Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the summer semester at Austin Community College District.
Summer brings a unique energy. It is fast-paced, focused, and full of students committed to moving their futures forward. Thank you for being here to support them. Your work—whether in the classroom, on campus, or behind the scenes—makes a meaningful difference.
This semester, we’re also beginning our transition to Blackboard Ultra, ACC’s upgraded learning management system. The new platform is designed to make teaching and learning more intuitive and engaging, with improved accessibility, a modern mobile-friendly interface, and better tools for communication and grading. This is an important step toward creating more seamless and supportive experiences for both faculty and students.
We want students to feel supported from day one. Please share the following tips and reminders as you connect with them:
- Finding Classes: Students can locate class info in their course schedule and syllabus. Room numbers follow a clear system: for example, Room 1142 is in Building 1000, first floor.
- Campus Navigation: Our campus web pages include maps, and a new interactive map pilot is underway to help students better navigate their way around campus.
- Free Parking: Parking at ACC campuses will continue to be FREE, and starting this semester you don’t have to apply for a special permit. We want to make it easier to get here and stay here—that includes for you, our employees, too.
- Students may also need support beyond academics. Please encourage them to explore ACC’s free student support services, including:
- Tutoring & academic coaching
- Child care scholarships and support
- Emergency financial aid and food pantries
- Career services, internships, and job prep
Let’s keep finding ways to grow together, to challenge systems that need changing, and to build the future of ACC—one student at a time.
I’m grateful for your continued dedication. I hope you have a great summer semester.
Much love,
russell
Russell Lowery-Hart, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Austin Community College District