COURSE INFORMATION

Course Dates and Times:  This class does not have required class times. Pre-recorded lecture videos will be available in Blackboard.

Course Location:  Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Credits:  3

Lecture Contact Hours per 16 week semester: 3

Lab Contact Hours per week per 16 week semester: 1

HOW TO REACH THE INSTRUCTOR

Instructor: Kristy McDermott (Johnson), CPA, Associate Professor

E-Mail: kmcdermo@austincc.edu (preferred method of contact)

Office Location: Virtual Classroom in Blackboard

Office Hours:    TBA

COURSE DESCRIPTION                                     

This course includes basic instruction in the tax laws as currently implemented by the Internal Revenue Service, providing a working knowledge of preparing taxes for individuals. Emphasis on federal income tax law; individual income, exclusions, deductions, credits, gains, etc.; and incorporating these concepts into individual tax filing requirements.

Prerequisites: Before enrolling in ACNT 1331, you must have completed ACCT 2301 or ACNT 1403 with a C or better grade. Basic computer skills utilizing internet, word processing, spreadsheet (Excel), and presentation (Power Point) software are recommended for all accounting courses. If you have any questions, consult with an accounting advisor.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Students will work independently by reading each chapter, watching the virtual classroom lecture videos, and completing assignments in Connect. Taxation has a conceptual side and an applied side. The course is designed to help the student understand income tax concepts and apply them to various comprehensive tax simulations.

This is a distance education course which is different than traditional face-to-face learning. Students will need to manage their time and study skills in order to be a successful online student. Students are responsible for completing the course requirements.

All students will use Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, as well as accessing assignments, exams, and collaboration. Students that are new to distance education should review the ACC Distance Education General Information at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/.

Blackboard: You will access all course content through Blackboard. If you have not previously taken a course utilizing Blackboard, you will find a link to the login procedures on the Blackboard login page: http://acconline.austincc.edu. Otherwise, the login username and password you previously used will still work.  You must have an activated ACC eID number to log into blackboard. For information on how to activate your ACC eID please refer to http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/. 

Lab Activities: Lab assignments will be completed online. Assignments will consist of a combination of Tax Returns, Research Assignments, Data Analytics, and CPA exam prep work. 

Homework:  Homework will be completed using McGraw-Hill Connect. Information about Connect will be provided in the blackboard course. All students are expected to complete homework when assigned.  Please arrange your outside commitments and personal situation to allow you to devote the necessary time to be successful in this class.

Chapter Quizzes:  Chapter quizzes will be given online and will be multiple-choice questions.

Exams:  All exams must be proctored. Exams will be completed using Blackboard Respondus Monitor or Proctorio. Exams will be a combination of multiple-choice and workout problems. More information about how to complete exams will be provided in Blackboard. If you must miss an exam, please contact me BEFORE the end of the testing window. Make-up exams will be given at my discretion. Failure to notify the instructor will result in a zero (“0”).

Extra Credit: A maximum of 15 extra credit points may be earned during the semester. There will be no curve for overall course grade or for any exams. Extra credit can be earned by completing the LearnSmart activity for each chapter. Each LS activity is worth 1 point and it must be completed by the exam date that covers that chapter. In addition, extra credit can be earned by attending various school accounting functions. Information about these functions will be posted on the Blackboard site.

Missed or Late Work: Late homework, quizzes, and labs will be accepted up until the last day of the exam covering that material (Exam 1 materials deadline—TBA, Exam 2 materials deadline—TBA, and Exam 3 materials deadline—TBA). There will be no penalty for late assignments. Once the late assignment is past the exam deadline, it will not be accepted (NO EXCEPTIONS).

