Faculty Syllabus

ENVR 1302 is a face to face (F2F) lecture course that examines current global concerns and issues in environmental science including scientific, economic, social, and political aspects of environmental problems. (3-3-0, this course is a 3-credit course that meets 3 hours a week with no lab)

Required Text: 25 Myths That Are Destroying the Environment (by Daniel B. Botkin)

Required Materials: Blackboard and Textbook (First Day) access, notebook, pen/pencil

Prerequisite: ENVR 1301

Course Objectives:

This course will help make the student familiar with some of the major environmental problems facing the global society and examine how these issues impact humans/society/Earth’s life support systems and generate conflict in their solutions or in the absence of solutions. The interaction of science, technology, and society will be discussed as they apply to these issues. One objective will be to find solutions to these environmental problems.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will analyze and evaluate challenges and potential solutions to environmental issues that are controversial in American society. Critical thinking will be used to scientifically “resolve” these issues. The students will examine the technical and ethical problems that arise from these issues and their possible solutions. These topics will be discussed in class and in written essays (one or two paragraphs limit). The course outcomes will address the general education competencies of written and oral communications, critical thinking, interpersonal skills and quantitative and empirical reasoning.

Attendance/Class Participation Policy:

Important information and concepts are discussed in class. Student participation in classroom activities and discussions is highly encouraged. Students are responsible for the material discussed and covered in class. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes and to turn in assignments on time. Attendance is monitored for student progress. The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during closure or illness and for completing any assignments or other activities that are due.  Communication with your professor is very important! Attendance will be monitored.

Grading Policy:

All materials and assignments are designed to facilitate your understanding and application of the course content.  Class attendance and participation is highly encouraged. Attendance for exams is mandatory. There are no extra credit opportunities. Please develop regular study habits and communicate early with the professor if potential problems arise.  Your grade is based on the following:

• Four (4) Exams (in-class)
• Fifteen (15) Reading Reflection Homework (RRHW) Assignments (Blackboard submission each week before class – see schedule)
• Sustainable Cities Project/Case Study – semester project with final presentation
• Atmospheric CO2 – DAC assignment
• Three (3) Quizzes – syllabus, pre/post quizzes administered at the beginning and the end of the semester.

The Overall Course Grade is based on the following scale: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F below 59.  Grades are posted on Blackboard.  Grades are determined based on the point and percentage schedule below. 

Grading Summary Table:

Exams (40% of grade)

There will be four (4) exams during the semester.  Each exam will measure a student's comprehension of course materials. The exams will follow a format of multiple choice, short answer, fill in the blank, and matching questions. Exams will be taken during class time, and exam dates are listed on the attached schedule. Attendance on exam days is mandatory!  Makeup exams are only allowed for extreme circumstances and require appropriate and acceptable documentation. Examples of extreme circumstances include a death in family, a traffic accident, or a serious illness/injury requiring a visit to a physician, etc. Invalid excuses and/or no documentation for the exam absence will result in no makeup exam (details will be discussed in class). If you have an extreme circumstance, please contact me as soon as possible to provide documentation and to set up a testing date with the Testing Center on campus. The make-up exam must be completed within one week of the original exam date.

Reading Reflection Homework (RRHW) (15% of grade)

Each week, a selected myth (Botkin textbook) or assigned reading will be the topic for discussion and lecture (listed on the schedule). It is very important that students read the selected chapters and come to class prepared to participate and engage in the discussion. There will be fifteen (15) Reading Reflection Homework (RRHW) assignments during the semester. All RRHW assignments will be submitted through Blackboard before class time (see schedule) for the reading due that day. The RRHW assignments ensure students are prepared to discuss the material in class.

Late/Missed Assignments

Late assignments may be accepted up to one week after the due date, but the grade will be reduced. RRHW assignments are due before class time on the day the reading is discussed (see schedule). RRHW assignments will lose (1 point) for each day late. Seven days after the due date, the grade becomes a zero (0). You must keep up with your reading and assignments to maintain your grade. For extenuating circumstances, variances to this policy will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. It is key to communicate early if you are experiencing a problem.

