ACC: A Critical Regional Resource

Economic Development Summit

July 31, 2009

Kirk White, RN, MSNInterim Executive DeanACC Continuing Education

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Role and Mission of Texas Community Colleges

Provide freshman and sophomore general education courses for students choosing to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Provide vocational, technical, and academic courses, including short-term certificate programs, for students wishing to enter the workforce after one or two years.

Provide remedial and compensatory education for students who are not college-ready.

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Facts About Texas Community Colleges

50 community college districts in Texas. 95% of state’s population resides within a community

college service area. All Texas community colleges are open admissions

institutions. A locally-elected board of trustees governs each

community college district. Community colleges provide a gateway to higher

education. In fall 2008, 617,507 college credit students were enrolled in two-year Texas colleges.

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Texas Community Colleges Are Unique

Open Door Admissions Philosophy Commitment to Accessibility Commitment to Affordability Commitment to Diversity Assistance to those not yet “College-Ready”

Foundation Skills/Access Programs(GED, ESL, Adult Basic Education)

Developmental Education

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ACC Overview:Texas Higher Education

Community Colleges Universities Locally-elected board Governor appoints regents Local tax funding No local revenue Board sets tuition/fees State sets tuition/fees Independent agency State agency Single or multiple colleges University systems Geographical service area set

by law

Serve all of state; state approves locations

Regulated by Texas Higher Ed. Coordinating Board

Regulated by Texas Higher Ed. Coordinating Board

Accreditation: SACS Accreditation: SACS

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ACC District Service Area

Black = In-district

Green = Out-of-District

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ACC Facts

Opened in 1973, celebrating 35 years

Seven comprehensive college campuses

Eighth ACC campus opening fall 2010 in Round Rock

Nine regional centers, and two administrative support centers

Enrolls over 35,000 credit students each semester

Enrolls over 13,000 continuing education students annually

College credit transfer students perform as well or better than those who begin at a four-year college or university

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Student Demographics Fall 2008 – credit students

Male 15,9486 (43.3%)

Female 20,312 (56.7%)

Average age 25.4

Full-time students 9,328 (26.1%)

Part-time students 26,470 (73.9%)

Average SCH Hours attempted 13 f/t, 6 p/t

Average class size 22

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Student Intent Spring 2008 – credit students

Earn Credits for Transfer 14,594 47.4%

Earn Associate Degree 7,439 24.15%

New or better job 3,126 10.15%

Personal enrichment 1,436 4.7%

Earn Certificate (< 2 years) 1,431 4.6%

Did Not Respond 2,772 9%

Total 30,798 100%

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Top Ten Transfer Institutions

In order of number of transfers:

1. Texas State University2. UT Austin3. Texas A&M4. UT San Antonio5. University of North Texas6. University of Houston7. Angelo State8. UT Arlington9. Stephen F. Austin/Sam Houston State

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ACC Programsat a Glance

Academic Transfer University Transfer College Connection

Associate Degrees Workforce Training Continuing Education Access Programs

Adult Education for Basic Education, GED, and ESL Developmental Education in Reading, Writing, Math, and

Study Skills Comprehensive Student Support Services

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Types of Programscollege credit certificates and degrees

Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) Awarded as transfer degrees (2 year) Correspond to first two years of a baccalaureate program

at four-year institutions Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)

First 2 years of baccalaureate program leading to initial Texas teacher certification

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Leads to employment Certificate options available (1 year)

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Types of Programscontinuing education

Workforce Certificate Programs Awarded as Continuing Education certificate Can be up to one year in duration Typically lead to entry-level workforce position

Workforce Short Term Certification Courses Can be as short as 1 to 2 months Typically lead to industry certification

Professional Development Courses Typically single course, or a brief series of courses Provide focused skills development

Personal Enrichment Courses

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Continuing Educationat a Glance

Community Programs Workforce Development Center

Health Professions Institute High Technology Institute Business and Industry Institute

Teacher Education Customized Training Business Assessment Center

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Workforce Education College Credit

o Applied Technology, Multimedia & Public Serviceo Business Studieso Computer Studies & Advanced Technologyo Health Sciences

Continuing Educationo Workforce Development Center

Health Professions Institute High Technology Institute Business and Industry Institute

o Teacher Educationo Customized Trainingo Business Assessment Center

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Workforce EducationWorkforce EducationCore GoalsCore Goals

Expand access

Maintain affordability

Respond to the needs of business and industry

Expand instructional capacity (Closing the Gaps)

Expand faculty & staff

Enhance student success

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Business & Industry Business & Industry PartnershipsPartnerships

ACC strives to: Maintain strong relationships with local

workforce boards and other area agencies that support student success and employment

Include business and industry in program needs assessments and advisory committees

Draw faculty/instructors directly from industry Involve business and industry in curriculum

development

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Business & Industry Business & Industry PartnershipsPartnerships

ACC strives to:

Share space, equipment and resources to develop new programs

Partner with professional/business associations, and accreditation and regulatory agencies

Respond quickly to emerging industries and technologies

Collaborate on grant-funded projects

Provide customized training to meet business and industry needs

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ACC: THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE IN CENTRAL TEXAS

ACC is a gateway to higher education and training for the majority of people who enter higher education:

Half of all public higher education students are in community colleges Over 70% of all college freshmen are enrolled in community colleges ACC is the largest provider of transfer students to area four-year

institutions ACC students do as well or better than those who begin at a four-year

institution

ACC is the best resource for developing a qualified workforce. ACC is the institution with the greatest potential to enhance social

equity and promote economic development. ACC gives people the knowledge and skills to obtain good jobs,

earn more income, and increase their quality of life.

ACC: A Critical Regional Resource

Kirk White, RN, MSN

Interim Executive Dean

ACC Continuing Education

kwhite@austincc.edu