General Assembly
General Assembly 2025: “Building a Culture of Love…Together”
Every fall, Austin Community College (ACC) comes together for our signature annual event—General Assembly (GA)! This all-college celebration brings together employees from across the District to reconnect, recharge, and reignite our shared purpose. It’s a dynamic day of inspiration, learning, and community as we reflect on our successes, hear about the exciting future ahead, and celebrate what makes ACC extraordinary—our people.
The 2025 theme is “Building a Culture of Love…Together” and will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the ACC Highland Campus (HLC) and virtually. Mark your calendars! While all ACC classes will be cancelled, General Assembly is a workday. This allows every employee to participate—whether in person or virtually—on this unforgettable day of connection and inspiration.
For those attending in person, HLC will feature small-group watch parties during the morning session to encourage cross-campus conversations in a more interactive format.
In addition to the main event, we’ll host an exciting resource fair and engaging afternoon breakout sessions designed to inform, energize, and empower.
We can’t wait to see you there and make this year’s General Assembly our best one yet—together!
For any questions, please review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below or email the General Assembly Planning Team via generalassembly-group@austincc.edu.
Welcome to General Assembly 2025!
SCHEDULE
8:00 a.m. Pre-show Begins & Resource Fair Opens
9:00 a.m. Welcome by Dr. Lowery-Hart, ACC Chancellor
9:20 a.m. Employee Recognitions & Riverbat Bravo Employee of the Year Award
9:50 a.m. General Assembly Video: “Building a Culture of Love… Together”
10:00 a.m. Keynote Presentation by Dr. Patrick Lee, “Leading with Love”
10:50 a.m. State of the College Address by Dr. Lowery-Hart, ACC Chancellor
11:25 a.m. Closing Video
11:30 a.m. Lunch & Resource Fair
1:00 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Sessions
2:00 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Location
General Assembly will take place at HLC with small-group watch parties during the morning session to encourage cross-campus conversations in a more interactive format. For security purposes, employees must wear their ACC ID badges to GA.
Highland Campus (HLC) Map
Transportation Options
Parking
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- Parking at the Highland Campus (HLC) is free. Review the HLC Map to plan for parking.
Carpooling
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- Do you need a ride to General Assembly? Or are you able to be a driver? Sign up on the ACC Carpool App.
Public Transportation Information
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- As an ACC employee, you get access to CapMetro for FREE!
- Get Your Digital Green Pass
Food
For in-person attendees, a light breakfast will be served, including coffee. During lunch, ACC will be providing lunch via food vendors. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options will be available for meals. Please consider bringing your own reusable cup for coffee in the morning and water through out the day
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Below are the afternoon breakout sessions available in-person and virtually. Please only select one from each time slot. Please use the General Assembly Registration Form to sign up for an afternoon breakout session.
1 - 1:50 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Sessions (In-Person & Virtual)
Presented by Monica Segura and Katie Payne
Reframe accessibility in advising as a relational, ethical practice grounded in Disability Studies and student voice, encouraging participants to use disability models and reflective tools to design equitable access that fosters trust, belonging, and reduces barriers.
Presented by Paepin Starr
Explore innovative course design and assessment strategies that promote student engagement and integrity while navigating the challenges of AI in education.
Presented by Rosarita Voss
Discover simple, joyful, and research-based strategies to help students manage multitasking, overcome academic challenges, and build emotional resilience.
Presented by Dr. Gaye Lynn Scott, VCI; Dr. Erasmus Addae, AVC, Distance & Alternative Learning; Dr. Nina Almasy, AVC, Health Sciences; Mr. David Borden, Managing Director, Instructional Operations & Initiatives; Dr. Beth Knight, AVC, Academic Programs; Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez, AVC, TLED; Dr. Brandon Whatley, AVC, Workforce Ed; Ms. Mison Yun, AVC, College & High School Relations
Explore how distributed leadership empowers faculty, strengthens collaboration across departments, and drives student success through shared responsibility, role clarity, and inclusive engagement.
