Office of the President 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, Texas 78752-4390 512.223.7601 July 5, 2011
Dr. Belle S. Wheelan President
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 Dear Dr. Wheelan:
In preparation for Austin Community College’s (ACC) upcoming compliance certification for the reaffirmation process (Class of 2013), the College recently completed an intensive, two-year audit of its compliance with the Substantive Change Policy. This was conducted as a result of learning at the December 2008 SACSCOC Annual Meeting that ACC’s interpretation of the Substantive Change Policy was not up to date with the current interpretation of the policy. For example, ACC was still operating, as were other Texas community colleges, under the old interpretations that the College was approved to offer any programs at the associate degree or certificate levels. Also, for locations, ACC understood that the 25% and 50% thresholds were for programs offered at that location, not anywhere in the College.
To better understand and clarify the expectations of the Substantive Change Policy, ACC staff attended a Substantive Change Policy workshop at Del Mar Community College in Corpus Christi, Texas in March 2009. Based on the information obtained at the workshop, an audit was conducted of all locations and programs since ACC’s last Special Committee on Reaffirmation visit in September 2004 to ensure compliance with the policy.
This comprehensive audit resulted in enhanced internal processes to ensure compliance with the Substantive Change Policy. The procedures, which are designed to identify substantive changes in programs and locations, are described in Attachment 1: Processes to Prevent Noncompliance. Several of these processes were initially identified in the Round Rock Higher Education Center Monitoring Report (submitted September 4, 2009) and a follow-up letter of clarification (submitted April 29, 2009).
The purpose of this letter is to share the results of this audit that identified potential unreported substantive changes related to (1) off-campus locations where ACC offers coursework, (2) the addition of new programs to the curriculum, and (3) the closing of existing programs.
For this audit, all locations where ACC offered coursework since September 2004 were examined. The factors considered when determining the locations to be reported to SACS are described in Attachment 2: Procedures for Identifying Unreported Off-Site Teaching Locations. This audit identified the following locations, which are primarily high schools where dual credit courses are offered:
Dr. Belle S. Wheelan July 5, 2011
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15 off-campus teaching locations that should have been reported under Procedure One: Substantive Changes Requiring Notification and Approval Prior to Implementation; and 12 off-campus teaching locations that should have been reported under Procedure Two:
Substantive Changes Requiring Only Notification Prior to Implementation.
ACC’s curriculum was also examined beginning with ACC’s 2004-2005 Catalog. In determining compliance with the Procedure One Expansions at the Current Degree Level with Significant Departure from Current Programs Substantive Change section of the Substantive Change Policy, the term, “significant departure,” presented a problem in that it was not clearly defined. To address this ambiguity, ACC defined “significant departure” as follows:
“To constitute a Procedure One Expansions at the Current Degree Level with Significant Departure from Current Programs Substantive Change the following condition must be met:
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the award includes at least 25% of semester credit hours from courses not previously offered at Austin Community College, as indicated by the College’s most recent academic year catalog.
If this condition is met, the new award must meet at least one of the following conditions: 1. The new award requires hiring faculty with credentials different from those listed on Austin
Community College’s current Faculty Qualifications Table.
2. The new award requires new/different facilities, learning resources, or library resources than are currently available. Without these resources the award could not be offered.” Using this above definition, the audit identified seven new programs that were potential unreported substantive changes under Procedure One: Substantive Changes Requiring Notification and Approval Prior to Implementation. We are reporting these programs as substantive changes, but we respectfully request clarification of the term “significant departure” and confirmation of whether the definition used by ACC is appropriate.
In addition, the audit identified 17 program closings with an internal teach-out protocol that should have been reported under Procedure Two: Substantive Changes Requiring Notification and Approval Prior to Implementation.
