As the product of community college education himself, Richard Rhodes has a unique perspective on the metrics used to gauge the success of the kinds of schools he now leads.
Click here to see the interview.
acc Adjunct Faculty Association
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
[statesman.com] ACC's accreditation put on warning status
ACC's accreditation put on warning status
By Ralph K.M. Haurwitz
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Published: 10:38 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011
Austin Community College's accreditation has been placed on warning status for the next six months because of the school's failure to report changes in its academic offerings and satellite locations, officials said Thursday....
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Celebration of Great Teaching Retreat
Mark your calendars for the Celebration of Great Teaching Retreat, scheduled for March 30th to April 1st, 2012. It will be held at the Flying L Guest Ranch in Bandera, Texas. The online application process will open on Monday, January 23rd. Another announcement will come out after the first of the year to remind you to apply and to provide the application site.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the retreat at http://www.austincc.edu/hr/profdev/greatteaching/index.php. You may also contact the Professional Development Office at 223-7997 if you have questions or email Terry Stewart Mouchayleh, Director of Professional Development & Evaluation Programs.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the retreat at http://www.austincc.edu/hr/profdev/greatteaching/index.php. You may also contact the Professional Development Office at 223-7997 if you have questions or email Terry Stewart Mouchayleh, Director of Professional Development & Evaluation Programs.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Board of Trustees regular meeting Monday, December 12 @HBC
The Board regular meeting will be Monday at 6:00pm at HBC 201.
Click here for the agenda.
Extensive information about the Board is available here.
Recordings of previous meetings are at this link.
Click here for the agenda.
Extensive information about the Board is available here.
Recordings of previous meetings are at this link.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
[nytimes] Death Knell for the Lecture
Death Knell for the Lecture: Technology as a Passport to Personalized Education
By DAPHNE KOLLER
Our education system is in a state of crisis. Among developed countries, the United States is 55th in quality rankings of elementary math and science education, 20th in high school completion rate and 27th in the fraction of college students receiving undergraduate degrees in science or engineering.
As a society, we can and should invest more money in education. But that is only part of the solution. The high costs of high-quality education put it off limits to large parts of the population, both in the United States and abroad, and threaten the school’s place in society as a whole. We need to significantly reduce those costs while at the same time improving quality....
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Student scholarship fundraising auction, sponsored by Association of Professional Technical Employees
APTE's Scholarship Fundraising Auction: Click here to BID TODAY!!
Bidding runs until December 11, 11:45 p.m.
There are 18 gift baskets available! There are some great deals available!
All money raised will go directly to student scholarships.
[nytimes.com] College Leaders Meet With Obama to Discuss Costs and Productivity
December 5, 2011
College Leaders Meet With Obama to Discuss Costs and Productivity
By TAMAR LEWIN
In a private meeting on Monday, President Obama and his secretary of education, Arne Duncan, conferred with a dozen college presidents, mostly from public institutions, and leaders of two nonprofit education organizations, about how to curb the rising cost of college and improve graduation rates.
“It was an unusually interesting meeting, and not your usual list of college presidents,” said Jane Wellman, founder and director of the nonprofit Delta Project, which studies college costs. “These were all people who had led institutions that had done something about reducing spending or improving student learning....
Click here to read the rest of the article.
College Leaders Meet With Obama to Discuss Costs and Productivity
By TAMAR LEWIN
In a private meeting on Monday, President Obama and his secretary of education, Arne Duncan, conferred with a dozen college presidents, mostly from public institutions, and leaders of two nonprofit education organizations, about how to curb the rising cost of college and improve graduation rates.
“It was an unusually interesting meeting, and not your usual list of college presidents,” said Jane Wellman, founder and director of the nonprofit Delta Project, which studies college costs. “These were all people who had led institutions that had done something about reducing spending or improving student learning....
Click here to read the rest of the article.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Adjunct participation in department governance
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
AAUP Weighs Calling for Adjunct Faculty to Have Major Role in Shared Governance
November 13, 2011
AAUP Weighs Calling for Adjunct Faculty to Have Major Role in Shared Governance
Washington
The American Association of University Professors is considering whether to call for adjunct faculty members to be given a role, and a full vote, in nearly all shared-governance decisions.
