Required Texts/Materials: There is no required textbook for this course, various pdf. and word. docx. forms will be uploaded in BlackBoard under Useful Links, Videos, Assignments and Opportunities sections. You will need to purchase Clay, a Ceramics Tool Kit and a sketch book for taking notes and drawing out your designs. 

*Cone 10, a High Fire Clay Body will need to be purchased for the course needed for assignments; some basic tools are provided. A minimum of 100 lbs of clay is recommended for the semester. Other materials suggested for purchase include the following:

• 1 Pint of Amaco or Speedball Underglaze, refer to instructor for details.
• Kemper, Pottery Making Tool Kit
• 1-2 gallon Bucket for tools and throwing on the pottery wheel

Armadillo Clay and Supplies at 512-385-7371. 3307 E. 4th Street Austin, TX 78702

http://www.armadilloclay.com/

Jerry’s Artarama at 512-420-9359. 6010 N. Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78752 https://www.jerrysretailstores.com/austin-tx/?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic

Other materials you may consider for the course include:

A tool box or bin for your tools

Pencil and Pens for note taking

Personal Towel

Serrated Metal Rib, for scoring

Additional Clay as needed for projects

Course Delivery Method for Fall 2024 Ceramics 1: 

The 16 week Fall Ceramics 1 courses will be delivered in the classroom, f2f (face to face); unless changes are made to move to a Hybrid Class delivery method due to compliance with ACC Covid-19 policies and procedures. Instruction will be provided both in the Ceramics lab and online. 

Classroom Contact Hours per week:  1 hour 50 minutes

Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3 hours 30 minutes

Additional Source Materials, General Ceramic Books, Technical, Aesthetic and Historical

Ceramics A Potter’s Handbook, Glen Nelson

Working with Clay, Susan Peterson

The Craft and Art of Clay, Susan Peterson

A Potters Book, Bernard Leach

Hands in Clay: An Introduction to Ceramics, Charlotte F. Speight

A Potter’s Workbook, Clary Illian

Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose, Robin Hopper

Pottery Form, Daniel Rhodes

Wood Fired Stoneware and Porcelain, Jack Troy

The Potter’s Complete Book of Clay and Glazes, James Chappell

The Potter’s Palette, Christine Constant, Steve Ogden (Contributor)

Ceramic Faults and Their Remedies, Harry Fraser

The Encyclopedia of Ceramic Techniques, Peter Consentino

Ceramics, Phillip Rawson

Contemporary Ceramics, Susan Peterson

Mad Potter of Biloxi: The Art & Life of George E. Ohr, Garth Clark

Post Modern Ceramics, Mark Del Vecchio

Periodicals and Websites:

Ceramics Monthly: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly

Ceramics: Art and Perception: https://www.mansfieldceramics.com/
The American Ceramic Society: https://ceramics.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

Studio Potter: https://studiopotter.org/

Ceramic Review: https://www.ceramicreview.com/

Pottery Making Illustrated: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/pottery-making-illustrated

Clay Times: https://www.claytimes.com/

Keramik: https://neue-keramik.de/wp/

Sculpture Magazine: www.sculpture.org

NCECA- National Council for the Education of Ceramic Art: https://nceca.net/

Course Rationale: 

The purpose of Ceramics I is to provide each student with a basic ceramics experience extended from his or her knowledge of design and drawing on which to build the visual thinking skills, knowledge of historical and contemporary art forms, technical approach to materials and the methods for channeling creative energies that enable a life-time of personal artistic expression.

Instructional Methodology: Methodology may include: Lectures, demonstrations, critiques, digital image and video presentations, quizzes, exams, writing assignments, research papers, group assignments and gallery/museum visits.

Grading System:  Please Refer to the Fall 2024 Ceramics 1 Grading Rubric for the breakdown of grading and scoring. Your final grade is based on four factors. It is up to the student to complete all the assignments on time by the end of the semester. A final portfolio is required to be submitted through the student’s google drive using the ACC student email account that is registered for the course. This will have a direct impact and reflect your final grade. Grades will be based on your work effort including completion and assessment of the assignments, your sketch book, on class participation, and submission of final portfolio which will be turned in via a power point presentation or google slides and a supporting word doc. Of writing project(s). This will need to be uploaded to the ACC Shared Google Drive at the end of the semester for review.  Various assignments will be given throughout the semester that include and are not limited to 1 MLA standard research paper, oral presentations and visual presentations, random and planned quizzes, tests or mid-term exam.   

*All ceramics work including sketch books, presentation materials and final papers must be completed and submitted to the instructor of record by the Final Exam Week ending on: Friday, December 13th 2024, in order to be graded to receive a final grade for the course. Assignments or Projects must be completed for critique during the mid-term and final exam to receive a final grade for the course. Consequences could include receiving a failing grade if the portfolio projects are not turned in by the final exam date.