In the event our analysis/criteria are correct, Austin Community College officially notifies SACS of these unreported Procedure One and Procedure Two Substantive Changes and submits the appropriate prospectuses or documentation, as required. Enclosed is a USB drive that includes:
Procedure One: Substantive Changes Requiring Notification and Approval Prior to Implementation.
o 15 prospectuses on unreported locations that offer at least 50% of an award o 7 prospectuses on new awards/programs ACC offers
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Procedure Two: Substantive Changes Requiring Notification and Approval Prior to Implementation.
o 1 document identifying 12locations that offer 25%-49% of an award and the awards offered at each location [Attachment 3: Unreported Locations Offering 25%-49% of an Award]
o Notification of the closings of awards and the resulting actions [Attachment 4: Notification of Closing of Awards and the Resulting Actions]
We request any directions or guidance you may wish to provide. We thank you for your assistance and look forward to working with you and your staff during the substantive change process.
Sincerely,
Stephen B. Kinslow President/CEO
Cc: Dr. Jack Allen, Vice President, SACSCOC
Abbreviated Substantive Change Prospectus for Initiating Off‐Campus Teaching Locations where
Students Can Obtain 50% or More Credits Towards a Program
Del Valle High School
5301 Ross Road
Del Valle, TX 78617‐3202
Opened: Fall 2001
Reached 50% of a Program: Fall 2007
Institutional Contact: Soon Merz, Accreditation Liaison
Associate Vice President for Effectiveness and Accountability
Phone: (512) 223‐7035
Email: [email protected]
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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE
Proposed Change
ACC seeks approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer 50% or more
credits toward a program at the Del Valle High School, an off‐site teaching location.
Date of Implementation
The Del Valle High School teaching location was implemented in Fall 2001. In Fall 2007, it
became possible for a student to earn 50% or more of a program at Del Valle High School.
TRANSCRIPTABLE DEGREES OFFERED AT DEL VALLE HIGH SCHOOL
ACC coursework offered at Del Valle High School is applicable to numerous degrees. Students
who complete ACC courses at Del Valle High School may earn 50% or more credits towards an AAT in
Education Instruction‐8‐12 Grade Levels.
Students can earn 25‐49% credits towards the following degrees at Del Valle High School:
Associate of Arts
English
Foreign Language
General Studies in Liberal Arts
Government History Journalism Philosophy Psychology Social Work Sociology Speech
Associate of Arts in Teaching
Education Instruction‐ o4‐8 Grade Levels oEC‐6 Grade Levels Certificate Accounting Clerk Associate of Science Biology Business Administration Chemistry Engineering Environmental Studies
General Studies in Science
Geology
Health
Mathematics
Pre‐Dental/Pre‐Medical/Pre‐Pharmacy/
Pre‐Veterinary
Associate of Applied Science
Computer Information Technology ‐
Game & Visualization Programming
Specialization Criminal Justice ‐ oCorrections oLaw Enforcement
Austin Community College – Del Valle High School Teaching Location Location Opened Fall 2001; Location Reached 50% Threshold Fall 2007
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Students can earn 1‐24% or more credits towards the following degrees at Del Valle High School:
Associate of Arts Anthropology Art Creative Writing Dance Drama Economics
Geographic Information Systems
Geography
Music
Radio‐Television‐Film
Associate of Science
Archeology
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Geology
Kinesiology
Physics
Associate of Applied Science
Accounting ‐
o Accounting Specialist
o Accounting Technician
American Sign Language‐Interpreter
Training
Architectural & Engineering Computer
Aided Design ‐
o Architectural Specialization
o Electronic Graphics Specialization
o Interdisciplinary Specialization
o Mechanical Specialization
Auto Body Collision & Refinishing
Automotive Technology
Biotechnology
Building Construction Management
Business & Technical Communications‐
o Business & Government
Communications Specialization
o Technical Communications
Specialization
Child Development
Commercial Music Management
Associate of Applied Science, Continued
Computer Information Technology ‐
o Computer Programming
o Computer Programming, Software
Testing Specialization
o Computer Programming, Web
Programming Specialization
o Game & Visualization Programming
Specialization
o Local Area Network Systems Network
Administration Specialization
o Local Area Network Systems Security
Administration Specialization
o Microcomputer Applications,
