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For the third time ACC was named among the best community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute.
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ACC Named Among Top Colleges in U.S.
Aspen Institute issues ranking of best colleges
| Alvin Community College was again named one of the best community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute on January 23.
The Aspen Institute also ranked the college in the top 10 percent in 2011 and 2012. "Being selected among the best community colleges in America for the third time is an honor and a tribute to the college faculty and staff, Board of Regents, college district residents and friends of Alvin Community College," said President Dr. Rodney Allbright. "It is this collective effort that has enabled Alvin Community College to lead and succeed, and develop strategies to improve the retention of students by utilizing new advising models and enhancing services for improved instructional delivery systems." ACC is now eligible for the $1 million Aspen Prize, which is awarded to the top community college in the country. The college will be judged on data that includes completion outcomes, labor market outcomes, learning outcomes and equity outcomes. ACC is one of only four Texas colleges to be ranked among the best colleges three times. Read the full story here. |
Chief Tacquard Retires from ACC after 30 Years
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Police Chief Andy Tacquard receives a gift from President Dr. Rodney Allbright during a retirement ceremony for the Chief on January 31.
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Board Receives Audit Report
Regents recognize Presidential Search Committee
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The Board of Regents received an independent audit on college financial operations during the monthly meeting on January 23.
The auditors gave ACC an "unmodified opinion" for the college's accounting practices for the 2013 fiscal year.
"This is the highest level of assurance we can provide as the college's independent auditor that the financial statements are materially correct," said Stephanie Harris, an auditor with Belt, Harris, Pechacek, LLP.
The college has $42 million in total assets, which is down by $1.7 million from 2012. Operating costs decreased by $200,000 in 2013 with overall costs at $38.4 million compared to the $38.6 million in 2012.
Regents took time during the meeting to recognize members of the Presidential Search Committee who helped interview candidates for the position before selecting three finalists: Dr. Christal Albrecht, Dr. Cathy Kemper and Dr. Lydia Tena. All three candidates visited the campus between January 15 and 21. There were 36 applicants for the position. Regent Mike Pyburn said the process is ongoing and there was no announcement to make at this time.
In other action, the board approved the appointment of an interim police chief, two nursing instructors and set the May 10 election date.
Read more about the board meeting.
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Student Ambassadors Start Spring Semester
Four new members join the program | |
With the start of the new year, the Student Ambassadors program welcomes four new members for the Spring 2014 semester.
ACC Ambassadors are an important element in attracting students and promoting the college's mission. During the spring semester ambassadors will help provide information to potential students about ACC services, conduct campus tours, attend community events and volunteer for College and Foundation events.
Ambassadors receive a $600 scholarship for their 40-hour commitment.
The new ambassadors for the fall semester are Erik Hollen, 19, of Houston; Michelle Manuel, 18, of Alvin; Grace Windsor, 19, of Santa Fe and Saydi Wollney, 20, of Pearland. The returning ambassadors are Zachary Davis, 21, of Manvel; Ashley Mello, 19 of Pearland; Kara Van Winkle, 20, of Alvin; Ashlyn Turner, 19, of Alvin; Krista Weaver, 19, of Alvin and Kelly Vangelder, 20, of Alvin. Read the full story about the ambassadors.
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The 2014 Spring Student Ambassadors are back row from left: Kara Van Winkle, Erik Hollen, Zac Davis, Grace Windsor, and Ashlyn Turner. Front row from left are Ashley Mello, Krista Weaver, Kelly VanGelder, Saydi Wollney, and Michelle Manuel.
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ACC Hosts Job Fair on February 28
Business, job seekers are to Nolan Ryan Center
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A job seeker speaks to potential employers during the 2013 Job Fair.
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ACC Career Services will offer students and the public a chance to seek employment during a job fair on Friday, February 28 at the Nolan Ryan Center.
Students, graduates and the general public are invited to attend the fair. Organizers of the event plan to accommodate 30 businesses so employment opportunity information will be available. ACC is currently seeking more employers for the fair.
Job seekers should come to the fair with a current resume, dressed professionally and be prepared to fill out applications for potential employers.