*Breakdown of grades:  50% is based on 5 assignment driven projects that will be critiqued, assessed and given a total of 10 points for each assignment. A documented image portfolio of the work and completion of all projects by the final exam date will make up the portion for this grade. 20% will be based on attendance which will be factored equally for every class that is attended. 10% is in the form of your documented sketchbook, 10% is based on a written exam which will include a vocabulary midterm exam, and a written assignment or oral presentation. The final 10% will be based on a final clean-up and participation. It is mandatory to attend and participate in the final clean-up of the studio. Students may lose 10% of their letter grade if they choose to not participate in the final clean-up. Please review the Grading Addendum Rubric for Ceramics 1 to see the complete breakdown of how grading assignments will be calculated.

Grading:

A (100 – 90)

This equates to outstanding work. The work shows innovation, and the solution of the problem reflects significant depth of understanding of the problem and solutions. The solution for the problem assigned has been fully developed in form. The solution is unique and unusual.

B (89 - 80)

This equates to good work. Solutions have exceeded all requirements and show above average depth of understanding. The project demonstrates more than adequate clarity of idea and execution.

C (79 - 70)

This equates to average work. The problem has been solved adequately, but the solution lacks depth of understanding and development. The overall solution lacks innovation and generally does not provoke excitement.

D (69 - 60)

This equates to a poor level of work. The solution is extremely weak and lacks understanding and innovation. Technical skills are weak.

F (Failing)

This means unacceptable work. The solution to the problem is unresolved, incomplete, and poorly portrayed.

Course Outline/Calendar: *PLEASE REFER TO COURSE CALENDAR ADDENDUM*

Please note that as the instructor of this course has the right to make any changes at any time to the Course Calendar. Time lines vary with each class and every semester is unique, depending on working rhythms and the size of selected projects and potential ACC campus closures.

https://www.austincc.edu/students/calendars/academic-calendar?src=student-resources

Ceramics 1 Grading Rubric Addendum

Breakdown of Grades and Grading Process: 

50% is based on submission of a portfolio and completion of all projects to be turned in by the Final Exam Deadline Portfolio Submission by 5:00pm, Friday, December 13th 2024. Assignments will be equally weighted and scored based on completion and evaluation of the specific assignment number and its grading rubric. Each assignment will have a total of 10 points to make up 50% of your overall grade. Refer to Ex. 1 Portfolio Rubric for overall grading process.

20% will be based on attendance that will be accounted for and factored equally for every class that is attended. A missed class will count as an absences and will diminish your overall percentage based on the total attended classes. 

10% is in the form of your documented sketchbook to be turned in digitally or hard copy with the portfolio. Refer to Ex. 2 Sketch Book Rubric for Grading Criteria.

10% is based on a written exam which could include vocabulary terms, and or writing assignment. This will be broken down into 5% for the vocabulary exam and 5% for the written assignment or student presentation. Refer to Ex. 3.

The final 10% will be based on participation, the final Class Clean-Up. it is mandatory to attend and participating in the final clean-up of the studio, students may lose 10% of their letter grade if they choose to not participate in the final clean-up. Refer to Ex. 4.

Ex. 1 Portfolio Rubric – Includes images of work and completion of various Assignments

Ex. 2 Sketch Book Rubric

Ex. 3 Writing, Presentation and or Exam(s)

Ex. 4 Participation

Ceramics 1: 2346-001 - 2024 Course Schedule Example

Monday / Wednesday: 10:00am – 12:40pm

Professor: Matthew Isaacson

https://www.austincc.edu/students/calendars/academic-calendar?src=student-resources

*This Course Calendar is subject to change and revisions may be made by the instructor.

Any changes made will be announced and revised copies will be posted in Blackboard.

Common Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 

• Translate perceptual awareness into ceramic form.
• Demonstrate confidence in and strategies toward individual creativity. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary and historic artistic models.
• Demonstrate knowledge of art as cultural information.  
• Perform exercises in visualization and critical thinking. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of and perform safe and effective studio practices.

ACC Specific Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 

• Work with a plastic, three dimensional medium in the creation of utilitarian and sculptural ceramic forms.
• Use tools to express themselves in clay through hand-building techniques of coil and slab methods.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of glaze application, decorative methods, and firing methods.
• Demonstrate planning and patience in carrying through a project in multi-step system while maintaining the integrity of the work area.
• Utilize the elements and principles of design in the development of ceramic forms.
• Present their completed work in a professional manner.

Course Policies

Art Department Safety Policy:

All students, faculty and staff must watch a 20-minute studio safety video tutorial and sign the acknowledgement form that accompanies the video training session. https://vimeo.com/9472926

It is the responsibility of all faculty and staff to comply with all applicable health and safety regulations, policies, and established work practices. This includes but is not limited to: 

● Observing health and safety-related signs, posters, warning signals and directions. 