The AAUP's subcommittee on contingent faculty and governance released its preliminary recommendations for a new statement of principles concerning adjunct faculty at a lunch session here Saturday during the association's fall conference on shared governance.
Among other ideas, the subcommittee said faculty senates and committees, and their leadership positions, generally should be open to any academic employees who do the work of faculty members, including adjuncts and librarians who participate in teaching and research. All faculty members, regardless of job status, should have a full vote in elections to such governing bodies....
ACC's first ever "international basketball game" on December 7th!
ACC vs. Australia....
Our Intramural all-stars vs. traveling teams from the country of Australia, both women and men teams.
It should be fun!
Date: December 7th (Wednesday)
Time: women play at 7:30pm, men play at approx. 8:40pm
Location: Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Drive
Fee: none, FREE
Sponsored by ACC Intramural Sports and Recreation
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Board of Trustees work session meeting Monday, November 21 @HBC
The Board work session meeting will be tomorrow at 6:00pm at HBC 201.
Click here for the agenda.
Extensive information about the Board is available here.
Recordings of previous meetings are at this link.
Click here for the agenda.
Extensive information about the Board is available here.
Recordings of previous meetings are at this link.
Texas colleges outsourcing to cut costs
More Texas colleges turn to outsourcing in hopes of cutting costs
By Teddy Wilson
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
ACC Literary Coffeehouse --- Monday, November 14 @ Austin Java
ACC Literary Coffeehouse
Date: November 14
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Austin Java, 1206 Parkway (Enfield and Lamar)
Featured reader Tiff Holland is a poet and fictionista whose work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Her "Bone in a Tin Funnel" appeared in 2008 from Pudding House Press, and "Betty Superman" won the rose Metal Press chapbook award for 2011. She teaches English at ACC.
Open mic follows, so bring poems, stories, scripts, rants and raves to share, or just come to listen and enjoy.
Date: November 14
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Austin Java, 1206 Parkway (Enfield and Lamar)
Featured reader Tiff Holland is a poet and fictionista whose work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Her "Bone in a Tin Funnel" appeared in 2008 from Pudding House Press, and "Betty Superman" won the rose Metal Press chapbook award for 2011. She teaches English at ACC.
Open mic follows, so bring poems, stories, scripts, rants and raves to share, or just come to listen and enjoy.
Board of Trustees regular meeting Monday, November 7 @HBC
The Board regular meeting will be tomorrow at 6:00pm at HBC 201.
Click here for the agenda.
Extensive information about the Board is available here.
Recordings of previous meetings are at this link.
Click here for the agenda.
Extensive information about the Board is available here.
Recordings of previous meetings are at this link.
Monday, October 31, 2011
additional information sources
Faculty members may subscribe to the ACC_FACULTY discussion list by sending an email from your austincc.edu address to
LISTSERV@LISTSERV.AUSTINCC.EDU
with only
SUBSCRIBE ACC_FACULTY
in the body
and nothing in the subject line.
Other sources of information include the Texas Community College Teachers Association blog and Inside ACC.
LISTSERV@LISTSERV.AUSTINCC.EDU
with only
SUBSCRIBE ACC_FACULTY
in the body
and nothing in the subject line.
Other sources of information include the Texas Community College Teachers Association blog and Inside ACC.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Board of Trustees at Upcoming Student Forums on Seven More Campuses
All students are invited to share their questions, concerns, and comments with the Board of Trustees at upcoming Student Forums, sponsored by the Student Government Association. Dates, times, and locations are as follows:
Students will be able to meet Trustees and learn about the roles of Board members and current issues that stand at the Board level.
Click here for more information.
You might wish to encourage your students to attend. You also might wish to attend.
October 25, 2011, 2 p.m.: Rio Grande Campus, Student Lounge, Room 101
November 3, 2011, 6:30 p.m.: Riverside Campus, Student Lounge, Bldg. G, Room 8129November 17, 2011, 11:00 a.m.: Round Rock Campus, Café, Bldg. 2000, Room 2131
February 9, 2012, 10:00 a.m.: Eastview Campus, Student Lounge, Bldg. 2, Room 2100.4February 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m.: Northridge Campus, Student Lounge, Bldg. 1000, Room 1112
March 6, 2012, Noon: Pinnacle Campus, Student Lounge, Room 905March 29, 2012, Noon: South Austin Campus, Student Commons, Room 1120
Students will be able to meet Trustees and learn about the roles of Board members and current issues that stand at the Board level.
