Syllabus
Programming Fundamentals I

Programming Fundamentals I

COSC-1436

Credit Spring 2021
01/19/2021 - 05/16/2021

Course Information

Section 003
Distance Learning
MW 09:00 - 10:45
DLS DIL
Manuel Duran

Office Hours

  • NULL - NULL
    Always Email instructor to confirm day/meeting time.
  • NULL - NULL
    Online - Google Hangout
    Other times by Appointment.
  • M W
    10:45 am - 11:45 am
    Online - Google Hangout
  • T Th
    8:30 am - 9:30 am
    Online - Google Hangout

course description and rationale

  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2hrs 40mins
  • Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 50mins


Course Description

Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming and provides a comprehensive introduction to programming for computer science and technology majors. Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging. This course assumes computer literacy.

Skills:  G Course Type: T.

Course Rationale

This is an entry level programming course designed to teach students the basic concepts of computer programming. The course will include designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high level programming language. The course is intended to prepare students for a programming-oriented academic path. This course is included in the Field of Study Curriculum for Computer Science.

COURSE DISCLAIMERS



COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The materials in the Blackboard course site are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

The content in the Blackboard course site is derivative work from this class textbook publisher provided instructional resources and instructor's notes. This content is distributed under the fair use provisions of the U.S. Copyright Law or the TEACH Act and further copying and redistributing of this material is a violation of the copyright law.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES / LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of Swift, building modern mobile apps, iOS, Xcode, and other tools in the Xcode development environment.

2. Demonstrate and understanding of how to handle and store data using clearly defined types.

3. Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing and implementing algorithms to solve problems using operators.

4. Write code that makes decisions about what lines of code should be executed.

5. Create a basic iOS app to get familiar using Xcode.

6. Test and debug apps in a Mac, using the Simulator from Xcode.

7. Create visual interfaces using the Interface Builder from Xcode.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of strings, functions, structures, collections, loops, and different ways to work with the information that makes up an app.

9. Design and implement simple classes.

10. Demonstrate an understanding of structure design by implementing programs with functions, including parameter passing and value returning.

11. Create multiple scenes, views, and controls to build simple workflows.

12. Demonstrate understanding using Interface Builder and storyboards to build the user interface for apps with multiple views.

13. Create programs that contain clear and concise program documentation.

 

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

 

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

INTERPERSONAL

2.1 Participates as a member of a team

2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity

INFORMATION

3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information

3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

SYSTEMS

4.1 Understands Systems

4.2 Monitor and Corrects Performance

4.3 Improve and Designs Systems

TECHNOLOGY

5.1 Selects Technology

5.2 Applies Technology to Task

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

BASIC SKILLS

6.1 Reading

6.2 Writing

6.3 Arithmetic

6.4 Mathematics

6.5 Listening

THINKING SKILLS

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How to Learn

7.6 Reasoning

PERSONAL SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

 

Readings

 

Develop in Swift

Fundamentals

Xcode 11

Publisher: Apple

Free from iBooks

 

Software

This course will be focus on IOS development tools with Swift using Xcode.

 

To complete this course, you will need:

·         A Mac running macOS Catalina

·         Xcode 11. Download it from the Mac App Store, if you need it.

·         Project files for the course.

 

Course Requirements

Orientation Exam (5%)

  1. Orientation Exam is available on the first day of the course.
  2. You may take the orientation exam as many times as necessary until you get 100.
  3. After you get 100, you will be able to start working in you class.

 

Labs/Assignments (35%)

1.      All the labs/assignments must be submitted in Blackboard by the due date at 11:59 PM according to the schedule of the class.

2.      If the labs/assignment has more than one (1) file, put all of them in one (1) folder with the assignment name and compress the folder (in Windows File Manager | R-click | Send to | Compressed (.zipped) folder), then upload that .zip file to Blackboard.

3.      From your textbook:

a.       Your labs/assignments from your textbook will be to follow and complete every step from every lesson. Using the files provided in the link at the end of page 5 in your textbook. This will guaranty that you are getting familiar and understand the concepts taught in class.

4.      It is recommended that you review the Related Resources at the beginning of every lesson. This will complement and help you to understand better the content for every lesson.

5.      Note: Assignment links are automatically/programmatically removed from Blackboard at 11:59 PM of the due date.  Therefore, assignments cannot be submitted after the due date. Make sure that you submit with enough time from the due time.

