Austin Community College District (ACC) will close for the winter break from Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, January 1. The College will reopen on its regular schedule on Thursday, January 2. 

As we close out the year, the Office of Information Technology shares 11 tips and steps you can take before leaving on Winter Break. 

  1. Secure Your Workspace: Ensure confidential documents and sensitive materials are securely stored or locked away.
  2. Power Down Electronics: Turn off computers, monitors, printers, and any other electronic devices to conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues.
  3. Secure Valuables: Lock away personal items or valuables to maintain office security during the break.
  4. Set Your Out-of-Office Email Response: If applicable, activate your out-of-office email response to inform colleagues and students of your absence and provide an alternative contact if necessary. Click here to learn how to set up your email response. 
  5. Use Your Phone to Set Your Email Reply: You can turn on an automatic out-of-office or vacation reply in your email from your phone. Click here to learn how to turn on or off your vacation reply from your Android and iPhone.
  6. Check Voicemail and Emails: Clear your voicemail and email inbox to start with a clean slate upon your return.
  7. Forward Calls if Necessary: If appropriate, forward office phone calls to a designated colleague or voicemail. Click here for steps to set up call forwarding. 
  8. Update Your Calendar: Ensure your calendar reflects your availability during the break and update any upcoming appointments or deadlines. Click here for more tips on how to update your calendar. 
  9. Notify Relevant Colleagues: Inform necessary colleagues or team members about your absence and any pending tasks or projects that may require attention.
  10. Double-Check Office Policies: Familiarize yourself with any specific office policies regarding holiday closures or procedures to ensure compliance.
  11. Backup Important Files: Ensure important files are backed up to prevent any data loss in case of unforeseen issues. Click here to backup your files.

If you encounter a challenge or issue with your connection and/or devices when you return from the break, please contact the IT team directly. 

Common challenges include: 

  • Network connection problems 
  • Phone systems not on
  • Printers are offline
  • Unable to log in to systems due to password issues 
  • Monitors not working properly
  • Missing peripherals
  • Missing furniture
  • Office relocation

Any issue that requires technical assistance needs to have a Mojo Ticket generated by either calling the IT Help Desk at 512-223-TECH (8324) or by visiting the Information Technology Website and clicking on Submit a Ticket. You can also submit a Technical Service Request using this direct link to the ACC Service Request Form.