Click here for more information.
You might wish to encourage your students to attend. You also might wish to attend.
fyi: a press release received this week from WGU
WGU Texas Officially Launched with a Formalized TACC Partnership
WGU Texas was established August 3, 2011 by Governor Rick Perry with support from Texas Higher Education Chairs Senator Judith Zaffirini and Rep. Dan Branch. The state’s only online, competency-based university, WGU Texas offers more than 50 fully accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education, and Health Professions, including Nursing. A subsidiary of nationally recognized, nonprofit WesternGovernors University, WGU Texas is open to all qualified Texas residents.
“The Texas Association of Community Colleges is very pleased with our new partnership with WGU Texas,” said TACC President Dr. Reynaldo Garcia.“This agreement offers our graduates another opportunity for completing their bachelor’s degrees at a quality university that is affordable and accessible.”
WGU Texas’ academic model is unique—rather than earning degrees based on credit hours or time spent in class, students are required to demonstrate competency in degree subject matter. They advance by writing papers, completing assignments, and passing exams that demonstrate their knowledge of requiredsubject matter. This allows students to move quickly through areas where they have prior work or academic experience and focus on the areas they still need to learn. Learning is individualized and guided by the one-on-one support of a faculty mentor. Degree programs are rigorous and challenging, but designed to allow students to schedule their studies to accommodate work and family obligations. Tuition is affordable; approximately $6,000 per year for most degree programs, and federal financial aid is available. For more information, visit the WGU Texas website: http://texas.wgu.edu/.
“We are very pleased to have the support and endorsement of Governor Perry, SenatorZaffirini, Representative Branch, the TACC, and so many higher education leaders in Texas,” said WGU President Dr. Robert W. Mendenhall. “This is a very important day for WGU Texas, and we are looking forward to making higher education more affordable and accessible for Texans.”
We at WGU Texas look forward to working with your community college, and will be schedulinginformational sessions soon!
Regards-
Kenneth Sorber, V.P.; Mike Manning, Manager; Bob Rustad, Strategic Partnerships
Sandra Freeman, Marketing Coordinator – Strategic Relations
WGU Texas
Direct: 877.435.7984 Ext. 5132 |Email: SFreeman1@wgu.edu
Regards-
D. Chase Schults - STRATEGIC RELATIONS
Western Governors University
4001 South 700 East, Suite 700 | Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Direct: 801.428.5965 | Fax: 801.993.2316 |Email: cschults@wgu.edu
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Web Advisory Committee report
The WAC meeting held on 10-20-11 about ACC's Web sites basically involved sitting and listening to what the Webmaster and his team were tinkering with on the ACC sites.
Two items of interest: 1. Google+, the alternative to Facebook, will become available to faculty sometime in the near future. No definite commit date on this. 2. A mobile Web site is being tested, so you can get a menus of access items on your smartphone. No definite commit date as to release on this.
That is the update for now.
Submitted by Ron Mendell
Two items of interest: 1. Google+, the alternative to Facebook, will become available to faculty sometime in the near future. No definite commit date on this. 2. A mobile Web site is being tested, so you can get a menus of access items on your smartphone. No definite commit date as to release on this.
That is the update for now.
Submitted by Ron Mendell
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Public college officials gather in Dallas for private sales pitch to make higher education cheap, nimble, and online
They gathered in a ballroom at the Four Seasons Resort and Spa outside Dallas last week.
Click here to read the entire story.
Click here to read the entire story.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Faculty & Staff Evaluation Committee meeting report
EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEETING – FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2011
1. There will be workshops covering 4 modules to make sure Distance Learning (DL) instructors are adequately prepared and that curriculum is uniform, generated from SACS. Previous instructors can test out.
2. The evaluation forms for full-time and adjunct faculty are exactly the same now. There are separate lines for DL now, and are aligned with the other evaluation windows. Percentage calculations in DL are based upon total responses, not total enrollment.
