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In the October 16, 2025, edition of HappyHR:
- When there's conflict, you have options
- A chat with the new Chief of Staff
- Getting ready for retirement the smart way
- Moving on from Mojo
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Rights, Respect, and Resilience: A Message from the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
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When the Classified Employee Association invited me to lead a session on conflict in the workplace, their initial request focused on documentation - specifically, how employees should document when a situation feels uncomfortable, especially when there’s a power imbalance like when a supervisor involved.
That’s an important skill, and we covered it. But what struck me most in our conversations was something deeper.
What I think you really want - what you need to hear - is this:
You are supported. You are empowered. And you have options.
You want tools, yes. But just as much, you want to know that ACC leadership, and especially HR, stands behind their ability to speak up and stand tall when something doesn’t feel right.
You Have Power, and You Have Support
The session was about building that power through skills: how to respond effectively when faced with mistreatment — large or small. How to do it in a way that’s aligned with ACC’s values while still preserving the dignity of everyone involved. And how to be strategic and confident in your approach.
We also talked about the importance of addressing concerns directly when possible. Not every situation is best resolved by trying to hand off to HR or through a grievance. That’s not because you don’t deserve support, but because we can’t legislate or discipline our way into better behavior.
Often, the most powerful intervention is a calm, respectful conversation:
“I hear you, but I’d like to talk about how that landed.”
“I appreciate your intent, but that didn’t sit well with me - can we unpack it?”
Sometimes the other person responds with humility and change in the moment or later. Sometimes they don't. But that’s when documentation and escalation become the next right step.
Understanding Your Options: Who Does What
During the session, we explored four primary support systems at ACC. Each serves a unique role. This chart helps illustrate when and how each one is most useful:
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The key takeaway: you’re not alone, and you don’t need to pick just one path. Sometimes it’s a combination. Sometimes it's a sequence.
What About Supervisors?
If you’re a supervisor (including Department Chairs), you have a distinct and essential role in maintaining a respectful and safe work environment. You are responsible for:
- Responding thoughtfully to concerns and questions
- Creating an environment where employees feel safe and heard
- Following policy when coaching, documenting, or escalating
- Upholding ACC’s values through your daily interactions and leadership
We offer a separate training focused specifically on supervisor responsibilities in these areas. If you’d like to schedule it for your department or team, we’d be glad to support you.
Let’s Bring This Training to You
The full Rights, Respect & Resilience training deck is available to download and share. If your team, division, or employee group would benefit from a live session, let’s make it happen.
- Download the full deck
- Request a training session
- Connect with your HR Business Partner
Final Thought
This is about more than just handling conflict. It’s about how we work and lead together, especially in tough moments.
It’s about knowing your rights — and using your voice with strength and clarity.
And it’s about being the kind of colleague, supervisor, and institution we all want to be part of.
Thank you to the Classified Employee Association for naming what mattered and asking us to rise to it.
Warmly,
Kelly Torrico
Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
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Words with Russell's Right-Hand Man
What’s your walk-on song? You know, the one that sets the mood and celebrates your uniqueness as you take the stage.
For ACC Chief of Staff Aaron Henry, it’s ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” He remembers watching his mother dance to it, sheltered from all the noise in the world around her. That memory keeps him grounded in empathy and joy.
We talked with Aaron at October’s Ask Me Anything event on the Rio Grande Campus. Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart brought him on board last March for his essential blend of heart and accountability. As Chief of Staff, Aaron advises the Chancellor, coordinates strategic initiatives, and helps align the work of the Cabinet.
In his first seven months at ACC, Aaron has been listening, learning, and laying the foundation for the future. Some of his guiding principles:
- Forgiveness is crucial.
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Process matters — but people’s experience matters more.
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Good trouble is necessary. Courage and candor drive change.
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We’re part of something bigger. Remember the community we serve.
If you missed the session, you can watch the recording here. You’ll hear Aaron’s take on transparency, accountability, and the power of showing up with heart.
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Where's HR Going Next?
The HR team visits a different campus each month for a full day of professional development and camaraderie. We invite you to join us at lunchtime to hear from our special guest and ask questions on any topic. Check out upcoming campuses, dates, and speakers here. We hope to see you next month at Riverside!
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Plan Today, Enjoy Tomorrow: National Save for Retirement Week at ACC
Your future self will thank you! Austin Community College invites all employees to take part in National Save for Retirement Week — three days of events designed to help you feel confident about your financial future.
