copy LA AoS Video Session

Hello, and welcome to
Austin Community College.

Congratulations on becoming a Riverbat!

You're about to embark on your
area of study information session.

My name is Heather Beels.
I'm an advising specialist here at ACC.

Hello, my name is David Zuniga.
I'm an advising supervisor here at ACC.

Today's goals are to explore programs,
careers, transfer opportunities

within your area of study, confirm your
interest in your area of study,

and explore ACC resources, as well as
discuss key educational expectations.

First, you'll hear from your
area of study faculty coordinator,

who will share specific information
related to your area of study programs,

credentials you can earn,
resources available at ACC,

and career information
related to your area of study.

On behalf of the Austin
Community College faculty,

we welcome you to the Liberal Arts
area of study information session.

I'm Kerri Pope, professor of philosophy.

Hi, I'm Dr. Wayne Butler,
professor of General Studies

and Technical Communications.

We are here today to inform you,
inspire you, and guide you

on your educational journey.

Today, we'll help you explore the Liberal
Arts area of study programs,

careers and transfer opportunities,
and we'll also discuss ACC resources,

and get you on the path to success
in your chosen area of study.

Welcome to the Liberal Arts
area of study! You're gonna love it.

[Kerri] Wayne, what's an area of study?
I'm not sure everyone knows what that is.

[Wayne] Well, an area of study
is a collection of programs

that have things in common,
like courses, skills, and perspectives.

[Kerri] Yes, like a common way
of looking at the world?

[Wayne] And also a common focus
on critical thinking and writing.

[Kerri] How about common transfer paths?

[Wayne] Yes, all these things help
unite an area of study.

[Kerri] So the Liberal Arts area of study
is a group of programs that focus on

similar skills, courses,
and transfer paths.

[Wayne] Yes, exactly. But do you know why

we call this collection
of programs "Liberal Arts"?

[Kerri] Historically, doesn't it go
back to Greek antiquity?

To the Athenians and the first democracy?

[Wayne] That's right. Over three thousand
years ago, the Athenians formed one of

the first democracies; that is,

a government of the people,
by the people, for the people.

They understood that if citizens were to
participate in their government

effectively, they needed deep knowledge
about social issues of societal

importance, and the skills to think
critically about those issues.

But if we go back to the Latin roots
of the term "liberal,"

we learn it means
"worthy of a free person."

In the case of the arts, the Latin
meaning was "technique" or "skills."

So the liberal arts focuses on
the skills needed by free people

to participate in the legal, civic,
and commercial arenas of their lives.

So they studied subjects that gave them
a broad understanding of the world

around them, and allowed them to think
critically about their own world.

Boy, the liberal arts have a long
and glorious history indeed.

It does have a long history, but that
doesn't mean it's stuck in the past.

The liberal arts has contemporary
practical applications as well.

Right you are, Wayne! Liberal arts
truly equates to critical job skills.

The Athenians were on to something.
An educated populace is very valuable.

Over 80 percent of employers want their
employees to have some level

of liberal arts knowledge.

The liberal arts aid in communication,
problem-solving, and decision-making.

But the liberal arts also offers
insights into other cultures—

anthropology, sociology,
geography, foreign language.

These subjects delve into
cultures around the globe,

and offer perspectives on
our own culture in comparison.

[Wayne] But it is also about exploration.

We live in such a fascinating world,
and the liberal arts give us a chance

to explore that world
through so many lenses.

[Kerri] Lenses? Can you explain?

[Wayne] The Liberal Arts at Austin
Community College consists of

twelve different programs
that offer us a view of the world

from their own unique perspectives.

A philosopher is interested in
the study of knowledge and ethics,

while a sociologist looks at
inequality in cultural dynamics.

Psychology majors like to figure out
what makes people tick,

while the subject of geography
examines how where you live

impacts your life.

As shown on the Venn diagram here,

the programs within the
Liberal Arts are like lenses;

that is, different perspectives
on the exploration and examination

of the human experience.

And while they overlap with one another,
together they all contribute

to the core skills of liberal arts, such
as civic awareness, critical thinking,

cultural awareness, ethical reasoning,
interpersonal skills,

life and personal skills, research skills,

and written oral and
visual communications.