● Reviewing the building emergency plan and Evacuation Rally Point. 

● Learning about the potential hazards of assigned tasks and work areas. 

● Taking part in appropriate health and safety training. 

● Following all safe operating procedures and precautions. 

● Using proper personal protective equipment. 

● Warning coworkers about defective equipment and other hazards. 

● Reporting unsafe conditions immediately to a supervisor, and stopping work if an imminent hazard is presented. Putting in work requests as necessary to correct unsafe conditions.

Missed or late work: All projects and assignments must be finished to be critiqued. We will have a mid-term discussion and a final exam based on vocabulary terms that will also be part of the standard assignments. All portfolios must be submitted during the final exam periods or prior to receive a final grade for the course.

WITHDRAWALS: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is Thursday November 21st, 2024 for 16-week courses. 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. http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/registration-information/course-withdrawals

Incomplete: An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given due to 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 Spring 2025 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 receiving an “I” for Spring or Summer 2024 may complete remaining course requirements and convert the I to a completion grade during the Fall 2024 semester.  The final date for conversion of spring and summer semester incomplete grades is November 21st, 2024, the published final fall conversion date for an Incomplete.

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.

New Studio and Classroom Policies:

1. Class times are reserved for only credit seeking students currently enrolled in their specific class time. Students will not be allowed to freely attend or work in other classes without direct written consent from faculty overseeing courses. Please do not enter or attempt to work in the studio during other course times that you are not enrolled in.
2. Open Studio times: Monday and Wednesday from 4:10pm – 9:00pm. The lab accommodates 12 working table stations and a few overflow areas. You may be asked to leave the studio if more than 15 students are working during the Open Studio times. A sign in/ sign out sheet is required of you to write your full name and the time that you enter, to log hours and your attendance. Please do not forget to sign out and log the time when you leave.
3. Do not invite or bring other students/ family or friends who are not enrolled as a credit seeking student in a Ceramics course to work in the studio. This is an insurance issue and nullifies college policy.
4. Abide by all Ceramics Safety Rules and Classroom Policies. Students who become disruptive will be asked to leave the classroom.
5. No Headphones, Earbuds or listening to Music will be allowed during the first 55-minute lecture period of class. Please use discretion during the Studio Lab times if you choose to plugin and zone out; you will miss possible announcements, important information or demonstrations. Please stay alert and use situational awareness as to prevent accidents, spills or damage to your work and other students work.
6. Clean-up your workstation, wheel or area is mandatory. If you plan to leave for more than 30 minutes. This includes scraping and sponging the floor around your work area as to minimize silica dust accumulation and exposure.
7. ACC studio tools, equipment, dry materials or glazes are not allowed to leave the studio. This is ACC property. Underglazes purchased by students are reserved for specific classes. Please do not use underglaze materials that you did not purchase or contribute to a specific class.
8. Fianl Grades are not given or posted on Blackboard. All grading is completed at the end of the semester and submitted through official ACC grading portals and available in student Self-Services account after final grading is conducted at the end of the semester. A mid-term grade is given based on the mid-term exam. Please review grading section above for further details and ask your instructor for a meeting during scheduled office hours for clarification if a concern for final grade occurs.

COLLEGE POLICIES

These are statements of which all students should be aware and which are consistent across the institution. The wording of these statements should not be changed by instructors.

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.

·       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.

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

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

Freedom of Expression: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Academic Freedom: Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon a free search for truth and its free expression. Hence it is essential that faculty members at Austin Community College be free to pursue scholarly inquiry without unreasonable restriction and to voice and publish their conclusions without fear of institutional censorship or discipline. They must be free from the possibility that others of differing vision, either inside or outside the college community, may threaten their professional careers.   The concept of academic freedom in Austin Community College is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility, shared by the Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty members. In the classroom or in College-produced telecommunications, faculty members should strive to be accurate, to exercise appropriate restraint, and to show respect for the opinions of others. In addition, instructors should be judicious in the use of material and should introduce only material that has a clear relationship to the subject field.

Student Discipline: Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students will comply with College rules and procedures.

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Class grades: You will receive a Mid-Term in person and a Final Grade that will be posted in BlackBoard/ your online student services.

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 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.

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.

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 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

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

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

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

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

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

Please include here any course-specific details needed to use the testing center.

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

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 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

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 when they register for courses or

at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, 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 legal

document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be

provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided. 

Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the

NAA on the first day of class.  

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information. 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here:

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

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

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

· Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

· Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19

· Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

· Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

· Email: library@austincc.edu

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

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

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

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

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

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

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

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: 

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124