Instructor: Katharine Susman

Email: katharine.susman@austincc.edu

* If you need help to get back on a video call, my cell number is : 402-490-1123.

The Zoom classes are scheduled twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and attendance is required. The Zoom meetings link is found in Blackboard under the Zoom Meeting tool icon in the Blackboard course.

* In between class meetings, if there are questions, the best way to communicate is via email.. I can also be text messaged on issues that need very immediate attention. How to schedule a one-on-one "office hour" appointment is described above.

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Blackboard and through the College's email system

• OVERVIEW:

  
  Blackboard course access 1st week of class: Students must access the course in Blackboard (Bb) during the 1st week of class and complete the Orientation Exam. If a student does not take the Orientation Exam in Blackboard during the 1st week of class, the student will be classified as "Never Attended" and will be dropped from the class.

  Course Description: Computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems relating to the business environment will be covered. The main focus of this course is on business applications of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet. (College Catalog description)

   

  Pre-requisite: E-Reading and Writing.

  Instructional Methodology:  This course will have assignments on both the CONNECT and SIMNET sites each week including an online Smartbook text. All of the assignments are accessible from Blackboard under the link CONNECT/SIMNET assignments. You need to initially pair your Blackboard ID with with both the CONNECT and SIMNET McGrawHill webstite - instructions are in Blackboard. The SIMNET assignments will be based on Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Access).. Please connect into the online classroom with a laptop or computer that you will be able to also work on your SIMNET for the 5 projects in the Office 365 product suite (available free from ACC during your time as a student at ACC).

  Course Rationale:  This course is designed to teach students the theoretical approach to information technology and management information systems within a business/computer science environment. Practical business computer applications will emphasize word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and electronic commerce of the Internet. Since this course is designed to transfer into a bachelor degree program, check with your degree plan as to what computer science course your college requires.

   

  To Download Microsoft 365:

  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Q30XIpPV5pUWs1aEVjMjlUN3FXSjRfZ3JIZkxMdjRfdWJF/view

Credit Hours: 3

• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 0 min (online)
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0 min (online)

• ACC Computer Science – Computer Lab Hours  (when campuses are open):

  http://cis.austincc.edu/austin-community-college-cit-open-computer-labs-schedule

   

  Tutoring Services:

  http://cis.austincc.edu/cis-tutoring-schedules

   

  REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:

  For grade and skill acquisition success, it is imperative that students understand and follow the course requirements in this section. If items are unclear, be sure to eliminate the ambiguity.

  SIMNET Lab Simulations and Quizzes: These are based on weekly technology lessons presented in Microsoft Office.

  SIMNET Lab Projects/Assignments:These are based on weekly technology lessons presented in Microsoft Office.

  SIMNET Application Assessment: This is a cumulative exam on the application software, Microsoft Office, (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics). It may consist of multiple choice/short answer questions, hands-on, simulation software, or use of the application software.

  SIMNET Lab Simulations, projects, and quizzes links are automatically/programmatically synchronized to Blackboard (SIMNet) at 11:59pm of the due date. Therefore, assignments should not be submitted after the due date.

   Availability of computers or the internet is not an excuse for being late with any assignment on a regular basis. If circumstances arise due to COVID or illness that are exceptional, please contact me. Please see the College's policy for "Incomplete| course work in the next section. 

  There are no makeup EXAMS in this course. If you miss an exam and do not arrange for an alternate time to take the Exam in advance outside of scheduled due dates, you will receive a grade of zero (0) for that exam. The exams are open book exams.

  Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule before each set of assignments.. 

• 1 – Orientation Exam (Due By: First Sunday after classes begin)	100 points	3%
  3 – Concepts Exams  - (Done In-Class - see schedule for dates)       #1 (Chapter 1 – 3, Appendix A) 8.3%       #2 (Chapter 4 – 6, Appendix C) 8.3%       #3 (Chapter 7 – 9, Appendix B) 8.3%	100 points	25%
  Labs/Simulations (16) and Quizzes (16)  (Complete and due during online class - lab portion)	100 points	20%
  Lab Projects (5) * In-Class Participation in Discussion Group also included here for synchronous classes (Due Dates: Following Sun night)	100 points	20%
  Application Assessment (Final Exam)) (Done In-Class - see schedule for dates)	100 points	15%
  Smart Books (12) / Concepts Quizzes (CQ) (12)  (Complete and due during online class = lab portion)	100 points	17%
  Total		100%

  Grade Policy: The final course grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Written exams, homework practical guides, quizzes, and in class participation will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

   

  90% - 100%	A
  80% - 89%	B
  70% - 79%	C
  60% - 69%	D
  0% - 59%	F

   

   

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The materials in the Blackboard course site are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

The content in the Blackboard course site is derivative work from this class textbook publisher provided instructional resources and instructor's notes. This content is distributed under the fair use provisions of the U.S. Copyright Law or the TEACH Act and further copying and redistributing of this material is a violation of the copyright law.

Business Driven, Information Systems 8e - digitally included with First Day

Author: Paige Baltzan

Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 2023.