Presented by Katie McClendon, Judith Job, and Marisa Mendoza
Explore how AI tools in Blackboard Ultra can support inclusive, ethical, and engaging course design, empowering you to teach with intention, innovation, and love.
Presented by Jeremy Donald
Explore practical strategies and hands-on tools to help students—and ourselves—evaluate sources, spot fake news, and think critically in today’s information-saturated world.
Presented by Jenna Cullinane Hege, Troy DeFrates, Emily Hardegree, and Mason Turpin
Gain a clear understanding of how ACC’s North Star completion rate and HB8 funding work together to support student success and why aligning finances with our mission is a powerful tool for equity and impact.
Presented by Ara Williams
Learn practical strategies to set healthy professional boundaries, prevent burnout, and maintain a joyful, compassionate approach to student engagement while upholding ACC’s values.
Presented by Noel Ortiz, Rolando Ramos, and Emilie Kunze
Stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats with practical tips to protect yourself and insights into how ACC manages and mitigates IT risks.
Presented by Kathy Statos
Discover actionable, compassionate strategies to create inclusive, supportive campus environments that foster student success through intentional care and collaborative warm handoffs.
Presented by Amber Sarker and Christopher Rzigalinski
Explore how integrating Service-Learning and NACE career readiness competencies into instruction and student support can help bridge the experience gap and better prepare ACC students for future careers.
Presented by Alex Watkins
Learn how to apply Universal Design for Learning’s core principles to create flexible, compassionate teaching practices that support diverse student needs and promote success for all learners.
Presented by Laurie Dillon, Nancy Trigg-Mack, Lori Lucas, and Jenna Laine
Gain practical strategies and tools to lead with confidence, adaptability, and vision through the ever-evolving landscape of organizational change.
Presented by Melissa Biegert
Explore the science, cultural practices, and healthcare applications of spiritual wellness and leave with practical tools to support your own holistic health and well-being.
Presented by Khayree Williams, Pamela Carlile, Dana Gutierrez, Renee Kuhles, and Elizabeth Warren
Gain insights and practical strategies for successfully leading or participating in cross-departmental design teams through lessons learned from ACC’s Theory of Change project.
Presented by Sandy Kendell and Michelle Escudier
Explore hands-on strategies and tools for creating accessible course and website content that aligns with ACC’s values and promotes success for all learners.
Presented by Stephanie Bogdanich
Discover how Gemini and NotebookLM can help you work smarter, stay organized, and create with confidence—while keeping people at the heart of AI innovation.
Presented by Dr. Marcus McGuff, Chelsea Biggerstaff, Dr. Theresa Glenn, and Aimee Finney
Learn how to use ACC’s new Student Course Evaluation dimensions to reflect on your teaching practices, strengthen course design, and enhance student engagement and success.
Presented by Neteka Haywood
Level up your tech skills and slash wasted time with powerful keyboard shortcuts and smart tools that turn you into a true Computer Ninja.
Presented by Sean Loraas, Megan Kareithi, and Trent Griggs
Move beyond basic compliance and discover practical tools and compassionate strategies for creating accessible, inclusive course materials that support all learners.
Presented by Shih-Ting Lee
Discover practical, easy-to-implement strategies for collecting and responding to mid-semester student feedback to enhance engagement, improve learning, and foster a more responsive classroom environment.
Presented by Lauren Montagnino
Tame your tabs and boost your brainpower—discover fun, simple ways to customize Chrome so it works for you (and your sanity).
Presented by B Prema Strecker and Courtney Fowler
Learn how to support a healthier ACC community through compassionate conversations, practical cessation tools, and campus-wide initiatives that promote freedom from tobacco and other substance use disorders.
2 - 2:50 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Sessions (In-Person & Virtual)
Presented by Christine Hall
This session explores curiosity as a skill essential to self-love and inclusion, guiding participants to define curiosity, reflect on its appropriate use, self-assess their curiosity levels, and create a plan to intentionally practice curiosity in daily life.
Presented by Lindsay Lawley-Rerecich, Devon Miller, and Jason Sanchez
Explore how ACC’s dual credit programs unite multiple departments to support high school students’ access, success, and seamless transition to higher education aligned with ACC’s mission and vision.