The Job Fair is part of the Career Readiness Week at the college. Career Services and Student Activities will host a series of workshops to help prepare students to enter the workforce.
The event will be from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m at the Nolan Ryan Center, which is located at 3110 Mustang Road in Alvin.
For more information about the Job Fair or to participate contact Melissa Ramirez at 281-756-3560 or Diana Stiles at 281-756-3534. They can also be reached by e-mail at mramirez@alvincollege.edu or dstiles@alvincollege.edu.
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Nursing Program Holds Accreditation Meeting
Accreditation commission accepting public comments
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Alvin Community College will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The public is invited to speak at the site team visit and share comments about the ADN program at a meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. on February 18 in the Health Science Building S-103.
Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to Dr. Sharon Tanner at the following address by February 9:
Dr. Sharon Tanner, CEOACEN
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
sjtanner@acenursing.org
For more information about the ADN program, visit www.alvincollege.edu/ADN.
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Area Spanish Teachers Attend Workshop at ACC
Workshop focuses on the differences between heritage speakers and second language speakers
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ACC Spanish instructor Dr. Itzel Richarte speaks with area Spanish teachers about new approaches to teaching heritage Spanish-speaking students during a workshop on January 25.
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Describing the difference between learning a language as a heritage speaker and as a second language speaker, Alvin Community College instructor Dr. Itzel Richarte delivered a workshop on the subject to area Spanish teachers on January 25.
Heritage languages, which includes all languages, were first viewed as a problem by educators, she said.
"Then they were viewed as a right," she said. "Now it should be viewed as a resource and also a career skill."
Dr. Richarte gave her presentation after a meeting of the Costa Del Sol Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. La Costa Del Sol consists of ACC Spanish instructors, high school and middle school teachers from Alvin ISD, Pasadena ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Pearland ISD, Friendswood ISD and Bay Area Christian School.
Teaching heritage learners has changed recently because of the failure of some previous methods including too high expectations; focus on grammar as opposed to communication and informal speaking was treated as lack of knowledge. There are now different pedagogical approaches to heritage learners that teachers should consider including adjusting entrance exams, adapting their conversational skills and providing additional materials such as newspapers or magazines, Dr. Richarte said. You can read more about the workshop at the ACC website.
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Student Activities Launches Dolphin Dish
Videos highlight campus life
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Catch the Latest Episode of The Dolphin Dish
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The Office of Student Activities recently launched a new informational video segment called The Dolphin Dish.
Each new weekly episode features a different area of campus life at ACC and introduces viewers to students, faculty and staff.
"We wanted to create a fun video series that highlighted all the great things about ACC," said Amanda Smithson, Student Activities coordinator.
Hosted by Student Government Association President Kayla Soliz, The Dolphin Dish has introduced viewers to the Fitness Center, a few of the ACC international students and members of the Dolphin baseball and softball teams.
Around three minutes each, the videos share a small glimpse into the Dolphin Nation.
Created by the Office of Student Activities and the Student Government Association, The Dolphin Dish is uploaded to the ACC YouTube channel weekly and is distributed via social media and email to the ACC students, faculty and staff.
Watch episodes of The Dolphin Dish.
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The Drowsy Chaperone
Drama Department to perform musical for spring production
|  Students and local actors will stage the musical The Drowsy Chaperone at the ACC Theatre from March 1-8.
The curtain rises on a present-day musical theatre fanatic eager to tell you about his favorite Broadway musical -- The Drowsy Chaperone. He's the ultimate Everyfan and "Drowsy" is his guilty pleasure.
As he begins listening to the rare cast recording, the show cleverly and magically blooms to life, telling the hilarious tale of a pampered Broadway starlet and her debonair fiance, an overzealous producer, a dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a couple of bumbling gangsters.
Ruses are played. Hi-jinks occur. And the plot spins everyone into musical comedy euphoria.
Performances on March 1, 6-8 will be at 8 p.m. There will be a 2:30 p.m. performance on March 2.
