ACC faculty and staff are often among the first people students turn to when challenges outside the classroom begin to affect their college experience. The Student Basic Needs Questionnaire is a proactive way you can help students identify barriers before they interfere with their ability to stay enrolled and reach their goals.
The questionnaire is a quick, 10-question survey that asks students to identify areas where they might need support –– childcare, housing, food access, mental health counseling, connection to community resources, and more. Students who flag a need receive direct follow-up from ACC’s CARE coordination team, which can connect them with campus and community resources.
Why It Matters
The questionnaire was first piloted in fall 2025 at the Round Rock and Highland campuses. Data from the launch show students who completed the questionnaire and subsequently got connected to resources, continued into the spring 2026 semester at a rate about 11% higher than the average ACC student. Early intervention helps students stay on track –– and encouragement from faculty and staff can help students connect with vital resources sooner.
How You Can Help
- Download the C.A.R.E. Network Faculty/Staff toolkit. It contains a ready-to-use, short presentation on Basic Needs services, syllabus statements highlighting specific resources, scripts you can use in class, and a helpful frequently asked questions (FAQ) resource.
- Faculty can share the questionnaire link (austincc.edu/studentneeds) in Blackboard as a class announcement, or take a few moments in class to remind students to complete the questionnaire during the first five weeks of the fall semester.
- Submit a Basic Needs referral for a student when you notice signs they could use support.
The questionnaire is open now through Friday, September 25. A single mention from you could help connect a student with the support they need to succeed this semester.
Learn more about ACC’s C.A.R.E. Network and Basic Needs resources at austincc.edu/care.