Presented by Cassidy Reid, Susan Burkhauser, and Kelli Blount
Discover your data persona and learn how every role at ACC can meaningfully engage with data to support course success and foster a collaborative, empowering data culture.
Presented by Sam Greer, Charla Dubes, Linda Cox, and Andrea DeLeon
Discover how ACC’s internships, apprenticeships, and service learning opportunities connect classroom learning to real-world experience.
Presented by Cara Crowley, Christie Curtis, Amber Sarker, Angelica Cancino de Sandoval, and Ruth Reinhart
Discover how ACC’s evolving Basic Needs system supports student success and create your own resource ‘backpack’ to better connect students with essential services through your teaching or campus role.
Presented by Jessica Oest and Christopher Rzigalinski
Connect with your personal and collective purpose through Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle framework, discovering the passion behind your “why” and transforming it into meaningful, everyday action.
Presented by Melissa Victor Totah, LPC-S
Support your well-being and professional growth through organizational change by learning strategies for resilience, self-advocacy, and purpose-driven adaptation so you can show up strong for yourself and your students.
Presented by LaTonya Henry and Janelle Townsel
Join a collaborative journey to celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and refine our guidance strategies—helping every student navigate toward their North Star of success.
Presented by Melissa Biegert
Learn proven communication techniques from hostage negotiation to strengthen your everyday interactions, resolve conflicts, and build trust with students and colleagues.
Presented by Vijay Jacob and Inelia Caimanque
Discover how self-awareness and strengths-based tools like CliftonStrengths can deepen your sense of belonging, purpose, and connection within the ACC community.
Presented by Jason Brown, Nereida Celis, Trissi Johnson, Oddett Garza-Weatherspoon, Chelsa King, and Alejandra Polcik
Explore barriers, resources, and actionable strategies to help first-generation students thrive—fostering belonging, persistence, and success at ACC.
Presented by Dr. Timothy C. Self
Discover how the GAISC technique uses Generative AI-powered self-conversations to spark insight, creativity, and problem-solving across faculty and staff roles at ACC.
Presented by Anna Moreno and Laura Jacob
Reimagine your assignments and assessments to prioritize higher-order thinking skills using Bloom’s Taxonomy, collaborative brainstorming, and AI-supported innovation.
Presented by Alex Watkins and Stephanie Long
Explore strategic, ethical, and innovative approaches to integrating AI using ACC’s CAPS framework to shape responsible, impactful college-wide adoption.
Presented by Samuel Echevarria-Cruz
Examine student success data across dual credit and traditional learning environments to better understand how course design and student composition impact outcomes in high-enrollment gateway courses.
Presented by Marc Jimenez and Alberto Quiñonez
Discover the purpose and impact of employee organizations, and leave inspired to take pride in your role and contribute meaningfully to ACC’s mission through alignment, engagement, and excellence.
(Formerly titled “Why APTE Matters and Why You Should Care”)
Presented by Richard Palmer
Explore how ACC’s course redesign fellowships empower faculty to merge technology with teaching innovation—and learn how you can get involved.
Presented by Stephanie Bogdanich
Discover how Gemini and NotebookLM can help you work smarter, stay organized, and create with confidence—while keeping people at the heart of AI innovation.
Presented by Catherine C. Wadbrook
Discover how ACC’s embedded tutoring program brings personalized, next-level academic support directly into online courses to boost student success.
Presented by Dr. Thymai Dong-Sheehan
Learn how to broaden your mental models with actionable shifts that foster greater belonging and dignity.
Presented by Dr. Theresa Glenn and Dr. LaKisha Barrett
Level up your teaching and become a Pathways Champion by exploring AI Literacy, Universal Design for Learning, and Belonging & Connection—three powerful strands driving student success at ACC.
Presented by Lauren Montagnino
Tame your tabs and boost your brainpower—discover fun, simple ways to customize Chrome so it works for you (and your sanity).
