Your First-Year Experience is your starting point and support system. Build confidence, make connections, and prepare for what’s next through Riverbat Ready Flight Paths, Signature Events, Peer Leaders, and the Academic Planner.
Together, these resources create a clear pathway for your first-year journey.
Keep scrolling to learn more.
Attend events designed to help you meet people, learn about campus resources, and build confidence throughout your first year. These aren't just fun activities—they're intentional moments that guide your journey from orientation to the end of your first year.
Wednesday, Sept 2, 2026 | ACC Highland Campus
Join us at the OFYE Welcome Party! Meet your Peer Leaders, connect with fellow first-year students, and kick off your semester at ACC.
Why attend? This is a great opportunity to start building your ACC community and gain valuable tips that will set you up for success both in and out of the classroom.
Culture & Connection Fest
Wednesday, Sept 22, 2026 | ACC Highland Campus
Why Attend? Connect with campus resources in an affirming, community-centered space where you are seen, supported, and right at home.
Midterm Madness
Monday—Friday, Oct 5–16, 2026 | All Campuses
Why Attend? Stations are hosted collaboratively by campus departments and supported by an OFYE Coordinator so that you receive both practical support and meaningful campus connections.
More information coming soon!
Riverbat Volunteer Week
Monday—Friday, Nov 16–20, 2026 | Multiple ACC Campuses
Why Attend? Whether you're caring for our campus or reflecting on the power of gratitude, every event is an opportunity to strengthen your sense of belonging while serving others.
First-Year Forward Banquet
Thursday, Apr 8, 2027 | ACC Rio Grande Campus
Why Attend? An opportunity to celebrate your first-year wins, network, and have the chance to receive awards or win prizes.
More information coming soon!
OFYE Peer Leaders are here to support you throughout your first year. Stay connected for reminders, resources, and real advice from someone who's been in your shoes.
Whether you have questions or need encouragement, your Peer Leaders are one of your first go-to connections at ACC. Email them at ofye@austincc.edu.
These are opportunities to connect with your peers, reflect on your college experience, and build confidence during your first year. Through shared conversations and activities, you'll strengthen your sense of community at ACC.
Click here to view the full list of these and other events on the OFYE MySL page.
MySL is your hub for getting involved at ACC.
Watch the video and click each step below to claim your FREE MySL account today!
Riverbat Ready Flight Paths act as your guide, so you don't have to guess how to move forward in your first-year journey. These small activities and connection points help you build real, essential skills and relationships during your first year, with milestone achievements you can talk about in interviews, applications, or when transferring.
With four badges and a final Meta badge you can unlock, Flight Path Digital badges act as snapshots of your experiences that you can share on LinkedIn, with transfer schools, or even with future employers.
Start strong—learn the basics, get connected, and know where to go for help.
Build smart habits, stay on track, and use your resources early.
Stay connected, keep going, and ask for help when you need it.
Find your place, look back on how much you've grown, and keep going—you belong here.
The Meta Badge, unlocked after completing all four themed Flight Paths.
Your digital badges are accessible through the Suitable app. To get started:
Login to the Suitable app.
Search for 'Riverbat Ready' series.
Track your progress and start stacking you badges!
To find out how to claim your Suitable account, watch this video ➡️
If this is your first semester at ACC, or if you're a returning student who has been here for a bit, the Academic Planner is a tool to help you stay organized and on top of your dates and deadlines.
Click ⬆️ to download your copy!
Planners are a great tool to stay organized, but the OFYE Academic Planner is also specifically designed for ACC students with space to:
Plan your week.
Track your growth.
Review tips and tricks.
Identify important academic dates & deadlines.
Learn more about ACC resources.
What’s the difference between Orientation and FYE?
Riverbat Orientation helps you get started (what you need to know).
FYE supports you after that—helping you build habits, find your people, attend events, and stay on track.
Is FYE only for first-year ACC students?
Nope! FYE is for all new ACC students—whether you’re coming from high school, transferring, returning, or starting fresh. It is geared towards first-year students but many of our events are open to all ACC students.
What kind of events are part of FYE?
We have events like Riverbat Connection, Signature Events, Volunteering Opportunities, and Workshops. Look out for these events and programs during your first 6 weeks—they’re key! To learn more, visit our OFYE MySL page.Â
Where do I find FYE events?
Check our OFYE MySL page on our website to stay updated on current events.
What is the Academic Planner?
It’s your go-to tool to stay organized, set goals, and keep track of important dates and resources—all in one place. Digital version located here.Â
Who are Peer Leaders?
They’re students like you who have been through their first year and want to help you succeed. Think of them as your go-to for advice, support, and real talk. You can engage with Peer Leaders through our Riverbat Connection Events/Socials.
How will FYE help me succeed?
We help you:
Start strong
Stay organized
Build connections
Find support when you need it
Can my family/support system be involved?
Yes! We welcome your “Riverbat Supporters”—anyone who encourages and supports you. They can attend specific Riverbat Supporter Sessions, learn more here.
Feel free to email us with any questions you have at ofye@austincc.edu.
Need to get in contact with us? Send us an email at ofye@austincc.edu.