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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Semester Start Meeting Recaps

CLS Meeting 

Agenda: Minutes of the Meeting

Slides: Meeting Slides

Recording: Recording of the Meeting; Password: j@Na78C4

INRW Meeting

Agenda: INRW Program Fall 2025

Slide: INRW August 18, 2025 Meeting

Dual Credit Meeting 

Agenda: CLS Dual Credit Fall 2025

Reminders: CLS Dual Credit Semester Reminders 

Recording: meeting recording (with captions)

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CLS Semester Start Letter

On Friday Aug. 22, Wendy sent out the semester start letter in an email. Here it is again: Semester Start Letter F2025  Save your own copy.  Bookmark it. Print it.  It's a useful reference that you will undoubtedly come back to!

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Important Action Items

CLS Committee Work

Make sure that you sign-up for CLS Committee work ASAP.  Please pay attention to the participant limit; if there is no more room in a committee, please choose another.  (Full-timers, you are required to do this; adjuncts you are welcome to join!!)

Voting Adjuncts

CLS encourages adjuncts to participate in the department's governance! As the name implies, voting adjuncts attend CLS Department meetings and participate in the voting process.  For the 25-26 Academic year, CLS needs 40 English adjuncts and 11 INRW adjuncts. If you're interested, please complete this Voting Adjunct Interest form.  Please share information and a photo for the CLS Directory.  If you don't have a photo, we'll use a Riverbat placeholder! 

Accomplishments and Publications

CLS wants an official record of your publications and accomplishments from the last academic year.  If you published or received recognition in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025, please share on this CLS Achievements Form. 

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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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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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Join the Faculty Evaluation Committee!

We are looking for more FT faculty to join the Faculty Evaluation Committee.  

If you haven't chosen a committee for 2025-26, we need you!  Plus it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the faculty evaluation process!

Please watch the video and look at the agenda from our first meeting, complete the doodle polls for our next meeting, and begin working on the homework.  

Agenda:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vl5-4fVOc9MniFGyj919Dl7mb6eNlWsYgnHhiXplA7w/edit?usp=sharing

Recording:

https://austincc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=f126ed77-d966-4a71-8839-b3410130b898

Questions?  Ask Beth Frye efrye@austincc.edu

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Feeling Stuck?  Siloed?  Try Mentoring!

The number of faculty mentors in our department has risen from 13% to 20% in the past year and for good reason. We’ve made it easier than ever to serve: course shells, essential resources, and Blackboard support.

But here’s the real secret: mentoring isn’t just for new faculty; it’s good for seasoned folks, too. If your teaching feels a little stuck or your professional world a little too quiet, mentoring is a great way to spark new ideas and connect with colleagues. Conversations with mentees often lead to fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a reminder of why you started teaching in the first place. Plus, it counts as Peer Dialogue and comes with a stipend 💰.

Support your colleagues, recharge your own practice, and join a growing group of faculty making mentoring meaningful. Sign up today!

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Call for Volunteers! Literature Course Assessment

In addition to the normal assessment cycle, CLS is assessing student assignments from literature courses this fall semester. To do this, we will be randomly selecting 25% of the literature courses that are being offered this fall and asking these courses' instructors to participate in this process. 

If you are chosen, you will be notified during Week 2 of the 16-week semester and given detailed instructions on how this will go, along with all the necessary tools and resources. Participating in this round of assessment will be a very small amount of effort on your part, yet it is important work that will be valuable for assessing what is and is not working for our students. Please look out for an email from Theo Yurevitch if you are selected.

Additionally, if you would like to volunteer to participate in this process (and receive a donut) please email Theo Yurevitch by 8/27!

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OER Options

During the Aug. 20 CLS Meeting, many faculty expressed interest in Open Educational Resources (OER).  Check out these LibGuides that Maria Ruelas (CLS Librarian and CLS Adjunct) shared! 

• Composition and Literary Studies: Open Education Resources

• Integrated Reading and Writing: Open Educational Resources 

• Creative Writing: Open Educational Resources 

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CLS+ Fall Book Club 

In the fall, we read non-fiction. Please sign up for our interest list to be added to email announcements and recommend a non-fiction text if you have one in mind. 

We'll meet at Easy Tiger at the Linc at a date to be determined to discuss, drink, and swap the best books we're willing to part with. 

And 100% yes of course you can come even if you: 

1. never signed up

2. haven't read the book

3. don't plan on reading the book

4. just want to pillage a stack of "up for grabs" books people bring for your book exchange

Two Additional Reminders: 

1. We are an open group. The invites go out to CLS, but you can always bring a +1 or forward this to interested parties. 

2. Book Club will be paired with a book swap. Bring a book or books you are willing to part with, and let's spread some stories around. 

Happy reading, readers. Hope to see you there!

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CLS Study Abroad, Faculty Interest

During the Aug 20 meeting, Ryan Lopez presented on the CLS Study Abroad program.  Many faculty expressed interest in staying informed and getting involved with the program.  If that's you, please add your name to CLS Study Abroad Interest List. 

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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: 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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Job Opportunity: Assistant III, Administrative

CLS is looking for a new Administrative Assistant! Check out the job description here.  If you are already work at ACC,  you should sign into Workday to apply.   

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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 published our second annual CLS Profile, a look-book of the 2024-2025 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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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