Where to go if you have questions: My preferred contact method is email. If you would like to contact me virtually, please sign up for a time slot to meet in our virtual classroom in BlackBoard.  If you cannot meet during my office hours, we can schedule an appointment for a more convenient time.  Regardless of how you contact me, you will receive a reply from me within 48 hours (during the weekdays) and by Monday at 5:00 pm (for questions posed on the weekend). I usually do not answer email questions on weekends after 3pm on Fridays.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT PERSONAL IN NATURE OR SPECIFIC TO YOUR GRADES, ETC., PLEASE POST TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD IN BLACKBOARD.  This way, other students may be able to answer your question faster or others may also benefit from your question. Examples of using the discussion board include questions regarding deadlines, clarification regarding instructions and/or class expectations. Occasionally, I may use the Discussion Board to post non-urgent information or items that do not necessarily warrant an announcement in Blackboard.  We could also have a discussion regarding topics beyond the scope of the class.  Students are welcome and encouraged to answer questions on the Discussion Board, but please refrain from blurting out exact answers or posting screenshots that give away a portion of the project.

Please go to the Discussion Board in BlackBoard and subscribe to the Forum: General Questions.  By subscribing, you will be emailed when anyone posts to the Discussion Board.  You also have the option of posting anonymously.  I find this encourages students to post when they would not otherwise.  I do expect discussions to be respectful.  If anonymity is abused, that privilege will be revoked.  Accessing the information from the Discussion Board is expected for the course.

Where to go if you have complaints: You may review the complaint and grievance policy online: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies2.php. Please attempt to resolve the complaint immediately with me directly. If the complaint cannot be resolved, then my immediate supervisor is the Accounting Faculty Department Chair, Dr. Larry Stephens.

GRADING SYSTEM

Basis for Grading:

You must have a C or better to take ACNT 1347, Taxation for Partnership and Corporations or ACNT 1393, Special Topics in Taxation.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK/MATERIALS

McGraw-Hill’s Taxation of Individuals and Business Entities 2024 Edition, 15e, (with Connect).  Spilker/Ayers/Barrick/Lewis/Robinson/Weaver/Worsham. 

Your Connect access has been included in your tuition payment for the course.  There is no code necessary to register for Connect with the First Day Access Program.  If you are asked for payment or a code when registering for Connect through Blackboard, please notify your instructor immediately and select the “Courtesy Access” option.  If you would like a loose-leaf, print version of the textbook (Connect comes with the full e-book), they are available for around $27.00 at the ACC Bookstore.

Student Registration Instructions:  https://vimeo.com/281883800

Computer hardware and software requirements: This course will utilize Blackboard. This course requires that you have high-speed internet access. You must be able to view audio and video files in flash. Your computer will need to have a sound-card or speakers. You must have access to Adobe Reader. You must have access to Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. During the semester you may also use the following software: ProConnect Tax Online. Instructions about how to access this FREE software will be provided in Blackboard.

ACC provides Microsoft Office365 at no charge to students. Office365 is a line of subscription software and services offered by Microsoft. The suite includes applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications and services. For information on how to access Office365 visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Technology support services: 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.

COURSE RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES

Course Rationale: The goals and objectives of this course prepare students for (1) completing degree requirements; (2) obtaining or improving job skills; (3) qualifying for a business or accounting job; (4) working as an entrepreneur; (5) fulfilling personal goals; and/or (6) understanding individual income tax returns and the federal income tax law.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the determinants of taxable income and the statutory exclusions that are permitted,
2. Become familiar with the deduction component of the basic tax model,
3. Learn various other components that relate to the theme of tax liability determination,
4. Understand the purposes of the Federal tax law and the legislative, administrative, and judicial sources of Federal tax law, and
5. Research and report on assigned tax questions.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

See https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/prof-nobles/home/acnt-1331/acnt-1331-learning-objectives

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on achieving necessary skills): Please go to http://www.austincc.edu/mgmt/scans.php for complete definitions and explanation of SCANS.  Many of the SCANS listed on this site apply to this course including manages money, participates as a member of a team, serves clients/customers, acquires and evaluates information, organizes and maintains information, uses computers to process information, applies technology to task, arithmetic, mathematics, decision making, problem solving, and reasoning.