So no matter what Liberal Arts
major you focus on,

by the end of your ACC experience
in the liberal arts,

you'll be proficient in
core knowledge and skills.

Now, let's take a look at individual
programs to explore the focus of each.

As an English major, you'll study the
various ways English speakers have and

continue to use language to create
literary art, and to communicate in

different ways for different
audiences and purposes.

English majors can enter various fields
where critical reading, writing,

and communication are crucial skills.

English is a great foundation for those
interested in going into teaching,

writing and communications,
as well as the law.

ACC English majors often transfer
into Bachelor degree programs

at four-year colleges, as is the case
with most Liberal Art degrees at ACC.

Anthropologists study people and
cultures around the world,

their evolutionary history, and how
they adapt to their environments.

Anthropologists can study archaeology,
linguistics, and even forensics.

ACC offers Associate's of Arts
in Anthropology

and an Associate of Science
in Archaeology.

Austin Community College's
Interdisciplinary Studies program

recognizes that culture, history,
politics, civil society, and religion,

as well as science and technology,
are interwoven and interconnected.

Degree specializations include
American, Mexican-American/Chicano,

and Peace and Conflict Studies.

Winston Churchill famously said,

"Those who fail to learn history
are doomed to repeat it."

Historians broaden our understanding
of our world by objectively viewing

civilizations and our own
national and state heritage.

Economics examines how individuals
and groups, including companies

and governments, decide how they
will use limited resources to produce

and distribute goods and services.

Learning a foreign language opens
a door to a world of opportunities.

It enhances your marketability
in most careers,

and expands your cultural understanding

and ability to communicate
in a global society.

Degree specializations include
Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese,

German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.

The Ancient Greek philosopher
Socrates said, quote,

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

And he believed philosophy,
the love of wisdom,

was the most important pursuit of all.

Philosophy is a collection of disciplines
designed to deepen your understanding

of yourself, the world around you,
and the relationship between the two.

The Philosophy program helps you
articulate what you think and why.

Many a law school student
starts with Philosophy major.

Sociology seeks to answer questions
about why people think and act

the way they do, through the study
of structural and cultural patterns

and social dynamics.

As a student of sociology, you'll learn
how to gather and interpret information—

in itself a set of very marketable skills—

and to detect social forces that
other people often take for granted.

The Sociology program at Austin
Community College has a

strong emphasis on social justice.

The study of government involves
analyzing individual and group behaviors

and outcomes in local state,
national, and international politics.

To fulfill your birthright as a
participant in self-government,

you need knowledge of how and why
things work, and the way they do—

just as the Athenians intended

Psychologists study human
behavior in the brain,

including healthy and
abnormal brain functions,

and the brain's role in language
development, thinking skills,

and physical movement.

Psychology also examines social,
cross-cultural, and gender perspectives.

Geographers look at the interaction
of human and natural environments,

movement, and regions.

But Wayne, what if you don't know
what you want to study?

Think about studying liberal arts.

You get to explore wide range of ideas
until one sparks your passion.

Austin Community College's
General Studies degree is for students

who are uncertain of their career plans,

or would like to benefit from two years
of a broad, general college education.

Curriculum has been adapted to allow
students to explore several subject areas.

Faculty advisors can help you create
a course plan designed for either

university transfer,
or entering the workforce.

I see what you mean about lenses, Wayne.

Each program looks at the world
we live in, our history, and ourselves,

but in its own particular way.
That is very valuable!

Indeed, and as we'll see in more detail
later in this presentation,

it turns out what employers are looking
for are critical thinkers who can

research, solve problems, collaborate,
and communicate with a wide range

of people and personalities
connected into the global economy.

In some ways, it's never been a better
time to be a Liberal Arts major.

In fact, why don't you lead us
in the details, Kerri?

Wayne, it is a great time
to be a Liberal Arts major.

As numerous studies indicate,

the future earning potential for students
increases with educational attainment!

That's right, Kerri!

With the rising cost of college,
some in society have questioned

the usefulness or return on
investment of a college education,

and especially one in the liberal arts.

But let's take a look at what the U.S.
Department of Labor reveals about

the value of attending college.

