Austin College

Austin College is a private, residential, co-educational college dedicated to educating undergraduate students in the liberal arts and sciences while also offering select pre-professional programs and a graduate teacher education program. Founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1849, Austin College continues its relationship with the church and its commitment to a heritage that values personal growth, justice, community, and service. An Austin College education emphasizes academic excellence, intellectual and personal integrity, and participation in community life.

The mission of Austin College is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences in order to prepare them for rewarding careers and for full, engaged, and meaningful lives.

Austin College is a small liberal arts college where big things happen. Students and faculty engage in partnerships in learning that allow our students to become truly invested in their education. We focus on global awareness, and are proud of the fact that more than 70 percent of graduates of the last decade (and beyond) have studied internationally during their Austin College education. Our student body is diverse, welcoming, and inclusive.

For more than 160 years, Austin College has maintained an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of education, not only for the individual but for our communities and our world. We are committed to the breadth of a liberal arts education and equipping students with the ability to think critically and problem solve and communicate effectively so that they can succeed today and in the rapidly changing world of the future.

Austin College has long had a place in Texas history, and we look back with pride at all that has been accomplished. At the same time, we move forward with purpose to prepare today’s—and tomorrow’s—students to discover their strengths and passions and develop those into lives of service and responsibility.Our alumni are successful in many career fields and as active members of their communities. It’s always a pleasure to meet Kangaroos around the globe—the #ROONATION is everywhere.

Upon admission to Austin College each student is assigned a faculty mentor, who serves as the student’s academic advisor and as the instructor for the first-year student in the Communication/Inquiry course. The term mentor denotes a special student-faculty relationship where the established rapport should assist the student in adjusting academically to college life and in effectively using the resources of the institution. As part of the advising process, students meet regularly with their mentors to review career interests and aspirations and steps for achieving these goals. Such considerations become reflected in a student’s overall degree plan and in choices of a major and minor. The planning process of individual development continues through all the undergraduate years. Development may be sought through a variety of means: formal course work, existing programs or activities (whether on-campus or off-campus), and programs and activities initiated by students. Summer activities and experiences are relevant also. This collaboration of faculty mentor and student serves to maximize the opportunity afforded by an Austin College education.

Although faculty mentors frequently teach in fields different from their students’ majors, students usually choose to stay with their original mentor because of the unique relationship developed in the Communication/Inquiry course.Students, however, have the option of changing mentors any time after the first term.

Experiential learning opportunities are an integral way for students to gain insight into the world of work, explore vocation, and participate in servant leadership.Austin College emphasizes the international education of its students and arranges a variety of experiences throughout the world. Our students go overseas for cultural and language immersion, to pursue work in their majors, to take electives, and to engage in internships. Study abroad, when planned by the student in conjunction with the Study Abroad Office, is an integral part of the student’s degree program.

Experiential learning opportunities are an integral way for students to gain insight into the world of work, explore vocation, and participate in servant leadership. Ultimately, these "co-curricular" experiences will enhance not only our students’ vocational or job choices, but also their academic choices when it comes to decisions related to majors/minors or graduate/professional school.

Through Career Services, students may receive assistance in developing these off-campus experiences through the Career Study Off-Campus program and the GO (Global Outreach) Fellowship. Additionally, the service provides guidance on finding additional internship opportunities in a variety of fields through other Austin College sponsored programs or any one of numerous non-college related experiences.

The Austin College Counseling Service supports the academic mission of the College by providing crisis intervention and short-term counseling services to students encountering psychological problems that could interfere with their academic progress. Psychoeducational programs, addressing high frequency mental health issues in the college population, are presented throughout the year by staff and trained peer educators. All members of the Austin College community can contact counseling staff to obtain information, consultation, and referral options for treatment issues beyond the scope of those offered at the College.

Counseling services on a short-term basis are available to assist students in dealing with personal issues and emotional concerns. Individual counseling sessions, self-help resources, and workshops on various topics are offered on campus to assist students with their psychological well-being and individual development. Students may use this service by making a confidential appointment at Adams Center. There are no fees for these services.