Imagine a college where everyone is welcomed and appreciated, where our differences are valued and respected, and where all of our students (and employees) feel that they belong. ACC strives to be such a place. Data shows that when our students feel a strong sense of connection and community, they excel. This strategy supports the pillar for Belonging and Connection.
Key Activities
- Build a system of faculty support and accountability at scale.
- Determine how to create a culture honoring and inviting men of color
- Explore how to design our courses to support student parents and adult learners.
- Create a plan to establish community among online learners.
Current Work Stage
Phase 2 team- Design work launched in January 2025.
Design Team Members
- LaKisha Barrett, Faculty, Biology & Associate Dean of Belonging & Purpose in Teaching/Learning (Co-Chair)
- Cam Claassen, Lead, Business Analyst – EPMO (Co-Chair)
- Margarita Decierdo, Adjunct Faculty, Sociology
- Jessica Armenta, Faculty, Biology
- Lynda Infante Huerta, Faculty, Library Services
- Elida Bonet, Success Coach
- Joshua Carrierre, Employer Relations & Job Development Coordinator
- Jordan Easley, Academic Coach
- Paul Price, Supplemental Instruction Manager
- Kay Treon, Workforce Projects Coordinator, Corporate Training Solutions
- Chandni Pandey, Business Analyst
- Matthew Mandell, Center for Peace & Conflict Studies Coordinator
- Doralena Yanes, Executive Assistant I, Student Affairs
- Alejandra Polcik, Manager of Student Support Projects ASCENDER
- Margaret Haule, student
- Raghad Alhussein, student
Documents
Visit the team’s document repository to view team materials, such as meeting agendas and minutes, presentation resources, and deliverables. An ACC login is required.
Belonging and Engagement in the Classroom Repository
Share Your Feedback
Improving student success at Austin Community College is everyone’s job. Your comments, questions, and ideas can help our design teams.