What we notice is, the more education
one has, the more money they might make,

while reducing chances of unemployment.

You'll note at the bottom of the
chart that even some college

could lead to more income
than no college at all.

The key things to keep in mind
is that you don't need to climb

this ladder from some college
to PhD in one mad dash.

Most of us who hold advanced degrees
climb the ladder at our own pace.

Study some, work some.
Study some, work some more.

The most important takeaway is that you
never stop pursuing your goals and dreams.

The structure of ACC's pathway system
makes that climb manageable,

and therefore your goals more obtainable.

In this table, you'll see just a tiny
sample of the kinds of careers

open to Liberal Arts majors, and the kinds
of money one can expect to earn.

Note that these are mid-career averages.

Entry-level positions pay less, and
end-of-career positions earn more.

Note also, all of these listed here will
require more than an associate degree.

But an Associate of Arts or
transfer program in liberal arts

puts you on the pathway
towards your dream job!

Wayne, what does that pathway look like?

Well, Kerri, part of the idea behind
ACC's Guided Pathways initiative

and areas of study program is to
provide a clear path through

all the choices you'll need
to make on your journey.

As with any journey, it's a great idea
to know where you want to go

before heading off. However, no matter
what your career goals are,

in most cases, you will need a degree.

So your first step is to
start where you are!

As we like to say here at ACC,
"Start here, get there!"

While at ACC, you can strive to earn
at least 42 credit hours—

about 14 three-credit hour courses—
in the core requirements,

most of which are in liberal arts;
and you can transfer that entire bundle

in the form of a core certificate

to any public Texas four-year
Bachelor's degree program.

But even if you don't complete all 42
credits, as noted on the previous slide,

some college is better than none.

Want to jump to the next level?

Take another six or so courses and
earn the Associate degree,

which could open up more
job opportunities,

but even more importantly,
qualifies you to transfer

to all Texas public universities,

as well as many private colleges
across the country.

And once you transfer, earn another
60 hours—about 20 more courses—

in a specific field of study,
and earn a Bachelor's degree

in your program of choice.

The main credential for most
good-paying jobs,

as well as a prerequisite for all
graduate degrees.

But be careful. You want to be focused,
and take certain courses in a certain

order, and you want to do well
in those courses.

So before you take your
first step on this journey,

consult with an ACC advisor;
use ACC's online Degree Map tools;

and visit with the ACC Transfer Academy
to learn the most efficient paths

to earning an ACC core certificate

and then, the ACC Associate degree,
and then transfer to the four-year college.

It's good advice, Wayne!

Keep in mind, the courses you take
and how well you do in them

are crucial to your success.

Your college transcript will
follow you your entire life,

into the job market and beyond.

So make sure you use all the resources

ACC has put in place
to ensure your success!

Now, not all your learning need be
in the classroom or lab.

In fact, some of the deepest and most
authentic learning happens in the

real world, in collaboration with others.

ACC Liberal Arts offers a
wide range of opportunities

for unique learning experiences.

First, you can complete the 42 core
requirement courses

on any of ACC's campuses.

We also offer a rich catalog of
online courses so you can fit

your studies around the realities
of your work and family life.

We also offer exciting opportunities to
extend your education to the real world.

Our government department offers
internship opportunities at

Texas State Capitol every spring.

You can also study anthropology,
sociology, English, and foreign language

in other countries through the
Study Abroad program,

to amazing places like France,
Spain, Russia, and Peru!

Our Service Learning program allows you
to gain credits and knowledge

through the hands-on experiences
in the community.

And our cultural centers at
Riverside and Eastview

give you the opportunity to
gather, study, and enjoy

extracurricular events with
Latinx and African-American peers.

There's really so much more than
just the classroom in the well-rounded

student experience.

Speaking of the well-rounded
college experience,

it's no secret that the life of a student
can be lonely and difficult

while juggling all the responsibilities
of school, work, and life.

But now, you're not alone on your journey.

In fact, ACC has a special division
dedicated solely to enriching

and enhancing the college experience
for students just like you.