Applications Specialization
o Microcomputer Applications, User &
Desktop Support Specialization
Culinary Arts
Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Imaging‐Radiology
Electronics & Advanced Technologies‐
o Automation, Robotics & Controls
Technology Specialization
o Bioinstrumentation Technology
Specialization
o Electronics Technician Specialization
o Engineering Technology Specialization
o Nanoelectronics Manufacturing
Technology Specialization
o Networking/Computer Electronics
Specialization
o Power Technology Specialization
o Renewable Energy Specialization
o Utility Lineman Specialization
Emergency Medical Services
Environmental Technology
Financial Management ‐ Mortgage Banking
Fire Protection Technology
Geographic Information Systems
Health Information Technology
Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Technology
Hospitality Management‐
o Baccalaureate Prep Specialization
o Food & Lodging Specialization
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Associate of Applied Science, Continued
Human Services ‐
o Addictions Counseling
o General Human Services
o Therapeutic Recreation
International Business
Jewelry
Land Surveying Technology/Geomatics
Management
Marketing ‐
o Fashion Merchandising
o Marketing
Medical Lab Technology
Meeting and Event Planning Specialization
Nursing ‐
o Mobility Track
o Traditional Track
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Office Administration ‐
o Administrative Assistant Specialization
o Legal Administrative Assistant
o Medical Administrative Assistant
Specialization
Paralegal
Personal Fitness Trainer
Photographic Technology ‐
o Advertising‐Fashion Focus
o People‐Portrait Focus
Physical Therapist Assistant
Real Estate Brokers’ Licensing
Sonography ‐
o Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography
(Echocardiography)
o Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Surgical Technology
Travel and Tourism
Visual Communication ‐
o 2D Animation Specialization
o 3D Animation Specialization
o 3D Modeling Specialization
o Game Art Specialization
o Game Design Specialization
o Graphic Arts Technology Specialization
o Graphic Design Specialization
o Interactive Media Technology
Specialization
o Motion Graphics Specialization
Associate of Applied Science, Continued
Visual Communication‐
o Web & Interactive Design Specialization
Welding Technology‐ o Code Welding o Arts Metals Certificate
American Sign Language‐Interpreter
Training
Biotechnology
Business & Technical Communications‐
o Business & Government
Communications Specialization
o Technical Communications
Specialization
Computer Information Technology‐
o Microcomputer Applications, User and
Desktop Support
o Web Developer Specialist
Electronics & Advanced Technologies‐
o Engineering Technology Specialization
o Power Technology Specialization
Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Technology
Human Services‐
o Addictions Counseling in the Criminal
Justice System
o Therapeutic Recreation
Management ‐ Administrative Management
Office Administration‐
o Administrative Assistant Specialization
o Legal Administrative Assistant
Specialization
o Medical Administrative Assistant
Specialization
o Medical Office Assistant Specialization
o Office Assistant Specialization
o Software Applications Specialist
Radio‐Television‐Film ‐
o Film/Video Production Management
o Film/Video Production Technology
Visual Communication ‐
o Game Design Specialization
o Interactive Media Technology
Specialization
Austin Community College – Del Valle High School Teaching Location Location Opened Fall 2001; Location Reached 50% Threshold Fall 2007
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Courses offered at Del Valle High School have been primarily in General Education. General
Education courses have been offered at numerous ACC teaching locations, including, but not limited to
ACC’s Cypress Creek, Eastview, Northridge, Pinnacle, Rio Grande, Riverside, Round Rock, and South
Austin campuses and via distance learning.
Coursework in Computer Science, Criminal Justice and Office Administration has also been
offered at Del Valle. Computer Science courses have been offered at numerous ACC teaching locations,
including, but not limited to ACC’s Cypress Creek, Eastview, Northridge, Pinnacle, Rio Grande, Riverside,
Round Rock, and South Austin campuses and via distance learning. Criminal Justice courses have been
offered at numerous ACC teaching locations, including, but not limited to ACC’s Eastview, Cypress Creek,
South Austin, and Round Rock campuses, via distance learning. Office Administration courses have been
offered at ACC’s Cypress Creek, Eastview, Riverside, Round Rock, and South Austin campuses, and via
distance learning.
