Fall is the traditional start to the college experience. Whether this is your first fall semester in college or you have been here before, here’s how to make sure everything goes smoothly. This way, you can be sure you’re ready when classes start, and there are no surprises.
Here are some tips for planning for the fall semester at Austin Community College.
Keep Track of Your Registration Date
At ACC, fall registration begins in May. Students who have completed their application for ACC, along with all of their application steps (submitting transcripts and making sure they are TSI-ready, among other to-do items), are ready to register for classes.
Before you hit self-service, make sure you know your specific registration date. Students with more than 60 credits (and parenting students) get to register first.
Take the time to make a plan.
Meet With Your Advisor
Whether you are a new student, current student, or former student, you should meet with your advisor. This is a great way to make sure that you are on track, taking only the classes you need, and that you know your degree plan.
New Students
If you are a new student at ACC, you will complete the 3-step orientation process.
First, complete the online Riverbat Student Onboarding (RSO) modules to learn about ACC resources, student support services, and important next steps.
Next, you will be directed to advising and registration resources to help you understand your next steps, explore your goals and course options, and prepare for registration.
New students can do virtual advising or walk in at any campus for individual advising.
Finally, make sure to sign up to attend a live orientation session (in-person or virtual) to connect with other students, learn more about campus life and resources, and make sure you are ready for your first semester at ACC.
Current and Former Students
If you’re a current or former student, you should also have a touch base with your advisor. You can drop in or make an appointment.
It’s always good to make sure that your progress is going as planned. This is important, especially if you’re planning to transfer to a university. ACC offers seamless transfer pathways such as Bats to Cats and ACComplish @ SEU for specific majors. Advisors can make sure that your core, major, and elective classes follow these pathways so you save time and money on your college degree.
Meet with your advisor. Future you will thank you.
Choose Your Classes
Now that you know your degree plan, you can choose your classes so you’re ready when your registration date opens up. Note: Choosing classes and registering for classes are separate steps.
Sign in to Self-Service, find your class, the section—the days and times that class meets— that works for you, and put it on your program plan. You can add classes to your schedule several semesters ahead, so when it comes time to register, you already know where you’re going.
Register and Pay
Your registration date is here! You’ve chosen your classes with your advisor, checked off of the tasks on your to-do list (orientation, TSI, transcripts), and cleared any student holds.
Follow the instructions in Self Service and add your classes for fall.
If you run into any hiccups, the How to Register for Classes page can help you navigate through the steps. Some common issues stem from high traffic as students all try to register at once. Be patient and logout and try again.
Once you’ve registered, the next step is to pay for your classes. Note that even if you are eligible for free tuition, you may have other fees. Make sure you pay all costs by the tuition deadline, or you risk losing your classes.
And that’s it! Your fall semester is sorted.
Other Things to Know
With registration out of the way, here are other things to keep in mind as you plan for your fall semester.
Your ACC Email
ACC will email you only at your ACC email address (typically, [email protected]), so make sure to keep that address on your phone. As the semester gets closer, your professors will reach out to you about class information, so make sure to read your emails.
Financial Aid
There’s more financial aid available than you may realize. Filing out the FAFSA is the best way to get started. The FAFSA makes you eligible for grants, loans, and scholarships. Even if you’re a free tuition student, the FAFSA is your place to get money that can help cover other college expenses like fees, books, or housing and transportation costs.
There is still time to apply, so make sure you cross that off your list.
Scholarships
Speaking of financial aid — scholarships are available, too! Make sure you visit ACC’s scholarship page. One application gives you access to hundreds of scholarship opportunities. Even if you’re free tuition-eligible, scholarships can help you pay for books, gas, groceries, and more.
Check out Student Life & Leadership
College is more than classes, and studies show that students who get involved have a better academic experience. Student government, volunteer opportunities, and fun events like The Amazing Race: Riverbat Edition are there for you to have fun and make friends. There are clubs and sports for all students. Find your people!
First Week Tips
Bookmark austincc.edu/firstweek to get tips and advice on how to find your classes, how to read your course schedule, where to park, and where to get free stuff. This is your survival guide for ACC.
Get Comfortable with Blackboard
Whether you have classes on campus or online, you’ll use Blackboard to keep up with your classes, homework assignments, tests, and more. Your teacher will use Blackboard to communicate with you and the class. Blackboard is an important tool for college success.
Essential Resources through the C.A.R.E. Network
ACC offers students help with accessing essential resources such as food, mental health services, housing services and more. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the C.A.R.E. Network and how it works, so you’ll be ready if and when you need some help.
Future Planning for Success
Planning for fall now sets you up for success, whether you are just starting college or are a semester or two in. You can be confident that you have a roadmap for each semester, which takes the guesswork out of your college experience. Now enjoy your summer, whether that means summer classes, work, travel, or all of the above, and we’ll see you in the fall semester, Riverbats!
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