This course is divided in 16 week long modules.  Each week students will be responsible for reading/wathcing/listening to a set of material, provided by the instructor, that is relevant to the topic of the week. Each weekly module also has various activities to be completed (see course schedule below).

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement and/or email.

Assignment details:

• Weekly Quick Check Quizzes: At the end of each concept a quiz will be administered and completed remotely through the Blackboard class page.
• Content Activities: These assignments will be provided within the Blackboard class page with specific instructions. Each assignment is to be uploaded to the corresponding assignment dropbox in Blackboard.  
• Discussion Board Participation: There will be multiple discussion board topics for you to actively participate in.  Please read the topic questions for each board and respond to each question.  On a later occasion, respond to at least one additional comment posted by a fellow student.  Discussion boards are open for a specific number of days, it is important to be active the entire discussion time.  You cannot gain full credit if you wait until the last minute to participate in the discussion.  
• Exams: Each exam will be taken remotely (using RespondusLockDown Monitor). Exams will consist of multiple-choice questions on topics from the readings/videos. One single-sided sheet of notes and a financial calculator (not a cell phone) will be allowed during the exams. A webcam is required for remote exams.  NOTE: Chromebooks and devices using Microsoft “S” mode are NOT compatible with the exam software and cannot be used for the examinations.

Rules for Submitting Assignments: 

1. All assignments are to be completed in Microsoft Word.  Please double-space and use 12pt Times New Roman font.
2. Submit your assignments by uploading your Word or Google document to the appropriate dropbox in Blackboard. Proper assignment submission is critical to ensure your work can be graded and returned to you in a timely manner. 
3. All assignments must be typed in 12pt Times New Roman font.
4. Do NOT type your answers directly in Blackboard.
5. Any work that is not submitted in a Word or Google document and cannot be opened/viewed will NOT be graded.

GRADING SYSTEM:
This course is divided into 16 weeks.  Each week will cover a specific concept of study.  Each week will have required articles and/or videos to read/view and activities to complete.  

Grading in this course will be based on the completion of the following activities and their assigned point value:

7 Content Specific Activities (45 points each, 315 total points)

7 Weekly Discussions (25 points each, 175 total points)

13 Weekly Quick Check Quizzes (20 points each, 260 total points)

2 Exams (100 points each, 200 total points)

Welcome quiz and self-introduction (25 points each, 50 points total)

Textbook: This course is a “Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)” course, therefore, students do not need to purchase any materials to participate in the course.  However, students will be accountable for accessing the required resources (provided by the instructor) and may choose to print the resources at their own expense. All required readings, videos, and podcasts will be provided by the instructor through the Blackboard course page.

Financial Calculator:  A financial calculator is recommended for this course.  The preferred calculator is the Texas Instruments BAII Plus
 

Hardware/Software:

• A working webcam.  It can be an auxiliary webcam that you plug into your computer OR a built-in camera.
• Windows 10 for PC’s  or  Mac OS X for Mac’s. Please note: Microsoft 10 in “S” mode or Chromebooks will not allow proper access to the course or the exams.
• Download the Respondus LockDown Browser https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=999134577.
• Review the System Requirements for the complete requirements. In addition to the brief informational video, a Student Quick Start Guide is also available.
   

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:
This is an online, Distance Learning (DIL) class. 

This course will attempt to challenge all students to use critical thinking in the analysis and development of complex financial solutions to the many challenges associated with Small Business Finance.  Through discussion of current events, indicated assignments and exams students are expected to gain technical and managerial skills that will allow them to succeed in the financial world. 

Note: This class uses various complex mathematical calculations throughout.  It is assumed that the student will have an understanding of algebra and general mathematical principles.  Support is available through ACC Learning Labs.

DISTANCE EDUCATION:
This course is conducted entirely online.  The course will cover the same material as a traditional face-to-face course.  In order to be successful in this course, the student will need to be self-disciplined and well-organized in order to submit all assignments, including discussion boards, on time. You are expected to keep up with ALL of the course requirements and to keep track of important dates. The flexibility of the course is very aggregable to many students, but those who are used to the traditional classroom may not be used to creating their own time management schedule. If this is your first course online I strongly recommend you review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/.

Please note that students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

BUSG 1341 Small Business Finance (3-3-0). The financial structure of a small business. Includes business financing, budgeting, record-keeping, taxation, insurance, and banking. Course Type: W

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Lab Hours: 0

COURSE RATIONALE:

The course will provide an overview of finance with a focus on important concepts such as the time value of money, risk and return, interest rates, and stock and bond valuations. Additionally, consideration will be given to both long and short-term investment and financial decisions.