FACULTY ROSTER
ACC courses offered at Del Valle High School are taught by qualified faculty members. Appendix
1 contains the Fall 2010 faculty roster for the location and ACC’s Faculty Credentials Table [Appendix 1:
Del Valle High School Faculty Roster].
ACC offers courses at Del Valle High School based on course demand. As a result, relatively few
courses are offered at the location each semester. The Fall 2007 substantive change was the cumulative
result of the coursework offered at Del Valle High School since the location opened in Fall 2001.
LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Disciplines Taught at Del Valle High School
Since the Del Valle High School teaching location was implemented, the majority of courses
taught at the High School have been General Education courses from the following disciplines:
Economics English Government History Psychology Sociology Speech
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ACC has also offered coursework in Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Office Administration at Del
Valle High School.
Discipline‐Specific Library Resources Supporting Del Valle High School
ACC students taking courses at Del Valle High School have full rights and privileges to access
ACC’s library services system via the web or at any ACC campus. This includes ACC’s Riverside Campus,
which is nine miles from Del Valle High School [Appendix 2: Del Valle ISD Early College Start
Memorandum of Understanding].
ACC’s award‐winning library system contains extensive learning resources devoted to General
Education, Computer Science, and Office Administration courses [Appendix 3: American Library
Association Award].
On‐Campus Libraries Print Collections: Each of ACC’s eight campuses includes a library with a print
collection of general education and workforce resources. Library Services’ collection is comprised
of 1,400 print issues of periodicals and 173,000 print volumes, DVDs, and computer software.
ACC’s Riverside Campus is nine miles from Del Valle High School.
Electronic Resources: Library Services’ collection also includes 43,500 electronic journals; 32,000
electronic books; and 80 electronic database subscriptions. Electronic resources can be accessed
at an ACC library or remotely via the web with an ACCeID. ACC students at Del Valle High School
have access to the High School’s computers in the computer labs and the library to use these
resources. Databases for the disciplines offered at Del Valle High School include:
o Computer Science: Computer Source, Internet & Personal Computing Abstracts, Safari Tech
Books Online, and Science & Technology Collection
o Criminal Justice: Academic Search Complete, Legal Collection, CQ Researcher, Military &
Government Collection, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, Opposing Viewpoints,
MasterFILE Premier, Newspaper Source, and Infotrac
o Economics: Business Search Enhanced Interface, Business Source Complete, Hoover’s Online,
Austin Community College – Del Valle High School Teaching Location Location Opened Fall 2001; Location Reached 50% Threshold Fall 2007
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o English: Bloom’s Literary Reference, Contemporary Literary Criticism, Dictionary of Literary
Biography, Literature Resource Center, and Twentieth‐Century American Poetry
o Government: CQ Electronic Library, CQ Researcher Online, Legal Collection, Military &
Government Collection, Opposing Viewpoints in Context, and U.S. Government Online
o History: Bibliography of Native North Americans, Biography in Context, HeritageQuest Online,
Salem History, U.S. History in Context, World History Collection, and World History in Context
o Office Administration: Academic Search Complete, Business Search Enhanced Interface,
Business Source Complete, Computer Source, Internet & Personal Computing Abstracts, Safari
Tech Books Online, and Vocational and Career Collection
o Psychology: Gale Virtual Reference Library, and Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection
o Sociology: Academic Search Complete, CQ Researcher, CQ Electronic Library, Gale Virtual
Reference Library, and Opposing Viewpoints in Context
o Speech: Academic Search Complete, CQ Researcher, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection
Research Guides: Library Services maintains over 65 online research guides tailored to specific
disciplines and subjects. Research guides have been created for each of the disciplines offered at
the Del Valle High School teaching location. Research guides include: directions to relevant
reference materials; links to resources recently added to ACC’s collection; links to high quality
websites; links to professional organizations; methods for obtaining research assistance; and the
contact information for the faculty‐librarian assigned to the discipline [Appendix 4: Computer
Science Research Guide; Appendix 5: Criminal Justice Research Guide; Appendix 6: Economics
Research Guide; Appendix 7: English Research Guide; Appendix 8: Government Research Guide; Appendix 9: History Research Guide; Appendix 10: Psychology Research Guide; Appendix 11:
Sociology Research Guide; Appendix 12: Speech Research Guide].
