Semester Prep

Updates for Fall 2022

For a list of all the support options for faculty, please visit the Teaching Consultations & Support page.

ACC Branded Google Sites Templates Available

Learn how to access ACC branded Google Sites templates by reviewing these instructions. You will need to use your ACC credentials to access the templates.

ACC Library Services

ACC Campus Libraries are open and in-person teaching is available by request.

Chosen Name 

Austin Community College recognizes that faculty, staff, and students may use names other than their legal name to identify themselves. The College has created a process in order to allow students to request use of a chosen first name where possible within the College’s records and systems. Legal names will continue to be used when necessary for College business or legal purposes.

Distance Education (DE) Proctoring

• Review the DE Proctoring Overview
  • • Provide the information in the Student Appt Confirmation Email Example to your students well in advance of your first exam.
    • Encourage (or require) students to complete the installation of Class and the System & Settings Check a minimum of two (2) days prior to the appointment. Failure to do this BEFORE the testing session will result in the removal of the student. 

Instructional Web

1. 1. Review and verify that each section of your instructional website contains up-to-date information.
   2. Update all out-of-date information and broken hyperlinks.
   3. If the Instructional Web team manages your website, submit a request for updates to content and/or broken links.

Interpreter Services

• • Prepare all your course materials ahead of the beginning of the semester to ensure they are accessible.
  • Request captioning of all videos. Any questions can be sent to captionmymedia@austincc.edu.
  • Add Interpreters to Blackboard as Students. Any questions regarding interpreters, email interpservices@austincc.edu.

Master Syllabus Template Updated

From Ron Johns, Associate Dean, Assessment & Evaluation: As we return to a broader variety of in-person services and instruction on campus this fall, the master syllabus template has needed modification. The health and safety protocols, as well as a number of other sections, have been revised to reflect the situation as it is expected to be this fall semester. The updated template is available on the master syllabus website. Obviously, conditions may change, so please emphasize to your students that they should check the relevant websites for the most current information.

If you have any questions, please email Ron Johns, rjohns@austincc.edu.

Media Services is now Educational Technology Support

The Faculty & Instructional Support Specialists (FISS) located on each campus are now Educational Technologists and the team collectively has changed from Media Services to Educational Technology (EdTech) Support. Using one central phone number, connect to the first team member available for help with classroom A/V, checking out equipment, and teaching technology – 512-223-0111.

Program Maps

With the fall semester, departments may need to update their AoS program map(s) to reflect any changes to the contact information or program description for AY23.  Please review this message with all the links and instructions for updating a current program map and/or creating a new program map. Any questions about program maps can be sent to schedev@austincc.edu.

Request the Respondus 4.0 Software

Please review the latest information on the Respondus 4.0 Tool page and to request access. MAC users can access Respondus on the Virtual Desktop.

Share the Student Support & Services Page

ACC students have access to free support and services – from tutors and academic coaches to advisors and career and transfer specialists. Please share the Student Support page with your students.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

1. 1. Prepare all your course materials ahead of the beginning of the semester to ensure they are accessible. For example, adding alt-text to any images and captioning to media with audio.
   2. ALL videos you plan to share in class must be captioned.
      1. 1. Request captioning here: Media Captioning Request
         2. Already-captioned videos should still be submitted for compliance checks.
         3. For captioning questions, contact captionmymedia@austincc.edu.
   3. Review the information here about semester preparation and faculty responsibilities when working with students with disabilities.
   4. Contact SAS.  If you have questions about anything SAS-related, please email SAS@austincc.edu.
   5. Students have a right to confidentiality.  If you need to have a discussion with them about their accommodations, do so in private.
   6. Use Blackboard Ally to test your Blackboard documents to make sure they are accessible.
   7. Respond to emails from SAS staff promptly.
   8. Participate in semester planning meetings for our blind and visually impaired students when requested.

Student Life

1. 1. Your students deserve to know more about what opportunities are available to them outside of the classroom, and Student Life is here to help! Book an (in-person/virtual) classroom presentation for the start of each semester by completing our Student Life Staff Collaboration Request form, TODAY! Are YOU seeking ways to connect with your students outside of the classroom? Claim Your Free MySL account at austincc.edu/mysl! You can learn more about the various student-led organizations, events, and activities available to build a richer connection with ACC Riverbats.
   2. If you’re looking for students to connect to your course work on a deeper level, consider working with your students to start a student organization! Consider becoming a student organization advisor and learn more by clicking here.
   3. Consider nominating one of your graduating students for the Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award (CSAA). The CSAA is the most prestigious award earned by a graduating student. Nominations open on August 22, 2022.
   4. Do you know students that want to get involved, but don’t know where to start? Share the Student Life Connect Card with them, and we will plug them into the co-curricular experience at ACC! One of the many services we offer is access to the on-campus Food Pantry, so spread the word!

Transfer Services

Transfer support is available year-round to help your students plan their upcoming transfer. Visit austincc.edu/transfer to learn about available resources.

• • Interested in having Transfer Services present to your class? Request a presentation by filling out this form.
  • Fall 2022 Transfer Week is scheduled for the week of September 12. Updates will be posted soon at austincc.edu/transferweek. There will be in-person and virtual options. Encourage students to participate in these workshops, panels, and events.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

The Quality Enhancement Plan has been developed and is headed towards the implementation stage.  The Quality Enhancement Plan is developed in accordance with the required SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) accreditation process every 10 years.  ACC’s second QEP is anchored around ‘Digital Fluency.’  Enrolled ACC students will soon be able to earn free microcredentials in Digital Fluency in a self-paced online format.  To learn more, watch this video or visit the QEP website.