Weekly Newsletter: Tuesday Is News Day

CLS Quick Links

CLS Evaluation Materials

2025-2026 Evaluation Deadlines Full Calendar

Academic Year 2025-2026 Collection Form

This form is created and maintained by the Assistant Department Chair for CLS's Evaluation Committee (Beth Frye).  Use this form to submit syllabi, Faculty Reflection Forms, and self-reported mandatory training for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026. 

Submit Syllabi by the second week of classes (varies by session; Sept. 5, 2025 for 16 week)

Submit Faculty Reflection Forms (Jan 30, 2026; Jun 12, 2026; Sept 4, 2026)

Submit self-reported Mandatory training (May 29, 2026)

Academic Year 2024-25 Collection (you will need to sign in to your ACC OKTA to access this form)

The only item you still need to submit to LAST YEAR's collection form is your Summer 2025 Faculty Reflection Forms (Due Sept. 5).  Summer FRFs are optional, but highly recommended! 

CLS K.I.S.S Spreadsheet

CLS K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Sweetheart) 

This spreadsheet allows CLS faculty to see and understand all required professional development tasks as well as several optional PD opportunities.  

CLS Faculty Handbook

CLS Faculty Handbook

The Faculty Handbook can answer many questions about CLS policy, staffing, evaluation, and more! Plus, you can find instructions for badge requests and grade changes.  The easiest way to navigate the CLS Faculty Handbook is the search field.  Look for the magnifying glass 🔍in the upper right corner of the homepage and type your keyword (badge request or change eligibility).

Conference Travel Request Form

LAHC Travel Expense Request 

File this Travel Expense Request with the LAHC Dean's office to request money for upcoming conference travel and attendance.  

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CLS Fall 2025 Meeting Agenda

When: Wednesday Aug 20, 11:30am-1:30pm (hybrid, RGC Room 1103 (Multipurpose Room) or Zoom)

Agenda: Please check out the Agenda for the Meeting and the Minutes from our last Meeting. If you aren't able to attend, we will send out the recording of the meeting and the powerpoint slides so they are available.

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Fall Semester Prep

ACC Campuses Closed

Monday, Sept. 1, Labor Day

Friday, Sept. 26, General Assembly

Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veteran's Day

Noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 - Sunday Nov. 30, Thanksgiving Holiday

Here's the full academic calendar to check withdrawal dates for the different sessions.

Syllabi Resources

CLS Departmental Syllabi, recently updated with the required AI policy.  Big thanks to Susan Meigs for prepping the policy and Chris Stayton for updating the web links!

Section Syllabi Resources includes the checklist and a template for creating your section syllabi.  Remember the checklist is used during the Evaluation Process!

Ultra Fest 2.0 

ACC is taking BB Ultra support on the road, offering flexible drop-in support, expert guidance, and peer learning opportunities to strengthen your course design and delivery.  Ultra Fest 2.0 will visit a different campus each day from 10am-2pm.

Monday, August 18, San Gabriel Campus, 10am - 2pm 

• • • Location: ACCelerator: Zone 1100Z4A1 and Zone 1100Z4A2

Tuesday, August 19, Hays Campus, 10am - 2pm 

• • • Location: Computer Lab 1218 and Room 1211 (directly across from each other)

Wednesday, August 20, Riverside Campus, 10am - 2pm 

• • • Location: Computer Lab RVSA 2221

Thursday, August 21, Northridge Campus, 10am - 2pm 

• • • Location: NRG4 4262 (please bring your own device)

Friday, August 22, Highland Campus, 10am - 2pm 

• • • Location: ACCelerator: HLCA 1100Z4A1

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Sue's Retiring! 

We are so excited to celebrate Sue Bloodsworth's retirement from ACC at the end of August.  For 25 years, Sue has answered all the questions about all the things, offered support to colleagues facing hard times, and kept us stocked up on chicken eggs. 

We are undoubtedly sad and nervous about forging forward without Sue, but we are so happy for Sue as she embarks on her next chapter!

We'll be celebrating Sue on Wednesday, August 27 from 4pm-7pm at the Brewtorium.  Please use the link here or the QR code below to RSVP to the party.  Even if you can't make it to the party, the RSVP has a place to share a personal note to be included in a printed memory booklet! 

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📣Shout Outs! 📣

Amy Cunningham has been selected to participate in Researching Silent Heroes, run by the National History Day foundation. As one of 60 selected teachers from across the country, Amy will profile a service member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed during the Vietnam War. Her profile will be published and catalogued through the Silent Heroes project. Throughout the process, Amy will engage students with National History Day materials.  

Congrats Amy! We can't wait to read the profile and hear more about your experience!

