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Fall 2026 was off to a bustling start as Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomed thousands more students than predicted. First-day enrollment for fall was 46,384 students — a nearly 6% increase over the previous year and significantly more than the 44,000 students predicted.

Learn more about ACC’s enrollment and view a slideshow of photos from the first week of the fall 2026 semester by clicking the button below.

Staff Development

A Seasonal Shutdown: Make Space for What Matters

As summer winds down and the busy months ahead come into view, it’s a great time to pause and take stock, not just of what’s on our to-do lists, but of what’s taking up space in our minds. Unfinished tasks can continue to compete for our attention, making it harder to focus on what matters most.

One simple strategy is a “Seasonal Shutdown”: take 15 minutes to write down everything competing for your attention, then sort it into three categories:

• DO: Identify the 1–3 things that matter most and determine the next step.
• PARK: Set aside things that still matter but don’t need your attention right now, and choose a time to revisit them.
• CLOSE: Let go of tasks, commitments, or obligations that no longer serve you.

The goal isn’t to get everything done, it’s to create clarity about what deserves your energy. As we head into a busy season, consider closing a few mental tabs so you can give more attention to the work, people, and priorities that matter most.

Rethinking What it Means to "Make It"

What does success look like and who gets to define it? ACC students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Character Education Initiative (CEI) and Career Life Design Services on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10 a.m.-noon for a collaborative conversation about success, career, character, and what it means to live a good life.

The conversation will explore meaningful questions about what makes work worthwhile, how family expectations shape our choices, and the difference between having the skills to get a job and what it takes to truly thrive in a career. The event will include brief presentations, breakout discussions, and refreshments.

Interested in reflecting on your own definition of success? Join colleagues from across ACC for this thought-provoking conversation. RSVP by September 23, 2026, to attend.

Call for Proposals: 2026 Digital Learning Symposium

Have a digital learning strategy that’s making a difference? The Division of Digital Learning invites ACC faculty and staff to share their ideas and experiences at the 2026 Digital Learning Symposium, taking place November 5–6, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. This year’s theme, “From Access to Achievement: Driving Student Success with Digital Learning,” will highlight strategies, technologies, and partnerships that support meaningful learning, persistence, and completion. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit proposals featuring innovative approaches to student engagement, AI, accessibility and quality, emerging learning models, or leadership and strategy.

Interested in presenting? Submit your proposal by Friday, September 18, at 5 p.m. Presentations are 50 minutes, including Q&A, and will be held live online via Zoom.

