Current TLED Projects and Initiatives
TLED projects and initiatives focus on timely themes in higher education. They include pilot programs that support faculty and students and feature events like the Data Summit and General Assembly.
TLED Transform_ED
TransformED: Preparing for the Future of Teaching and Learning
TransformED is a year‑long research initiative exploring how shifts in technology, society and the economy will shape teaching and learning at ACC. Through collaboration, participation and the Theory of Change process, we study:
- How emerging technologies and globalization influence education and workforce needs
- Ways teaching and learning intersect with these changes
- Steps ACC can take to adapt and support faculty, students and staff
TLED Website Redesign Project
Website Redesign
We’re redesigning the TLED website to create a modern, user ‑friendly space that makes it easier for faculty, staff and the ACC community to find services and resources.
- Improved navigation and accessibility
- Content tailored to the needs of faculty, staff and students
- Enhanced support for academic and student success
TLED Calendar
TLED Wall Calendar
Every year TLED designs a print wall calendar around a central theme to encourage faculty to engage with timely issues in higher education.
- The theme guides our professional development, projects and communications.
- The 2025 academic year theme is Empowering Students by Meeting Basic Needs.
- Look for events, newsletters, videos and social media posts exploring this topic throughout the year.
ACC Data Summit
ACC Data Summit
This collegewide summit builds on Chancellor Russell Lowery ‑Hart’s 100‑day listening and data‑gathering sessions to chart a new direction for ACC around our “North Star.”
- Uses the Theory of Change and the 100‑Day Report as the framework
- Shares redefined college values developed with ACC students
- Presents the state of the college through data visualizations
- Outlines how we can work together to “love our students to success”
TLED Frameworks to Address Changes for Senate Bill (SB) 17
Frameworks to Address Senate Bill 17 Changes
In June 2023, the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 17, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and programs at public universities and colleges. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, and amends Texas Education Code § 51.5325.
TLED is creating frameworks and resources to comply with SB 17 while continuing to support a welcoming, student-centered learning environment.
- Understand what SB 17 requires and prohibits
- Learn about TLED’s strategies to align with the law
- Explore resources and support for faculty and staff
Frameworks for change: building inclusive learning spaces while adhering to SB 17.
Austin Community College (ACC) Ad Astra Platinum Analytics
Visual representation of analytics in action.
The Ad Astra Platinum Analytics implementation plan outlines how ACC will integrate this scheduling and analytics tool into our systems and workflows.
- Connect Ad Astra with existing IT systems
- Develop system documentation and business procedures
- Provide training for faculty and staff
- Analyze data to improve course scheduling and student success
ACC Faculty Evaluation Proposed Revisions
The proposed revisions for faculty evaluation were developed by ACC faculty in response to the 2018 Faculty Development and Evaluation Task Force survey. They are meant to start a collegewide conversation about a meaningful, equitable and transparent evaluation process for both adjunct and full time faculty.
- Created by the Faculty Evaluation Work Group, a subcommittee of the Faculty Development and Evaluation Committee
- Focus on reflective practice and professional growth
- Serve as a starting point for collegewide discussion
- Student course evaluations will be reviewed separately during the 2022–23 academic year
Badging Pilot
Virtual badges are digital credentials that recognize the acquisition and mastery of skills. They allow learners and professionals to showcase their achievements with graphical awards. Since the 1990s, badging has been adopted in education and the workforce to match skills with job opportunities.
- Badges focus on demonstrating quality skills rather than accumulating many badges
- Multiple vendors offer badging services, each with different features and trade‑offs
- Badging helps connect students, faculty and staff with relevant opportunities
This pilot explores the logistical and technical requirements for ACC to create, award and maintain digital badges for ongoing skill development of students, faculty and staff.
Phase 1 Final Report – Fall 2020
This report captures key takeaways from Phase 1 and sets the direction for the next stage.
- Summarizes Phase 1 outcomes
- Identifies next steps for the initiative
- Recommends technology vendors for future phases
Phase 2 Final Report – Summer 2021
This report builds on the momentum and findings from the Phase 1 final report.
- Highlights successes from the initial pilot
- Describes developments and expansions in Phase 2
- Outlines recommendations for next steps
Faculty Handbook Review Project
TLED is collaborating with ACC faculty to review and update the Faculty Handbook.
- Engage in a thorough review of existing policies and resources
- Ensure the handbook reflects current practices and supports faculty success
Collaborative review for an updated Faculty Handbook.
General Assembly
General Assembly brings ACC employees together to hear college updates.
General Assembly
Each fall, ACC employees gather for the General Assembly to hear key college updates and connect daily work with the College’s strategic plan. All faculty and staff are encouraged to register and participate.
- Learn about key college initiatives and updates.
- See how your role aligns with the strategic plan.
- Network with colleagues from across the district.
To review outlines from past General Assembly events, see previous outlines.
Inspire Academic Alert
Inspire Academic Alert is part of the Inspire student support system. It allows faculty to identify students facing academic challenges and connect them with guidance specialists for extra support.
- Identify students who may need help early.
- Connect learners with academic guidance specialists.
- Send commendations to students making progress or excelling.
Academic Alert
Academic Alert is an early-warning system that connects faculty and advisors when students may need additional support. By intervening early, we help students stay on track and succeed.
- Facilitates timely communication between faculty, advisors and students.
- Helps identify challenges early in the term.
- Encourages proactive support to improve student outcomes.
Academic Alert fosters early communication for student success.
Contact
For questions or assistance, please contact the TLED Faculty of Communications at tledcomms@austincc.edu