Student Life offers a range of events,
opportunities, and services to help you

connect with ACC and other students—

services such as group and personalized
coaching for first-year students,

to help ease the transition from
high school, or the military,

or opportunities to work with other
students on service learning projects.

You can also meet with, or perhaps
eventually become, a Riverbat ambassador,

who is a student just like yourself,
specially trained to help other

ACC students navigate the ins
and outs of college life.

Do not forget to take advantage of the
free workshops that focus on

study skills, financial management,
interpersonal skills, and more!

Did you know that research on student
success reveals that those who are

more engaged with the school
and other students can actually be

more successful than those who just
focus on coursework and jobs?

It's true!

At ACC, Student Life in various
Liberal Arts departments and programs

work together to create clubs
geared toward student interest.

In fact, many clubs are started by
students themselves, in cooperation

with a sponsoring faculty member
and student life staff.

Have a special interest or passion,
something you were always curious

about but didn't have time to pursue?

Wanna meet and socialize with those
who share your interests and passions?

Join one of the many Liberal Arts clubs!

And, by the way, membership and
especially leadership roles in student

organizations really stand out
on a resume, to distinguish yourself

from those with similar
areas of study and GPAs.

Great for networking down the road, too.

Grades are not everything
these days, Wayne!

To stay competitive in both the college
admission and career arenas,

a student needs to be well-rounded.
The Athenians had the right idea:

arm yourself with a solid education,

and you will be better prepared
to take over the world!

Hungry for more information?

Keep current on all things liberal arts

by following us on social media sites
like Twitter and Instagram.

Just search @ACCLiberalArts.

I hope we have answered some of
your questions regarding liberal arts

at Austin Community College,
and the world of higher education.

Please stay tuned for more in-depth
look at the life of the college student

and the ins and outs of class
registration and degree planning.

Thank you for your time!

And go out there and follow your passion!

After hearing from your area of study
faculty coordinator,

if you're still not certain which
program is right for you,

you will have the opportunity
to explore careers and majors

in a mandatory student success course,

"Effective Learning:
Strategies for College Success."

This course will include
two career assessments:

Focus-2 and Campus2Careers.

Focus-2 is designed to allow you
to explore potential occupations

based on your skills,
interest, and personality.

Campus2Careers offers you the opportunity
to access the Austin job market

for those occupations you've been matched.

ACC offers specialized sections of this
course depending on your program.

Next we're going to review resources that
are available to you at ACC as a student.

Learning Labs. That's free tutoring!

Tutoring can be subject-specific or
can be in general skills, such as writing.

They offer drop-in assistance,
or you can schedule an appointment.

They offer one-on-one and
group study sessions.

Libraries are also a place for resources.

You can find books,
periodicals, videos, audio.

They offer computer and printer access.

They also offer experts who can help you
with research for a class assignment,

essay review, thesis statement
support, and other options.

Libraries offer quiet study rooms
and online tools galore.

So please stop in and check 'em out!

Supplemental instruction.

This is peer-assisted study sessions in
traditionally difficult academic courses.

Regularly scheduled out-of-class
review sessions led by students

who have successfully completed
the course previously.

You're able to compare notes, discuss
readings, prepare tools to organize

course materials, and other options
to prepare for your class.

The courses that are supported by
supplemental instruction

are labeled on the course schedule,

or you can look on the SI website
for the list of classes that offer SI.

The Student Accessibility Services office
offers academic accommodations for

students with documented
learning challenges.

SAS office is at every single campus;

they also offer interpreter services,
assistive technology,

testing accommodations such as
additional test-taking time, note-takers,

and other accommodations as necessary.
They also offer temporary accommodations.

For example, let's say you break your leg

and you need extra time
to make it to class.

They can make sure that you
work with your professors

and get those accommodations in place.

Time management for studying.

It's very important to realize that
you're gonna have to take your time

outside of the classroom
to be successful in college.

You can't leave things at the door
when you leave the classroom.

In order to be successful in college,
you're gonna have to spend additional

times and hours depending on
how many courses you're enrolled in.

The chart shown here will show
you what is recommended.

Although it is a lot of additional hours
suggested, the main takeaway is that

we want you to realize, in order to be
successful in your academic career,

you will have to spend a lot of
time outside of the classroom

to manage your assignments.

