This past year has been like no other, and as students, parents, faculty and staff we have all met our own challenges during the pandemic. Thankfully, as COVID numbers decline, we are beginning to look at returning to “normalcy”. For ACC and our High School Programs population, this is no different. To say this past year has been challenging, is an understatement. It has been hard. Please know that we are so proud of you for persevering in the face of so many challenges and adversity! Hang in there, we will be getting back to normalcy and student/faculty interactions as soon as we can!
That being said, we want to let you know what Fall 2021 looks like now for all of our students and campuses. In all honesty, we are still actively working on this piece. ACC, as a whole, is being very systematic in their approach to all aspects of our return to campus. This includes our return to our High School campuses.
Right now, ACC courses will remain online in the synchronous course format. What does this mean for students, parents, high school staff and faculty? This means that students will see their ACC professors virtually every class day. They will log into class via Blackboard, or the format chosen by the professor, to have class lectures, discussions and all other aspects of ACC courses.
As a parent, I know how important it is to you to support your child and their learning. Here are some tools that are available to your students to help. These are always available, however, during the pandemic we have seen the increasing need for students to actively use these resources in our remote learning environment.
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Activate and use your ACC Mail account. This is a requirement for all ACC students. ACC Mail is the only way students can communicate with their professors, contact their High School Programs advisors, have full Blackboard access as well as to be able to submit their assignments. Additionally, this is the format ACC shares information with all students. There is truly beneficial information sent to your students via ACC Mail including course supports, emergency assistance, and information. If your student ever has issues with their ACC Mail, they can call the Student Help Desk at 512-223-4636.
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Have your student communicate with their professor. Communication in our virtual learning environment is vital. In addition to office hours, students can email their ACC professor at any time from their ACC Mail account, and we highly encourage this as often as needed. If your student has any questions, needs clarification, or any other issue/concern with their ACC courses, have them email their professor directly. Have them email them as often needed. Your student’s ACC professor wants your student to succeed. They teach because it is what they love to do. When students communicate with their professors they are more likely to be successful in their course work and feel more confident and supported academically.
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Utilize the ACC Learning Labs, Library and other Academic Support pieces. As a Dual Credit/ECHS student, your child has access to ALL academic resources at ACC. Right now, these resources are all online, however, as ACC returns to campus, these services will return as well. Right now, the 3 campuses that are beginning the gradual return to campus are Riverside, Highland and Round Rock. Plans are still being determined and decided as to how this will look and dates that services will be available. Please know that safety of students, faculty and staff are the first priority. When services return to campus, there will be social distancing measures in place.
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ACC Learning Lab Website: https://www.austincc.edu/students/learning-lab
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Academic Coaching Online Study Resources (there is information specific to High School Programs Students and Supports): https://www.austincc.edu/students/academic-coaching/online-study-resources
Learning How to Navigate and Use Blackboard. Blackboard is the format that all ACC coursework is available to students. Once your student has Blackboard access to their course, they can log in and “look around”. By doing this ahead of time they can see how the professor has the course laid out and where content is stored. Blackboard can be challenging for students at first, but here are some resources to assist your students.
Navigating Blackboard Video:
These are just some of the highlights of things that are available to support your student. High School Programs staff are always available and willing to help. Your student’s high school counselor will have the contact information for your child’s Academic Success Coordinator as well as Enrollment Coordinator. We are here to help and to fully support your student during their time with us at ACC!