ACCelerated Learning Support

The ACCelerated Learning Support (ALS) department operates with a collective vision to support student success. ALS provides comprehensive academic support through our ACCelerators, Learning Labs, Online & Embedded Tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction programs.

  • ACCelerators

The ACCelerators at Austin Community College (ACC) are your all-in-one space for learning, studying, connection, and support.

Designed to help you succeed, ACCelerators combine cutting-edge technology, flexible learning environments, and personalized academic support—all in one place. Whether you’re taking classes, completing assignments, studying independently, meeting with other students, student support specialists, or tutor, the ACCelerator gives you the tools and guidance you need to stay on track and reach your goals.

ACCelerators across the District offer high-impact, student focused services, providing high-quality support, reliable technology, and welcoming spaces to help you stay engaged and confident in your college experience. On-site tutors, supplemental instruction leaders, faculty, and support specialists are always available to assist you, ensuring you’re never alone on your journey. You’ll also have access to printing, scanning, various software, and other essential academic services.

Visit ACCelerator for more information and locations as well as to schedule a tour.

  • Learning Labs

Learning Labs across the College provide academic support across disciplines for all currently enrolled students. Our tutors are ACC faculty and subject matter experts who offer assistance with academic and workforce courses. In addition to free tutoring, Learning Labs offer interactive computer applications, student study groups and workshops, and an array of helpful materials and resources. The Learning Lab at each campus provides computer stations and staff assistance to help you reinforce instruction, complete assignments, and activate/access Online Services.

The College offers in-person tutoring sessions that are available on a first-come, first-served basis and online tutoring that is available by appointment. ACC tutors are dedicated professionals whose goal is to help you prepare for course requirements and gain confidence in your skills. Visit Tutoring for more information.

  • Online & Embedded Tutoring

ACC provides Online Tutoring support for all currently enrolled students. Our online tutors bring the high-quality, expert support of our physical spaces directly to your home, allowing us to meet you exactly where you are. Online tutoring is delivered through the Upswing platform. Students have unlimited access to ACC tutors, and they receive 5 hours per semester to meet with Upswing tutors. Visit Online Tutoring for more information.

Additionally, ALS enhances the learning environment by directly integrating ACC Embedded Tutors into select courses. This allows students enrolled in online or hybrid courses to have a designated support person throughout the semester. Embedded Tutors provide knowledge and skills for particular content areas, guide students with content-specific questions, and facilitate peer study groups. Visit Embedded Learning Support for more information.

  • Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model that uses peer-assisted study sessions. The SI program targets traditionally difficult academic courses and provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions.

SI study sessions, led by student leaders who previously passed the course, are informal seminars in which classmates compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Visit Supplemental Instruction for more information.

Career Planning Session

The Career Specialists team possesses in-depth expertise in career planning and career development that is utilized to, directly and indirectly, support career decision making of Austin Community College District (ACC) students (current and prospective) and alumni.

Career Specialists provide in-depth, specialized personal coaching associated with career development and employment-related issues to current, former, and prospective students that exceeds the service level routinely available through existing campus personnel and resources. Career Specialists also support and confer with Student Accessibility Services, instructional departments, Continuing Education, Adult Education, Area of Study Advisors, Student Advocates, Clinical Counselors, EDUC faculty, and others to develop a unified plan to meet group and individual needs associated with career development and career decision making.

Mental Health Counseling Services

Austin Community College (ACC) Mental Health Counselors are dedicated to providing ethical, confidential, and student-centered care. Our Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Social Work Counselors adhere to the highest standards of their respective licensing boards and are committed to supporting the mental well-being of our diverse student body. We offer counseling sessions to enrolled students over the age of 18. Our services are available by appointment only and at no cost to students.

Following an initial intake, counseling sessions are offered based on individual student needs. We also provide community referral assistance.