PREREQUISITES: N/A

STUDENT LEARNING COURSE OUTCOMES:

• Identify business financing options
• Estimate funds for starting a new business and purchasing or expanding an existing business
• How to prepare a budget
• Learn to identify types of financial records
• Describe record-keeping requirements
• Identify tax matters pertaining to a small business
• Describe the concepts of risk management

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE: BUSG 1341-001, SPRING 2023

 Courtney Ahrenholtz, Associate Professor

COURSE INFORMATION:

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE, BUSG 1341 Section 54757 001

Distance Learning (DIL)

Internet Access, Webcam, Computer/iPad Required (Chromebooks cannot be used for exams)

MANDATORY ONLINE ORIENTATION(Welcome Quiz) DUE BY: January 20, 2023

OPTIONAL VIRTUAL LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION JANUARY 18, 2023 6:00 pm

HOW TO REACH THE INSTRUCTOR:

Name: Courtney Ahrenholtz

Office: Cypress Creek Campus, 2204.10

Web Address:https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/courtneyahrenholtz/

Phone: (512)223-2069 (messages checked weekly on Friday’s)

E-Mail: Courtney.Ahrenholtz@austincc.edu (Preferred method of communication. I will respond within 24hours on weekdays.)

Office Hours:
Please email me at courtney.ahrenholtz@austincc.edu to confirm a meeting time and topic. 

Monday and Wednesday 9:30-10:30 AM Round Rock Campus Adjunct Offices 

Friday’s 9:30 am -12:30 pm CYP 2204.10

Virtual meetings are also available

Department Web Site:http://sites.austincc.edu/rele/finance/

https://www.facebook.com/RELEatACC

Department Facebook Site:  http://www.facebook.com/RELEatACC.com

COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Lab Hours : 0  

BUSG 1341 Small Business Finance (3-3-0). 

The financial structure of a small business. Includes business financing,

budgeting, record-keeping, taxation, insurance, and banking. Course Type: W

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

COURSE RATIONALE:

The course will provide an overview of finance with a focus on important concepts such as the time value of money, risk and return, interest rates, and stock and bond valuations. Additionally, consideration will be given to both long and short-term investment and financial decisions.

PREREQUISITES: N/A

STUDENT LEARNING COURSE OUTCOMES:

• Identify business financing options
• Estimate funds for starting a new business and purchasing or expanding an existing business
• How to prepare a budget
• Learn to identify types of financial records
• Describe record-keeping requirements
• Identify tax matters pertaining to a small business
• Describe the concepts of risk management

REQUIRED RESOURCES/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE:

Textbook: This course is a “Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)” course, therefore, students do not need to purchase any materials to participate in the course.  However, students will be accountable for accessing the required resources (provided by the instructor) and may choose to print the resources at their own expense. All required readings, videos, and podcasts will be provided by the instructor through the Blackboard course page.

Financial Calculator:  A financial calculator is recommended for this course.  The preferred calculator is the Texas Instruments BAII Plus
 

Hardware/Software:

• A working webcam.  It can be an auxiliary webcam that you plug into your computer OR a built-in camera.
• Windows 10 for PC’s  or  Mac OS X for Mac’s. Please note: Microsoft 10 in “S” mode or Chromebooks will not allow proper access to the course or the exams.
• Download the Respondus LockDown Browser https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=999134577.
• Review the System Requirements for the complete requirements. In addition to the brief informational video, a Student Quick Start Guide is also available.
   

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:
This is an online, Distance Learning (DIL) class. 

This course will attempt to challenge all students to use critical thinking in the analysis and development of complex financial solutions to the many challenges associated with Small Business Finance.  Through discussion of current events, indicated assignments and exams students are expected to gain technical and managerial skills that will allow them to succeed in the financial world. 

Note: This class uses various complex mathematical calculations throughout.  It is assumed that the student will have an understanding of algebra and general mathematical principles.  Support is available through ACC Learning Labs.

DISTANCE EDUCATION:
This course is conducted entirely online.  The course will cover the same material as a traditional face-to-face course.  In order to be successful in this course, the student will need to be self-disciplined and well organized in order to submit all assignments, including discussion boards, on time. You are expected to keep up with ALL of the course requirements and to keep track of important dates. The flexibility of the course is very aggregable to many students, but those who are used to the traditional classroom may not be used to creating their own time management schedule. If this is your first course online I strongly recommend you review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/.

Please note that students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES:

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm.  Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester.  You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR:
This course is divided in 16 week long modules.  Each week students will be responsible for reading/wathcing/listening to a set of material, provided by the instructor, that is relevant to the topic of the week. Each weekly module also has various activities to be completed (see course schedule below).

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement and/or email.

Assignment details:

• Weekly Quick Check Quizzes: At the end of each concept a quiz will be administered and completed remotely through the Blackboard class page.
• Content Activities: These assignments will be provided within the Blackboard class page with specific instructions. Each assignment is to be uploaded to the corresponding assignment dropbox in Blackboard.  
• Discussion Board Participation: There will be multiple discussion board topics for you to actively participate in.  Please read the topic questions for each board and respond to each question.  On a later occasion, respond to at least one additional comment posted by a fellow student.  Discussion boards are open for a specific number of days, it is important to be active the entire discussion time.  You cannot gain full credit if you wait until the last minute to participate in the discussion.  
• Exams: Each exam will be taken remotely (using RespondusLockDown Monitor). Exams will consist of multiple-choice questions on topics from the readings/videos. One single-sided sheet of notes and a financial calculator (not a cell phone) will be allowed during the exams. A webcam is required for remote exams.  NOTE: Chromebooks and devices using Microsoft “S” mode are NOT compatible with the exam software and cannot be used for the examinations.

