At 51福利社, we know how important parents and families are to every college student. No one makes the decision to go to college alone, and for more than 75,000 51福利社 Riverbats, their success is our shared success. From parents and siblings to step-parents, grandparents, partners, and loved ones, the Parent and Family Engagement Office at 51福利社 helps you understand your student鈥檚 needs, getting them ready to start college and to succeed.
Our Mission
- Bridging the gap between families and students by helping you understand the Riverbat experience.
- Engaging and educating families through community events and 1-on-1 support
- Establishing a culture of belonging and inclusiveness for families as they help their students succeed.
Information for Parents and Families
Whether your student is a first-generation college student or comes from a family with college experience, every student journey is different. 51福利社 offers free parent and family orientation sessions and workshops every semester to help you and your student get the best start to college.
Visit 51福利社
Parents and families are welcome to tour 51福利社 with their student!
Have you heard about how fabulous 51福利社 is? Come see for yourself everything Austin Community College has to offer your student. From the Make-It Center to state-of-the-art classrooms and equipment, 51福利社 ensures your student experiences the best possible learning environment with world-renowned professors. Parents and families are welcome to tour 51福利社 with their student and encounter the Riverbat experience for yourselves.
Family Orientation
Family orientation is a time for parents and family supporters to learn about their student鈥檚 transition to college life, as well as the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Family members will gain a better understanding of 51福利社 programming, resources, and processes. By attending the Parent and Family orientation, you will learn more about the Riverbat experience and have many of your questions answered, even those you did not know you had! There is never any charge for attending a family orientation. Click here to .
Parent and Family Workshops
The Parent and Family Engagement Office is excited to offer workshops designed to help parents and family members gain a deeper understanding of their student鈥檚 college experience. These workshops offer a general insight into the world of higher education and 51福利社鈥檚 student resources and services. The workshops are always free and are meant for any parent or family member who wants to learn more. .
Workshop 1: How College Works
How College Works
Get the answers to questions you didn鈥檛 know you needed to ask! This free workshop will help parents and family members talk to their students about college and everything that is involved: from selecting a major, to what to expect that first week of class, to tuition and registration deadlines, and much more.聽
Workshop Topics:
- Exploring 11 unique 51福利社 campuses.
- Selecting an聽Area of Study聽or career path at 51福利社.
- Choosing the right general education and career courses.
- Using the academic calendar.
- Registering for classes with an academic advisor.
- Understanding your payment deadlines
- Preparing for first week of classes
- Getting your class syllabus
Not able to make a workshop? Watch our “How College Works” video.
Workshop 2: Resources Galore
Resources Galore
51福利社 resources range from academic coaching to financial aid, career guidance, personal resources, technology, and more. Students are more successful when their family support network is familiar with the tools and resources available, both in person and online. The information in this seminar is intended for parents and family members who want to encourage their students to seek out all the support they need to succeed.聽
Workshop Topics:
- Academic resources: Learning labs, success coaches, librarians, 51福利社elerators, and tutoring.聽
- Financial resources: Federal aid, scholarships, zero-textbook degrees, and money management.
- Personal resources:聽Food access, transportation, child care/family support, mental health, rent/housing, and utility assistance.
- Tech resources:聽Access to technology devices, free software, WiFi, and tech support.
- Career resources: Job search classes, career counseling, resumes, internships, and interviewing skills.
- Social resources: 51福利社 Student Life, clubs, volunteering, getting involved, and intramurals.
Workshop 3: College Conversations
College Conversations
The 鈥淐ollege Conversations鈥 workshop will help you and your family member explore how to balance the new relationship that is developing between you and your student. Together, you will examine what boundaries to set, what are realistic expectations, and how to communicate your needs. The workshop is perfect for students, parents, and family partners. Please note that family is a broad term. You can invite anyone you consider part of your support network, including a parent, sibling, extended family member, friend, guardian, spouse, or anyone you call family. This workshop is intended for family members to attend TOGETHER!
Note: Students are welcome to attend sessions 1 and 2 with their family, but these workshops focus on parent and family member needs. Students should be certain to attend a student orientation sessions. Workshop 3 is designed for both student and family members to attend together.
Can’t make a workshop? Tune in to an overview of How College Works.
Communications
Emergency Communications
Emergency Communications
51福利社 Emergency Alerts –聽Make sure your student activates their聽51福利社 Alert Emergency notifications. 51福利社 Emergency Alert is the system that sends safety and security-related notifications via email and text message. 51福利社 Emergency Alerts advise students, faculty, and staff of threats on campus, certain crimes that were reported, impending weather, and campus closures.
- Students may register up to three phone numbers to receive 51福利社 Emergency Alert notifications.
- Family members may also text聽51福利社Family听迟辞听78015聽to have 51福利社 Emergency Alerts sent to their devices.
