Course Description: Overview of computer systems—hardware, operating systems, and microcomputer application software, including the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases.  Current issues such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and other modern settings are also studied.

This course provides the required computer literacy core competencies that all students need to attain by graduation.

Pre-requisite:  Reading – R.

Keyboarding and mouse operation skills recommended.

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have 50% lecture and 50% laboratory.  It has a CBE (competency-based education) structure, which means it is very self-paced.

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 Rationale:  This course meets the Computer Literacy course requirements as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This course is included in several degree plans and certificates including:

• Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Local Area Network Administration
• Associate of Applied Science – User and Computer Support
• Associate of Applied Science – Game and Visualization Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Information Technology Application
• Associate of Applied Science – Security Administration
• Associate of Applied Science – Software Testing

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

The students will learn to “use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information”. Students will have an “understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and acquire the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available”.  After successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Define and describe the hardware used in information technology (IT).
2. Define and describe the types of software used in IT.
3. Delineate and discuss societal issues involving the use of IT and networks.
4. Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases in order to communicate and store information as well as to support problem solving.
5. Use IT to acquire, differentiate and evaluate information and technology.

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

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS.  The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Course Texts:

The Shelly Cashman Series Collection, Microsoft 365 & Office 2021 @ 2023, Cengage Learning, Inc.

NOTE:  This textbook is purchased with your registration fee.

Grade Policy:

Imagine that you are climbing a mountain whose peak is 7000 meters high.  You work your way to the top as best you can at your own speed.  The summit of our particular mountain is 7000 points.  Your letter grade will be assigned based on the points you earn by attending, reading, working projects and exercises, passing exams.  The list of letter grades earned by point totals is below.  Some work must be done according to the class schedule, but most of it is at your own pace.

An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

A         7000 points

B         6000 points

C         5000 points

D         4000 points

F          below 4000 points

We will form groups to work on two projects, one for Microsoft Word and one for PowerPoint.  I do not assign the groups; we will discuss the details of the process in class.

MindTap Trainings and MindTap projects (and a couple of MindTap “exams”) comprise most of your grade.  There may be additional exercises or quizzes as required.  MindTap exercises are designated “Graded” or “Practice”.  The Practice exercises are extra credit, but the book doesn’t allow that label.

You must do the projects, but you may earn points from any MindTap exercises you choose.  There are no due dates or late penalties.

Point summary:

• 2 Group Projects                         500 points each
• Base Conversion exercise           300 points
• MindTap Projects                      100 points each
• MindTap Trainings                    2 points per task
• Student Information Form          20 points
• Attendance                                  10 points per class meeting

Work schedule.

• The final date on which material may be submitted for grading is 12/9/2023.
• Class meetings may be lectures or work days.  A work day is a class meeting where I am available to help; they are also days for general discussion on topics of interest.  Once groups are formed and the Group Projects are under way, work days are where most of that work gets done.

Lectures and Attendance.

• All lectures are recorded in Blackboard.
• There are three lectures on technical details of how computers operate.
  • These lectures will be given in the first half of the semester and repeated in the second half of the semester.  This is a process called interleaving.
• There are four lectures each on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, and two lectures on “Integration.”
  • Half of these lectures are given, in sequence, during the first half of the semester
  • The sequence is repeated in the second half of the semester:  once again, interleaving
• A Microsoft Office topic lecture consists of my working a MindTap project on that topic live in the classroom.  As I am working I will expand the discussion to include many other features of the tool..
• If you work the project along with me, you should get a good score “free”.

Course/Class Policies:

Attendance / Class Participation

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.  Attendance is graded:  10 points per class session.

I will not withdraw any student from this class unless expressly asked to do so by the student.

The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Freedom of Expression Policy

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

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 Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is 11/16/2023.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

I will not withdraw any student from this class unless expressly asked to do so by the student.

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 towards this limit.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Incompletes

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 a grade of ‘I’. 

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.

Seriously, those are the rules, but don’t do it.  In all the years I have been at ACC, only one student has finished an Incomplete before the deadline at which time it turns into an F.  Once you get out of the class, it is very hard to regain the focus on the work.

COLLEGE POLICIES

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.

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

Student Rights and 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 at 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-andresponsibilities/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.  Individual student grades are 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.

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

Students Accessibility Services 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  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 ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

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)

 Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask questions, but such a page is optional.

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

Use of ACC E-mail

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 you 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. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account.

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to demonstrate proper classroom behavior.  The professor has the prerogative to request any student that demonstrates improper and disruptive classroom behavior to leave the classroom.  Improper and disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to: profanity, verbal outbursts, unwarranted physical activity, and lack of respect for fellow students and/or the professor.

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.

Emergency Situation

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing 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://www.austincc.edu/campuscarry.

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.

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 concern 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

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

All ACC campuses and centers have one entrance for students and employees. The college is limiting facility access to faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses.  Each person is required to take the following steps: 

1. Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms using the ACC Health Screening App. There are three secure ways to use the app — 1) download it on your phone (recommended), 2) download the web link, or 3) you may use an iPad that is available at the door. It is easy to download and use. Answer a series of quick questions and the app will give you results. Save the results to show at the door upon entry. Get the app here at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/acc-health-screening-app

2. ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry. Employees and students must display their I.D. at all times.

3. Temperature checks will be conducted with a no-touch thermometer. If you have a fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, you will not be admitted to the building. 