Academic standards of progress.

In order to maintain good academic
standing at Austin Community College,

you must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
If you receive all Cs or higher,

you will be able to maintain that
recommended required GPA.

If your GPA falls below a 2.0 for the
first semester, you will go into

academic warning. This basically is just
warning you of your status so that you

can work on that next semester
to raise your GPA.

If your GPA falls below a 2.0
for a second semester,

you will then be placed
on academic probation.

At this point in time, you will be
required to meet with a counselor.

You will be given a specific set
of classes and how many classes

that you are able to take in order
to focus on raising that GPA.

If you fall below a 2.0 for a third
semester, you will then reach

academic suspension. At that point,
you are unable to take any classes

at ACC for two back-to-back semesters.
The only exception is that we do allow

students to take basic study
skills classes during suspension.

Course withdrawals.

Withdrawing from a course is discouraged,
and can negatively affect you.

For example, financial aid eligibility
requires that you maintain a 67%

completion ratio. If you continue to
withdraw from classes, you will clearly

drop your completion ratio and therefore
put your eligibility for financial aid

in jeopardy. This also affects your money.
If you have any refunds due to you,

or balances due by you, you may have to
repay some of your financial aid

if you withdraw from your courses.

Texas also has a six-withdrawal limit,
meaning you are only allotted six total

withdrawals in your undergraduate
career. That's while you're here at ACC,

and if you plan to pursue an
undergraduate program.

ACC also has what we call the
Third Course Attempt, or Rule of 3.

If you attempt a class
for a third time or more,

you will be charged additional
tuition for that class.

The main reason for this is not
to punish students,

but really to encourage them
to be academically prepared

for the courses that
they are registering for.

If you're an international student here
on an F-1 visa, you may affect your

visa status and your immigration status
by withdrawing from courses.

The main thing we want students to focus
on when it comes to course withdrawals

is that it's highly recommended to come in
and talk to an advisor and counselor

before you withdraw from classes.

If you're also receiving services from
financial aid, veterans affairs, or the

International Students office, we
recommend you talk to them before

withdrawing from classes as well.

Scholastic Achievement Awards are given
for semesters in which you complete

a minimum of 12 credits. Notification
appears on your grade report and

transcript for each fall-spring semester,
as well as on your diploma, if your

cumulative GPA qualifies for any of the
mentioned achievements on this slide.

At ACC, we have advisors and counselors
that can both help with academic course

planning and transfer services.
The difference between an advisor

and a counselor is that a counselor can
help you when you have problems that are

keeping you from being successful
that are outside of the classroom.

They can also help you if your GPA
falls below a 2.0, or if your completion

percentage falls below 67 percent.

Program advising degree and career
planning can be something that your

faculty advisors, your faculty
can help provide.

Remember that faculty support is not
limited to the ones who teach your classes.

There are other faculty in your area of
study who you can also connect with.

Your faculty representative here
today is a good example.

You may never have a class with them,
but they are now someone you know

and can turn to.

Your college education is
a huge investment,

so knowing how you will fund that
investment is extremely important.

There are many types of aid you can
receive to help finance your education—

some, like loans, that you
have to pay back;

others, like grants and
scholarships, that you don't.

Begin by filling out the FAFSA.

We will discuss financial aid
in further detail on the next slide.

ACC also has a Student Money Management
office that provides seminars and

workshops you can attend to learn
more about financial literacy.

Managing your money; making a budget;
long-term financial planning—

these are the things you will
learn at these workshops.

ACC supports and provides assistance
to students who would benefit from

additional assistance to overcome
challenges and complete their education,

such as financial assistance for child
care, textbooks, and connecting students

with community resources outside of
ACC that may be able to help students.

Note that you must be
eligible for financial aid

to access Support Center services.

You can also explore other options for
funding such as grants, scholarships,

work-study opportunities, or other loans.

Contact an ACC Financial Aid
office on any campus

if you need help exploring your options.

What are grants and scholarships?
This is the free money.

This is money that you do not
need to repay the government.

Loans. Loans must be repaid after
earning your college credential.

Work-study. This is something you can
specifically apply for through FAFSA.