3. Fall 2011 Faculty Evaluation packets and online DL courses ore current with the calendar.
4. Action needed to approve the evaluation form, but a revision was suggested. Rather than the last column being % participation, to change that blank to a check box saying “NA – This was not statistically valid”. There is a low response rate for DL, so % participation should have been only for DL. I suggested keeping % participation for purposes of comparing DL with face-to-face classes. The DL responses seem to be mostly negative. The form will include the percentage cut-off rate for “statistically invalid”. No one knows what that is now. We will see the proposed changes and vote at the next meeting on Nov. 4.
5. There are subcommittees formed to review and update the Faculty Evaluation Procedures Manual and for the PEP Online Manual (PEP sub-comm doesn’t have a chair yet). Marilyn Love was added to the PEP committee to represent IAII’s, since only one Adjunct faculty member is allowed (4 full-time). The deadline for submitting the revised manuals to the ACAC is Nov. 1. It must be there by Feb. After approval by the ACAC by April, it will go to the Faculty Senate, the AFAEC, etc. It’s supposed to be ready by May for use in the Fall, 2012. There is no consistent structure so it needs to be checked for typos, content and substantive changes.
6. We aligned the timelines from Manual Revision subcommittees with regard to the SACS evaluation documentation deadlines. Phase 1 will be manual revisions that clarify workflow without changing processes, and Phase II will be Manual revisions that affect processes and require FSE and ACAC action.
7. In the open forum, I brought up (again) the evaluation of full-time by Adjunct and was told that it is at the discretion of the Dept. chairs, and not the Eval. Committee. Adjuncts cannot evaluate other adjuncts.
Submitted by Marilyn Love
1. There will be workshops covering 4 modules to make sure Distance Learning (DL) instructors are adequately prepared and that curriculum is uniform, generated from SACS. Previous instructors can test out.
2. The evaluation forms for full-time and adjunct faculty are exactly the same now. There are separate lines for DL now, and are aligned with the other evaluation windows. Percentage calculations in DL are based upon total responses, not total enrollment.
3. Fall 2011 Faculty Evaluation packets and online DL courses ore current with the calendar.
4. Action needed to approve the evaluation form, but a revision was suggested. Rather than the last column being % participation, to change that blank to a check box saying “NA – This was not statistically valid”. There is a low response rate for DL, so % participation should have been only for DL. I suggested keeping % participation for purposes of comparing DL with face-to-face classes. The DL responses seem to be mostly negative. The form will include the percentage cut-off rate for “statistically invalid”. No one knows what that is now. We will see the proposed changes and vote at the next meeting on Nov. 4.
5. There are subcommittees formed to review and update the Faculty Evaluation Procedures Manual and for the PEP Online Manual (PEP sub-comm doesn’t have a chair yet). Marilyn Love was added to the PEP committee to represent IAII’s, since only one Adjunct faculty member is allowed (4 full-time). The deadline for submitting the revised manuals to the ACAC is Nov. 1. It must be there by Feb. After approval by the ACAC by April, it will go to the Faculty Senate, the AFAEC, etc. It’s supposed to be ready by May for use in the Fall, 2012. There is no consistent structure so it needs to be checked for typos, content and substantive changes.
6. We aligned the timelines from Manual Revision subcommittees with regard to the SACS evaluation documentation deadlines. Phase 1 will be manual revisions that clarify workflow without changing processes, and Phase II will be Manual revisions that affect processes and require FSE and ACAC action.
7. In the open forum, I brought up (again) the evaluation of full-time by Adjunct and was told that it is at the discretion of the Dept. chairs, and not the Eval. Committee. Adjuncts cannot evaluate other adjuncts.
Submitted by Marilyn Love
Thursday, October 6, 2011
National Save for Retirement Week
The HR Benefits department is offering a series of retirement planning "lunch & learns" to promote National Save for Retirement Week (October 17-21). Space is limited and participants must register on the professional development website to attend.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
your input on library collections
The ACC Library Services Collection Development Team invites you to participate in the collection development process. Please find their letter with more information at this link.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
American-Statesman article about new ACC president
New ACC president brings deep experience to the job
By Ralph K.M. Haurwitz
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Published: 6:18 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
Richard Rhodes, who became president and CEO of Austin Community College on Sept. 1, is still learning his way around the eight campuses....