51福利社 Parent & Family eNewsletter
51福利社 Parent & Family eNewsletter
At 51福利社, we strive to keep parents and families informed and connected to the Riverbat experience. We encourage family members to sign up for the 51福利社 Parent & Family eNewsletter, which shares relevant and timely information on how family members can support their student.聽Questions or Comments? Email us at聽[email protected].听听
Conversation Calendar
Conversation Calendar
Want to stay connected with your student, but not sure what to talk about? Check out the Conversation Calendar to guide your next chat 鈥 whether by phone, text, or at the kitchen table.聽.
Admissions Resources: Getting the Best Start to College
Austin Community College has an open admissions policy and never charges an application fee. Applications are accepted year-round. Applying early ensures you’ll be ready when it鈥檚 time to register for class. Learn more information on .
TSI Assessment
TSI Assessment
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-required assessment of reading, writing, and math skills to help determine which courses you are eligible to enroll in.聽聽All entering students must take the TSI test before enrolling in classes unless the student is exempt or complete.聽
Meningitis Requirements
Meningitis Requirements
The Texas Legislature requires that all incoming Texas college students must receive a vaccination or booster against bacterial meningitis, unless exempt.聽
Residency Requirements
Residency Requirements
51福利社’s service area encompasses 7,000 square miles. Residents located within the In-District boundaries pay the in-district tuition rate and receive expanded access to programs and services in exchange for contributing to the district tax base. Students residing in Out-of-District areas are subjected to a higher tuition rate, although the College鈥檚 Board of Trustees does everything possible to keep the tuition rates as low as possible.聽
Support Resources: Helping Your Student Succeed
- – Students can access free help in all courses either in-person at an 51福利社 campus or online in the comfort of their home.
- – Academic coaches support your student by helping them focus on their personal academic goals while navigating the complexities of managing school, work, and home life.
- – Students receive help planning their degrees, registering for courses, and exploring career and transfer options.
- – College can be expensive. The good news is that there is assistance available through various financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study.
- are free money to put toward college expenses. 51福利社 has a robust scholarship program to help ease the financial burden of attending college. Encourage your student to apply.
High School Resources: Start College Early with Dual Credit
Austin Community College offers robust through Dual Credit courses and Early College High School. Support for parents and family members whose students continue at 51福利社 upon high school graduation will continue through the Parent and Family Engagement Office.
Glossary of Terms
We understand that having a child or family member attend college can be confusing and overwhelming at times. Below are several links to help parents and supporters understand what their student or 51福利社 employee is talking about.
- – Some of these terms are universal across colleges, while others are unique to 51福利社. If you cannot find the term you are searching for, please contact 512-223-7000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment & Registration
Does my student qualify for free tuition?
51福利社 Free Tuition program benefits recent high school graduates or those recently completing their TX GED. Specifically, the student must meet one of three requirements: 1) Graduated from a high school in the 51福利社 service area (public or private) between spring 2024 and August 2028. 2) Successfully completed a homeschool program between spring 2024 and August 2028. 3) Earned a Texas GED庐锔 between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2028. Click here to learn more: /paying-for-college/acc-free-tuition/
Is my student in-district?
The following areas are considered “in-district.” Residents in these areas receive the reduced, in-district tuition rate and expanded access to programs and services in exchange for contributing to the district tax base. Austin ISD,聽City of Austin (including portions of Eanes ISD and Pflugerville ISD),聽Del Valle ISD,聽Elgin ISD,聽Hays CISD,聽Leander ISD,聽Manor ISD,聽Round Rock ISD.聽Learn more about 51福利社 District areas for Central Texas.
What campus should my student attend?
Students can attend any of our 11 campuses as long as the course is offered at that location. Certain courses are only offered at specific campuses.
What test scores does my student need?
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-required assessment test to determine college-readiness in reading, writing, and math. All entering students must take the TSI test before enrolling in classes unless you are exempt or complete.
- The following tests can be used to exempt your student from one or more parts of the TSI Assessment. Tests must have been taken within the previous five years.聽
- 厂础罢听(March 2016 and later) 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, 530 Math
- ACT聽23 Composite with 19 English 23 Composite with 19 Math
- TAKS聽2200 ELA (English Language Arts) with 3+ Writing sub-score 2200 Math
- STAAR聽4000 on the English III (EOC) 4000 on the Algebra II (E0C)
- GED聽165 on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) for the English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) Exemption. 165 on the Mathematical Reasoning
- HiSET聽15 on the Reading subtest, a minimum score of 15 on the Writing Subtest with a minimum score of 4 on the essay, for English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) Exemption 15 on the Mathematics subtest Math Exemption
Who should my student talk to about choosing courses?
Encourage your student to speak with their advisor. Students are assigned advisors based on their Area of Study.聽聽can be found in their聽.
Where should my student’s transcripts be mailed?
You can submit your official transcripts in one of the following formats:
Digital/Electronic
Important: Scanned and emailed copies are not acceptable.
