GRADING SYSTEM:
This course is divided into 4 Parts.  Each Part  will cover a specific set of chapters and at end of each chapter, there will be a Packback Questions discussion that you will engage with through the Blackboard learning management system.  In addition to the chapter discussions, each Part will contain one Exam and one Case Study Analysis.

EXAM ONE, 50 points (Chapters 1, 2)
EXAM TWO, 150 points (Chapters  3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
EXAM THREE, 150 points (Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
EXAM FOUR,  100 points (Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18)
Case Study Activities, 40 points each (160 points total)
Chapter Discussions, 20 points each  (360 points total)
Mandatory Orientation Quiz in Blackboard, 15 points
Mandatory Welcome Self-Introduction Discussion, 15 points
*Extra Credit assignments (4), 20 points each; 80 points possible

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE:

Required Textbook and Supporting Materials

• The Practice of Public Relations by Fraser Seitel, 14th edition, 2020 Pearson Education.  This textbook is the only acceptable textbook for this course. 

To enhance your learning experience and provide affordable access to the right course  material, this course is part of an inclusive access model called First Day Access.  

The text and software materials for this course are part of the First Day Access (FDA) program at ACC.  These items are part of your tuition when you enroll in this course, unless you opt out. It is NOT recommended that you Opt-Out, as these materials are required to complete the course. You can choose to Opt-Out on the first day of class, but you will be responsible for purchasing your course materials at the full retail price and access to your materials may be suspended. For more information and FAQs go to customercare.bncollege.com  To access the First Day Course Materials, click on the link in the upper left-hand  side of the screen right below the link Announcements

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.

COURSE RATIONALE: The purpose of this course is to help students learn how to evaluate public attitudes, identify
policies and procedures of an organization with the public interest and understanding how public relations is a management function. Media consideration is an important aspect of public relations. Today public relations are much broader and more market-oriented than in the past. Students will learn about media consolidation and the effects of the Internet on reporters and public relations departments. Students will also learn about public attitudes, how to establish and develop public relations plan and execute the plan. The power of publicity is also an important topic that will be explored. Public Relations is not just about textbook learning; it challenges students to use their critical/creative skills in all aspects of Business and Public Relations, not just those covered in this course.

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 marketing industry.

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 DESCRIPTION: MRKG 1313 Public Relations. Exploration of theories, techniques, and processes of public relations including means of influencing methods of building goodwill, analysis of media, obtaining publicity, and implementation of public relations programs.

Credit Hours: 3
Classroom Contact Hours Per Week : 3
Lab Hours : 0

END OF COURSE OUTCOMES: 

1. Define public relations.

2. Review evolution of public relations.

3. Analyze public opinion and how it affects public relations.

4. Discuss the importance of ethics in public relations.

5. Review types of public relations research.

6. Review legal aspects of public relations.

7. Review communication theory.

8. Chapter objectives that appear in the text

ACCESS THE ACTIVE SYLLABUS THROUGH THIS LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q-RjPunJ-Q5WvPRBs5yjELpyklFI75N1co3YtmQ2_tg/edit?usp=sharing

PUBLIC RELATIONS MRKG 1313-001 (DIL)

Fall 2023

 Courtney Ahrenholtz, Associate Professor

COURSE INFORMATION:

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MRKG 1313-001 Section 69488

Distance Learning (DIL)

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

MANDATORY ONLINE ORIENTATION(Welcome Quiz) DUE BY: August 24, 2023

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.) Please be sure to reference MRKG 1313 in the subject line of your email to ensure it gets the proper attention.

Office Hours and locations: Please email me to confirm a meeting time and topic. 

Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:15am, 1:15-2;00pm  RRC3 Adjunct Offices (3rd floor)

Friday’s 9:15 am -12:30 pm CYP 2204.10

Virtual meetings are also available

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

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

YouTube Channel: Course relevant content and helpful tutorials https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr0G_CuUY5ytUx3I_N41BIg?view_as=subscriber 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: MRKG 1313 Public Relations. Exploration of theories, techniques, and processes of public relations including means of influencing methods of building good will, analysis of media, obtaining publicity, andimplementation of public relations programs.

Credit Hours: 3
Classroom Contact Hours Per Week : 3
Lab Hours : 0

END OF COURSE OUTCOMES: 

1. Define public relations.

2. Review evolution of public relations.

3. Analyze public opinion and how it affects public relations.

4. Discuss the importance of ethics in public relations.

5. Review types of public relations research.

6. Review legal aspects of public relations.

7. Review communication theory.

8. Chapter objectives that appear in the text

COURSE RATIONALE: The purpose of this course is to help students learn how to evaluate public attitudes, identify policies and procedures of an organization with public interest and understand how public relations is a management function. Media consideration is an important aspect of public relations. Today public relations are much broader and more market-oriented than in the past. Students will learn about media consolidation, affects of Internet on reporters and public relations departments. Students will also learn about public attitudes, how to establish and develop public relations plan, and execute the plan. The power of publicity is also an important topic that will be explored. Public Relations is not just about textbook learning; it challenges students to use their

critical/creative skills in all aspects of Business and Public Relations, not just those covered in this course.

