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From Progressive Discipline to Accountability: A Values-Led Shift at ACC

Why ACC Changed the Rule on Performance and Conduct

Over the years, our College has grown in size, complexity, and impact. So has our understanding of what it takes to support a healthy, high-functioning workplace. That evolution is reflected in our transition from the former Progressive Discipline model to the new Accountability Framework for Non-Faculty Employees, effective December 11, 2025.

This update is more than a renaming. It represents a deliberate shift in how we support employees, equip managers, and apply policy through the lens of our ACC values in everyday practice.

What We Heard—and Why We Shifted

The former Progressive Discipline Administrative Rule and Guideline/Procedure served the College for many years. It was built around a largely linear, step-by-step approach that often emphasized documentation and escalation after performance or conduct concerns had already taken root.

Over time, we heard that this approach sometimes led to:

• Delayed or avoided feedback, often for fear of not being empowered to decide on the “right” step to take and being supported in taking swift, firm, and fair action - including even calling the question in simple conversation
• Concerns being addressed only after they had escalated to become egregious or a trend that could no longer be ignored - often leading to multiple complaints, diminished commitment and performance from others, even people quitting, loss in faith in the manager or leadership in general 
• Inconsistent experiences across departments - experience depending largely on the local leader
• A perception that discipline was something done to employees, rather than a shared responsibility to improve outcomes and protect an effective, values-aligned work environment

As ACC has continued to prioritize consistency, effectiveness, collaboration, and strong leadership practices, it became clear that we needed a framework that better supports timely communication, sound judgment, and fairness—for everyone involved.

What’s Different About the Accountability Framework

The Accountability Framework is designed to be clearer, more human-centered, and more effective for managers and their team members alike. Here’s what that means in practice:

Accountability Starts Earlier—and Must Not Be Deferred

Rather than waiting for issues to escalate, the framework emphasizes:

• Clear expectations from the start
• Timely, respectful feedback
• Early intervention through informal or formal counseling

Importantly, accountability is not intended to be saved for the annual performance evaluation. When concerns are delayed, avoided, or brushed aside until evaluation time, trust erodes. Teams become misaligned, issues grow more complex, and employees are left without the clarity they deserve. Silence does not protect people or systems—it breaks them down.

Timely, direct communication—paired with appropriate support early - is essential to maintaining effective teams and ultimately serving students well.

Flexibility Paired With Fairness

The Accountability Framework:

• Emphasizes proportionality and consistency rather than a rigid step-by-step progression
• Encourages responses based on facts, patterns, and impact
• Requires consistent documentation and appropriate review for more serious interventions

This approach empowers leaders to respond thoughtfully to individual situations while maintaining transparency and equity across the College.

Applying Our Values as a Leadership Lens

Accountability at ACC is not just about outcomes—it is also about how we work together.

The framework aligns with our values of Courage, Compassion, Joy, and YES! by reinforcing a leadership approach that:

• Sets clear expectations for professionalism and respect
• Values effective, values-aligned conduct alongside performance
• Protects dignity, fairness, and psychological safety

The strongest supervisors do more than correct problems. They inspire and motivate strong performance by noticing what’s working, catching people doing things right, and reinforcing behaviors that contribute to a healthy work environment—while also being firm and fair when performance or conduct begins to slip.

In this framework, accountability means addressing concerns directly and creating the conditions for people to succeed.

Clear Roles and Shared Support

No one is expected to navigate accountability alone.

The framework clarifies:

• Manager responsibilities at each stage
• Required partnership with Human Resources and leadership for interventions beyond verbal and written counseling, including probation, suspension, and termination
• Employee resources, including Human Resources, the Employee Relations Officer, and the Ombudsperson

Employees have clearer insight into available support, their rights within the process, and options for raising questions or concerns.

Modernized Systems and Documentation

The updated framework uses the HR system (Workday) as the official record, helping to:

• Promote consistency and accuracy
• Provide appropriate visibility and safeguards
• Protect both employees and the College

This shift supports clearer communication and shared understanding across the institution.

Why This Matters

At its core, the Accountability Framework is about clarity and fairness—clarity in expectations and communication, and fairness in how decisions are made and applied. By focusing on holistic accountability rather than reactive punishment, we create space for learning, growth, and course correction while still maintaining high standards and protecting the well-being of our students, employees, and community.

This framework supports managers in leading thoughtfully, employees in understanding expectations, and ACC in continuing to be a place where people are respected, supported, and held accountable in meaningful ways.

Thank you for the work you do every day to make ACC a strong, values-driven institution.

With appreciation,

Kelly Torrico

Vice Chancellor, Human Resources

Reminder: Change Your Preference to Paperless!

It's almost tax season, and this is our annual reminder to make sure all your personal information on file at ACC is up to date. If you've moved in the last year but haven't changed your home address in Workday, delivery of your W-2 is likely to be delayed.

We'll also be sending out 1095s, which serve as verification you have health insurance. You don't typically need to provide this document when you file your returns, but it may help you prepare them. We prefer to send your 1095s electronically, so if you'd like to help us save some trees, please change your election in Workday. Just go to Your Profile, select Pay, then click on the Tax Documents tab.

Renaming Areas of Study

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to provide feedback on the names of ACC’s Areas of Study. Areas of Study group related academic programs and help students explore options, understand pathways, and connect their interests to potential careers.

Academic Affairs has identified that the current structure and terminology are not always clear or intuitive for students. The College is exploring more accessible, student-centered language that better reflects how programs are experienced across ACC. All members of the ACC community are encouraged to participate by completing a brief survey by February 20, 2026.

File Your Taxes for Free at ACC’s Highland Campus

ACC students, faculty, and staff who meet income guidelines can get free, one-on-one tax help from IRS-certified preparers at the Highland Campus ACCelerator through Prosper Tax Help.

Eligibility:

• Individuals earning under $60,000

• Households of 2–4 earning under $85,000 (add $5,000 per additional family member)

• Open to eligible ACC employees, students, and Central Texas community members

What to expect:

• Private appointments in the ACCelerator (HLC Building 1000)

• Clear guidance to help you prepare and file with confidence

Appointments are available now through April 14, 2026. Schedule early on the Prosper Tax Help website.

Say BRAVO!

Does someone you know go over and above? Say Bravo!

Nominations are being accepted now through April 15 for the Riverbats Employee Bravo Award program, which recognizes employees whose actions reflect exemplary customer service as demonstrated by excellent communication, collaboration, or responsiveness in support of the mission, vision, and values of ACC. Give someone you know the recognition they deserve!

Not Too Late to Become an Exercise Star

Exercise Stars, the annual exercise incentive program for ACC employees, is back for a 10-week run. It started Jan. 26, but you can join anytime. Exercise Stars is open to all fitness levels and is designed to encourage you stay active. Help your campus win the prized "Most Active Campus" trophy! All you need to do is track your weekly exercise minutes.