COURSE POLICIES

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: Austin Community College has received the designation of Qualifying Educational Credit for CPA Examination by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board).  To sit for the CPA exam, a candidate must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree with 150 credit hours (a master's degree is not required). The candidate must have at least 36 total hours of accounting (30 hours above the principles courses) and 24 total hours of business courses (effective February 2008). In addition, effective July 1, 2005, candidates must complete three hours of accounting ethics. Two semester hours are required in accounting research and analysis.  The semester hours may be included in the 30 semester hour accounting requirement. This course qualifies as one of the 30 required upper-level accounting courses, however for this course to be counted, the student MUST have completed a bachelor's degree PRIOR to taking this course. If this course is completed before a bachelor's degree is awarded, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy will not accept it.  Please review the information on our web site http://www.austincc.edu/accting/cpainfo.php. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and comply with the requirements of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

It is very important that you enroll in the Professional Accountant - Advanced Technical Certificate and that you see an advisor at the start of your program. Please be aware of enforcement of prerequisites. If you do not have the necessary prerequisites for this course, I will withdraw you from the course.

HB1508 Statement: To become a CPA in Texas, the Board has a statutory obligation (Section 901.253) to determine that any person awarded a Texas CPA certificate is of good moral character.

Good moral character is demonstrated by the lack of a history of dishonest or felonious acts. The Board considers several areas in evaluating an applicant's moral character. These include

• Responses to questions on the application relating to arrests, charges, convictions, probations and/or deferred adjudications of a felony or misdemeanor other than misdemeanor driving offenses such as moving violations (NOTE: DWIs are not considered misdemeanor driving offenses).
• The Board will access the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division files using an established fingerprint process for each person who submits an Application of Intent. The fingerprint process allows the Board to receive information on all arrests, charges, convictions, probations and deferred adjudications of misdemeanor and felony offenses that occur in any U.S. state or territory. Records of these activities are reported to the Board for further investigation. If an applicant was 17 years of age or older at the time of the arrest, it should be reported to the Board. You are not required to report criminal records that have been expunged or sealed by an order of the court. You are required to report criminal records subject to a non-disclosure order.  Any subsequent arrest will automatically be reported to the Board for further investigation.

Attendance/Participation: This course is asynchronous, which means that this course does not meet in a classroom or otherwise. The completion of the orientation assignments MUST be completed in the first week in order to verify attendance, as required. If attendance cannot be verified, then the student will be withdrawn from the course. If compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Regular completion of work is expected of all students.

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

Withdrawal: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she 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 submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date (TBA). 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.

Incomplete: An instructor may award a grade of “I” (incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An “I” cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

It is the Accounting department’s policy that incomplete grades are given only on rare occasions and generally, only when a student has completed all examinations and assignments to date, with a satisfactory grade of C or better, and has personal circumstances that prevent course completion that occur after the deadline to withdraw.

Per Austin Community College:

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  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 following 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.

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 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 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

Review the additional college policies document posted on the Blackboard website for college policies that apply to this course.

The TSBPA (Texas State Board of Public Accountants) have asked us to inform students of the following regarding how to identify yourself when working in the accounting field but do not have a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in Texas:

Q: Can I refer to myself as a CPA, accountant, and/or auditor, or any other variation of these titles?

You can only refer to yourself as a CPA, accountant or auditor if you are a licensed CPA in the state of Texas. See Section 901.453 of The Public Accountancy Act.

Q: Can I refer to myself as a specialist in a specific area (such as tax or accounting)?

A CPA should avoid the use of terms such as “specialist”. Although the Board has the authority to recognize specializations in the practice of public accounting, it currently does not do so. See Section 901.157 of The Public Accountancy Act. 

Q: If I am not a CPA, how should I refer to myself?

In your bio, you should state the degree and/or certificate you received from Austin Community College. For example, “I received an Accounting Specialist degree from Austin Community College in 2019.” You should not refer to yourself as an accountant or auditor if you are not a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.

Additional Information regarding the Accounting Department, faculty, your course program, and basic accounting tools/resources can be found at http://sites.austincc.edu/accounting/

Practice and Homework assignments are to be completed in Connect. Practice assignments will not be graded. Homework assignments will be graded and included in the course grades.

Lab is a required part of this course. Lab assignments will be completed either using Blackboard, Connect, or ProConnect Tax and will consist of tax return preparation work.

Quizzes will be completed in Connect. You may use your book and notes. Quizzes will be untimed. You may save, exit, and return to the quiz at any point in time up to the due date.
 

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

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 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

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)