Multiple ISBN values depending if hardcover, spiral bound or digital.

ISBN hardcover 9781264136827

ISBN ebook 9781264750184 

THIS IS AN ALL INCLUSIVE TEXTBOOK. Will be available the first day of class in Blackboard.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

• Gain familiarity with the concepts and terminology used in the development, implementation and operation of business application systems.
• Explore various methods that Information Technology can be used to support existing businesses and strategies.
• Investigate emerging technology in shaping new processes, strategies and business models.
• Achieve hands-on experience with productivity/application software to enhance business activities.
• Accomplish projects utilizing business theories, Internet resources and computer technology.
• Work with simple design and development tasks for the main types of business information systems.
• Develop an advanced information technology skill, focusing on office productivity software with emphasis on spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Develop advanced techniques for use in data analysis and decision-making using electronic spreadsheet and databases.

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Business Driven IS 8e, By Baltzan

Chapter 1 – Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS

Chapter 2 – Decisions and Processes: Value Driven Business

Appendix A – Hardware and Software Basics

Chapter 3 – E-Business: Electronic Business Value

Chapter 4 – Ethics and Information Security: MIS Business Concerns

Chapter 5 – Infrastructures: Sustainable Technologies

Appendix C – Designing Databases

Chapter 6 – Data: Business Intelligence

Appendix B – Networks and Telecommunications

Chapter 7 – Networks: Mobile Business

Chapter 8 – Enterprise Applications: Business Communications

Chapter 9 – Systems Development and Project Management: Corporate

MS Office 2019 SIMbook – A Skills Approach

Word 2019:

             Word - Chapter 1 - Getting Started With Word 2019

Power Point 2019:

             PowerPoint - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with PowerPoint 2019

Excel 2019:

             Excel - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Excel 2019

Excel - Chapter 2 - Formatting Cells

Excel - Chapter 3 - Using Formulas and Functions

Excel - Chapter 4 - Formatting Worksheets and Managing the Workbook

Excel - Chapter 5 - Adding Charts and Analyzing Data

Excel - Chapter 6 - Exploring Advanced Functions

Excel - Chapter 7 - Exploring Advanced Charts and Graphics

Excel - Chapter 8 - Exploring Advanced Data Analysis

Excel - Chapter 9 - Importing Data, Reviewing, and Finalizing the Workbook

Access 2019:

             Access - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Access 2019

Access - Chapter 2 - Working with Tables

Access - Chapter 3 - Working with Forms and Reports

Access - Chapter 4 - Using Queries and Organizing Information

BCIS 1305-008 COURSE SCHEDULE 16 Weeks – Fall 2023 - Susman

• This syllabus is intended to give the student guidance in what may be covered during the semester and will be followed as closely as possible. However, the professor reserves the right to modify, supplement and make changes as the course needs

Posting of Assignment Grades

Assignments (e.g. programs) are typically graded within one week after the assignment due date. Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades.

Questions ?

Feel free to email with questions anytime at katharine.susman@austincc.edu. We can also schedule one on one meetings during my posted office hours using the the video conferencing link setup on Blackboard.

Attendance/Class Participation

 For online classes, “Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

“In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.”

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides 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 submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The last date to withdraw for this semester is November 16th, 2023. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

If the withdrawal is not completed by 5 PM on the last day to withdrawal, the student will receive a performance grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that they have earned.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

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.”

Incompletes

Typically, a student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if  the following conditions are satisfied:

1.     The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.

2.     The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.

3.     The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.

4.     To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Due to COVID or exceptional circumstances, there is an appeal process per college policy as described below.

ACC Incomplete Review Process and Policy::

“An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given in Fall 2023 due to extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion, and must be also consistent with ACC policy for Incomplete grades (see above) .  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the Spring 2024 semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair. This will also be dependent on the electronic textbook material being extensible to the students during the extra period of time both on Blackboard and on the McGrawHill websites since much of this course content is delivered through McGraw Hill learning materials - SIMNET and CONNECT.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      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.   

3.      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.  

4.      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.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

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-disciplinary-process

See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Campus Operations

To limit the spread of COVID-19, ACC campuses remain closed to all but faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in certain Career and Technical Education courses.   Face-to-face classes and services are limited.

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-disciplinary-process

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/students-rights-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 employee. 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.

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

  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing

Under non-covid circumstances, the below process would apply:

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures, so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

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.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office 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 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. 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services is operating online while campuses are closed during the current pandemic. Libraries continue to support ACC courses and programs and provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians. ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website, and students must use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries provide the “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat or complete an online form for in-depth questions.  Faculty librarians are available via email and virtually to meet with you by appointment seven days a week. Students can also contact the Library for questions about their library account, registration holds, and technology/device distribution options.

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

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 resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• 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/.  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health 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 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

Support Reference Links and Information for Various Hardware, Software, and other Connectivity issues.

* For Distance Education Issues, refer to the Blackboard course site and to:

 ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Network and WIFI:

Network connection and bandwidth issues, take advantage of ACC's drive-up WIFI hot spots:

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

Need an IPAD Device to Access ACC Resources ?

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.