Sustainable Cities Case Study Project (35% of grade)

The Sustainable Cities Case Study Project is a semester-long group project and case study aimed at investigating efforts and ideas that transition our human built communities (cities) and human systems (transportation, infrastructure, food system, energy system, etc.) to more sustainable and resilient forms. The examination of two communities, Jarrell, Texas, and Greensburg, Kansas, both of which were devastated by F5 and EF5 tornados within the last 20 years, are the subjects of the case study. These two cities and their experiences rebuilding provide an opportunity for students to compare the differences between the two communities and investigate how human communities (cities and towns) can be designed for resilience and sustainability in the future. Students will also research new ideas and technologies that will move human society towards environmental sustainability and resilience in the future. Project Team Meetings (PTM) will occur throughout the semester with specific goals to keep the progress moving forward (see schedule). At the end of the semester, the group sections will be combined into one presentation and presented by students to the class on the final day of the semester. The grade will reflect the overall final product quality and students’ individual contribution and participation in the process. Details of the project will be provided in class.

Atmospheric CO2 Assignment (DAC) (9% of grade)

Students will complete a data assignment designed to evaluate quantitative and empirical reasoning skills. The assignment guides students through the Scientific Method process. Submission will be in class. Student projects may also be used to assess ACC-required Gen-Ed skills.

Syllabus Quiz and Pre/Post Quiz (1% of grade)

One (1) short Syllabus quiz will be given the first week of class in Blackboard (due Friday by midnight). Completion of the online Syllabus quiz will indicate student understanding of course specific information and policies provided in the syllabus. Two (2) Pre/Post quizzes will be given during the semester to measure student learning of selected concepts. The Pre quiz is given on the first day in class. The Post quiz is given in class later in the semester after selected concepts have been taught. 

AI Policy:

In this class, Chat GPT and other GAI sources may only be used as a tool to identify potential resources or to identify related topic areas for additional research. You are expected to do your own thinking and writing for all assignments in this class. Note: MIT research indicates significantly lower brain activity and recall associated with learning when using Chat GPT or other AI tools to write content.  In summary, AI generated content does not represent student learning. (Kosmyna, Nataliya, et.al. 2025 (draft paper). Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using and AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI):

Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal human input. Examples: ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.).

Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.

Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, as long as it does not substitute for critical thinking and learning.

Usage Permissions: GAI can be used for initial research and idea generation. It is not to be used for final submissions of assignments and taking exams. If this course requires submission of a research paper, GAI cannot be used for generating images, maps and diagrams. GAI can be used as a research tool but cannot be used for the final identification of rocks, minerals, fossils or wildlife.

Responsible Use: Students using GAI must use proper citations. GAI can be inaccurate, and students should verify content. The ACC Library Services AI Guide provides information on how to properly cite using AI and techniques for use.

Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.

Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review.

Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

GAI Data Privacy and Security:

In accordance with our dedication to privacy and security, students are advised to refrain from sharing any sensitive or personally identifiable information on GAI platforms. Given that content inputted into or generated by these platforms may become accessible to the platform’s operators, caution is advised. Always ensure your data is clean, accurate, and does not include personal information before interacting with these technologies.

GAI Bias, Discrimination, and Falsehood:

Students are cautioned that GAI may inadvertently produce biased or inaccurate content. It is incumbent upon the student to critically evaluate and verify the information provided by these platforms. Relying on unverified GAI content for academic work is unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action

GAI Academic Honesty:

Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and others, are rapidly evolving technologies that have great potential in all realms of human endeavor, including teaching and learning. They also pose serious challenges, particularly with regard to academic integrity. At Austin Community College, the use of these tools in coursework, like any others, is subject to the same standards outlined in the college’s Academic Integrity policy.

Presenting AI-generated content as your own without proper attribution is considered a violation of academic integrity. All work you submit must reflect your own understanding and effort. If you use generative AI to help with your work, you must clearly acknowledge how and where it was used. Intellectual honesty is essential to a fair and supportive academic environment.

If there is any doubt, consult with your instructor before using AI tools.

Advice for Success:

This is an introductory course, but the material can be challenging.  It is important to attend all lectures, take notes, read the text materials, and participate in class activities and discussions. I am here to help you understand and learn the material. Please use the time we have together wisely. The following are suggestions for success in this class:

• Put your phone away! Focus your time and effort on the class topic and discussion. You can communicate with friends after class.
• Attend class regularly and use class time efficiently.
• Keep up with the readings and assignments. Turn in assignments on time.
• Take hand-written notes and do your own work. (MIT Research)
• Ask questions and participate in the discussions.
• Manage your time to study and keep up with project assignments.
• You are responsible for your work. Student grades reflect the time spent studying the course materials.