6.      Again, assignments cannot be submitted after the due date since the submission links are automatically/programmatically removed from Blackboard.

7.      To receive credit, assignments must completely meet requirements exactly as specified.

8.      Partial credit is not awarded for assignments that do not meet requirements.

9.      To receive credit for the labs/assignments you must be present in class.

 

Guided Projects (15%)

1.      You will complete three (3) projects during the semester.

2.      All the project must be submitted in Blackboard by the due date at 11:59 PM according to the schedule of the class.

3.      If the project has more than one (1) file, put all of them in one (1) folder with the assignment name and compress the folder (in Windows File Manager | R-click | Send to | Compressed (.zipped) folder), then upload that .zip file to Blackboard.

4.      From your textbook:

a.       Your guided projects from your textbook will be to follow and complete every step. Using the files provided in the link at the end of page 5 in your textbook.

5.    Each guided project includes a description of user-centered features, a project plan, and step-by-step instructions that lead to fully functioning app.

6.    Through these guided projects you will be able to customize features according to your interests and you will be performing the kind of work you can expect in an app development workplace.

7.    The first project is Light, a simple flashlight app. You will learn the basics of data, operators, and control flow in the Swift programming language. You will also learn about Xcode. Interface Builder, building and running an app, debugging, and documentation.

8.    The second project is Apple Pie, a word-guessing game. You will learn about Swift strings, functions, structures, collections, and loops. You will also learn about UIKit, the system views and controls that make up a user interface, and how to display data using Auto Layout and stack views.

9.    The third project is Personality Quiz, a personalized survey that reveals a fun response to the user. You will learn how to build simple workflows and navigation hierarchies using navigation controllers, tab bar controllers, and segues. You will also learn about optionals and enumerations, two powerful tools in Swift.

10.  After you build the guided projects you will have part of the tools to design, prototype, and architect an app of your own.

11.  To receive credit for the guided projects you must be present in class.

 

Quizzes

1.    Quizzes are at the end of every lesson, you should take them in order to get prepare for your Exam at the end of every Unit.

 

Exams (45%)

  1. All exams are administered in class and will have a 75 minutes’ time frame.
  2. Exams are electronically administered via Blackboard. Paper versions are no supplied.
  3. Links to the Exams appear in the Assessments section in Blackboard. Orientation Exam is available on the first day of the course.
  4. Exam procedures must be followed step-by-step to access the exams.
  5. The student CANNOT use notes, papers, or other helps during the exams.
  6. Exams will present one question at a time and Prohibit Backtracking. It will prevent changing the answer to a question that has already been submitted.

 

Attendance and Participation (Recommended, not graded)

1.      Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.

2.      If you are present in the class you will have 100% of that day.

3.      If you are late to class you will have a 90% of that day.

4.      If you are more than 30 minutes late, you will be count absence for that day.

 

Grade Policy

The final course grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, assignments, quizzes, and final project will be a part of the grade. In order to get a passing grade, you must submit at least 80% of the labs/assignments (21 labs/assignments).  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

 

90% - 100%

A

80% - 89%

B

70% - 79%

C

60% - 69%

D

0% - 59%

F

 

In Classroom

1 – Orientation Exam

100 points

5%

3 – Concepts Exams

100 points

45%

26 – Labs/Assignments

100 points

35%

3 – Guided Projects

100 points

15%

Total

 

100%

 

Course Subjects

App Development with Swift textbook

Unit 1 – Getting Started with App Development

1.1 Introduction to Swift and Playgrounds

1.2 Constants, Variables, and Data Types

1.3 Operators

1.4 Control Flow

1.5 Excode

1.6 Building, Running, Debugging and App

1.7 Documentation

1.8 Interface Builder Basics

     Guided Project – Light

Unit 2 – Introduction to UIKit

2.1 Strings

2.2 Functions

2.3 Structures

2.4 Classes, Inheritance

2.5 Collections

2.6 Loops

2.7 Introduction to UIKit

2.8 Display Data

2.9 Controls in Action

2.10 Auto Layout and Stack Views

     Guided Project – Apple Pie

Unit 3 – Navigation and Workflow

3.1 Optionals

3.2 Types Casting and Inspection

3.3 Guard

3.4 Constant and Variables Scope

3.5 Enumerations

3.6 Segues and Navigation Controllers

3.7 Tab Bar Controllers

3.8 View Controllers Life Cycle

3.9 Building Simple Workflow

     Guided Project – Personality Quiz

 

course schedule - 16 weeks

COURSE SCHEDULE – COSC 1436 16 Weeks in Classroom Section

The weeks starts on Mondays at 12:00 AM until Sundays at 11:59 PM

Week

Material

(from Texts)

