What does an Academic Advisor do?
Academic advisors help students choose a program of study, develop an education plan, prepare for class registration, understand college policies, connect with campus resources, explore transfer and career options, and stay on track toward graduation.
How do I meet with an advisor, and how often should I schedule advising?
Students can meet with an advisor through scheduled appointments, virtual appointments, drop-in advising (when available), or group advising sessions for new students. We encourage students to meet with an advisor before their first semester, before each registration period, whenever they’re considering changing programs, experiencing academic challenges, preparing to transfer or graduate, and at least once each semester to stay on track.
Can an advisor help me register for classes?
Yes. Advisors help students choose appropriate courses, discuss a course load that fits their academic goals, work schedule, financial aid, and personal responsibilities, and assist in resolving common registration issues such as holds, missing prerequisites, TSI requirements, program restrictions, or full classes. Students are generally responsible for completing registration themselves unless special circumstances apply.
Can advising help me choose or change my program of study?
Yes. Advisors can help you explore your interests, strengths, and career goals if you’re undecided, and explain how changing your major or program may affect graduation, financial aid, transfer plans, and course sequencing.
How do I access or reactivate my ACCMail account?
If you are new to ACC or a former Riverbat, you can activate your ACCMail account or reset your password by using the ACCMail Activation and Login Assistance page.
If you are a returning student and need your ACC email account reactivated, please contact the Student Affairs Help Desk at 512-223-4636 (Option 8) for assistance.
If your assigned advisor does not have any appointments available, you can meet with an advisor on any campus during express drop-in hours. See the hours here.
What is the difference between an assigned advisor, Online Advising, and Express Advising?
Assigned Advisor: Each enrolled ACC student is assigned an academic advisor to guide them through their academic journey. Students are able to schedule an appointment directly with your assigned advisor through Find My Advisor.
Online Advising is available for new, returning, or former ACC students who have not yet been assigned to an advisor.
Express Advising offers drop-in, 15-minute advising sessions for quick questions, such as registration issues, holds, or current semester planning. No appointment is required, and any student can use Express Advising on any campus for brief assistance.
I have an advising hold and cannot register for classes. What steps do I need to take?
There are several types of holds that may prevent you from registering for classes. Common registration holds include:
- Admissions holds – Missing transcripts, residency verification, address updates, or declaration of a program of study.
- Financial holds – Past due balances or returned payments.
- Academic holds – Required advising, Student Success Course enrollment, or other academic requirements.
- Health & compliance holds – Missing meningitis documentation or other required health records.
- Student requirements – Required onboarding or training, such as Sexual Misconduct Awareness training.
To see if you have a hold, log in to MyACC and select My Status & Holds. The hold will explain what action you need to take and which office can help you resolve it.
All ACC advisors offer both in-person and virtual appointments, so you can always meet with your assigned advisor remotely, regardless of their campus location. If you need immediate assistance or have a quick question, you can also visit any ACC campus during Express Advising drop-in hours. Express Advising is available to all students and is a convenient option for time-sensitive questions.
For ongoing academic planning, we encourage you to schedule appointments with your assigned advisor whenever possible. Your assigned advisor understands your academic goals, degree progress, and success plan, allowing them to provide personalized guidance and help you stay on track.
I’m a Dual Credit student. What do I need to do to continue my journey at ACC?
If you are a former dual credit student you will be receiving communication from the college leading up to your graduation with a checklist of items to complete before you’re able to register as a traditional student. For more information, visit austincc.edu/seniors.
