Career Counseling

The Career Counseling team possess in-depth expertise in career counseling and career development which is utilized to, directly and indirectly, support career decision making of our students (current and prospective) and alumni.

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

Clinical Counseling

Attending college is fun and exciting, however at times can be challenging especially when trying to balance work, school, friends and extra-curricular activities. The District Clinical Counseling Services (DCCS) provides psychosocial support to Austin Community College (ACC) currently enrolled students who are experiencing mental health challenges that may impede their ability to succeed.* Clinical counselors will assist students through personal challenges, transitions and the stressful times that may create concerns or difficulties throughout a student’s college experience.

Scope of Service

Clinical services are provided by licensed and license-eligible mental health professionals. Information students share with clinical counseling professionals are sensitive and personal in nature and therefore confidential. Information will not be shared or disclosed to anyone without written permission. However, exceptions to confidentiality exist that a student must become aware of and will be explained prior to initiating a counseling relationship with a clinical counselor. Services offered include but are not limited to:

    • Individual Clinical Counseling
    • Group Clinical Counseling
    • Student in Distress Intervention
    • Prevention Programming and Outreach
    • Compliance Programming and Outreach
    • Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Support (CARES) Program Clinical Support & Case Management
    • Campus and Community Resources
    • Risk/Threat Assessments (self-harm/harm to others)
    • Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Screening
    • Staff/Faculty/Student Training and Consultation
    • Crisis Stabilization

*Students who require services beyond the scope offered by the district clinical team will be referred to community resources.

Clinical services are offered primarily by appointment. Referrals or requests for services may be submitted online via Counseling. This referral method is not for emergencies or crimes in progress. For immediate emergencies, please dial 911. To file a non-emergency police report, contact the ACC District Police at 512-223-1231.

Academic Coaching

The College offers academic coaching to students. Academic Coaches hold one-on-one meetings with students to work on time management, self-advocacy, motivation, goal clarification, reading comprehension, study skills, and developing personal plans for academic success. Visit Academic Coaching for more information.

Financial Aid

You must reapply for financial aid every year, and you must maintain your 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.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) offices are located at each ACC campus. If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for classroom and/or testing accommodations. If you think you may qualify for services, please contact SAS at the campus that is most convenient to you. SAS staff will meet with you to determine reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations based on your disability and on the courses in which you are enrolled. Visit Student Accessibility Services for more information.

Jobs for Students

ACC offers students the opportunity 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. Students who are not receiving financial aid may also be eligible for paid employment. Jobs are often associated with your Area of Study so you may receive career training and continue to learn while earning your paycheck. Visit Jobs and Internships 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, you must be awarded work-study through ACC Financial Aid. Visit Riverbat Success for more information.

Library Services

Austin Community College provides library services through locations at each campus, select ACC teaching off-site locations, Early College High Schools, and virtually via a robust website. Visit ACC Library Services for more information.

Library services and resources include:

    • Faculty librarians who provide assistance in person or by phone, chat, and email
    • Print and electronic reference materials
    • Print and ebooks, periodicals, and streaming media
    • Desktop computers
    • Laptops, iPads, and calculators
    • Copiers and scanners
    • Makerspace activities and resources
    • 24/7 reference assistance

Collections: Library materials vary by campus; however, all items are listed in the online library catalog and may be picked up at any campus library.

The size of a library’s general collection also varies, with the larger campuses housing the College’s larger general collections. Materials required for a specific program of study are housed at program’s campus location. For example, Health Sciences materials are housed at the Eastview and Round Rock campuses, which are home to most Health Sciences programs.

Computers in Libraries: You must have an ACCeID to use library computers and your valid, current ACC ID card to borrow a laptop computer or iPad. You may print files from library research computer workstations within limits; however, it’s advisable to bring USB flash drives to download and store files. You also may use your ACCmail or Google Drive accounts to email or upload files for future use. For security reasons, remember to log out before you leave any College computer.

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

ACCelerators

At the ACCelerator, you can take innovative classes, access state-of-the-art technology, get academic coaching, and much more.

The Highland Campus ACCelerator is the world’s largest high-tech learning emporium, providing access to 600+ computer stations for individualized learning and small group sessions. In addition to technology-based instruction, the ACCelerator features an extensive support network of faculty members, academic coaches, tutors, supplemental instructors, librarians, and other staff members — all ready to help students succeed. The lab is spread over 32,000 square feet, with clusters of desktop computer stations surrounded by classrooms and study rooms.

The San Gabriel Campus and Round Rock Campus ACCelerators offer similar services to students on a smaller scale.

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

Computer Access & Acceptable Use

Doing research? Writing a paper? Completing an assignment? If you need a computer, 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. Your ACC Student ID card is required.
    • Learning Labs/Tutoring
      Learning Labs across the College provide academic support across disciplines. 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 tutoring sessions that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. ACC tutors are dedicated professionals whose goal is to help students prepare for course requirements and gain confidence in their skills. Visit Tutoring for more information.

Student Life

ACC Student Life promotes an environment committed to your personal, emotional, cultural, social, and ethical development. Through Student Life, you may be involved in student clubs, intramural sports, volunteer opportunities, and campus governance. The ACC campus experience can be rich and engaging.

Take advantage of meeting other students and learning and connecting with other interesting people. Visit ACC Student Life 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.

Support Centers

ACC’s Support Center provides specialized assistance and referrals to a select group of students who would benefit from additional assistance to overcome challenges and complete their education. Eligibility is based on your income. You may qualify for services if you qualify for financial aid.

Applications are accepted year-round and are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit Support Center for more information.

Additionally, there are many community services offer help with childcare, employment, and housing. View Community Resources 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.

Veterans Services

ACC’s 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 Highland Campus also features a lounge area where students can connect with peers and participate in veteran-specific activities.

ACC’s Veterans Affairs Office specialists at the Veterans Resource Center and at the Northridge, Riverside, and Round Rock campuses 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 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 VA Resource Center at Highland Campus to meet with our VetSuccess on Campus counselor.

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