4. ACC Health Screen App results will be requested at the door. If you are unable to download the app, an iPad will be provided at the door so that you may answer a series of questions to determine if you have COVID-19 symptoms which include:
      Cough
      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
      Chills
      Repeated shaking with chills 
      Muscle pain
      Headache
      Sore throat
      Loss of taste or smell
      Diarrhea
      Fever
      Have you come into contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 with 14 days?

If you do not pass the pre-screening, you will receive specific information on healthcare procedures and instructions for what you need to know to be able to return to campus.

5. Facial coverings/masks are required for anyone entering an ACC building. You must wear a facial covering/mask at all times. In private spaces such as an individual office, your facial covering may be removed if you are alone. These guidelines are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes clear that facial coverings and social distancing are among the most effective measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19. 

TIP—Students should arrive to campus early to ensure enough time to get through the screening line. 

On-Campus Protocols

• Wash and sanitize your hands prior to entering a classroom, office, or facility. Hand sanitizing stations, disinfecting wipes, soap, and water are readily available.
• Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds.
• Practice social distancing with all individuals by maintaining at least six feet of separation.
• Follow floor stickers that are placed throughout the campus to help guide social distancing in high traffic areas.
• A maximum of two people at a time will be allowed in elevators.
• Facial coverings/masks must remain on at all times. A facial covering may only be removed as allowed by the course safety plan (i.e., when alone in private spaces such as an individual office).
• For the safety of all who are on-campus, water fountains will be turned off, vending machines will have limited services, all food services will be suspended, and common area furniture will be removed. Please plan accordingly.

Classroom Protocols

• Schedules are staggered and courses have been divided into smaller sections to minimize contact with individuals.
• Seating for standard classrooms is limited to nine students and one instructor unless the classroom is deemed large enough to handle more by the Safety & Operations Office.
• Faculty will assign seats to students to keep them at a safe distance from one another. It's imperative that students follow seat assignments in order to track any contamination or the possible spread of COVID-19.
• Plexiguards are installed on faculty desks if there is not at least nine-feet between the desk and the first row of students. 
• Once inside the classroom, facial coverings must continue to be worn.
• ACC encourages students to wipe down their desks before class begins. Supplies will be provided in each classroom.

Deep Cleaning Protocols

• ACC's Campus Operations Quality Control staff will regularly and frequently disinfect any and all high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
• Staff will disinfect classrooms as soon as classes are over.
• Students and employees will be reminded to disinfect personal electronics on a regular basis.
• Hand sanitizer will be available in or near every classroom.
• Sufficient disinfecting supplies are available to maintain hygienic standards throughout the day.
• These disinfectant procedures will occur after each class and at the end of every day.

Illness & Travel Protocols

• If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus or office.
• You will need to get tested for COVID-19 and report the results (positive or negative) to ACC's COVID-19 Liaison (see below). 
• If you become ill in the classroom or inside an ACC facility, you will be asked to go into an isolation room to take the state's online self-assessment.
• Isolation rooms are available on each campus and center with resources and information to help you learn about the next steps and where to go for a COVID-19 test. 
• All areas used by anyone who is sick or tests positive for COVID-19 will be immediately closed, waiting for the appropriate period of time before it is thoroughly deep cleaned, disinfected, and deemed safe to reopen. 
• If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you must self-report. ACC's Self-Report form is available online.
• ACC has identified a primary COVID-19 Liaison responsible for communicating and coordinating with local health departments. Our liaison is Michael Garcia, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, sem-helpdesk@austincc.edu. 

A training video is available here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/health-and-safety-protocols

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://www.austincc.edu/campuscarry.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be reflected in the schedule in Blackboard and will be accompanied by an email to all students.  If 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.

The rapidly changing situation with regard to the recent surge in COVID cases has led to Austin Community College updating their health and safety protocols even from what was in place last week. As a result, the wording in the master syllabus template, specifically the section on health & safety protocols under College Policies, is no longer accurate.

However, given the high state of uncertainty about how the situation will develop, it has been decided that rather than revising the template repeatedly (and forcing those who have already written their syllabi for this fall to do it again), faculty should incorporate the wording as it is provided in the template into their course syllabi and first-day handouts.

But, if you would, please distribute to your students this addendum that details the current health & safety protocols as they stand at this time. Most importantly, ALL FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS SHOULD FREQUENTLY VISIT ACC’S COVID WEBSITE AT https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND GUIDANCE.

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:

• Face Masks Required - On Friday, August 13, 2021, the ACC Board of Trustees unanimously approved a face mask mandate at ACC. Effective August 20, 2021, anyone who is 2 years of age or older will be required to wear a face mask in all ACC buildings.

• Virtual Learning for the First 3 Weeks - ACC will scale back the number of students and employees on campus when the fall semester begins. Many courses will be held online for the first three weeks of the semester from August 23 through September 12. Courses that require in-person instruction, including some labs, will still be held on-campus. Those that can be moved to online formats will do so for this period.

• Health Screening Required - Starting Monday, August 16, 2021, ACC’s health app will be required for all students, employees, and visitors. Download the app here. If you’re exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, the app will provide you information about steps you can take to report your illness.

• Vaccination Clinics - ACC hosts a series of on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics for eligible members of the ACC community. Clinics are offered at select campuses districtwide. The clinics are offered in partnership with Austin Public Health and Travis County Fire & Rescue. The vaccination schedule is available here. All appointments are walk-up and available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted. The college strongly urges those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get one.

• COVID Testing - 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. Please do not come to campus if you are feeling ill or if you test positive for COVID-19.

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

• Identification - ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry.