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Dear colleagues,
As we start the new academic year, ACC’s Basic Needs System is asking for your partnership on something that can genuinely change students’ lives: the Student Basic Needs Questionnaire. As our frontline staff, many of you are the people students turn to when they’re struggling — which makes you some of our most important partners in encouraging students to complete the questionnaire.
What it is
A quick, 10-question survey where students let us know if they're facing challenges with housing, childcare, mental health, or other basic needs. It's open for six weeks each term — this fall from August 17 through September 25 — giving us a crucial window to reach students early and connect them to resources that will help them stay enrolled and succeed this semester.
Why it matters
Last year, the Office of Basic Needs & Advocacy piloted this survey at Highland and Round Rock campuses. The results speak for themselves: students who received basic needs support after completing the survey had an 83% fall-to-spring retention rate. That's the kind of impact we want for every student, at every campus — which is why the survey is now expanding district-wide to all credit students this fall, with Continuing Education and Adult Education joining in fall 2027.
How you can help
Ask students you’re interacting with if they’ve completed the questionnaire and direct them to austincc.edu/studentneeds if they have not, ideally before census date on September 9. The questionnaire is also available under the Blackboard Assist tab.
Submitting a Referral
If at any point this semester you notice a student who may be struggling with a basic need, please don't hesitate to submit a Faculty/Staff Referral — you can access the form here.
Thank you for the role you play in making sure our students have what they need to succeed — not just academically, but as whole people navigating life outside the classroom. If you have any questions, contact the C.A.R.E. Network Team (basicneeds-outreach@austincc.edu)
Sincerely,
Student Affairs Communication & Change Strategy
sacommunication@austincc.edu
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