INSTRUCTOR AND COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor: Johnny Howard, PhD, Professor

E-Mail: johnny.howard@austincc.edu

Office:  Virtual Classroom in BlackBoard

Office Hours: TBD

Course Location - Lecture:  Distance Learning

Credits:  3

Lecture Contact Hours per 8 week semester: 6

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

Course Description: This course is an introduction to federal income taxation as it applies to individuals.  This course emphasizes the basic theory necessary for tax compliance including utilizing a professional-grade software to prepare tax returns. 

ACNT 1392 – Special Topics in Accounting Technician does not qualify for meeting the requirements for accounting courses required to take the CPA exam. Please consult with your instructor immediately if you desire to become a CPA in Texas.

COURSE RATIONALE:

The goals and objectives of this course prepare students to (1) complete certificate requirements; (2) obtain or improve job skills; (3) qualify for a business or accounting job; (4) become an entrepreneur; (5) fulfill personal goals; and/or (6) understand basic income tax.

Prerequisites:

• Before enrolling in ACNT 1392, the student should have 1) have taken the equivalent of ACNT 1403 or 2) have acquired relevant work experience. 

• Basic computer skills utilizing 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.

Required Textbook/Materials:

FUNDAMENTALS OF TAXATION 2024

By CRUZ; EDITION:   17TH 23

You must have the 2024 version and it needs to have the Connect Access Code. 

This course is part of ACC's "First Day Access” program. ACC has partnered with the bookstore and the publisher to provide you with digital course materials on the first day of class at a discounted rate.  The cost of the course materials will be included as an additional charge when you register.

If you participate in the "First Day Access" program, you will gain access to the eBook and Connect through my Blackboard site. You will use Connect for a variety of assignments including homework and labs. Connect is an integrated, online learning system that gives you 24/7 access to your study tools and required assignments.

If you acquire the eBook as part of your registration, you will have the option to buy a loose-leaf paper version of the book for an extra fee through the local Austin bookstores.

If you do not wish to participate in the program, you may "Opt Out". If you "Opt Out" of receiving and paying for your materials via this program, you will be responsible for obtaining those on your own. Instructions for “opting out” will be available on my Blackboard site.

Do not go to the publisher website to purchase this text or to join the trial period! You purchased both the eBook and Connect when you registered.

To recap, there are three options:

1. All Digital Access at the time of registration: E-book and Connect.
2. Digital Access with a Physical Textbook: Students who participate in the program will be eligible to purchase a low cost print upgrade in the ACC bookstore for an additional cost.
3. Independent purchase of textbook with Connect: If you have purchased a used textbook or have "Opted Out" of the program, you must still purchase an access code for Connect.

Computer hardware and software requirements: This course will utilize Blackboard.  Students must have access to a computer that has internet capabilities. You will also need to be able to access various internet web sites and online lecture material. You will also need to complete your homework using Connect, Microsoft Excel, Word, and ProConnect (or similar professional tax software). Instructions about how to access this FREE software will be provided in BlackBoard.

Students will use the BlackBoard learning management system for assignment instructions, etc.  Connect should be accessed through BlackBoard to avoid integration issues.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

SCANS COMPETENCIES:

SCANS is the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. Please go to http://irt.austincc.edu/ids/curriculum/scans.php for complete definitions and explanation of SCANS.  This list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course.

1. Student exhibits responsibility:  Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance toward goal attainment, works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, working well and displaying a high level of concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task; and displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality and optimism in approaching and completing tasks. 

1. Student acquires information:   Identifies need for data, obtains them from existing sources or creates them, and evaluates their relevance and accuracy. Competently performing the tasks for acquiring data and evaluating information includes posing analytical questions to determine specific information needs, selecting possible information and evaluating its appropriateness, and determining when new information must be created.

  Student communicates information:  Selects and analyzes information and communicates the result to others using oral, written, graphic, pictorial, or multi-media methods. Competently performing the tasks of communicating and interpreting information to others includes determining information to be communicated, identifying the best methods to present information (i.e. overheads, handouts, etc.), and if necessary, converting to desired format and conveying information to others through a variety of means including oral presentation and written communication.

Course Objectives:

The core concepts are:

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. Become familiar with the flow of the tax determinants through the government tax forms.

5. Apply the tax law to tax return preparation by hand as well as with software solutions.

Instructional Methodology:

The course is designed to help the student understand income tax returns and the laws pertaining to income taxes for individuals, including sole proprietors.

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 and exams. Students that are new to distance education should review the ACC Distance Education General Information at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/.

CLASSROOM AND STUDENT POLICIES

Attendance/Class 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, including missing exams, 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 feels it is necessary (e.g. missing exams). 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 the semester is 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.

If a student misses an exam prior to the withdrawal date, the instructor may withdraw the student unless the student communicates to the instructor prior to the withdrawal date.

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.

Blackboard:  I maintain a Blackboard site for this class.  You will be able to log onto the Blackboard site http://acconline.austincc.edu to gain access to:

• Course announcements
• Syllabus and other course information
• Link to eLab (where the homework assignments and exams will be submitted)
• Gradebook

Your username for Blackboard is your ACC eID. This is your 7-digit ACC student ID, preceded by the first initial of your official first name. During the activation of your ACC eID, you will select your password. If you do not know your ACC eID, you may retrieve it via the Blackboard home page.

