More than 40,000 students are registered for classes this semester. That’s up more than 8 percent from this time last year and more than 24 percent from two years ago. 

Some are returning to continue their journey, and others are starting at Austin Community College District (ACC) for the first time. The work we do across the College, both visible and behind the scenes, plays a critical role in helping each student stay on track and feel supported.

ACC shares a few updates and opportunities happening around the College to help you prepare for a new term.

Welcoming Riverbats

For the second consecutive semester, the College will observe calendar blackout days. This means for the first two days of the semester, Tuesday, January 20, and Wednesday, January 21, employees are asked to cancel or reschedule most internal meetings and trainings so we can focus our time and energy directly on students. Employees are encouraged to be out on campus greeting students, helping them find their way, answering questions, and connecting them with resources.

Student Website

While a full web redesign is underway, we’re making changes where we can to improve the experience for our students. The students web page has been refreshed to make it easier for students to find what they need and to highlight support services front and center. Built with student input and collaboration across the College, it serves as a starting point for academic, basic needs, and community resources. 

When in doubt, send our students to their web page at austincc.edu/students. Here, they’ll find details and links to all the student support services and resources we offer. For those who need additional basic needs help, please refer them to [email protected] to get assistance with connecting them to the appropriate internal or external resources. Our advocates provide one-on-one support, helping students identify challenges and connect with the right resources to stay on track.

Theory of Change: Moving From Design to Implementation

Several Theory of Change strategies are now moving into implementation. Recommendations developed by multidisciplinary design teams are becoming real change across the College, guided by ACC’s Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO). You can follow progress through the EPMO Project Hub.

Employees are encouraged to continue sharing feedback through the Input page on the Theory of Change website. Your comments and ideas remain essential to this work. 

For those interested in deeper engagement, applications are now open for the second cohort of the Theory of Change Network, which connects employees with design teams and college leadership for ongoing learning and dialogue.

Professional Learning and Engagement Opportunities

  • Spring Development Day 2026: Hosted by the Teaching and Learning Excellence Division, Spring Development Day takes place Friday, January 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with all sessions held online via Zoom. This year’s theme, “Level Up Your Work,” focuses on belonging, leadership, and skill-building in teaching, technology, and AI literacy. Registration is now open.
  • The Great College Program: Applications are open for this new immersive experience designed for faculty, staff, and administrators across ACC. The program brings employees together to explore leadership, connection, and shared purpose in a multi-day offsite experience on March 5–6. Applications are open through Friday, January 30, with participants announced in early February.

Compliance Training Reminder

ACC’s Annual Compliance Training Program is underway and runs through Saturday, February 28, 2026. All employees—faculty, staff, adjuncts, and temporary employees—must complete the required training during this window. This year’s program features shorter, streamlined courses and automatic enrollment. Managers will also have new tools to support completion tracking.