This allows you to work
up to 19 hours a week

on the campus where you're
taking your classes.

Students who are active in the work-study
program are not required to repay

any financial aid they receive.

Get connected. Student Life is a great way
to get connected by getting involved

with student life. They offer activities
that contribute to and enhance

your academic experience by providing
opportunities for leadership and

engagement within the ACC community.
You can gain valuable leadership skills;

community services; diverse awareness;
you can enrich your college experience

by participating in intramural sports
and recreational activities, such as

flag football, basketball (men's and
women's), soccer (men's and women's),

women's volleyball, and kickball.

Student Life holds many events on all
campuses all year long, such as

the Riverbat Bash every September
during Welcome Week.

There are additional student clubs,
organizations, student government,

honor societies that will also provide
you with the opportunities to

get connected with other students
who have the same interests as you.

If you're a veteran, you can visit the
Veterans Resource Center,

which gives military and veteran
students a central, one-stop location

for obtaining essential support
services such as VA certification

and advising for VA benefits.

The center also features a
lounge area where students can

connect with peers and participate
in veteran-specific activities.

If you're an international student you can
visit the International Student office.

They are located at the Riverside
and Round Rock campuses.

They have designated advisors on each
campus, and can also provide general

support for the unique challenges of
being an international student

living here in the Austin area.

Study on campus. ACC offers open computer
labs which are a quiet study space

that are available at every campus.
These labs will give you free access

to computers equipped with internet
access and up-to-date softwares to do

research or finish assignments.

At the ACC learning labs, you can also get
free tutoring in a variety of subjects.

Help with homework, study spaces,
and much, much more.

Libraries are also a place to go if you
need books, DVDs, periodicals, copies,

laptop checkout, assistance with
research, and much more.

College is another step in
becoming a lifelong learner.

The learning never stops.

You will learn in your classes,
on the job,

and as you encounter
new experiences in your life.

There are lots of ways ACC can
help you continue your education

above and beyond your program.

Transfer services can help you prepare
to graduate from ACC and transfer to

a four-year school like
Texas State or UT Austin.

They'll help you review transfer guides
to make sure the courses you take

at ACC will be accepted for credit and
toward a degree plan at the college

you plan to transfer to. We also offer
reverse transfer, which allows you to

bring your classes back to ACC and
potentially complete your Associate's

degree after you've transferred out.

Career Services,

here to help students develop
job-search skills and locate employment.

Campus2Careers at ACC will match
you with the best jobs based on

your profile so you can learn more
about those best choices.

ACC also has the Continuing Education
Division, which offers courses that do not

count for academic credit, but can help
you develop new knowledge and skills.

Custom-designed curriculum, coursework,
and valuable industry certifications

such as Microsoft certification, certified
nurse's aid, project management

certification, and more are
designed to enhance job skills

or to explore other interests.

Advisors and counselors are available
to help you determine the best path

to complete your Associate's
degree and transfer.

Start now to research your transfer
schools. You can also attend transfer

events and meet university recruiters
here on an ACC campus.

Consider whether to
graduate before transferring,

or earn the degree after you transfer.

ACC offers a university transfer/
core curriculum and choice of

Associate's degrees, many designed
specifically for students who want to

transfer and apply ACC credits
towards a Bachelor's degree.

If you do intend to transfer, you can
meet with your advisor to access

these transfer guides, which guarantee
classes that are going to transfer out.

Career Services. Our office provides tools
that help you discover your career

path and course of study. Bring your
assessment results to your area of study

advisor for career advising. You'll get
feedback on your career and major

findings, and learn how to connect your
results to an actual degree plan.

ACC Career Services offers two options
to our students and alumni searching

for jobs and internships. We have job
boards to get started on your job search!

Tech tools—Degree Map.

An interactive online tool to monitor and
make changes to your academic plans.

This program allows you to view degree
details, your profile, explore and compare

programs offered at ACC. You can also
access your advising plan and log

if you want to review older
advising sessions.

The link to view the current and
future semester course listings

is located in the top-right corner
of our home page.

We offer a variety of teaching
sessions that range from

16-week to 12-week to as
little as eight weeks.