COMPETENCY PRETESTS & EXAMS:

Competency pretests & exams can be proctored using Proctorio in Connect. Students must have a webcam and microphone with their computer to take the exams online. Information about how to schedule and take exams will be provided in Blackboard. The exams will mostly contain conceptual and calculative problems. Each exam will allow 120 minutes of testing time, and all exams must be completed by the end of the term. DO NOT MISS EXAMS. Retests are not an option.

NOTE: If you do not pass the optional competency pretest with a 90% or higher, you will be required to work through chapter assignments and take the exam for the respective chapters within that competency.

ProConnect software for Tax Return Assignments: ProConnect is Intuit’s cloud-based tax return preparation software.  You will utilize this software to prepare many tax return assignments and projects. Some of them will be walkthroughs where I will provide a video walking you through the preparation of the return. Towards the end of the semester, there will be major projects, which you are to complete independently. The student license is free to college students. 

 Comprehensive Tax Return Projects: Specific instructions will be provided in class for the Tax Return Projects. They will be completed in Connect and ProConnect software. 

 Homework and other Assignments: Learn, Apply, and Master problems are assigned to facilitate your learning the material and preparing for exams. Assignments should be completed and submitted by the dates shown on the course schedule below. Assignments may be submitted early; if submitted late, there will be no penalty. There are no make-up or extra credit assignments for the chapter work.

 Assignments must be completed using Connect, the on-line interactive homework system that comes with the eBook.  The Connect software will grade your homework and provide immediate feedback to you.  You have unlimited attempts and unlimited “check my work”s. 

 One Smartbook assignment will be completed for every chapter.  Smartbooks are extra credit assignments which essentially walk you through the chapter then present questions over the chapter.  You have unlimited attempts on these to obtain 100%. 

Late Assignment Policy: All assignments are due BEFORE 11:55pm on the dates listed on the course schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to submit ALL assignments and exams BEFORE 11:55pm on the last day of the semester. NO EXCEPTIONS!

The Accounting Department Policy on Taking Online Exams:

Proctorio is a tool in Connect that records your video and audio while you take a test. You will need a webcam and microphone to take a test with Proctorio. Most laptops have a built-in webcam and microphone. If a student is using a desktop, they can get an external webcam and microphone that connects using a USB cable. If a webcam or microphone are unavailable, please go to http://www.austincc.edu/sts to make other arrangements.

Instructors enable Proctorio proctoring as a testing option to deter academic dishonesty. If Proctorio suspects anything out of the ordinary in the video, it will be flagged for the instructor to review. Only the instructor and the proctor have access to the video of the student taking the test. The instructor will watch the video to determine academic dishonesty. 

Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on exam, paper or project; and/or failure in the course.

Proctorio allows the student to take their exams in the comfort of their own location. For this convenience, the student agrees to the following rules:

• Ensure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted;
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers or monitors) and place them outside of your reach;
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices;
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it;
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test, unless you have approved accommodations.

To produce a good webcam video, do the following:

• No baseball caps or hats with brims
• Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surfaces where the device (or you) are likely to move
• If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
• Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
• Remember that Proctorio will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

Violations of the rules listed above include, but not limited to:

• Talking to others while taking your exam;
• Answering your cell phone while taking an exam
• Moving around while taking the exam: getting up without prior approval from your instructor;
• Bypassing any of the pre-exam setup: 
  • not taking a picture of yourself
  • Not taking a picture of your ID: this can be your Student ID or Government Issued 
  • Not making a correct environment scan of your test area with your webcam; the recording should include a clear scan of your entire desktop, show front and back of your scratch paper while it is laying on the desktop, the sides of your desk, the floor around your desk, under your desk and behind, the wall directly in front of you, and a general scan of the walls of the room. The approved materials you can have on your desk: scratch paper, calculator, eraser, something to write with. A cell phone calculator, graphing calculator, or the calculator on your computer are not permitted.

The Accounting department considers these violations as Academic Dishonesty which is a serious offense. The first incident will earn you a grade of 0 or F for that particular lab or exam. A second offense will result in an F in the course. The burden of proof rests on ALL parties involved.

The ACC Student Handbook defines academic dishonesty as: Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework"(http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/)

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 the 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 Dr. Larry Stephens.

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/

Competency 1:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Taxation, the Income Tax Formula, and Form 1040

Chapter 2: Expanded Tax Formula, Form 1040, and Basic Concepts

Chapter 3: Gross Income: Inclusions and Exclusions

Chapter 4: Adjustments for Adjusted Gross Income

Competency 2:

Chapter 5: Itemized Deductions

Chapter 6: Self-Employed Business Income
                  (Line 3 of Schedule 1 and Schedule C)

Chapter 7: Capital Gains and Other Sales of Property
                  (Schedule D and Form 4797)

Chapter 8: Rental Property, Royalties, and Income from Flow-Through Entities
                  (Line 5, Schedule 1, and Schedule E)

Competency 3:

Chapter 9: Tax Credits
                  (Form 1040, Lines 19, 20, 27-29, and 31, Schedule 3, Lines 1-13)

Chapter 11: Retirement and Other Tax-Deferred Plans and Annuities

Chapter 12: Special Property Transactions

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)