Academic Integrity:

All assignments should be your own original work, created for this class. Students shall generate original work created for this class and will not take or receive the efforts of another person on any test or assignment, use unauthorized resources on quizzes or tests, plagiarize, submit AI generated work, or give/sell other students papers or assignments not authorized by the instructor. Utilizing unauthorized digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to create content for submission or testing is plagiarism because AI generated material is not properly sourced and cited. Al generated content does not reflect authentic (student-generated) effort and original critical thinking. AI generating tools cannot think critically about the quality of information used, nor can they differentiate between verified data and unverified statements. AI can be used to generate ideas or identify potential areas to research. AI cannot “think critically.” Critical thinking is a skill that only you can do!! Please review the AI Policy under SPECIFIC CLASS POLICIES above.

You are responsible for making yourself aware of and for understanding the policies and procedures that pertain to academic integrity.  Be sure to familiarize yourself with the ACC Student Code related to academic integrity. Furthermore, be sure to always reference your sources. If you are uncertain about such an issue prior to submission of an assignment, project, or test, please speak with me directly so we can eliminate that uncertainty.

Withdraw and Incomplete Policies:

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 Friday, April 17, 2026. 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.”

“An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances, such as illness or death of a loved one, prevents the student from completing the final examination. Students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for an incomplete.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor and given on the “Report of Incomplete” form.  This date is often about three 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.

You are also strongly encouraged to hang onto any paperwork should there be a problem in the computer records. If you have read this far in the syllabus, congratulations. Email me a picture of a baby elephant for three extra credit points on your lowest exam!

Class conduct - ACC expects professional conduct from faculty and students.  Conduct that interferes with the ability to teach or learn will result in removal from class pending review by the Dean of Student Affairs. Rude behavior includes disturbing class by entering the classroom late in an inconsiderate fashion (i.e., so quietly take the nearest seat) or interrupting lectures (disruptive talking, sharpening pencils, etc.). Read your Student Handbook, you agreed to everything in it by registering for class. 

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty:

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.

Statement on Students with Disabilities:

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.

Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester. Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.

Statement on Academic Freedom:

Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression. In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions. Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views. With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions. This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks.

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 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 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 the Academic Integrity website.

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.  Student Rights & Responsibilities 

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the 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, go to the Counseling website.

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 the Student Complaint Procedures website.  

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 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 the Emergency Management website. 

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 the Campus Carry website.

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.

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 the ACC Email Q&A website.

Use of the Testing Center:

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

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests
• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

The 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 the Student Resources website.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at the Student Support website.

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: Online Tutoring Request

Additional tutoring information can be found here: Online Tutoring

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
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19 
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form 
• Library Hours of Operation by Location 
• Email: library@austincc.edu

Parent and Family Engagement Services:

ACC understands how important parent and family support is to every student's college journey. From parents and siblings to stepparents, grandparents, partners, and loved ones, the Parent and Family Engagement Office at ACC is committed to empowering families to support student success. The office provides a family orientation to ACC, free workshops explaining the world of higher education (financial aid, student resources, career and transfer services, etc.), a monthly newsletter full of student success tips, and a website designed to answer family members' frequently asked questions. All students, especially first-generation students, are encouraged to share these resources with their families and invite them to be part of the Riverbat experience. Contact familyengagement@austincc.edu or visit the Parent & Family Engagement website for more information.

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 the  Student Life website.

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 at the Central Texas Food Bank website.
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center 
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office.  
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at the Child Care website. 

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns at the Counseling website.

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)

Basic Needs Resources – Student Support:

ACC is committed to your success. We have several Basic Needs Supports and resources, including food access, mental and physical health, family assistance, financial assistance, housing, transportation, and more!

Click one of the links below to learn more about Basic Needs Support at ACC, which are included with registration for students enrolled in credit-bearing courses! 

• https://students.austincc.edu/social-support/ 
• https://students.austincc.edu/social-support/find-essential-resources/family-assistance-resources/ 
• https://students.austincc.edu/social-support/food-assistance/