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Bats to Cats Faculty Orientation, Aug 19, 10:30am - 2:30pm

From Dr. Grant Potts, Interim Dean of Curriculum Management

Our goal is to help faculty learn more about the Bats to Cats program. We are anticipating providing a webcast option for the morning session, but faculty will need to attend in person to participate in the afternoon session. Please direct any questions you have to Grant Potts (gpotts@austincc.edu) and RSVP here.

Where: RGC 3340 

When: Tuesday, August 19

• • 10:30 - Noon: Understanding Bats to Cats and the Student Journey (Information Session)

  • Noon - 1: Lunch (Provided by the Offices of Curriculum Management and Articulation and University Programs)

  • 1:00 - 2:30: Building Connections Beyond the Transfer Pathway Map (Workshop)

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Dual Credit Faculty Update with Lindsay Lawley-Rerecich

All faculty teaching dual credit in any capacity are invited to attend a Dual Credit Faculty Update: 

Thursday, August 21

6:00 - 7:30 pm

on Zoom (password: DUAL)

The meeting will include new updates for the 2025-26 academic year, including: 

• State Legislation on cell phones in high schools and high school GPA weight for dual credit 

• ACC Policies on AI and minimum standards for Blackboard use

• New Dual Credit Faculty Resources and where to find them

As you know, CLS's fantastic Dual Credit Liaisons (Kari, Chris, and Sarah) host their own CLS Start of Semester meeting for dual credit, so if you attend that meeting, don't feel obligated to attend this one. BUT: if you have to miss the CLS version or if you'd like a second helping with college-wide colleagues, feel free to attend! Faculty from all departments and with all levels of experience are welcome.

Link to Flyer

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New, Paired Course for Students Who Rely on Translation Software

In partnership with ESOL, we are piloting a new program that may help a specific population of students that sometimes struggle in ENGL 1301. If you have students who are eligible for your ENGL-1301 class, but must rely heavily on translation software to manage writing in English, please consider suggesting the following transfer option. Note, we are not mandating this move, but we are offering it as an option for students to choose themselves.

Composition 1, ENGL-1301-280, DLS, TTH 10:30am-12:00pm

 Non-Course Based ESOL Reading, NCBE-0112-002, DLS, TTH 8:30am-9:00am

 Non-Course Based ESOL Writing ,NCBE-0113-002, DLS, TTH 9:10am-9:40am

 Non-Course Based ESOL Grammar,NCBE-0114-002, DLS, TTH 9:50am-10:15am

These 12-week classes are synchronous online classes in order to allow more students access.  If students are interested, please help them contact either the CLS or ESOL department.  We can help students make an even exchange for their ENGL 1301 section, and they will add the synchronous, paired courses in the 12-week semester.  

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CLS Creative Writing Group, Sept. 12, 10am

Mark your calendar for the first Fall 2025 CLS Creative Writing Group: Friday, Sept. 12 at 10:00am.  

Because English teachers make great writers and writing inspires teachers, let's get together and write! Let's polish poems, draft short stories, explore new genres, and more, finding inspiration and professional growth along the way.  

Hosted by Tonya Suther and Jordan Easley.  Contact Tonya Suther for more information and to get on the email list!

See full flyer here. 

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Job Opportunity: College Prep Instructor

The College Prep TSI Improvement Program is experiencing an enrollment surge and is looking to staff one TSI Prep (Online) for the fall 8A session.  

Position details

DATES: 8/25/2025 - 10/19/2025 (Fall Semester, Term 1)

DAYS & TIME: Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM.

LOCATION: Online

PAY: $41.20/hour

HOURS/Week: Up to 7.5 hours per week (up to 6 hours instructional plus 1.5 hours prep)

EDUCATION: Master's Degree preferred; Bachelor's with relevant experience will be considered

This is a temporary assignment for Term 1 (Fall semester 8A), with the possibility of continuation. Interested candidates can send their resume or a brief overview of their education and experience to Cheryl Thompson, Supervisor, College Prep Programs.   

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Job Opportunity: OnRamps Rhetoric, Writing Assessment 

From Jamie Babcock, Student Experience Manager, UT OnRamps

OnRamps is one of The University of Texas at Austin’s signature initiatives designed to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities across the state of Texas. We offer distance education through a dual enrollment model for high school students to engage in authentic college experiences. We are seeking colleagues who are invested in giving quality feedback to students. 

We are hiring part-time remote Writing Assessment Specialists to support OnRamps Rhetoric for the 2025-26 academic year.  Writing Assessment Specialists evaluate a total of eight major assignments, four each semester, and provide substantive written feedback.

For job requirements, compensation, and to apply, click here.

