Austin Community College District (ACC) is excited to introduce a new initiative designed to strengthen the student experience from the moment the semester begins: Calendar Blackout Days.

Starting fall 2025, ACC will implement a two-day calendar blackout period at the beginning of every academic semester—fall, spring, and summer. During these days, internal meetings, trainings, and non-essential college-hosted events will pause so we can focus entirely on welcoming and supporting our students. 

Why We’re Doing This

The idea was borne out of the Chancellor’s Leadership Institute (CLI) when the cohort got together to tackle an important challenge: How can we better align our time, energy, and efforts to improve the student experience?

As part of CLI’s work, the team examined common operational barriers, looked for opportunities to increase efficiency, and identified things we need to stop doing so we can focus more intentionally on what we should be doing. One resounding insight emerged:

During the first days of each semester, students face a wave of challenges—confusion, delays, technology issues, financial aid questions, and more. These first impressions matter, and we must be fully present to support them.

The solution? A simple but powerful shift: clear the calendar so we can clear the path for our students.

“Our goal is to ensure they receive timely, consistent, and compassionate support across all campuses and departments,” says Jessica Vess, CLI member. “By pausing internal operations that do not directly support students, we maximize our ability to be present, responsive, and student-centered—demonstrating ACC’s ongoing commitment to access, equity, and student success.”

What to Expect During Blackout Days

Whether you’re frontline staff, faculty, or supporting operations behind the scenes, everyone plays a part in our students’ success. Here’s what you can expect during blackout days:

  • All employees will prioritize student support and visibility across our campuses.
  • No internal meetings, trainings, or non-essential events will take place during these two days — unless directly related to supporting students on their first days and/or resolving issues or conflicts that impact College operations.
  • All ACC departments and modalities—in-person and virtual—are included.
  • Exceptions apply to events directly tied to supporting students’ start-of-semester needs (e.g., advising, help desk, orientation, basic needs).

Welcome Riverbats Events

These efforts will allow time for more employees to participate in the College’s traditional Welcome Riverbats events. 

The Welcome Riverbats events are a vital opportunity for employees to step out of their offices and engage directly with students where it matters most—on our campuses. 

“These events mark a key moment in the semester when students are forming their first impressions of ACC, and a warm, supportive welcome can make a lasting impact on their sense of belonging and confidence,” added Vess. “When we clear the noise on our calendars, we make space to be present and visible. Employees can answer questions and offer guidance. This face-to-face engagement not only strengthens student connections but also reinforces a shared commitment to student success across all roles at the college.”

The first official implementation will launch in fall 2025:

  • Fall 2025: August 25–26
  • Spring 2026: January 20–21
  • Summer 2026: June 1–2

By dedicating ourselves to our students when they need us most, we build trust, belonging, and success from day one.