Embedded Files
Department of Composition & Literary Studies
Dr. Wendy Elle: wendy.elle@austincc.edu
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
You made it through Week 1 and had a three-day weekend to (hopefully) recuperate.
We're trying to keep the Newsletter more pared down this semester, but you can always find items you missed (like the link to the Semester Start letter and Semester Start Meeting Recaps) by using the left toolbar to navigate to past newsletters.
A few important highlights:
Adjuncts, we need you to participate in the shared governance of our department. Fill out the Voting Adjunct Interest form. Your status as a Voting Adjunct needs to be renewed each academic year. If you've already supplied the info on the interest form, just leave us a note in the required fields. Thanks!
Lighthouse updates for 16-week and 8A-week sessions are due this Friday, Sept. 5, but many of you have noticed that Lighthouse is acting wacky. We are looking into the issue, so stay tuned for further directions. BUT do get your syllabi uploaded to the Academic Year 2025-2026 Collection Form.
We're rolling out a new email in an attempt to streamline the contacts that you need to remember! Use cls-office@austincc.edu for general departmental inquiries (staffing, textbooks, subs, etc.).
Full time faculty should look for an email about the Peer Review of syllabi and assignments. As part of the Evaluation Process, each FT faculty will review syllabi and assignments of around 6 colleagues. Directions, materials, and deadlines are coming soon!
Remember: Dean Toño Ramirez hosts drop-in office hours for Liberal Arts: Humanities and Communications faculty Tuesdays from 10AM-11AM via Zoom.
Update your directory photos! If you haven't sent Chris Stayton a mugshot headshot for the Faculty Directory on our website, we've dropped in a riverbat placeholder. If you're full time or voting adjunct and want to update your image, now's a great time to send your photo his way.
_________________
Important Dates!
Important Dates!
Sept 3-4
Estaffing Preferences for spring 26; Phase 1 Adjuncts (MSTA and HPH status)
Sept 5
Syllabi due to 2025-26 Collection Form and Lighthouse
Summer 25 Faculty Reflection Form due to 2024-25 Collection Form
__________________
__________________
CLS Announcements
CLS Announcements
CLS Quick Links
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
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
File this Travel Expense Request with the LAHC Dean's office to request money for upcoming conference travel and attendance.
------------------------
------------------------
Register Now: 2025 Corequisite Summit, Nov. 7
Register Now: 2025 Corequisite Summit, Nov. 7
Calling all English and INRW faculty! We are proud to announce our 2025 Corequisite Summit: Start Strong with Literacy!
When: Friday, November 7, 2025 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Rio Grande Campus (RGC); 1212 Rio Grande Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Conference Information: Website
Registration here (deadline October 17)
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1APsDuUusb5W7nrb7UbT-EtK7kIN0iqF9/view?usp=sharing
Registration is limited so register quickly. Also, attending this event gives you 6 hours of PD. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and there will be treats and sponsors to visit. Dr. Emily K. Suh will be our morning keynote speaker, and Jenny Billings will discuss coreq'ing issues and how to overcome them. Our last Summit was a blast, and we cannot wait to see what this year's Summit brings.
------------------------
------------------------
Join LEAD!
Join LEAD!
Please consider joining a LEAD Community of Practice. It's a fun, low-pressure environment where you can learn more about Liberal Education Advancement and Development (LEAD) and get support from a fantastic network of colleagues. Sign up here by September 5 to begin the adventure!
And that's not all! We're also giving out fellowships to redesign courses around High-Impact Practices (HIPs). The deadline to apply is September 12, so don't miss out!
Have questions? Email broy@austincc.edu.
------------------------
------------------------
Please Promote: Study Abroad Programs
Please Promote: Study Abroad Programs
Please let your students know about the great opportunities from the Study Abroad Programs at ACC, and specifically about the Summer 2026 British Literature opportunity.
------------------------
------------------------
Training: ENGL-2351, Mexican American Lit, Oct 3
Training: ENGL-2351, Mexican American Lit, Oct 3
All faculty interested in teaching ENGL-2351 Mexican American Literature are invited to complete this interest form for an upcoming in-person training on Friday, 10/3 at Highland campus. If you have ever wanted to teach Gloria Anzaldúa, Sandra Cisneros, or Rudolfo Anaya, now is your chance to join this cohort!
------------------------
------------------------
Call For Presenters: CLS Curriculum Conference
Call For Presenters: CLS Curriculum Conference
Austin Community College's CCCs (CLS Curriculum Conference) will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 12:00-4:00 PM at the Highland Campus (HLC) in Austin, Texas.
This is a call for contributors who are interested in sharing their knowledge in a presentation or panel format. Use this LINK to submit a proposal! Please get your proposal in by Dec. 12, 2025!
PDRS (Professional Development, Research, and Service) will review all proposals and announce presenters at the end of the semester. If you have any questions, email Rob Crowl. Thank you!
-----------------------
-----------------------
New Paired Course for Students Who Rely on Translation Software
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.
------------------------
------------------------
OER Options
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!
------------------------
------------------------
CLS+ Fall Book Club
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:
never signed up
haven't read the book
don't plan on reading the book
just want to pillage a stack of "up for grabs" books people bring for your book exchange
Two Additional Reminders:
We are an open group. The invites go out to CLS, but you can always bring a +1 or forward this to interested parties.
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!
-----------------------
-----------------------
CLS Creative Writing Group, Sept. 12, 10am
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.
