The 2024 Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) Print Wall Calendar, with the theme “Empowering Students by Meeting Basic Needs,” is now out! Each year, the calendar is designed to inspire faculty to take a deep dive into higher education issues, and this year’s edition is no different. Each month, the calendar will highlight specific essential resources, showcasing how Austin Community College (ACC) and the surrounding community address twelve basic needs through:

  • Innovative curriculum integration
    • ACC faculty have addressed the basic needs of students within their instruction, from free sewing classes to mental health workshops.
  • Supportive campus resources
    • From food pantries to technology loans, ACC campuses are equipped with a variety of resources designed to directly support students’ daily needs.
  • Active community engagement
    • We collaborate with local organizations and initiatives to extend support beyond the campus, ensuring that our students have access to comprehensive services and opportunities within the wider community.

The goal of this calendar is to ensure faculty are informed about the essential resources available for students. We hope this will help create an educational environment where all students can succeed. For October, the basic need being highlighted is Transportation.

Transportation

We’re committed to ensuring every student has the tools they need for success. A big part of the efforts to relieve the strain that Transportation can cause for many ACC students is done through the Office of Energy & Sustainability. Director of Energy & Sustainability, Andy Kim, and Manager of Sustainability, Amber Orr, encourage students to take advantage of all resources available to them, especially the ACC Green Pass. They explain that:

“With the ACC Green Pass students and employees can ride the CapMetro bus and rail system anywhere, anytime, completely free. This allows individuals to spend less time worrying about the cost of gas and car maintenance, and focus more on safely getting to class, work, or running errands around Austin. Riding public transit is cheaper, safer, and more sustainable, so we highly recommend that students take advantage of this free resource.”

It has been found that students without reliable transportation often face academic challenges, including the risk of discontinuing their studies. To support accessible and sustainable commuting, our Green Pass initiative offers free rides on CapMetro services for students and full-time staff. ACC also promotes greener commutes through a carpool network on My Commute Solutions and provides bike repair stations at the San Gabriel, Northridge, and Highland campuses, along with secure bike racks at all campuses.

October is also Campus Sustainability Month. ACC hosts various events and initiatives to foster environmental awareness and encourage action within our community. This month offers students, staff, and faculty the chance to come together and contribute to sustainability efforts both on and off campus. Campus Sustainability Month highlights the importance of adopting more eco-friendly habits and provides opportunities to learn about sustainable practices. This year, ACC is fostering environmental awareness and action through activities like rooftop solar array tours, volunteer opportunities at the student farm, and solar-powered smoothie demonstrations.

Resources to Share With Your Students

  • Bike Racks: Students and employees can securely store their bicycles while at any ACC campus.
  • Bike Repair Stations: Available at select campuses to support cycling as a sustainable commuting option.
  • Carpool Network: Join the ACC carpool network through My Commute Solutions to save on commuting costs and reduce environmental impact.
  • Green Pass: Free access to CapMetro services for eligible students and staff.

Discussing and addressing these needs is essential for creating an educational environment where all students can succeed. By supporting these fundamental areas, we foster a culture of care and resilience, empowering students to focus on their goals without stress from unmet needs. This calendar aims to inform faculty about these resources, allowing them to share directly with students and address these needs in their instruction.

To learn more about all twelve of the basic needs highlighted in the TLED Calendar, visit the TLED Print Wall Calendar webpage and explore more essential resources.

ACC is committed to supporting every student’s basic needs. We are more than an educational institution —we are a community that cares, supports, and grows together.

“Every Need. Every Student. Every Day.”

Forgot to request a calendar? No worries! Additional calendars and sticker packs are now available for pick-up at all ACC campus libraries and Teaching & Learning Centers (TLCs).