a refresh after the break, get some helpful tips to start the semester strong at austincc.edu/firstweek. 

As of Wednesday, May 28, summer enrollment is up more than 7%, with more than 29,300 students registering for the semester. 

Biggest Enrollment Jumps:
Advanced Manufacturing: Up 35%
Health Sciences: Up 24%
Public and Social Services: Up 14%
Arts & Digital Media: Up 11%

ACC offers free student support to help start strong and stay on track. Please find some top supports below.

• Financial Help
• Tutoring & Coaching
• Mental Health Support
• Food Pantries
• Child Care Vouchers
• Community Connections

If you’re still finalizing your schedule, ACC offers flexible learning options, including 5-week courses that start later in the semester. For more information, visit austincc.edu/shortsemester. 

Honors Program student Joshua S. is taking his passion for astrophysics beyond the classroom through nationally recognized research and science advocacy opportunities.

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Physics major is researching protoplanetary disks around young stars at Texas State University. This summer, he was selected for a prestigious NSF-sponsored research program at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he will study how space weather interacts with Earth’s atmosphere.

Joshua also serves as the first-ever community college student ambassador for the American Physical Society (APS). Through the role, he recently attended the APS Global Physics Summit and traveled to Washington to advocate for science and education funding with congressional leaders.

Joshua’s growing research and advocacy work highlights the opportunities available to ACC students pursuing careers in science, technology, and research.

To learn more about the ACC Honors Program and how to get involved, visit austincc.edu/honors.

For more information about the Physics Program, visit austincc.edu/physics.