------------------------
Job Opportunity: IA with LEAD, deadline Sept 15
Job Opportunity: IA with LEAD, deadline Sept 15
The Instructional Associate (IA) for the Liberal Education Advancement and Development (LEAD) initiative will provide support to all instructional programs under LEAD, assisting in a variety of administrative, promotional, and program development/assessment tasks. This role will help manage ongoing projects and expand the programs' offerings, with a focus on event planning, administrative support, and faculty collaboration.
This position is an opportunity to be deeply involved in the operational success of the various programs under LEAD, supporting instructional leadership to focus on high-level initiatives such as program assessment, professional development for instructors, and the enhancement of annual events.
Check out the full job description or apply here: https://www.myworkday.com/austincc/d/inst/15$158872/9925$14748.htmld (Workday log-in required).
------------------------
------------------------
Job Opportunity: Assistant III, Administrative, deadline Sept 4
Job Opportunity: Assistant III, Administrative, deadline Sept 4
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.
-----------------------
-----------------------
Community Event: A Novel Gala, Sept 19
Community Event: A Novel Gala, Sept 19
Access Education RRISD is hosting A Novel Gala Friday, September 19, 6:30pm-10pm.
This event brings together parents, educators, advocates, and community leaders who believe that every student deserves access to a strong public school — regardless of their zip code.
All proceeds will benefit Access Education RRISD and support nonpartisan, pro–public education candidates in the 2026 election.
If you teach in RRISD, have family in RRISD, or simply want to support public education, check out ways to donate or buy tickets: https://accessrrisd.org/gala/
-----------------------
-----------------------
Trouble with Blackboard Ultra? You're not alone!
Trouble with Blackboard Ultra? You're not alone!
If you have questions about BB Ultra or need assistance, here are a few resources:
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
------------------------
------------------------
Accessibility in Blackboard Courses
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
Blackboard Accessibility Orientation
Examples of Reasonable Accommodations
------------------------
------------------------
Special Message from Sue
Special Message from Sue
Dear CLS,
I want to THANK YOU for such a wonderful retirement party. It was great to see all of you and spend one last time with you.
Goosey and the gang thank you for the "bock" bucks. That will buy lots of romaine, feed, treats for them and other goodies for me.
I will miss you all!
Sue
Email: chickensue57@yahoo.com
_________________
_________________
College Announcements
College Announcements
Admissions and Enrollment Instructional Support Site
Admissions and Enrollment Instructional Support Site
Admissions and Enrollment designed an internal Google site to support ACC faculty. It has all the information that instructors need about attendance certification, grade submission, withdrawal, reinstating students, etc. The information is streamlined and very easy to navigate. Check it out -- Admissions and Enrollment Instructional Support Site and bookmark it in your browser for future use.
-----------------------
-----------------------
Updates from the Basic Needs Team
Updates from the Basic Needs Team
From Dr. Amber Sarker, co-chair of the Basic Needs Design Team
Check out this short video: Basic Needs Faculty Update where faculty can see how to access the alerts, as well as learn about other services on campus. Additionally, here is a Google Doc with one-pagers on services and a Google Doc with sample syllabus, email, and Blackboard wording.
-----------------------
-----------------------
Creative Writing Calendar
Creative Writing Calendar
The Write Mind: Stephen Graham Jones and Paul Tremblay
Wednesday, September 3, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Zoom Link:
https://austincc.zoom.us/j/84110355655?pwd=JEHY2suubbemNAscoARlYmxyqJ1uC7.1&jst=2
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qb2MYUgyMQWDXuw3Xrbi-q0Cv-bZhfTP/view?usp=sharing
The Write Mind is honored to present a conversation with Stephen Graham Jones and Paul Tremblay!
Stephen Graham Jones is the NYT bestselling author of thirty-five or so novels and collections, and there’s some novellas and comic books in there as well. Most recent are Earthdivers, I Was a Teenage Slasher, and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Up before too long are (the third) True Believers and Killer on the Road. Stephen lives and teaches in Boulder, Colorado.
Paul Tremblay has won the Bram Stoker, British Fantasy, and Massachusetts Book awards and is the author of Survivor Song, The Cabin at the End of the World, Disappearance at Devil’s Rock, A Head Full of Ghosts, the crime novels The Little Sleep and No Sleep Till Wonderland, and the short story collection, Growing Things and Other Stories. His essays and short fiction have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly online, and numerous year’s-best anthologies. He has a master’s degree in mathematics and lives outside Boston with his family.
View the full F25 Creative Writing Events Calendar!
-----------------------
-----------------------
Impactful Teaching: Insights for Success, Video Series
Impactful Teaching: Insights for Success, Video Series
Looking for inspiration at the start of the new semester? Check out the Insights for Success series, which shares data collected from the Change Initiatives Leadership Academy.
Name Connections: The Power of Belonging
Collaborative Group Work: Strategies for Effective Group Work
Redefining Feedback and Motivation: Radical Candor
-----------------------
-----------------------
Please Promote: Faculty Advising, Liberal Arts
Please Promote: Faculty Advising, Liberal Arts
Make sure that your students know about the resources available through Faculty Advising in Liberal Arts.
Who We Are:
Faculty, who are subject-matter experts in various disciplines such as psychology, communications, philosophy, humanities, government, and more.
We Help Students:
Explore and select a discipline-specific major
Discover possible major-to-career pathways
Develop strategies for college success
Clarify academic and transfer goals
Who We Work With:
General Studies AA majors
Students considering majors in the Liberal Arts
Learn More: https://sites.google.com/austincc.edu/facultyadvising-libarts
CLS Resources
ACC Resources
ACC Resources
TLED Tech Support for Google Sites
Submit a Mojo Ticket to request support:
Page updated
Report abuse