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
AFA Fall General Membership Meeting October 28 at 4:30pm
The theme for the Fall General Membership Meeting will be "Engaging Adjunct Faculty in Student Success Innovations and Initiatives."
Richard Rhodes, ACC President/CEO, will engage in dialogue about Student Success.
Adjunct faculty may click here to RSVP and get professional development credit for attending.
Richard Rhodes, ACC President/CEO, will engage in dialogue about Student Success.
Adjunct faculty may click here to RSVP and get professional development credit for attending.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Any comments regarding redesigned eStaffing?
If you have any questions or feedback about the recent changes to eStaffing, please feel free to submit a comment or email the AFA President. Your comments are welcome and will be shared with the eStaffing Committee. Thanks.
Information about Shared Governance at the College
For more information about shared governance at ACC:
Click the image to enlarge it.
Report on Faculty and Staff Evaluation Committee Mtg. Friday, Sept. 2
1. Student evaluations for summer have been sent to faculty etc.
2. Adjunct faculty have not read portfolios in the past because of competition issues for Highest Priority to Hire. However, that rule is no longer in place.
3. The online comments from the Class Climate Report were not available when results were sent to faculty, but the report will be updated.
4. The goal is that all evaluations be online in a few years.
5. Kirk Kelly, new Evaluation Coordinator, replacing Martha Ramirez, updated the committee regarding Distance Learning being added to the faculty and staff evaluation form.
a. There will be a plug-in on Blackboard so that Distance Learning students can evaluate instructors. Even students who had dropped or had not begun the class were able to evaluate, but that has been remedied.
b. The form that DL students see does not relate to DL at all and will be revised.
c. The "Study Abroad" application is being reviewed as well.
d. We were given an outline of the new eval. form being developed, and will vote on it electronically once complete. We approved the proposed changes.
6. Will be meeting with SACS to look at requirements that affect faculty and staff evaluations.
7. A sub-committee was formed to review and update the PEP and Faculty Evaluation Manuals.
Next meeting at HBC at 1 pm on Oct. 7.
Marilyn
Distance Learning Committee meeting highlights
Colleagues,
Below is a short outline of the most pertinent topics that were covered in our Distance Learning Committee meeting of September 2, 2011.
· Training for DL Faculty to satisfy ACC and SACS policy statements:
It will be the charge of the Distance Learning Committee to develop and to submit for approval training workshops that will – upon completion – show professor competency to teach via distance learning.
The committee has submitted the following four areas as areas needed to show such competency:
- Technology
- Pedagogy
- Course Management
- Distance Learning Administrative Processes and Support Services
It has been suggested that a 1 hour workshop be developed for each of these four areas by subcommittees.
Preliminary development of these workshops should be ready during the Spring 2012 semester. Final development should be complete by the Fall 2012 semester.
· Distance Learning Faculty Evaluations by Students – possibly linked directly within Blackboard 9 – specifically relevant to Distance Learning.
A proposal was presented to complete a slight revision of the wording for current distance learning faculty evaluations. Such wording would be specific and relevant to the distance learning environment.
The new, upcoming Blackboard 9 version may possess a feature which will support a direct faculty evaluation link. Past participation in voluntary distance learning faculty evaluations by students has been very low. This embedded evaluation feature should help increase student participation.
If you have questions, please e-mail me.
Regards,
Phylis Davis Molina - Broker/MBA
Austin Community College Business Studies Adjunct Professor
tel:512-658-4167 pmolina@austincc.edu
Sunday, September 11, 2011
AFA meetings 2011-2012
AFA Executive Council meetings at HBC
4:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2011
***5:00pm October 21, 2011 General Membership meeting (tentative date and time)***
4:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2011
4:00 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2011
4:00 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2012
4:00 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2012
4:00 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2012
4:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012
All adjunct faculty are members of the AFA. All members are welcome at meetings.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Phase 1 of entering Spring 2012 section preferences in eStaffing
Friday, September 9, is the first day to enter Preference Information in eStaffing.
Help for Wildfire Victims
Adjunct faculty who have been impacted by the fires are encouraged to submit a request to the AFA president to apply for emergency funds.
