Austin Community College District (ACC) is reimagining how wayfinding functions systemwide. The College is looking at a holistic solution that goes beyond physical and digital solutions to help people navigate our campuses and centers and make wayfinding effective and intuitive.  This initiative aims to minimize confusion and frustration and foster a welcoming and accessible environment across our campuses. 

ACC has hired a consultant, HKS Inc., to undertake a thorough assessment and propose innovative, imaginative, forward-looking solutions to update the nomenclature and design of consistent wayfinding across all campuses and buildings. The project scope includes the development of district-wide wayfinding and signage design guidelines, campus-by-campus wayfinding design projects, the design of clear signage, intuitive maps, and other aids to facilitate navigation for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Leading the project on the College side are ACC Special Advisor to the Chancellor Mike Midgley and Facilities & Construction Interim Vice Chancellor Aziz Hussaini. The initial team that will be working with the consultant includes:

  • Brette Lea, Office of College Relations & Marketing Vice Chancellor
  • Kelly Torrico, Human Resources Vice Chancellor
  • Dr. Shasta Buchanan, Student Affairs Vice Chancellor
  • Dr. Willie Martinez, Student Engagement & Academic Success Associate Vice Chancellor
  • Jesus Brantner, Interim Police Chief 
  • Gloria Dove-Owens, Campus Operations South Regional Director
  • Deborah Messaro, GIS/Digital Information Manager
  • Troy Defrates, Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Tech Interim Dean
  • Samantha Croft, Theory of Change Steering Committee Tri-Chair

Additional team members are expected to be added during the process.

The team is currently in their kick-off and discovery phase and is participating in visioning sessions to gather input, establish goals, and define the vision for the project.  

The initial findings will be shared with the Board of Trustees in April and the College in May at the Virtual Employee Town Hall.