Whether you’re new to ACC or thinking about your next chapter, these sessions offer expert guidance, helpful tools, and simple ways to make your benefits work harder for you.
👉 Click here to register for any of the following events
ERS & TRS Retirement Presentation + Financial Vendor Fair
Monday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Fair), 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Presentation)
Highland Campus, Presentation Hall (Bldg. 2000) | Join on Zoom
Building Financial Wellness for Your Future – UFCU
Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 12–1 p.m.
Highland Campus, Welcome Center Room 2350.16 | Join on Zoom
Your Retirement Plan at Work – Corebridge Financial
Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 12–1 p.m.
Highland Campus, Welcome Center Room 2350.16 | Join on Zoom
Plan today. Enjoy tomorrow. Take this opportunity to invest in your future — your financial wellness starts now!
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Bye, Bye Mojo — Hello, TDX!
Coming October 29, 2025
Big news, Riverbats! Austin Community College is upgrading its service request system. Beginning Wednesday, October 29, ACC will officially move from Mojo to TeamDynamix (TDX) — a modern, all-in-one platform that makes it easier and faster to get the help you need.
Mojo will close to new tickets Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. After that, all new requests should be submitted through TDX. You may still receive Mojo update emails until November 17 for any open tickets.
With its simple design, real-time tracking, and faster workflows, TeamDynamix will make service requests smoother than ever. Keep an eye on your inbox for quick guides and tips from the IT team — and if you need help during the transition, email byebyemojo-group@austincc.edu.
| | | Shining a Light on What Great Looks Like |
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Ana Rummer
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs Strategy and Transformation
Tell us about the work you do as Student Affairs AVC.
At its core, my work is about serving the people who serve our students. My title and portfolio are shifting from Student Affairs Operations to Student Affairs Strategy and Transformation, and my focus is on building the systems, communication, and training that help our teams thrive. I get the incredible job of loving our staff to success — making their work clearer, smoother, and more connected — so students experience less runaround and more support. When we take care of our staff, our students feel it in every interaction.
How have you had to evolve your leadership as ACC has evolved?
As ACC has changed, I have had to change too. I used to think leadership was about having direction and answers. Now, I understand it is more about asking questions, creating clarity, and inviting others to help build the path. I have learned to slow down, listen more deeply, and lead through uncertainty without rushing to solutions. Real transformation takes trust, and trust is earned through honesty, curiosity, and consistency over time.
You often say having all your ducks in a row may not be a good thing. Why not?
At first, it sounds counterintuitive, but here is why I believe it. Perfectly lined-up ducks can mean everyone is staying in line out of fear, not purpose. It may look orderly, but it often signals hesitation or compliance instead of creativity.
I do not want controlled ducks. I want curious ones. Team members who wander a little, ask why, and go look around the corner. When someone steps out of line, I do not rush to pull them back. I ask what they saw that the rest of us might have missed. That is how we discover better ways.
Order can make us efficient, but curiosity is what makes us excellent. Innovation does not come from perfect lines. It comes from people who feel safe enough to think, question, and try something new. Happy ducks get more done.
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Get Help with Critical Care Costs
Who doesn't need a 2-foot duck on their desk?
You could win a universally loved, life-size Aflac duck (you just squawked AFLAC!, didn't you?) just by attending an information session during Aflac's open enrollment period this month.
Aflac insurance policies help with expenses related to cancer care and other critical care that health insurance doesn't cover. Cash benefits are paid directly to you.
2025's fall open enrollment is October 20-31.
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Life's challenges sometimes lead to substance abuse, a behavior likely to have an impact both at home and the workplace. ACC encourages all its employees to learn more about substance abuse at work.
On October 30, as part of National Red Ribbon Week, ACC will present a Drug and Alcohol Awareness webinar. It will cover:
- The signs and symptoms of substance use
- The impact of substance abuse on one's work and personal life
- The stages of abuse, addiction, and the recovery process
- Ways to help yourself or someone else experiencing substance abuse
- Employer and employee rights and responsibilities
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Thursday, October 30 - 11:00 a.m.
Register here to attend
Throughout the week of October 23, watch for tabling events with fun activities, giveaways, and resources promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles across all ACC campuses.
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Help us Help Others
We're halfway through the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) and we have a long way to go to reach our goal. Can you help?
SECC is a simple, convenient way to support the causes you care about. You can authorize monthly payroll deductions or make a one-time gift. And you can direct your contribution to one of more than 800 local and statewide nonprofits, including the ACC Foundation, which funds scholarships for ACC students.
Give online here!
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