Rules for Submitting Assignments: 

1. All assignments are to be completed in Microsoft Word.  Please double-space and use 12pt Times New Roman font.
2. Submit your assignments by uploading your Word or Google document to the appropriate dropbox in Blackboard. Proper assignment submission is critical to ensure your work can be graded and returned to you in a timely manner. 
3. All assignments must be typed in 12pt Times New Roman font.
4. Do NOT type your answers directly in Blackboard.
5. Any work that is not submitted in a Word or Google document and cannot be opened/viewed will NOT be graded.

GRADING SYSTEM:
This course is divided into 16 weeks.  Each week will cover a specific concept of study.  Each week will have required articles and/or videos to read/view and activities to complete.  

Grading in this course will be based on the completion of the following activities and their assigned point value:

7 Content Specific Activities (45 points each, 315 total points)

7 Weekly Discussions (25 points each, 175 total points)

13 Weekly Quick Check Quizzes (20 points each, 260 total points)

2 Exams (100 points each, 200 total points)

Welcome quiz and self-introduction (25 points each, 50 points total)

COURSE POLICIES:
 

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  

I am required to submit a formal attendance certificate by FEBRUARY 1, 2023.  Any students who have failed to participate in the course by this date will be withdrawn from the course automatically by the college.

If attendance or compliance with other course policies are unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Discussion board participation is a mandatory portion of this course. It is important to post quality comments on the discussion board that provide a clear analysis of the discussion topic as it relates to the text and subject. In order to earn full points for discussion board participation, you must log in at least twice during each discussion cycle and actively participate in the discussion. You will log in initially to respond to the discussion question posted by professor Ahrenholtz.  Subsequently, you will log in to reply to another student's response.  Please be sure to proofread your submissions and eliminate any offensive, profane or inappropriate comments.

Withdrawal Policy

 It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is APRIL 24, 2023.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Please read and review this syllabus and schedule carefully. If you do not think this course and its expectations will work for your schedule/style please reconsider enrollment.  Please do not contact me during the course to complain about the schedule, no adjustments will be made.  If you intend to drop the course, please make sure you have completed all administrative requirements. Otherwise, if your name appears in the class roster at the time final grades are to be due you receive an “F”.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies:

• MISSED EXAMS – If you miss an exam you have 48 hours to contact me to request a make-up exam. Permission for a make-up exam will only be granted under extreme circumstances. Lack of preparation is not considered an extreme circumstance and will not be awarded a make-up option. The final must be taken at the scheduled time.  There is NO make-up for the final
• It is in your best interest to submit your assignments before the due date.  However, I am aware that unexpected circumstances do occur.  Therefore, you have up to 7 days after the due date to submit your assignment for up to 50% credit.  After 7 days, the assignment will no longer be accepted.
• Academic work submitted will be your thought, research, or self-expression. 
• Absolutely no plagiarism.

Incomplete Policy:

An incomplete (“I”) will only be granted to a student in rare circumstances.

Generally, to receive a grade of “I”, a student must have completed all examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have a personal circumstance that occurs after the withdrawal deadline which prevents course completion. A grade of “I” also requires approval by the Department Chair and the completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form signed by the faculty member (and student if possible.)

If a grade of “I” is given, the remaining coursework must be completed by a date set by the student and professor. This date may not be later than the last day to withdraw from a course in the next semester.
 

As soon as possible after the “personal circumstances that prevent course completion” occur, the student shall contact the instructor in writing explaining the situation.  The instructor or the student may request a meeting (virtually or in person) if desired in order to clarify the situation and the proposed plan to complete the course. All of this MUST be completed before the official end of classes for the semester. 

1.   The instructor will report to the department chair the circumstances and the proposed plan to complete the work. This must be done no more than one day after the official end of the semester.   After discussion as needed, the Department Chair will inform the faculty member by email whether it is approved or not. The faculty member is responsible for retaining this email message.  

2.   After receiving approval from the department chair, the faculty member will submit the grade of I at the time needed to ensure that class grades are submitted on time.  

3.   The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.

4.   The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

5.   Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.

COLLEGE POLICIES:

Health and Safety Protocols-
Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.

• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available.

• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.

• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.  The college cannot mandate indoor masking but is encouraging it during this spike in cases as a result of the Delta variant.

• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.

• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Because of the ever-changing situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity 

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinaryprocess

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly,petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment.Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/studentsrights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them. If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus: (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.  While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options: Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964; compliance@austincc.edu.  If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employees. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

All grades for this class will be posted in BlackBoard.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

 
Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

 
Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

 
Use of the Testing Center

All testing is currently online.  Exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home using Respondus LockDown Browser.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES:

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology 

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

 
Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website:http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian:https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location:https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices:https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center:http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes:http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office:http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Illness:

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124