If you are able to donate to the emergency fund, please consider doing so by:
1. filling out this brief form and submitting it to HR, or
2. by making a cash or check payment to any of the cashiers at any of the campuses, or
3. by making a donation through Paypal.
Please remember to identify the association to which you wish to contribute. Selecting either "faculty" or "adjunct faculty" will send the donation to the same fund.
If you are able to donate to the emergency fund, please consider doing so by:
1. filling out this brief form and submitting it to HR, or
2. by making a cash or check payment to any of the cashiers at any of the campuses, or
3. by making a donation through Paypal.
Please remember to identify the association to which you wish to contribute. Selecting either "faculty" or "adjunct faculty" will send the donation to the same fund.
Other Ways to Help
ACC has compiled a list of resources with additional ways to help wildfire victims and lend a hand:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Innovation Grants Available to Faculty
ACC has provided funds for awards to groups of faculty, individual faculty, and professional-technical staff for projects that focus onenhancing the learning environment.
There are two criteria all proposals must meet in order to be considered for an Innovation Grant:
- The project must focus on enhancing the learning environment for students.
- The project must propose to do something new or in a new way.
For more information, click here.
AFA Executive Council Meeting Friday
The AFAEC will meet Friday, September 9, at HBC, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. All AFA members are welcome to attend. All adjunct faculty are members of the AFA.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the AFA President.
Adjunct Travel Funding
A question was submitted:
At one time (I know because I got some relatively generous funding) adjuncts were eligible for travel to conferences. I don't know what budget it came out of; it may have been a special fund. Is there still funding for adjuncts who give papers at conferences?
Yes. Here's the form to fill out:
http://www3.austincc.edu/it/eforms/forms_int/PURC.013.pdf
Then you'll need to get it signed by your department chairman and your dean. The amount of available funding varies depending on a number of factors. The sooner you submit your request, the better (i.e., early September is better than December). Funds run out; deans use their discretion and strategically ration the funds they have.
At one time (I know because I got some relatively generous funding) adjuncts were eligible for travel to conferences. I don't know what budget it came out of; it may have been a special fund. Is there still funding for adjuncts who give papers at conferences?
Yes. Here's the form to fill out:
http://www3.austincc.edu/it/eforms/forms_int/PURC.013.pdf
Then you'll need to get it signed by your department chairman and your dean. The amount of available funding varies depending on a number of factors. The sooner you submit your request, the better (i.e., early September is better than December). Funds run out; deans use their discretion and strategically ration the funds they have.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Redesigned eStaffing for Spring 2012
To read it, click on the image to enlarge it.
Also, it is important to note that the new application requires that internet browsers meet the following specifications:
Mozilla Firefox -- version 3.6 or greater
Google Chrome -- version 3 or greater
Safari -- version 5 or greater
Internet Explorer -- version 9
For those who use Microsoft's Internet Explorer as their preferred web browser, but are unable to upgrade to IE version 9, it would probably be easier to use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome at this point in time.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
American-Statesman: ACC plans for Highland Mall envision 'new urbanist' development
By Ralph K.M. Haurwitz
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Published: 10:39 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011
In planning the future of Highland Mall, Austin Community College and its partners envision a "new urbanist" setting with classrooms, administrative offices and a mix of residential, retail and other commercial development.
The portrait of a thriving public-private complex with perhaps 1,250 residential units and patches of open space emerges from four concept plans produced as the college acquired all of the land and some of the buildings at the North Central Austin site in a series of transactions totaling $41 million.
The American-Statesman obtained copies of the plans from ACC under the Texas Public Information Act.
College officials emphasized in interviews that.... Click here to read the full article.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Published: 10:39 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011
In planning the future of Highland Mall, Austin Community College and its partners envision a "new urbanist" setting with classrooms, administrative offices and a mix of residential, retail and other commercial development.
The portrait of a thriving public-private complex with perhaps 1,250 residential units and patches of open space emerges from four concept plans produced as the college acquired all of the land and some of the buildings at the North Central Austin site in a series of transactions totaling $41 million.
The American-Statesman obtained copies of the plans from ACC under the Texas Public Information Act.
College officials emphasized in interviews that.... Click here to read the full article.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
If an AFA member passes away.