Lab (#)/Assignments (#)

Units

1

Course Orientation

Unit 1

Lesson 1.1

Orientation Exam

Lab 1.1 – Introduction

2

Unit 1

Lesson 1.2 – 1.4

Lab 1.2 – Constants & Variables

Lab 1.3 – Operators

Lab 1.4 – Control Flow

3

Unit 1

Lesson 1.5 – 1.6

Lab 1.6 – Debug your First App

4

Unit 1

Lesson 1.7 – 1.8

Lab 1.7 – Use Documentation

Lab 1.8 – Use Interface Builder

5

Unit 1

Guided Project - Light

Exam 1

6

Unit 2

Lesson 2.1 – 2.2

Lab 2.1 – Strings

Lab 2.2 – Functions

7

Unit 2

Lesson 2.3 – 2.4

Lab 2.3 – Structures

Lab 2.4 – Classes

8

Unit 2

Lesson 2.5 – 2.6

Lab 2.5 – Collections

Lab 2.6 – Loops

9

Unit 2

Lesson 2.7 – 2.8

Lab 2.7 – UIKit Survey

Lab 2.8 – Tutorial Screen

10

Unit 2

Lesson 2.9 – 2.10

Lab 2.9 – Basic Interactions

Lab 2.10 – Calculator

11

Unit 2

Guided Project – Apple Pie

Exam 2

12

Unit 3

Lesson 3.1 – 3.2

Lab 3.1 – Optionals

Lab 3.2 – Type Casting

13

Unit 3

Lesson 3.3 – 3.4

Lab 3.3 – Guard

Lab 3.4 – Scope

14

Unit 3

Lesson 3.5 – 3.6

Lab 3.5 – Enumerations

Lab 3.6 – Login

15

Unit 3

Lesson 3.7 – 3.9

Lab 3.7 – About Me

Lab 3.8 – Order of Events

Lab 3.9 – Pizza Delivery

16

Unit 3

Guided Project – Personality Quiz

Exam 3

(*) This syllabus is intended to give the student guidance in what may be covered during the semester and will be followed as closely as possible. However, the professor reserves the right to modify, supplement and make changes as the course needs arise.

COURSE SCHEDULE - 8 WEEKS

COURSE SCHEDULE – COSC 1436 8 Weeks in Classroom Section

The weeks starts on Mondays at 12:00 AM until Sundays at 11:59 PM

Week

Material

(from Texts)

Lab (#)/Assignments (#)

Units

1

Unit 1

Lesson 1.1 – 1.2

Orientation Exam

Lab 1.1 – Introduction

Lab 1.2 – Constants & Variables

Unit 1

Lesson 1.3 – 1.4

Lab 1.3 – Operators

Lab 1.4 – Control Flow

2

Unit 1

Lesson 1.5 – 1.6

Lab 1.6 – Debug your First App

Unit 1

Lesson 1.7 – 1.8

Lab 1.7 – Use Documentation

Lab 1.8 – Use Interface Builder

3

Unit 1

Guided Project - Light

Exam 1

Unit 2

Lesson 2.1 – 2.2

Lab 2.1 – Strings

Lab 2.2 – Functions

4

Unit 2

Lesson 2.3 – 2.4

Lab 2.3 – Structures

Lab 2.4 – Classes

Unit 2

Lesson 2.5 – 2.6

Lab 2.5 – Collections

Lab 2.6 – Loops

5

Unit 2

Lesson 2.7 – 2.8

Lab 2.7 – UIKit Survey

Lab 2.8 – Tutorial Screen

Unit 2

Lesson 2.9 – 2.10

Lab 2.9 – Basic Interactions

Lab 2.10 – Calculator

6

Unit 2

Guided Project – Apple Pie

Exam 2

Unit 3

Lesson 3.1 – 3.2

Lab 3.1 – Optionals

Lab 3.2 – Type Casting

7

Unit 3

Lesson 3.3 – 3.4

Lab 3.3 – Guard

Lab 3.4 – Scope

Unit 3

Lesson 3.5 – 3.6

Lab 3.5 – Enumerations

Lab 3.6 – Login

8

Unit 3

Lesson 3.7 – 3.9

Lab 3.7 – About Me

Lab 3.8 – Order of Events

Lab 3.9 – Pizza Delivery

Unit 3

Guided Project – Personality Quiz

Final Project & Exam 3

(*) This syllabus is intended to give the student guidance in what may be covered during the semester and will be followed as closely as possible. However, the professor reserves the right to modify, supplement and make changes as the course needs arise.