Document Delivery Service: Patrons may request that print and media materials be delivered to
another ACC library. Students at Del Valle High School may also request print and media items be
mailed to their home. If an item exists in an electronic, full‐text format the document is emailed to
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Consortia Memberships: Library Services has joined several consortia to extend the number of
materials and resources available for General Education and workforce disciplines. Currently, ACC
is a member of three consortia.
o The TexShare cost‐sharing partnership provides library patrons with TexShare library cards
that allow patrons to borrow materials directly from other participating institutions. TexShare
also provides ACC students with access to 11 interdisciplinary databases and 20 online general
education and workforce specific databases [Appendix 14: Library Services TexShare
Partnership].
o OCLC, an international library cooperative and bibliographic network, which provides an
interlibrary loan system. This membership allows ACC patrons to request books or articles, not
owned by ACC, from member libraries. Generally, delivery takes two to eight weeks [Appendix
15: Library Services OCLC Partnership].
o The Amigos partnership, a regional nonprofit bibliographic network that provides online
content and support for interlibrary loan, resource sharing, and cataloging [Appendix 16:
Library Services Amigos Partnership].
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
ACC is committed to providing support and success services to ACC students at Del Valle High
School. ACC students taking courses at Del Valle High School have full rights and privileges to access
ACC’s student support and success system. ACC offers extensive online services, including tutoring, for
students who take classes at locations other than an ACC campus.
ACC has assigned a field representative to Del Valle High School, whose primary job is to assist
ACC students and faculty at Del Valle High School. Field representatives arrange assessment, advising,
and registration services for students [Appendix 2: Del Valle ISD Early College Start Memorandum of
Understanding]. Field representatives may refer students to the appropriate support services located at
Del Valle High School’s primary support campus, ACC’s Riverside Campus. This system provides services
such as disability services, administers ACC’s student discipline policies, and provides advising and
Austin Community College – Del Valle High School Teaching Location Location Opened Fall 2001; Location Reached 50% Threshold Fall 2007
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Each ACC campus, including Del Valle High School’s primary support campus, Riverside Campus,
offers a full complement of student support services.
1. Admissions and Records: The Admissions and Records Office assists students with applying to ACC,
registering for classes, changing class schedules, determining residency status, requesting ACC
transcripts, verifying enrollment at ACC, updating student records, evaluating credits for transfer
to ACC, applying for graduation, obtaining student IDs, course withdrawals, and qualifying and
receiving money from the Texas Public University Tuition Rebate Program [Appendix 17:
Admissions and Records].
2. Advising and Counseling: Advisors and Counselors assist students with selecting courses, preparing
to transfer for Bachelor’s degrees, completing Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements,
successfully transitioning to college, identifying methods to overcome struggles with classes,
assessing academic standards of progress, getting off/staying off academic probation or
suspension, and dropping or withdrawing from courses. Students may also see faculty members,
upon completion of TSI requirements, for advising within their declared major [Appendix 18:
Advising and Counseling].
3. Assessment and Testing: The Assessment and Testing Center helps students complete placement
exams. Advisors and Counselors then use placement exam scores to recommend appropriate
classes and class sequences to students [Appendix 19: Assessment and Testing].
4. Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office assists students with applying for and managing loans,
grants, work study, and scholarships. The Office also assists students with alternate forms of
financial aid, such as education tax benefits, ACC’s Student Emergency Fund, and the Workforce
Investment Act [Appendix 20: Financial Aid].
5. International Student Office: The International Student Office helps international students
negotiate student visa requirements, enroll at ACC, understand ACC policies and procedures, and
connect with student support and success services [Appendix 21: International Student Office].