It's important to understand the
difference between these sessions.

Understanding your learning style
will help you determine which

teaching session is best for you.

A short eight-week session is intense,
but it covers the same amount of material

that you would normally cover
in a 16-week session.

So you've gotta be very disciplined
and determined to get that done.

Classes and waitlists.

It's important to understand how
to read the course schedule.

On this slide, let's take a look at
arrow number one.

It's pointing towards a section
that has three seats available.

The information in the brackets
helps understand what this means.

The first number, 33, is the number
of currently enrolled students.

The next number, 36, is the
number of maximum seats.

And then the third number
is the number of people on the waitlist.

If you look at arrow number two,
it starts off with a capital C.

This indicates that this section is full.

That means it's closed for any registration
and there is no waitlist available.

The third arrow points to a
section that has one C.

What this indicates in the brackets is
that 35 seats out of 36 have been taken,

and nobody's on the waitlist.

The fourth and final arrow indicates
that there's a capital X.

This is an indication that this section
was canceled by the institution,

either due to low enrollment or no
faculty available to teach this section.

Schedule building. As I mentioned before,
it's important to understand your

learning style because this will help
dictate if you're gonna enroll in a

16-week session, 12-week session,
or a short, intense 8-week session.

Make sure you weigh the pros and cons,

especially when it comes
to distance learning.

Distance learning sessions mean that
you're teaching yourself to a book

and access to a professor via email.

When selecting classes, make sure
that you pick those that you can

and will attend. If you're not a morning
person, please don't enroll in a class

that starts at 8 A.M. in the morning.

Balancing your schedule is also
just as important.

Please know that we offer classes as
early as 7:30 in the morning,

and the last one could potentially
end at 10:20 at night.

But we also offer Monday/Wednesdays,
Tuesday/Thursday classes, and then

Friday/Saturday-only classes.

So understanding those options
will also make a big difference

in picking out a schedule
that is well balanced.

You should also be aware of any
special notes or instructions

about particular course sections.

These can be found on the course schedule
right underneath the section itself.

Tech tools. Another tool that you can use
to help complete your registration

is called Self-Service. This tool allows
you to create course schedules,

plan and register for classes, manage
your financial aid, view your grades,

track your degree progress, and also
receive notifications about any

registration holds that you may have.

Almost there!

Let's talk about your next steps to getting
registered and starting your classes.

Register and pay.

Remember, you will use Student
Planning to register.

You can use online tutorials, or if you
need help, come in and see an advisor.

Tuition and fees can be found on the ACC
website. You have until your tuition

deadline to pay your bill in full,
or your classes will be dropped.

ACC's payment plan can help if you can't
pay your full tuition by the deadline.

You may pay via Online Services,

or go to any campus' Cashier's
Office to pay in person.

Parking and transportation.

Use the online system to order your
parking permits; green car tags, which

are for special parking spots designed
for environmentally friendly cars;

carpool passes; and/or the green pass,
which is good for CapMetro on both

the bus and the train system.

You'll be responsible for getting your
own textbooks; however, we will provide

a list of the ones you are required to
purchase based on the classes

you're signed up for. You can go to your
online services, under "Academic Profile,"

and click "My Textbooks." Select the
correct term in the drop-down menu.

If you need to, you can contact the
instructional department if your textbook

information is not available.

Important! It is very important to note
you are not required to purchase your

textbooks from the ACC bookstore. You can
search online, or in a used bookstore.

You can also rent textbooks
at a much cheaper price.

Pay attention to the edition of the book,
as these can vary from one to the next.

Also be careful about books
with online components.

The previous owner may have used the
access code for your online resources,

and you may not be able to access them.

Get to class!

Always print out your class schedule
through your Online Services.

Make sure you know where your
classes are located,

what campus, building, and room number;

make sure to note when they begin and end
in addition to the session start time;

also note whether a class
has been canceled.

Congratulations on completing your
area of study information session!

You are officially a Riverbat.

If you have any questions
following this session,

or would like to schedule
an advising appointment,

you can access the ACC area of study
advising website at austincc.edu/advising.

You can then select
the appropriate advisor

based on your area of study
and/or home campus.

Gooo Riverbats!