PREREQUISITES: N/A

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE:

Required Textbook and Supporting Materials

• The Practice of Public Relations by Fraser Seitel, 14th edition, 2020 Pearson Education.  This textbook is the only acceptable textbook for this course. 

To enhance your learning experience and provide affordable access to the right course  material, this course is part of an inclusive access model called First Day Access.  

The text and software materials for this course are part of the First Day Access (FDA) program at ACC.  These items are part of your tuition when you enroll in this course, unless you opt out. It is NOT recommended that you Opt-Out, as these materials are required to complete the course. You can choose to Opt-Out on the first day of class, but you will be responsible for purchasing your course materials at the full retail price and access to your materials may be suspended. For more information and FAQs go to customercare.bncollege.com  To access the First Day Course Materials, click on the link in the upper left-hand  side of the screen right below the link Announcements
 

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.
   

Minimum Technical Skills

Another requirement is that you have some basic computer technical skills. Please take a look at this Technical Skills Checklist prior to beginning the course: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/TechCheck.php. Related to item 10 on this checklist, setting up your ACC email account, please note that I will communicate with you through your ACC email account and Blackboard for this course.    

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 marketing industry.

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.

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Austin Community College 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/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

GRADING SYSTEM:
This course is divided into 4 Parts.  Each Part  will cover a specific set of chapters and at end of each chapter, there will be a Packback Questions discussion that you will engage with through the Blackboard learning management system.  In addition to the chapter discussions, each Part will contain one Exam and one Case Study Analysis.

EXAM ONE, 50 points (Chapters 1, 2)
EXAM TWO, 150 points (Chapters  3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
EXAM THREE, 150 points (Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
EXAM FOUR,  100 points (Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18)
Case Study Activities, 40 points each (160 points total)
Chapter Discussions, 20 points each  (360 points total)
Mandatory Orientation Quiz in Blackboard, 15 points
Mandatory Welcome Self-Introduction Discussion, 15 points
*Extra Credit assignments (4), 20 points each; 80 points possible

Exams = 450 points,  Case Study Analysis = 160 points, Chapter Discussions = 360 points,  Orientation Quiz = 15 points, Self-Introdution = 15 points

Important Dates for Fall 2023:

Exam One: September 11, 2023
Exam Two : October 12, 2023
Exam Three : November 9, 2023
Exam Four: December 7, 2023
Case Study #1: September 7, 2023
Case Study #2: September 21, 2023
Case Study #3: October 23, 2023
Case Study #4: November 16, 2023
Last Day to Withdraw:  November 16, 2023
Thanksgiving Break: November 22-26, 2023

COURSE POLICIES:

The Use of  Artificial Intelligence (AI): Any work written, developed, created, or inspired by artificial intelligence (AI) will be considered plagiarism and will not be tolerated.  While there are many new and exciting developments with AI in the marketing industry, in terms of education and learning your original work is irreplaceable. Your purpose as a student is to learn from your own experiences and apply these experiences in authentic and creative ways.  Using AI robs you of the opportunity to think critically and apply the knowledge you are working so hard to achieve.  If it it believed that your work is not entirely your own you will be held responsible under the College Academic Integrity Process. 

Attendance/Class Participation
Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  

The instructor is required to submit a formal attendance certificate by September 6, 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 is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

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
• Assignments will NOT be accepted late.  All deadlines are absolute. 
• Academic work submitted will be your thought, research, or self-expression. 
• Absolutely no plagiarism.

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 November 16, 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”.

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.  

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR: Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be posted as a Blackboard Announcement.   

• Exams: Each exam will be taken remotely (using RespondusLockDown Monitor). Exams will consist of multiple-choice and true/false  questions on topics from the textbook. 
  • A webcam is required for remote exams. Chromebooks and Microsoft “S” mode will not support the exam software.
• Case Study Analysis: Explore real-life cases of modern public relations events and provide a supported written analysis.  
• Packback Discussions: Participation is a requirement for this course, and the Packback Questions platform will be used for online discussion about class topics. Packback Questions is an online community where you can be fearlessly curious and ask open-ended questions. 
• Extra Credit: Opportunities are available for you to independently research a specific topic for a chance to earn extra points towards your final grade.

*Extra Credit activities are optional

COLLEGE POLICIES:

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  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.

●  Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC.  The college’s Appian Health Screening App remains available to everyone who visits campus. This continues to be a good way to check your own health before coming to class or work. 

●  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.  To find testing locations near you, click this link.

●  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 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 everchanging 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-disciplinary-process

Any course specific policies, expectations, or procedures could be included here.

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.

Class grades should be posted in Blackboard, and this could be mentioned here.

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 outbreak of illness, 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. 

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 512-223-1231.   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/1xfmZHOPD_H1wgGKq1N7Irv6gvXxOXzbZ/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

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

●  Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing

●  Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)

●  Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)

●  Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

●  Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

The instructor should provide additional information about how they will conduct examinations and other assessments here.

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

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

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations prior to the beginning of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received accommodations from SAS for this course will provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Faculty Notification Letter” (FNL) through the Accessible Information Management (AIM) portal.

Until the instructor receives the FNL, accommodations should not be provided.  Once the FNL is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to request their accommodations as soon as possible prior to the beginning of the semester.

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

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 offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

●  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: 988 or 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)