6. Office of Student Life: ACC’s Office of Student Life offers community‐building events, experiential
learning programs, and leadership and volunteer opportunities to promote students’ personal,
emotional, cultural, social and ethical development [Appendix 22: Office of Student Life].
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7. Student Recruitment Office: The Student Recruitment Office helps potential ACC students prepare
for college and guides future students through the admissions, advising, and financial aid
processes. The Student Recruitment Office also provides widespread, comprehensive outreach to
students from historically underserved and underrepresented populations [Appendix 23: Student
Recruitment Office].
8. Office for Students with Disabilities: The Office for Students with Disabilities provides students
with documented disabilities academic support or physical accommodations. Accommodations
may include alternative testing methods, note taking services, interpreter services, early
registration, textbooks on tape, and adaptive equipment. The Office also provides one‐on‐one
advising to students with disabilities [Appendix 24: Office for Students with Disabilities].
9. Transfer and Articulation Services: Transfer and Articulation Services helps students plan to
transfer to four‐year institutions through advising sessions, visits to select area universities, on‐
campus recruitment visits from area universities, and online and print guides [Appendix 25:
Transfer and Articulation Services].
10. Tutoring and Learning Labs: ACC’s Learning Labs provide students with free one‐on‐one and small
group tutoring, guided study groups, self‐paced independent study, computer‐based tutorials,
workshops, placement test review, computer access, and group study rooms [Appendix 26:
Tutoring and Learning Labs].
11. Veterans Affairs: The Veterans Affairs Office helps veterans and spouses/dependents of veterans
who are disabled or deceased receive several support services. These include assistance with
obtaining GI benefits, declaring a major, finding healthcare and counseling services, and complying
with United States Veteran Affairs requirements and guidelines. The Veterans Affairs Office holds
regular, specialized orientation sessions for veterans and spouses/dependents of veterans who
are disabled or deceased receive several support services [Appendix 27: Veterans Affairs].
PHYSICAL RESOURCES AT DEL VALLE HIGH SCHOOL
Del Valle High School provides adequate physical resources to meet students’ and faculty
members’ needs. ACC classes at Del Valle High School are taught in a modern facility designed for
Austin Community College – Del Valle High School Teaching Location Location Opened Fall 2001; Location Reached 50% Threshold Fall 2007
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Each classroom is able to accommodate the courses’ instructional capacity of students. ACC’s maximum
course capacity at Del Valle is 30 students.
Del Valle High School classrooms are equipped with adequate board space, overhead
projectors/display equipment, computers, televisions, other multimedia equipment, and internet access
on request [Appendix 2: Del Valle ISD Early College Start Memorandum of Understanding]. Specialized
equipment not available at Del Valle High School is transported to the High School by ACC for temporary
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APPENDICES IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Appendix 1: Del Valle High School Faculty Roster
Appendix 2: Del Valle ISD Early College Start Memorandum of Understanding
Appendix 3: American Library Association Award
Appendix 4: Computer Science Research Guide
Appendix 5: Criminal Justice Research Guide
Appendix 6: Economics Research Guide
Appendix 7: English Research Guide
Appendix 8: Government Research Guide
Appendix 9: History Research Guide
Appendix 10: Psychology Research Guide
Appendix 11: Sociology Research Guide
Appendix 12: Speech Research Guide
Appendix 13: Document Delivery Services
Appendix 14: Library Services TexShare Partnership
Appendix 15: Library Services OCLC Partnership
Appendix 16: Library Services Amigos Partnership
Appendix 17: Admissions and Records
Appendix 18: Advising and Counseling
Appendix 19: Assessment and Testing
Appendix 20: Financial Aid
Austin Community College – Del Valle High School Teaching Location Location Opened Fall 2001; Location Reached 50% Threshold Fall 2007
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Appendix 22: Office of Student Life
Appendix 23: Student Recruitment Office
Appendix 24: Office for Students with Disabilities
Appendix 25: Transfer and Articulation Services
Appendix 26: Tutoring and Learning Labs
