The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees held its November regular meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2022.
Trustees learned about a new donation from NXP, heard a presentation on Texas Commission on Community College Finance recommendations, and approved the college’s fourth bachelor’s degree program. Below are highlights from the meeting.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity Degree
Trustees unanimously approved the college’s fourth bachelor’s degree program — a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity. Cybersecurity remains one of the most in-demand careers, with 44 percent growth forecast over the next 10 years. The Austin metro area is the ninth biggest metropolitan in the country for cybersecurity careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The BAS in Cybersecurity is designed for professionals who already have a related associate degree, including those who transition directly to a four-year degree or those in the workforce. Flexibility remains the college’s top priority, providing online, in-person, and hybrid course options. Learn more HERE.
Chancellor’s Report
ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes started his remarks by thanking trustees for going out in the community and sharing information about the college’s $770 million general obligation bond. Now that the bond has received voter approval, the college will get started immediately on these projects. Learn more HERE.
Dr. Rhodes congratulated ACC’s accreditation team under the leadership of Dr. Mary Harris and support of Misty Rasmussen, Dr. Ron Johns, Dr. Missi Patterson, and Dr. Linda Smarzik for a successful Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) On-Site Reaffirmation visit. It was the third visit from SACSCOC with no recommendations. Learn more HERE.
The chancellor shared an update on the Make It Center, an interactive career exploration hub designed to inspire young students and adults to consider college on the path to a future career. Construction on the center, located in ACC Highland Campus, is nearly wrapped and the team is getting ready to start moving in furniture and equipment. Learn more HERE.
ACC hosted its first in-person articulation agreement signing since the pandemic. The college now offers four direct paths to key bachelor’s degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University, and as part of this new partnership, our students, employees, and employees’ immediate families are eligible for a 10 percent discount on SNHU’s tuition.
Dr. Rhodes also informed Trustees of a new college tradition at ACC. The college will now LIGHT UP PURPLE in recognition of major college achievements, awards, and academic excellence. In honor of the largest donation to scholarships in ACC history — $5 million from University Federal Credit Union — the lights at ACC Highland went purple on Wednesday, November 16. Learn more HERE.
Consent Items
Trustees unanimously approved several items on the consent agenda. They authorized the college to move forward with contracts for hyflex audio visual equipment, Nursing Program testing and curriculum services, digital media buyer services, lodging accommodations for the college’s International Programs and other ACC departments, and districtwide landscaping services.
View recordings from the meeting here.