As the final days of the fall semester tick away, preparation for the semester ahead moves forward. Once again, Austin Community College District (ACC) will host special welcome rallies on campus to support students on their first days of a new semester.
The spring 2026 Welcome Riverbats days are Tuesday, January 20, and Wednesday, January 21. During these two days, employee volunteers will be stationed across campuses — at entrances, hallways, outdoor spaces, and high-traffic areas — ready to answer questions, share resources, and hand out Riverbat swag.
Help make January 20–21 unforgettable for our students. Now is your time to sign up and volunteer for a shift.
The deadline to sign up for Spring 2026 Welcome Riverbats Days is 5 p.m. Monday, January 12.
Whether you’ve volunteered before or you’re ready to try it for the first time, your participation makes a meaningful impact — and it’s one of the most uplifting ways to start the semester.
Collegewide Calendar Blackout Days
To make sure we can fully focus on supporting students during these crucial first days, ACC will continue implementing Collegewide Calendar Blackout Days.
The program, which launched in fall 2025, asks employees to pause internal meetings, trainings, and non-essential events on the first two days of the semester. The intentional pause creates time and opportunity for more employees to volunteer for a Welcome Riverbats shift. Activities and events that directly support students and address start-of-semester needs — like advising, help desk support, orientation, and basic needs services — are omitted and will continue as usual.