Tickets are $7 if purchased online through the ACC Website. They are $9 at the door. You can also buy tickets by calling 281-756-3606. |
Campus Clubs Seeking New Members
Organizations focus on religion, martial arts and running
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ACC Librarian Roger Bell, right, teaches Alex Sansone techniques in Systema.
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Student clubs are an important aspect of campus life. Involvement with a student organization increases the chance that a student will stay in school and finish their education.
"Studies have shown that students who become actively involved in clubs develop stronger leadership skills and are more likely to stay in school and complete their degrees," Student Activities coordinator Amanda Smithson said.
There are more than 25 student clubs at ACC with a wide range of interests. Some clubs and organizations are geared towards student in specific programs.
Over the past year new clubs have been created which have added to the diversity of student involvement.
Student Jereme Rodriguez, of Alvin, recently started up the Running Club in an effort to raise awareness about student health and fitness.
Librarian Roger Bell has been teaching students and the public the basics of the Russian martial art Systema.
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An Evening of Big Band Music
Kurland Street Band returns to ACC for annual concert
| Local residents can take to the dance floor during the 15th annual Evening of Big Band Music with the Kurland Street Band on February 8 at the Nolan Ryan Center.
The concert will start at 7 p.m. and the last dance will be at 10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Funds raised at the event will go directly to the Music Department and alumni scholarships.
Tickets are $15 and will include admission to the dance and light refreshments throughout the evening.
Tickets are available at the Music Department, the Administrative office and online at the ACC Marketplace. They also will be sold at the door.
For more information about the event, call 281-756-3600.
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Lace Up for the Dolphin Dash 5k
Second annual run benefits the Student Government Association
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 Runners can pound the pavement for the Alvin Community College Student Government Association during the 2nd Annual Dolphin Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk on March 1.
Registration for the event is $20 and will include a T-shirt and refreshments. All proceed benefit the SGA.
Runners can register starting at 7:30 a.m. outside the front entrance of the college, 3110 Mustang Road. The race begins at 9 a.m.
There will be two divisions: runners 12 and younger and runners 13 and older.
To pre-register call 281-756-3686 or visit www.alvincollege.edu.
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Filing open for ACC Board of Regent Elections
Three positions will be on the May 10 election ballot
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Three positions on the Board of Regents will be up for election on May 10. Filing for candidates will start January 29 and end February 28.
Positions that will be on the ballot include Position 4 now held by incumbent Brenda Brown, Position 5 held by Mike Pyburn and Position 6 now held by Cheryl Knape
The winners will serve an unpaid, six-year term.
Early voting will be from April 28 to May 6. Election day is May 10.
Those interested in filing for the election can get more information by calling Janet Schwebel, ACC election clerk at 281-756-3594 or the Brazoria County Elections Office at 281-756-1371.
More information also is available at brazoriacountyvotes.com.
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Calendar of Events
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 | Big Band Concert, February 8 in the Nolan Ryan Center
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February 6: Alvin ISD Science Fair, ACC Gym February 7: TCCTA Convention, No Day Classes February 8: Big Band Concert, Nolan Ryan Center 6:30 p.m. February 11: Presidential Trivia Day, Student Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. February 12: SGA meeting, Texas Room, 12:30 p.m. February 17: President's Forum, Texas Room, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. February 13-March 3: Second Mini Semester Registration February 24-27: Job Readiness Week February 27: Board of Regents meeting, Nolan Ryan Center, 7 p.m. February 28: Job Fair, Nolan Ryan Center, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. February 28: Filing for Board of Regent Elections Closes March 1, 6-8: The Drowsy Chaperone, ACC Theatre, 8 p.m. March 1: Dolphin Dash, ACC Campus, 9 a.m. March 2: The Drowsy Chaperone, ACC Theatre, 2:30 p.m. March 3-6: Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week March 6: First day of second mini semester March 7: Graduation Application Deadline March 10-14: Spring Break March 26: SGA meeting, Texas Room, 12:30 p.m.
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Welcome to ACC
from the President
 Dr. Rodney Allbright | |
It is our mission to serve the community by providing excellent educational opportunities for people of all ages, events and activities for the whole family, venues for other public and private events and a way to foster economic prosperity.
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