Concerns commonly treated include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Mild to moderate anxiety, depression
    • Stress management
    • Grief and loss
    • Managing symptoms of trauma
    • Self-esteem concerns
    • Identity development issues
    • Adjustment issues such as transitioning to college life or new life circumstances
    • Academic-related issues such as difficulty with attention, motivation, perfectionism, test anxiety, or self-management
    • Interpersonal relationship issues such as break-ups, interpersonal conflict, communication, assertiveness, and family issues

Services Outside Our Scope of Practice:

While we are here to support as many students as possible, some services fall outside of what we can ethically and sustainably provide. We provide referral assistance for concerns outside of our scope of practice. Please consult our Mental Health Counseling Services web page for more information.

All students who are offered referrals to Campus and Community Resources. Also, the counselor holds professional discretion to terminate and/or end the session(s).

*Our licensed clinicians hold professional discretion to terminate and/or end the session(s).

For emergencies, please dial 911 or contact the ACC District Police at 512-223-1231.

Computer Access & Acceptable Use

Doing research? Writing a paper? Completing an assignment? If you need a computer, Austin Community College District (ACC) provides state-of-the-art systems and software at various locations on campus.

    • Computer Centers
      The Computer Center, located in or near each campus library, has computer stations with software for general student use. This includes writing papers, conducting online coursework, accessing the Internet, utilizing Online Services, and using ACCmail.
    • iPad Kits
      Student Technology Services provides access to iPad kits (iPads, keyboards, cases) for semester-long checkout. More information about Student Technology Services is available further below on this page.

Financial Aid

You must reapply for financial aid every year, and you must maintain your grade point average (GPA) in order to remain in good standing to receive financial aid. Financial aid is an excellent opportunity to assist you with tuition, fees, and college expenses, so remember to visit or contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your eligibility for aid and receive assistance with applying for and accepting your aid package. Visit Financial Aid for more information.

Jobs for Students

Austin Community College District (ACC) offers students the opportunity to work part-time in a community service position or a field related to their Area of Study. In many cases, students may be receiving financial aid and are eligible for work-study. Visit Work-Study for more information. The ACC GROW Hourly Employment Program provides part-time job opportunities for students who do not qualify for work-study. Jobs are often associated with students’ Area of Study, so they may receive career training and continue to learn while earning a paycheck. Visit ACC Grow or check the Jobs and Internships website for more information.

The Riverbat Ambassador programs are student leaders who work in the Office of Student Life. In order to be hired in the Office of Student Life, a student must be awarded work-study through ACC Financial Aid. Visit Riverbat Success for more information.

Library Services

Austin Community College District (ACC) provides library services through locations at each campus and virtually via a website and 24/7 live chat service. Visit ACC Library Services for more information.

Library services and resources include:

    • Faculty librarians who provide in-person and virtual assistance
    • Books and ebooks
    • Research databases, digital periodicals, and streaming media collections
    • Desktop computers
    • Printers, copiers, and scanners
    • Reference assistance 24/7
    • Group study rooms
    • School supply pantry

Collections: Library materials vary by campus. All items are listed in the online library catalog (library.austincc.edu) and may be picked up at any campus library.

The size of a library’s print collection also varies, with larger campuses housing the College’s larger general collections. Materials required for a specific program of study are housed at the program’s campus location, and items can be sent to any ACC library upon request.

Computers in Libraries: Your ACCeID is all you need to use library computers and your valid, current ACC ID card allows you to borrow a laptop for in-library use. You may print from library computers.

For specific information on library policies, visit the ACC Library Services website or consult with any campus librarian.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides equitable and effective access for students with documented disabilities in order to support their full participation in College classes and activities.

SAS serves students in the following ways:

    • Identify reasonable accommodations
    • Establish and coordinate accommodations
    • One-on-one meetings in person, online, or by phone
    • Access to Assistive Technology>
    • Disability-related problem solving and advocacy
    • Information and referrals to additional ACC resources

Initial Requests for SAS Services: To establish SAS services, students must complete the SAS Application for Services and Accommodations, provide documentation of diagnosis, and meet with an Accessibility Advocate. Visit Accessibility Services ‒ New Students if you are new to ACC and not yet enrolled in classes, need accommodations for the TSI assessment, or want to find out more about the SAS application process.

