2026 Fall Events Open to ACC
College Tour (Open to all ACC Students)
In collaboration with the ACC Transfer Office, students will get the chance to explore a college campus, learn how the admission process works, and discover exciting transfer opportunities! Once a university is selected, keep an eye out for an email from the Coordinator with all the details—it’s going to be a great experience!
Date and University: TBD
2026 Fall Calendar for Ascender Students and Mentors
Please note that the following events are exclusively for current ASCENDER students, faculty, and staff.
New Mentor Orientation (Mentors Only)
Welcome, Mentor!
Join us for an informative virtual orientation, where you’ll learn all about the ASCENDER mentoring component and what to expect in your new role. This session is required for all new mentors and will help set you up for a meaningful and successful experience.
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🕛 Time: 12:00–2:00 PM
🗓️ Choose one date that works for you:
- Wednesday, August 5
- Thursday, August 6
- Friday, August 7
- Monday, August 10
- Tuesday, August 11
✅ Zoom details will be emailed after you register
🚫 Returning mentors are not required to attend. Fill out the Mentor Interest Form to receive the Zoom link.
New Student Orientation (Mandatory for ASCENDER Students)
Welcome, New Ascender Students!
Join us for a fun and informative orientation where you’ll get the inside scoop on the ASCENDER & BRASS program—our mission, goals, and how we’re here to support you throughout your first year at ACC. You’ll also get to meet your advisors, instructors, and program staff, enjoy free food, and take part in some fun activities to help you get connected and feel ready for the semester ahead.
📍 Choose one session:
- Friday, August 21 | 12:00–2:00 PM | Rio Grande Campus, Room 3340
- Friday, August 28 | 12 pm – 2 pm | Virtual, via Zoom
We recommend attending in person to get the most out of this event. This orientation is mandatory for all registered ASCENDER & BRASS students—but you only need to attend one session!
RSVP details will be sent to students’ ACC Gmail accounts once they are enrolled in ASCENDER classes.
Get ready—Alejandra and/or Diana will be dropping by your ASCENDER class at the start of class time to conduct the Ascender Survey, so please show up to class on time!
They’ll be sharing exciting updates, going over the Fall calendar, giving important reminders, and answering any questions you have. Oh—and yes, there will be photos, so bring those smiles! 😄
Mentor-Mentee Matching (Mandatory for ASCENDER Mentors and Students)
It’s a Match! Get ready to meet your mentor or mentee and kick off an exciting year together! At this fun and interactive event, students and mentors will be introduced, participate in icebreakers and team activities, and start building a strong connection.
Each pair will set goals for the academic year and make a game plan for how to stay connected during the first semester.
- Highland Campus:
- Friday, Sep. 11, 2 PM–4 PM | TRHTC
- Hays Campus:
- Friday, Sep. 11, 10 AM–12 PM | HYS1 1319
- South Austin Campus:
- Friday, Sep. 18, 2 PM–4 PM | SAC1 1130
- Round Rock Campus:
- Friday, Sep. 18, 10 AM–12 PM | RRC8 8202.00
👥 This event is mandatory for students who were paired with mentors.
If either of you can’t attend in person, please notify the coordinator so we can make sure you get all the materials and activities to participate from afar!
RSVP Link: Coming Soon
Noche de Familia (Mandatory for ASCENDER Mentors and Students)
The Most Exciting Night of the Semester! Students, bring your families and mentors for a special evening of connection and celebration! You’ll introduce your loved ones to the people supporting your journey, learn more about ACC, ASCENDER, and the mentoring program, and explore how everyone can work together to help you succeed.
🎲 Fun activities
🍽️ Dinner provided
🤝 Connections that last
📍 Highland Campus: Thur, Oct. 1 | 6–8 PM | HLC2 1550
📍 Round Rock Campus: Thur, Oct. 8 | 6–8 PM | RRC8 8202.00
📍 South Austin Campus: Thur, Oct. 15 | 6–8 PM | SAC1 1130
Attendance is mandatory for all students and mentors
RSVP Link: Coming Soon
Texas Book Festival Real Reads Author Event(Optional for ASCENDER Students and Mentors)
Join us for a special literary treat in collaboration with the Texas Book Festival featuring award-winning author TBD.
Enjoy an engaging Q&A session where you can ask the author your questions, then get your copy of (Book TBD) personally signed. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this is a rare opportunity to connect with the author and explore the magic, symbolism, and themes behind this beloved book.
- Date: Friday, October 30, 2025
- Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus | MPR 1103
- Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Come celebrate stories and the power of imagination!
RSVP Link: Coming Soon
Tamalada (Mandatory for ASCENDER Students and Optional for Mentors)
This is the last event of the semester, and we want to celebrate ASCENDERS finishing their first semester of college! Fun activities will be held, and announcements will be made regarding the Spring 2027 semester. We’ll play White Elephant and hold an ugly holiday sweater contest, with a gift card going to the winner.
- Date: Thurs., December 3, 2025
- Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus | MPR 1103
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP Link: Coming Soon
