Hello! We're happy to bring you exciting and important news especially for ’Roo Parents and other supporters. The topics below are timely and of interest to Austin College families from first year to final year. If you have questions about anything covered here, please contact us by email at communications@austincollege.edu. |
TAP Provides Free Texts to All Students Last spring, Austin College announced the launch of the Textbook Access Pass program which provides the required texts for all classes to all students at no additional cost. You can mark “buying books” off the back-to-college To-Do list! Your student will receive an email in their Austin College inbox soon with details on how to access their course materials. |
Academic News
Academic Support Available for Students with Documented Disabilities
The Center for Student Success and Access Services (CSSAS) provides academic support and a variety of services that eliminate barriers and offer equal access for students with documented disabilities. If your student received disability-related accommodations prior to attending Austin College and you would like to learn more, contact James Reed, Executive Director of Student Accessibility Success Services in the CSSAS office at 903-813-2548 or by emailing James Reed.
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Financial News
Fall Term Payment
Fall Term payment is expected on August 1. If you have questions regarding billing, please visit the Student Billing page on the new Austin College website for the very thorough FAQ section. If you can’t find the answer to your question there, staff members are happy to answer phone calls or emails about specific questions.
Last Call: Medical Insurance Opt In/Opt Out
All students are required to have medical insurance while at Austin College. As a convenience, the College offers the Austin College Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Each year, students must accept or decline the medical insurance policy online. As of mid-July, a charge of $2,567 appeared on the fall statements for those who did not decline the insurance policy.
As a courtesy, your student has until September 2 to decline the insurance and have the charge removed. Proof of other medical insurance is required. If your student has already done this for 2024-2025—thank you.
To Waive the Student Insurance Plan
Go to https://austincollege.myahpcare.com/. Select Begin Waiver. Your user ID is your AC student ID (with one leading zero in front (i.e. 067xxxx) and your password is your date of birth in this format: MMDDYYYY.
You will need to upload a picture of the front and back of your current insurance card.
To Enroll in the Student Insurance Plan
Go to https://austincollege.myahpcare.com/. Select Begin Enrollment, then click Domestic & International Students and Click Here to Enroll. Your user ID is your AC student ID (with one leading zero in front (i.e. 067xxxx) and your password is your date of birth in this format MMDDYYYY.
If you are unable to log into your AHP account to waive or accept, please contact AHP Customer Service at 855.370.7215.
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Student Life
Parent Programming Offered at New Student Orientation
If you’re moving your first-year student to Austin College, there are orientation programs for you scheduled on Saturday, August 24.
Please register at Parent Orientation; you will need your student’s login credentials for the Admission StudentHub portal to access the registration page. We’re looking forward to meeting you soon.
It’s Go Time: Move-in Starts in Less than 3 Weeks
Although some student leaders and athletes have early move-in dates, most students will follow the schedule below. Those who are assigned to a different schedule will hear directly from their coach or on-campus sponsor.
Move Into Residential Halls
First Years & New Transfers |
Friday, 8/23/24 |
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
First Years & New Transfers (late arrivals) |
Saturday, 8/24/24 |
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
Returning Students |
Monday, 8/26/24 |
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
All students, including commuters and seniors living off campus, must check-in at Mabee Hall in Wright Campus Center to prepare for the semester. Representatives from the Business Office, Financial Aid, Health Services, AC Police Department, and Student Life will welcome them to a “one-stop shop” to be ready for the first day of class on Tuesday, August 27.
College Check-In
First-Years & New Transfers |
Friday, 8/23/24 |
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
First-Years & New Transfers (late arrivals) |
Saturday, 8/24/24 |
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
Returning Students |
Monday, 8/26/24 |
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Direct any questions or concerns to studentlife@austincollege.edu.
Current Info for Campus Living
Students and parents can be prepared for a smooth transition to on-campus living by understanding the guidelines and expectations in advance. Visit the Living on Campus webpage for information about what to bring, meal plans, rules about alcohol, smoking, and pets, and more. For specific questions, contact the Student Life Office.
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Q&A
Q. Do parents attend Opening Convocation? What is it and who is it for?
A. Opening Convocation is unique to each college. At Austin College, the service is intended for the senior class and incoming transfer and first-year students, with a special address that is tailored to encourage and challenge these unique student groups. Along with the faculty members, this is a near-maximum crowd for the Wynne Chapel location. Although parents and friends will not be turned away, please note they will be seated last, and seating is limited. The senior class is dismissed from Convocation to go directly to the traditional Senior Toast—a celebration to kick off their big year!