If you become aware that a faculty colleague has passed away, please email the AFA President (afapres@austincc.edu) so Human Resources can be notified and can:
1. make the members of our broader community aware, and
2. assist the survivors with benefits.
Thank you.
1. make the members of our broader community aware, and
2. assist the survivors with benefits.
Thank you.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Board Meeting Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
There will be a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees tomorrow, July 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
New “minimum to make" for class enrollments
Because of budgetary constraints, the college is now requiring that classes with enrollment limits of up to 25 students be 70% full in order to "make." Classes with enrollment limits from 26-37 will need at least 18 students. Otherwise, expect that the classes will be cancelled.
Thus, if a class with an enrollment limit of 20 has only 13 student registered for it, then the class will be cancelled. If a class with an enrollment limit of 26 students has only 17 students, then it will be cancelled.
These new standards take effect immediately. Summer classes will be affected.
Thus, if a class with an enrollment limit of 20 has only 13 student registered for it, then the class will be cancelled. If a class with an enrollment limit of 26 students has only 17 students, then it will be cancelled.
These new standards take effect immediately. Summer classes will be affected.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Deadline to submit final spring grades is tomorrow
Deadline to enter grades: Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Trustees select new ACC president
The ACC District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday night to name Dr. Richard M. Rhodes the lone finalist for the college’s next president/CEO. Dr. Rhodes currently serves as president of El Paso Community College (EPCC) and chair of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. The board will immediately begin negotiating terms of the contract and the start date.
“I’ve been a fan of ACC for a long time, so this is an honor and a privilege,” says Dr. Rhodes. “I appreciate the confidence of the Board of Trustees, and I am committed to living up to those expectations. I look forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students, and the community to continue and enhance the successes of this great institution.”
More information is available on the College homepage.
“I’ve been a fan of ACC for a long time, so this is an honor and a privilege,” says Dr. Rhodes. “I appreciate the confidence of the Board of Trustees, and I am committed to living up to those expectations. I look forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students, and the community to continue and enhance the successes of this great institution.”
More information is available on the College homepage.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Have you seen the new faculty/staff webpage?
Click here to see the redesigned faculty/staff site.
You might wish to bookmark it or make it your homepage.
You might wish to bookmark it or make it your homepage.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Media Advisory from ACC Public Information Office re: Land Purchase
For immediate release – April 7, 2011
ACC Under Contract for Additional Land at Highland Mall
Contract follows purchases of former Dillard’s, Macy’s properties
AUSTIN, Texas (April 7, 2011) – The Austin Community College District is under contract with RedLeaf Properties, LLC, for the purchase of property at Highland Mall – the land on which the core of the mall is situated, for $14.6 million. The deal is expected to close in mid-May.
The 32.2-acre property is subject to a ground lease with the company currently operating the mall. Under the terms of that ground lease, ACC will be paid monthly lease payments. It is anticipated that businesses in the mall will continue operations according to the terms of their sub-leases with the ground tenant. After the expiration of the ground lease, ACC will develop the property for college purposes.
This acquisition, which includes more than 1,600 parking spaces, follows two other Highland purchases by the college. In May 2010, ACC bought 18.5 acres and a 194,000-square-foot Dillard’s building (the former women’s store) for $4.71 million, including costs and fees. In January 2011, the college purchased 12.8 acres and a 223,000-square-foot Macy’s building for $5.68 million, including costs and fees. Following the close of this transaction, ACC will own 63.5 acres at Highland, comprising 79 percent of the mall site.
“This purchase enables ACC to protect its previous investments in the Dillard’s and Macy’s properties, and will allow the college to develop the combined properties in a comprehensive and consistent fashion,” says Dr. Barbara Mink, chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. “This is a smart investment that protects the college’s interests and will ultimately bring a wealth of new educational opportunities to the community.”
These land purchases align with the college’s Master Plan, a long-term strategy to expand programs and services to meet dramatic increases in enrollment mandated by the state’s Closing the Gaps initiative. The Master Plan calls for the college to accommodate enrollment increases through new construction and existing campus expansions.
