Thinking of taking a class online?

Students thinking about taking online courses should consider what it means to be an online student before deciding to take an online course. The benefits of taking an online course may seem obvious, but you will want to make sure that you will be able to successfully complete the course requirements.

SmarterMeasure is an assessment tool that measures learner readiness. SmarterMeasure is an indicator of the degree to which distance learning and/or learning in a technology rich environment will be a good fit for you. It will help you prepare to be successful as a student. You are not penalized for guessing on SmarterMeasure, please enter an answer for each question on the assessment. Upon completion of SmarterMeasure you will receive a score report which will not only help you understand your strengths and opportunities for improvement, but will also provide resources to help you succeed. Remember, this assessment is strictly for your benefit. Take the time to rate yourself honestly.

Click here to get started. The Username is amarillo and the Password is student.

Please note that this online skill assessment will take about 30 minutes to complete.

You can save and exit the skill assessment at any time. A PIN code will be sent to the e-mail address that you entered when you first registered. You will then use that e-mail address and PIN code to log in and complete the assessment when you are ready.

AC Alert

How do I register to receive AC Alerts messages?

You will automatically be signed up upon enrollment or employment at Amarillo College based upon the information entered into your official records. We recommend that you immediately check the information on AC Alerts to ensure its accuracy.

I forgot my password. How do I reset my password?

On the login/register web page, there is a “Forgot your Username/Password?” link.  That link will have you contact the Technology Information Center at (806) 371-5100, and they will be happy to assist you with your password reset; or you may go to econnect.actx.edu and click on the “Account Information” link.

How do I add a second phone or email address to my account?

You can add a second phone number and email account through your login.  Once you have logged into AC Alerts you can specify a secondary email address and phone number.   The maximum number of services is 4.  Both phone numbers and email accounts are limited to 2 services each.

How much does it cost to sign up for AC Alerts SMS messages?

Registration is FREE.  Standard text messaging fees apply to all messages sent to your cell phone.

I block all SMS messages to my cell phone, can I still sign up with AC Alerts to receive email notifications?

Yes

What is the opt-in process to receive text messages?

The wireless carriers have rigid requirements as to the content of the message and specific text that must be included.  Inorder to  comply with these requirements you will receive the following opt-in message:  “Amarillo College alerts.  Reply Y for aprx 5 msg/mo.  Txt HELP 4 infor.  Msg&data rates may apply.  Visit schoolmessenger.com/tm”  In order to continue to receive emergency text messages you must reply with “Y” on “OPTIN” when you receive such a verification message.

How do I opt out of receiving text messages from AC Alerts?

To opt out at any time from emergency alerts from Amarillo College visit http://www.schoolmessenger.com/txtmsg or reply “STOP” to the opt-in message that you received.

How do I opt-in for text messages once I have already opt out?

Send a text message to the short code 68453 saying “Y” or “OPTIN”, and your text messaging will be reinitialized.

I only want to sign up for AC Alerts SMS messages pertaining to the Washington Street campus – can I do this?

Yes – in fact you can sign up to receive notification about the Washington Street campus, West Campus, East campus, Moore County Campus, Hereford campus, Polk campus, and Community Link, or from all of these.  You have total control of what group you would like to belong too for receiving messages.

Who do I call if I have questions or concerns about AC Alerts SMS messages?

If you have questions or concerns about the AC Alerts notification system – powered by SchoolMessenger, please contact the Technology Information Center at helpdesk-it@actx.edu or call (806) 371-5100.

Advising

Amarillo College Advisors can be of great help to you in shaping your college career while still letting you make most of the decisions.  The Advisors will help you make intelligent choices for courses (which is not the same as choosing courses for you), while making sure that your degree requirements are met.

For more information, visit the Amarillo College Advising website at: http://www.actx.edu/advising

Here are some tips when meeting with your advisor:

• bring transcripts (official or unofficial) from any other college or university you attended (if transcripts have not been evaluated)
• write down your specific questions ahead of time
• be prepared to discuss your academic performance and courses taken
• plan to arrive on time 

Questions to ask during your advising appointment:

How do I:

• choose, declare or change my major?
• calculate/raise my GPA?
• determine the number of credits I should take each semester?
• know when I have fulfilled the requirements to graduate?

Where do I:

• go for tutoring?
• go for testing services?
• find course transfer equivalencies?

Who can:

• help me identify my career interests?
• help me with my study skills, time management, goal setting and test taking methods?
• I talk to if I have a learning disability?
• assist me with my writing?

Accuplacer Testing

The College Board developed the ACCUPLACER Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), with the help of committees of college faculty, to provide information about your level of skill and accomplishment in Reading, Writing, English, and Mathematics.

Amarillo College uses the scores you receive and other information that you provide to help determine the English, Mathematics, and Reading courses most appropriate for you at this time.  ACCUPLACER is a computer–based assessment offered in the Amarillo College Testing Center by appointment only.  It is also offered at the Moore County and Hereford Campuses.

At the Washington Street Campus, appointments may be scheduled Monday-Thursday at 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM, or 4:00 PM.

To make an appointment at the Washington Street Campus, call the Testing Center at 371-5445.

• To make an appointment at the Moore County Campus, call 806-934-7220.
• To make an appointment at the Hereford Campus, call 806-457-4400.

Practice using ACCUPLACER test taking tips as well as sample test questions directly from the College Board.

It is highly recommend that you go to www.google.com and search the word “Accuplacer” and you will be given numerous practice sites to build your skills.  Another helpful practice test is the THEA Practice Exam.   You can also find  very helpful math assistance at the WTAMU Virtual Lab.

ABILITY TO BENEFIT

ACCUPLACER meets federal legislative guidelines for Ability to Benefit (ATB) for higher education. ATB qualification is required for students without high school diplomas to be eligible to receive federal financial aid for college.

Candidate’s Ability To Benefit Check List:

Sign up to take Ability-To-Benefit in the Testing Center or by phone at 806-371-5445.

Must have a VALID, NON-EXPIRED, government issued ID or current school ID.

Examples: Driver’s License, school ID, Passport

Must take all three (Reading, Arithmetic, Sentence Skills) Ability to Benefit sections in one sitting.  Scores from two different administrations cannot be mixed or combined. Candidates must pass all three tests during a single test session.

Minimum Passing Scores:

Reading – 55

Arithmetic – 34

Sentence Skills – 60

Retest Policy: Within any three-month period, ATB candidates may be permitted an initial test and one retest. There must be a two week waiting period between the initial test and the retest.

Must take a copy of their score sheet to Financial Aid, immediately after testing.

(See Financial Aid for more ATB information.)

Study Skills

Everyone learns differently. Here are some study tips to help you out:

• Get a copy of the syllabus before the class starts so you can see the class requirements.
• Buy your textbooks early.
• Schedule time to study and to take breaks
• Buy a calendar and write down all your class assignments.
• Try not to fall behind in your assignments.
• Attend tutoring sessions (online or in person).
• Don’t skip class!
• Write short phrases when taking notes, they’re easier to remember.
• If you need help, talk to the instructor right away. Don’t wait until you are failing.
• Color-code your textbooks and notes to make important information stand out.
• Make flash cards of key concepts and points.
• Translate words into pictures and symbols to help you remember.
• Sit near the front of the class to help you stay focused.
• When studying, read the information out loud.
• Record the lecture and listen again
• Recopy the notes.
• Study with a friend.