This method is ONLY for institutions that use any of the following methods for sending transcripts:
- Parchment
- Credentials Solutions Inc.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Scrip Safe
- Speede Partnership
- If the service asks for an email address, the transcript must be sent to聽[email protected]. It can take 24-72 hours for transcripts to be received.
Physical/Mailed
Important: Open transcripts are NOT accepted for admissions purposes. Transcripts must be in the original, unopened, sealed envelope.
Austin Community College
Admissions & Enrollment
P.O. Box 15306
Austin, TX 78761
Academic Support & Resources
What if my student needs help with a class or needs a tutor?
聽is FREE and is available in-person and online.聽Our tutors are faculty and expert professionals who offer assistance with academic and workforce courses.
Where can my student use a computer?
There are many options:
- Student Technology Services (STS) provides open computing spaces, known as, to students on 8 campuses.
- The 51福利社elerator is on of 51福利社’s most innovative learning spaces with computer stations, academic and career coaching, learning lab tutors, study rooms and classes.
- Research computers at 51福利社 libraries are available for college-related activities or work
Does 51福利社 have mental health resources?
聽are here to support our students鈥 success efforts. We offer services and programs across the district to foster life balance, develop personal and academic growth, and help maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
Does 51福利社 have resources or support for students with disabilities?
If your student received special education in K-12, has a documented 504 or IEP plan, or has a disability (that includes mental health diagnoses), they may be eligible to receive academic accommodations here at 51福利社. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 51福利社 provides accommodations for adult learners that may look different than in K-12, but support and resources are available.
Family Access & Involvement
Can I see my student’s grades?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (PL93-380), commonly referred to as FERPA, provides that all records pertaining to a student that are maintained by the college must be open to inspection by the student and may not be made available to any other person without the written authorization of the student. Your student can access their grades by logging into聽.
Can I contact my student’s professor?
We understand that parents and family members want to support their students and relieve some stress for them. However, whenever possible, let your student be the one to contact an office, reach out to their professor, ask a question, give feedback, and determine the best course of action. Students will be more successful when they develop relationships with faculty and staff themselves and learn to navigate, not only the physical space of campus, but the policies and procedures in place. You can encourage real-world problem-solving skills by advocating that your student do the work and relationship building themselves.聽
A good place to start is with the Student Affairs聽聽or by scrolling down to the bottom of the 51福利社聽聽and searching for the appropriate department. Students may also call 512-223-4636.
What is FERPA?
FERPA stand for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The Parent and Family Engagement Office provides information and resources to help guide family members interested in supporting their student. This support does not include providing detailed information about a student鈥檚 enrollment status, grades, attendance, course schedule, or other personalized data. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides that all records pertaining to a student that are maintained by the college may not be made available to any other person without the written authorization of the student. FERPA gives parents certain rights concerning their children鈥檚 student records. These rights transfer to the student when they reach 18 years of age or attend a school beyond the high school level. Click聽here聽to learn more. A student may authorize another person to act on their behalf, according to College guidelines by completing the Student Proxy Authorization form found聽. A new form is required for each new transaction.
Can I pay my student’s tuition?
Students may authorize another person online access to their account by. Setting up an authorized user online does not grant 51福利社 staff permission to discuss a student鈥檚 account record with the authorized user. The聽聽(FERPA) is a federal law which protects the privacy of a student鈥檚 educational records. The college is unable to release information to others without the student鈥檚 written permission.
Can we tour the campuses?
We offer General Tours of the Round Rock, Highland, and Riverside campuses which last up to 90 minutes. Tours are limited to 25 students at a time and include an overview of student services, student resources and application assistance. You can聽request a tour聽of our destinations campus and explore our our聽other campuses聽via photos and videos.
Campus Logistics & Transportation
Does my student have to have a parking pass for each campus?
Students do not need parking permits for parking at any 51福利社 campus. They may need separate parking permits if they attend other educational institutions such as a high school.聽
What if my student doesn’t have transportation?
51福利社 students can ride Capital Metro Services for FREE! The Green Pass offers unlimited rides to class, work, and anywhere else on the聽聽transit system for one semester. Green Pass riders must show an 51福利社 ID card upon request. Capital Metro just launched a new local rideshare option called聽. With the Pickup App (听/听) and the 51福利社 Green Pass, you can arrange on-demand transit service from and to anywhere within one of the聽聽for free! Eastview, Northridge, and San Gabriel Campuses are located within a Pickup zone.
Are there alert systems for emergencies and campus closure information?
51福利社 Emergency Alert聽is the system that sends safety and security-related notifications via email and text message. 51福利社 Emergency Alerts advise students of threats on campus, certain crimes that were reported, impending weather, and campus closures. Family members can text 51福利社Family to 78015 and sign up for emergency alerts from 51福利社 campuses.