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Repeal of the Texas Dream Act, ACC Response, and Hotline for Students

Repeal of the Texas Dream Act

In early June, in response to a lawsuit filed by the US DOJ, Texas repealed the Texas Dream Act, which allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at Texas public universities.  You can read more about that decision here. 

ACC Response

On June 21, the ACC Board of Trustees voted to join a lawsuit aiming "to gain clarity about the recent repeal." You can read more about that decision here. 

Help for Students

From the Chancellor's June 23rd email: 

If you’re with a student who has questions about possible impacts on their tuition related to this ruling, let them know the College developed a special hotline they can call. That number is 512-223-7548. They’re open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If they have questions about social services or legal support, they can call 512-223-6139. If they simply want someone to talk with during this time, remind them of our support resources and encourage them to connect with ACC’s Mental Health Counseling team. 

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CLS Profile 2025

We've just published our second annual CLS Profile, a look-book of the past academic year. We've got print copies available as well--and will be sending those out to celebrate our year's extraordinary achievements! Peek inside and see if you can locate Brinda Roy and Amber Clontz clowning around, Chris Gardner with a feat of extraordinary balance, Theo Yurevitch's prom picture and Latasha Goodwyn's glam look from back in the day, and so much more. I am honored to get to rep such an awesome department.  Huge shout out to Chris Stayton, Luanne Preston, and Theo Yurevitch for all they did to make the magic happen!

Take a look: CLS Profile, Vol.2, 2025

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Mentoring: As Rewarding as Teaching, but without the Grading (and with Better Snacks)

Did you know only 13% of our faculty are signed up to mentor new colleagues? Are you really going to let that tiny group carry the load? We know you’ve got wisdom (and great ideas) to share, too! The best part? Mentoring has never been easier:

✅Blackboard support: done

✅A new welcome packet and orientation map with essential resources for new hires: no more scrambling to find links and documents

✅Comp I & II course shells: still available as Google Docs during migration to BB Ultra

Plus, mentoring counts as Peer Dialogue. So, you're not just helping a new colleague; you're checking off a Faculty Evaluation requirement. And yes, there’s a stipend too. So, what’s stopping you? Share what you’re great at. Sign up today!

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Trouble with Blackboard Ultra? You're not alone!

If you have questions about BB Ultra or need assistance, here are a few resources:

After hours call-in support via Anthology (Spring break 2025 through December 2025)

• • • • • 866-992-5190

In-house support 

• email blackboardultra@austincc.edu to request help

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Incorporating Civic Engagement

Composition and Literary Studies is piloting a new program called Incorporating Civic Engagement (I.C.E), which offers students and faculty access to artifacts to address Personal and Social Responsibility in a myriad of ways. Artifact categories include: Civil Rights; Climate and Environment; Corporate and Government Contracts; Education; Policy; Food; Gun Rights; Human Health; Immigration; LGBTQIA+; Libraries and Freedom of Speech; Media and Technology; Refugees and War; Reproductive and Human Rights; and Voter Rights

Mission Statement and Purpose

To provide all ACC students with access to artifacts relevant to our civic education–including media, video clips,  images, forms, official documents, statements, etc. Students and faculty can critically reflect on these artifacts in their assignments, formal and informal group and class discussions, workshops, simulations, or other academic pursuits.

Use, review, discussion, and classwork engaging with these artifacts closely align with two of our General Education Competencies:

• Personal Responsibility: Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions, and consequences.

• Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness): Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Resources

Find out more about the program in Wendy's introduction to Incorporating Civic Engagement or Dean Toño Ramirez's video about the CLS Pilot for Incorporating Civic Engagement.

Understand the VALUE rubrics from the American Association of Colleges & Universities in Dean Toño Ramirez's video how to use the AAC&U VALUE rubrics to assess Civics Education

Learn to integrate the VALUE rubric into your BB page in this video: Blackboard-Integrated AAC&U's VALUE Rubric. 

How to get the Incorporating Civice Engagement Bb Ultra Zip File for Fall or Summer 2025

If you want to put a little I.C.E. in your Fall courses, you can find the program here:

CLS Faculty Resources--I.C.E. Zip File

Please check out Dean Ramirez's introductory video on how to incorporate this into your course.

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Accessibility in Blackboard Courses

Please check your BB accessibility score at the beginning of the semester and as you add new items to your courses throughout the semester (video to demo Accessibility Reports).  

If you need help fixing the accessibility of your Blackboard courses, check out the resources below!   

• Instructional design support offers DE Accessibility Training.  

• TLED has great resources on its Accessibility information page. 

• Materials from Trent Griggs' ADA Blackboard Compliance Training at the 2025 CCCs:

Distance and Alternative Learning Website 

Accessibility Quick Guide

Blackboard Accessibility Orientation

Common Errors

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

How to use Blackboard Ally