In Case You Missed It

• MyACC Guide Dashboard and Virtual Assistant Chatbot: Beginning September 8, students have access to MyACC Guide, a personalized dashboard that brings helpful information, important dates, student resources, and support options together in one place.
• Transfer Week: Help our students take the next step toward transfer! Transfer Week, September 14-18, brings ACC students opportunities to explore universities, connect with transfer partners, and get practical tips for planning their future. Students can view the full schedule of events and register here.
• ACCelerated Learning Support: Now that the fall semester is here, remind students that free tutoring is available at Learning Labs inside ACCelerators. Whether they need help with coursework, a challenging concept, an assignment, or exam preparation, ACC tutors are here to help! Visit austincc.edu/tutoring for more information.
• ACC Transfer Fair: Know a student who’s thinking about transferring? Encourage them to attend ACC’s Transfer Fair on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Highland Campus. With 60-plus colleges and universities participating, students can explore their options, ask questions and connect directly with university representatives. Students can learn more and register at austincc.edu/transferfair. 
• NABITA Workshop: Learn how to respond to difficult or concerning student behavior calmly, safely, and with students’ well-being in mind. Join NABITA expert Tim Cason for the Dangerous, Disruptive, and Distressed Workshop, offered October 1–2 at the Rio Grande Campus. This training will provide practical strategies to de-escalate tense situations, address disruptive behavior early, and connect students with appropriate support. Four session options are available, with space limited to 100 participants per session. Sign up today to save your spot!
• Admission Application Update: Recently, ACC transitioned away from "Area of Study" to a "School of" structure. As of Monday, Aug. 31 these changes are reflected on the Traditional and International Admission applications. The academic programs/credentials will not change. In addition, the names of two areas on the "Apply" landing page will change. “Continuing Education” will change to “Community Education”, and “Adult Education” will change to “College Readiness.”
• Volunteer for The Amazing Race: Help bring The Amazing Race: Riverbat Edition to life! Student Life & Leadership is looking for volunteers to help run challenges, assist teams, and capture the excitement. Click here to register.
• Credit and Debt Workshops: Join the Office of Student Money Management for two virtual workshops on managing credit and tackling debt. Both workshops are open to faculty, staff, and students. Register now.
• Virtual Welcome Services: The Virtual Welcome Services team helps students navigate some of ACC's most important services and systems. From Admissions and Registration to Financial Aid, ACCeID, ACCMail, Blackboard, and more, knowledgeable staff are available to help students find answers and determine their next steps. Students can connect with Virtual Welcome Services by chat, email, or phone in both English and Spanish. Learn more at austincc.edu/help.
• Career Drop-In Hours: Students don't have to wait until they need a job to connect with a Career Specialist. Encourage them to explore career options, prepare application materials and get ahead on future opportunities. Whether students are exploring possibilities or preparing to apply, Career Drop-In Hours offer an easy way to take action on their career goals.
• OFYE Culture & Connection Fest: Help our students find their community at the Culture & Connection Fest on September 22 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Highland Campus Paseo. Please encourage your students to stop by for music, interactive activities, and meaningful connections where they can celebrate who they are and explore diverse cultures. For more information, visit austincc.edu/fye.
• Conference on Addiction and Recovery: September is National Recovery Month, and ACC is proud to host the 2026 Conference on Addiction and Recovery (September 17-18). This hybrid event highlights the impact of substance use and recovery in college students and the communities we live in.
• Relay for Life Volunteers: Are you interested in volunteering to help bring Relay for Life to ACC in Spring 2027? Learn more about available committee roles by attending an Info Session on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. To RSVP for a session or sign up to volunteer, please complete the ACC Relay for Life Interest Form.
• Trunk or Treat: ACC’s Division of Health Sciences & Department of Student Life present their first annual 'Trunk Or Treat!' Join us on Friday, October 30, 2026. The team is looking for Departments who'd be interested in representing their respective groups by designating a vehicle for entry and participating in the fun! For more information or if interested in participating, complete this form by October 2.
• Mental Health Basics: To help better equip employees to support students who may be experiencing mental health challenges, ACC Mental Health Counseling Services and Basic Needs Systems are offering Mental Health Basics and De-escalation trainings at campuses across the District this fall. Register to attend one of the training sessions here.
• Access and Disability Support: Effective December 1, Access and Disability Support (ADS) will join Student Affairs. ADS will transition from Basic Needs Systems to Student Affairs, Student Rights and Engagement Department under the leadership of Dr. Guillermo “Willie” Martinez. For more information, check out the message shared by Dr. Buchanan last week.
• Internal Team Logos: Following the Student Affairs realignment, all Student Affairs divisions now have updated internal logos (in Box and will need an Okta login) aligned with our current organizational structure. Logo development is now complete, and we are working to finalize and add the approved versions to Canva and the appropriate Brand Kits for easier access and ongoing use. If you're unsure which logo to use, please connect with the Student Affairs Communications & Change Strategy team, and we can help determine the best approach. 
• Advising Hours Update: The Academic Advising team recently updated its hours of service. For more information and to review availability for new students, current students, and former Riverbats, visit austincc.edu/advising.

Student Affairs Employment Opportunities

Full-Time

Part-Time

• ACC GROW Associate I (Hourly) | Closing Date: 12/13/2026
• ACC GROW Associate III (Hourly) | Closing Date: 12/13/2026

Interested in something else? We encourage all Student Affairs employees to check the Workday internal job site for additional updates regularly and to explore openings that align with your skills, interests, and aspirations.

Austin Community College | austincc.edu