Presented by Grant Potts and Matthew “Matty” Martinez-Mandell
Join a thoughtful, research-informed conversation on how religious, spiritual, and secular identities shape student belonging at ACC.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Patrick Lee
Dr. Patrick Lee has been the president and CEO of Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district, since January 2024. In that short time, he’s guided, supported, and cheered on Central Health’s rapid transformation into not only a planner and payor but also a provider that’s repairing Travis County’s healthcare safety net. In the current fiscal year, Central Health has opened three clinical sites and gone from zero to 19 specialty care lines, including cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, pulmonology, infectious disease, sleep medicine, palliative care, and more. Central Health’s direct practice of medicine has saved lives, reduced wait times for essential care, and connected patients with true, whole-person care. As Central Health celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it’s preparing to increase its specialty care patient volumes tenfold in fiscal 2025, while also bringing healthcare to underserved areas in Travis County’s eastern crescent.
Dr. Lee’s roles before coming to Texas include service as chairman of medicine at One Brooklyn Health, a new safety-net system serving more than 1 million New Yorkers, and at Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital, which saved more than 1,200 lives during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Lee developed the Global Primary Care Residency Program at Massachusetts General and a global health course at Harvard Medical School, both informed by his early career work with Dr. Paul Farmer in Rwanda and as Medical Director of Last Mile Health in Liberia, a nonprofit partner of the nation’s Ministry of Health.
Dr. Lee is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, and received further training at Massachusetts General, and Harvard Medical School. He has written on improving primary care health systems, quality improvement, and medical education for publications including The Lancet, BMJ Quality, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, and the Journal of Graduate Medical Education.
Submit Your Pre-Show Slides
Showcase your department or program at General Assembly 2025! Take advantage of this opportunity to highlight your area in our pre-show presentation.
Please submit a single slide in 16:9 format (.PNG or .JPG). You’re welcome to use our branded Canva templates linked here.
Call for Resource Fair Participants (In-Person & Virtual)
We invite faculty and staff-facing programs to apply to host a resource table at the event. Maximize your impact by presenting your area in an interactive or engaging way. Bring a digital display, a hands-on activity, or create a QR code for a website, video, or app. Space is limited, but we will do our best to include as many applicants as possible.
In addition to the in-person fair, there is also the option to participate in a virtual resource fair. Simply create a folder named after your area, upload your materials to this folder and your folder will serve as your virtual table.
Please see the General Assembly resource fair application for more information and to submit your application. For any questions, please email the General Assembly Planning Team at
Submit In-Person Resource Fair Application
All resource fair submissions are due Friday, September 5, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the entire ACC District will be closed, and all ACC employees will be expected to attend General Assembly either in person or virtually.
For in-person, the Highland Campus (HLC) will be set up with watch parties across the campus to experience General Assembly in small, cross-departmental groups. More information about the watch parties will be shared as the event approaches.
For virtual, the morning program will be streamed virtually.
The information you submit in your registration form will help the planning team determine the attendance limit.
Registration is open for General Assembly! Submit your registration here. The deadline to register for in-person attendance is Friday, September 12, 2025.
The General Assembly morning program will be offered in person and virtually. Afternoon breakout sessions will only be offered in person (will not be recorded) and virtually (will not be recorded). The resource fair will be in person and virtual.
No shuttles will be offered from other campuses to the Highland Campus (HLC).
Yes, breakout sessions will be available for the afternoon. Breakout sessions will be offered virtually and in person. Breakout sessions will not be recorded.
Yes, there will be a resource fair available virtually and in person at the Highland Campus (HLC).
If your department/office is only participating virtually for the Resource Fair, you do not need to submit the resource fair application form. Simply upload your materials to this folder to participate in the virtual resource fair.
Yes, for security purposes, please wear your ACC ID badge if attending General Assembly in person.
Yes, there is professional development (PD) credit for General Assembly. Up to five hours of PD credit is available: three hours for the morning program and one hour for each afternoon breakout session attended. PD credit is self-reported.
Professional development credit is self-reported in Workday. For instructions, please review this PDF.
General Assembly Archive
Review programs, videos and resources for past General Assembly experiences.
Contact
If you have any General Assembly questions, please send an email to generalassembly-group@austincc.edu.