SGA letter to ACC

Dear Fellow Students,

As the school year comes to an end, I hope you are able to find time to take deep breathes and relax. It is important to remember to take good care of yourself; physically, mentally, spiritually, intellectually for with out students, Austin Community College would cease to exists.

Change, that directly affects the students, is coming. Mostly policy related. Your Student Government worked hard to ensure the change was in the best interest of the students.

The Board of Trustees approved an 8% tuition increase. While SGA understands the need for the increase, we felt that considering the funding cuts at the state and federal levels, the tuition increase should happen in smaller increments.

 SGA recommended if tuition was raised, it should happen in the fall, not during the summer when funding is limited. We also stated that with the tuition increase, we as students would like to receive better service from faculty.

By better service, we mean having understanding instructors that work to ensure student success instead of student failure; ensuring instructors are using up-to-date instructional materials; not failing students based on attendance; to grasp the student success initiative by enabling students to finish their degree plan intended. Community college is the bridge to either the workforce and/or to a four-year institution. Students should not fail at the community college level.

Thank you all who participated in the surveys. We took the ‘Guns on Campus' survey to the legislative session as documented proof of our position of NOT allowing Guns on Campus. At one point, the bill was stalled! Students, we can make a difference. Continue to speak out regarding local, state and federal policies that directly impact lives.

April 22nd, SAFAC will meet to review the annual budget and spending of the Student Activity Fee. Do you feel your student activities fees are being spent wisely? The committee needs your input. What should the fees be used for? We will survey the body the week of April 17th asking how should these fees be spent. You may also send an confidential email to sgapres@austincc.edu.

Elections have begun. Please take a moment to meet and talk with your candidates if you see them around. Voting will take place at the end of the month.

Our Website has been updated! Please visit the site for up-to-date information, news and events.

I wish you all the best as you finish out the semester. Use the resources in place for you to  elp you succeed. SGA is your voice as well. Let us know how we can serve you.

Kind Regards,

Sophia

SGA President