COURSE SCHEDULE - 9 WEEKS

COURSE SCHEDULE – COSC 1436 9 Weeks in Classroom Section

The weeks starts on Mondays at 12:00 AM until Sundays at 11:59 PM

Week

Material

(from Texts)

Lab (#)/Assignments (#)

Units

1

Unit 1

Lesson 1.1 – 1.2

Orientation Exam

Lab 1.1 – Introduction

Lab 1.2 – Constants & Variables

2

Unit 1

Lesson 1.3 – 1.4

Lab 1.3 – Operators

Lab 1.4 – Control Flow

Unit 1

Lesson 1.5 – 1.6

Lab 1.6 – Debug your First App

3

Unit 1

Lesson 1.7 – 1.8

Lab 1.7 – Use Documentation

Lab 1.8 – Use Interface Builder

Unit 1

Guided Project - Light

Exam 1

4

Unit 2

Lesson 2.1 – 2.2

Lab 2.1 – Strings

Lab 2.2 – Functions

Unit 2

Lesson 2.3 – 2.4

Lab 2.3 – Structures

Lab 2.4 – Classes

5

Unit 2

Lesson 2.5 – 2.6

Lab 2.5 – Collections

Lab 2.6 – Loops

Unit 2

Lesson 2.7 – 2.8

Lab 2.7 – UIKit Survey

Lab 2.8 – Tutorial Screen

6

Unit 2

Lesson 2.9 – 2.10

Lab 2.9 – Basic Interactions

Lab 2.10 – Calculator

Unit 2

Guided Project – Apple Pie

Exam 2

7

Unit 3

Lesson 3.1 – 3.2

Lab 3.1 – Optionals

Lab 3.2 – Type Casting

Unit 3

Lesson 3.3 – 3.4

Lab 3.3 – Guard

Lab 3.4 – Scope

8

Unit 3

Lesson 3.5 – 3.6

Lab 3.5 – Enumerations

Lab 3.6 – Login

Unit 3

Lesson 3.7 – 3.9

Lab 3.7 – About Me

Lab 3.8 – Order of Events

Lab 3.9 – Pizza Delivery

9

Unit 3

Guided Project – Personality Quiz

Final Project & Exam 3

(*) This syllabus is intended to give the student guidance in what may be covered during the semester and will be followed as closely as possible. However, the professor reserves the right to modify, supplement and make changes as the course needs arise.

course/class policies

Technology Support Services

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester. You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

 

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form:

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

 

Posting of Assignment Grades

Assignments (e.g. programs) are typically graded within one week after the assignment due date. Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades.

 

Questions submitted

Students are responsible for comprehension of schedule and syllabus content. Please check the syllabus before emailing questions to ensure the topic has not already been addressed in the syllabus. Questions emailed that are directly answered in the syllabus are considered rhetorical and will likely not be answered by the professor. Inquiries regarding syllabus/schedule content are welcome.

 

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. For online classes, “Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

“In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.”

 

Computer Time

Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility. Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with a lab project assignment.

 

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The last date to withdraw for this semester is April 27th, 2020. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

If the withdrawal is not completed by 5 PM on the last day to withdrawal, the student will receive a performance grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that they have earned.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

 

 

Incompletes

“An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given due to extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

1.     The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.

2.     The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.

3.     The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.

4.     To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

 

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

 

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

 

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

 

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

 

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

 

Statement on Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

 

Testing Center Policy [Online Sections Only]

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures, so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

  • Student ID number
  • Course prefix and number
  • Course synonym
  • Course section number
  • Test number
  • Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

 

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

 

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

 

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus: (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options: Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;

 compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

 

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform. Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity. Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

 

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

 

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

 

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

 

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

 

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

 

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

 

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

 

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

 

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

  • Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
  • The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
  • Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
  • Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)