“ACC is experiencing tremendous growth, currently increasing by more than 4,000 students annually. That’s like adding an entire small college each year,” says Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. “With more than 45,000 credit students this semester, we already have great need to expand our infrastructure. These Highland acquisitions will play a key role in allowing us to continue meeting the vast educational and training needs of the region.”
The college is currently evaluating construction and renovation timelines for the Dillard’s and Macy’s properties. ACC is considering multiple potential uses for the combined tracts, including administrative offices, instructional space (particularly during planned renovations of current campuses), facilities for non-credit Continuing Education programs, and a conference center.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Board approves $5 per hour tuition increase
In order to help offset significant state budget cuts, the ACC Board of Trustees voted Monday night to increase tuition for all students by $5 per credit hour. The increase takes effect Summer 2011 (registration begins April 7). Summer tuition rates will be In-District $47; Out-of-District $155; Out-of-State $293. This summer, ACC trustees plan to consider additional tuition increases effective Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 (even with the increase(s), ACC tuition remains among the lowest in the state. Meantime, the college is looking at additional ways to raise revenues and cut costs. Possible actions include:
Implementing personnel freezes
Increasing course limits
Eliminating low enrollment courses and programs
Reducing Weekend College offerings
Reviewing elective waivers of tuition/fees
Reducing technology and capital outlay
Reducing facilities maintenance funding
Reducing administrative budgets by 10%
More details about the increase are available on the ACC homepage. You can also receive legislative updates online.
Implementing personnel freezes
Increasing course limits
Eliminating low enrollment courses and programs
Reducing Weekend College offerings
Reviewing elective waivers of tuition/fees
Reducing technology and capital outlay
Reducing facilities maintenance funding
Reducing administrative budgets by 10%
More details about the increase are available on the ACC homepage. You can also receive legislative updates online.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
AFA Spring General Membership Meeting at HBC this Friday
THIS FRIDAY! March 25th, 5-7 pm in the Highland Business Center's Board Room (room 201). Plenty of Free Parking. Get acquainted. Renew old friendships. Snack on good food. Learn something new... and be rewarded with professional development credit! All that in just two short hours at the end of this week.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
FY12 Budget Forums for all ACC employees
The Budget Forums will present information on FY12 Budget Planning Assumptions and Directives, including updates on State funding and other budget matters. These forums will take place at each campus during the month of March. You will find links to information on the FY12 Budget Planning Assumptions and Directives and also the Budget Forum Calendar at: http://www.austincc.edu/busdept/. Questions? Contact Neil Vickers at nvickers@austincc.edu. The forum schedule is:
- March 22, 10:00-11:00am, RGC, Room 126
- March 24, 9:30 - 10:30am, RRC, Room 1103.02
- March 28, 2:00 – 3:00pm, PIN, Room 1013
- March 29, 9:00 – 10:00am, RVS Bldg. G, Room 9109
- March 30, 10:00 – 11:00am, EVC, Room 8105
- March 30, 2:00 – 3:00pm, SAC, Room 1130
Yak 'n Sack -- Tuesday, March 22nd at 9:30 a.m. @ RGC 3302
Talk with the college president.
Open to students, faculty and staff.
Beverages provided.
For the complete schedule, visit the Yak ‘n Sack website at: http://www.austincc.edu/pres/yak.php.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Update on the ACC Presidential Search Advisory Committee
The PSAC met Thursday and Friday (February 24 & 25) to interview candidates for the ACC Presidency. The finalists will be publicly announced in approximately one week.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Basketball Game to Raise Funds for Student Scholarships
Students vs. Faculty @ Austin Recreation Center
7:30pm Friday, March 4
Tickets cost $5 for students, $8 for everybody else. Available at any campus cashier's office.
Sponsored by the AFA.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
AFA meetings Friday, February 11
AFA Officers meet with College President Kinslow and his Leadership Team at 3:00pm Friday, Feb 11.
AFA Executive Council meets at HBC from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
AFA Executive Council meets at HBC from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Phase 2 adjuncts enter summer section prefs
Preferences entered on eStaffing Feb 8 - Feb 10.
eStaffing Assignments Accepted/Declined by Adjunct Faculty Feb 16 - Feb 18.
See the calendar.
eStaffing Assignments Accepted/Declined by Adjunct Faculty Feb 16 - Feb 18.
See the calendar.
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