How to Connect with SAS: If prospective or new students, faculty and staff have questions about academic accessibility at ACC can schedule a SAS Consultation with a SAS Advocate, by contacting the campus of your choice. In-person or virtual appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Student Advocacy Centers

ACC’s Student Advocacy Center provides specialized assistance including, but not limited to:

    • Childcare Scholarships
    • Textbook Collection
    • Student Emergency Fund (SEF)
    • Applying for state benefits (SNAP, TANF, WIC, and Medicaid)
    • Access to sexual and reproductive health information and
    • Referrals to food and housing providers
    • Resources for pregnant and parenting students

Eligibility for some services is based on your income. You may qualify for these services if you qualify for financial aid. Applications are accepted year-round and are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit Student Advocacy Center for more information.

Student Advocates at each campus also serve as Parenting Student Liaisons to act as a liaison officer for current or incoming students at the college who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age. The liaison officers provide information to students regarding support services and other resources available to the students at ACC. Visit Pregnant and Parenting Students for more information.

Additionally, there are many community services that offer help with childcare, employment, and housing. View ACC and Community Resource List for more information. Note: Links to these community resources are for your information only and not endorsed by ACC. Remember to research facts or claims about services offered.

Student Life & Leadership

Student Life & Leadership is a welcoming, inclusive space for all Riverbats, a place where students belong, connect, and grow as individuals, leaders, and community members. As students navigate who they are and who they are becoming, Student Life & Leadership provides the relationships, experiences, and opportunities that support their academic success, personal development, and sense of purpose. We meet students where they are, champion their potential, and help remove barriers so they can fully engage in campus life and beyond.

Through Student Life, you may be involved in student organizations, club and recreational sports, volunteer opportunities, leadership development, cultural enrichment, and student governance. Take advantage of meeting other students and learning and connecting with other interesting people. Visit ACC Student Life for more information.

Student Technology Services (STS)

STS is a centralized team within the Office of Academic Technology that focuses on facilitating access to technology devices and equipment for student use and providing support to students on using academic technologies.

Services

    • Technical support and student training on tools including Blackboard, Respondus, iPads, Google Suite (Google Docs, Calendar, Sites, etc).
    • Student assistance with ACC infrastructure including resetting ACC passwords, claiming ACCmail accounts, wifi. etc.
    • Student access to technology to ensure that students have the tools needed to succeed in their ACC courses. A list of technology is available on the Student Technology Services website along with instructions on how to check out technology.

Requesting Services & Support

Visit the Student Technology Services website for more information on available services, hours of operation, and real-time support options by phone, live chat, or email.

Veterans Services

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Veterans Resource Center offers the College’s military and veteran students a central, one-stop location for obtaining essential support services such as VA certification and advising for VA benefits. The 4,000-square-foot center at the Highland Campus also features a lounge area where students can connect with peers and participate in veteran-specific activities. The Veterans Resource Center includes the Military Families Center, where spouses and their children can receive support with adjusting to life in Central Texas and connecting with other military families.

ACC’s Veterans Affairs Office specialists at the Veterans Resource Center and at the Round Rock campus are available to help you and your dependents enroll at ACC, pay for college, and tap into the rich network of support and services to help transition into and through college toward your graduation and/or transfer. Visit ACC’s Veterans Services for more information on the College enrollment process and on veterans resources and services.

Additionally, the VetSuccess on Campus program provides a counselor to help veterans, active duty military, and eligible family members obtain College and community services through hands-on assistance and referrals.

ACC’s VetSuccess counselor can help you:

    • Manage your education benefits.
    • Explore vocations and select a suitable major/career.
    • Elect your healthcare benefits with Veterans Healthcare Administration.
    • Access, understand, and apply for VA benefits (e.g., Disability Compensation, Life Insurance, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, and Vocational Rehabilitation).
    • Get referrals for medical and mental health care.
    • Get referrals for readjustment counseling services for eligible veterans and their families.
    • Coordinate with other ACC offices to provide veteran-specific services.
    • Find job placement assistance and coordinate with Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Programs (DVOP).
    • Locate community and other resources.

If you are a veteran, active duty military, or an eligible family member who attends or plans to attend ACC, call 512-223-7041 or come by the Veterans Resource Center at Highland for more information.

Visit Veteran Resources for additional resources and assistance with achieving your educational goals.