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In the June 26, 2025 edition of HappyHR:
- The service you can expect from us
- Open Enrollment and PEP starting soon
- What employees should know about hazing
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With Kelly on vacation, we asked Human Resources Managing Director Elma Benavides to take over her column. Elma, who manages the day-to-day operations of a busy HR office, also oversees the team’s customer service efforts. Today, she talks about how far Mojo has come and where it’s heading.
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Caring in Action: HR Launches Service Level Agreement July 1
At ACC, one of our Theory of Change teams is named Demonstrated Practices of Caring. It’s a beautiful reminder that caring alone isn’t enough—we must show our care through action.
That’s exactly what we set out to do 15 months ago when we implemented the Mojo ticketing system—a tool designed to make it easier for employees to get help with everything from starting a job requisition to checking on an application. Since then, we’ve responded to almost 4,000 requests—and earned consistently high 5-star ratings.
But we knew we could do better. So we streamlined our process to make sure every ticket gets to the right HR expert quickly, and that no question goes unanswered. We also developed a Service Level Agreement (SLA), which outlines how and when we respond. This new SLA will be officially rolled-out on July 1, 2025!
As the College transitions to a new ticketing system later this year, we are excited for the enhancements it will provide for employees and for our ability to track patterns, improve speed, identify training needs, and fine-tune support even further.
We hope you’ll take a few minutes to review the SLA when you see it in your inbox next week and share your thoughts. Our goal is simple: to provide an exceptional customer experience! HR’s Demonstrated Practices of Caring will be to respond quickly, competently, and respectfully.
We’re grateful for your feedback—and your 5-star support!
Elma Benavides
Managing Director, Human Resources
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Get One-on-One Help for Open Enrollment
Deciding what insurance is right for you is challenging. But help is on the way. Experts from Human Resources and ERS will be available to answer all your questions during this year's open enrollment period, June 30 through July 11.
This is the only time during the year you can make changes to your plan, unless a qualifying event is recorded, such as getting married or having a baby. You want to be satisfied with your choices, so it's wise to take time now to study your options.
ERS representatives will bring the "Rock enRoll" summer enrollment fair to ACC July 2. You can also get your questions answered at one of several help sessions with HR experts, both virtual and in-person, between July 1 and 10. Dates are below. In the meantime, you can read up on Open Enrollment here.
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ERS SUMMER ENROLLMENT FAIR |
Wednesday, July 2
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Highland Campus, Building 2000, Room 1550 | Register for Enrollment Fair HERE
Watch presentation livestream at 11 a.m. HERE | | | |
IN-PERSON
Q&A SESSIONS | Tuesday, July 8
Riverside Campus
Room 8133
Thursday, July 10
Round Rock Campus
Room 1218 |
9 - 10:30 a.m.
9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Register HERE
Register HERE | | |
Ready, Set, Reflect - It's PEP Time!
It’s that time of year—PEP season is here! From June 30 through August 11, employees will have the opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments, discuss professional goals, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their supervisors.
As part of the Performance Excellence Program, employees hired before December 31, 2024, will receive a task in Workday to complete their self-evaluation. This step kicks off a collaborative process: supervisors will review these evaluations and schedule 1:1 conversations to provide feedback and set goals for the year ahead.
To support both employees and supervisors in making the most of PEP, Human Resources will offer a series of virtual information sessions.
- Two sessions are designed for employees, with practical tips for completing self-evaluations thoughtfully and effectively.
- Two additional sessions are tailored for supervisors, offering guidance on leading productive and supportive PEP conversations.
| | | PEP INFO SESSIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES | | PEP INFO SESSIONS FOR MANAGERS | | New Requirements to Prevent Hazing on Campus | | | |
In compliance with the new Stop Campus Hazing Act and Texas Education Code, Austin Community College (ACC) reminds all employees of their critical role in preventing and reporting hazing.
What is Hazing?
Hazing includes any act meant to initiate or maintain membership in a student organization that causes harm, risk, or humiliation—on or off campus. This can include forced physical activity, sleep deprivation, or behaviors that cause emotional distress.
ACC’s Policy
Hazing is strictly prohibited. Students and student organizations who engage in hazing face disciplinary action and possible legal consequences.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees—especially those advising student groups—
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must be alert to hazing behaviors, encourage transparency,
and report incidents. Under Texas law, failure to report suspected hazing is an offense.
How to Report
If you witness or hear about hazing involving any ACC-affiliated person or group, complete a Student Conduct Notification Report. Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) must also file a separate CSA report.
Resources & Support
For help or more information, contact Clery Compliance Officer Kristine Elderkin at kelderki@austincc.edu or 512-223-7274
Together, we can foster a safe and respectful college environment.
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If I changed jobs at ACC during the PEP review period, should I evaluate for my old job,
the new job, or both?
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It depends on when you changed jobs.
- If you've been in the new job for only a couple of months, base your evaluation on your old job. Ask your supervisor to help coordinate a meeting time with your previous supervisor.
- If you've spent most of the year in the new job, base your evaluation on that and meet with your new supervisor to discuss it.
- If the time was split about half and half, you may want to do both.
The more input you get, the better. Your supervisors' feedback will help you refine your skills and attain your goals.
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Cori Coburn
Manager, Educational Technology Support
Cori leads a dynamic team that supports faculty and staff in using technology to enhance productivity, teaching, and learning. Whether it’s training users, troubleshooting classroom tech, or guiding folks through tools like Blackboard and Google, Cori’s group is there to help make things easier and more effective.
Before joining ACC, Cori worked in social services and taught high school math and science. This August, she’ll celebrate three years with the college. Outside of work, she’s passionate about her Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, loves gardening, and is an avid animal lover. She also serves as President-Elect of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), a statewide organization supporting innovation in education.
We caught up with Cori to ask a few questions—and learn more about the person behind the tech.
Your team nominated you for this recognition. What do YOU think makes a good supervisor?
I believe in servant leadership; supporting my team by listening, removing barriers, and helping them grow. Some of my most powerful lessons came from working under difficult supervisors who taught me what not to do. For me, leadership isn’t about control; it’s about trust, empathy, and cultivating potential. I believe that when one person grows, we all rise. A rising tide lifts all ships.
ACC is on the cusp of some big changes. How do you keep anxious employees inspired and motivated?
I have an open-door policy; my team knows they can come to me with concerns, ideas, or just to talk things through. When employees feel heard and informed, it eases uncertainty. I also encourage them to see change as an opportunity for growth and development, reminding them that the skills they are building now will not only help them adapt but also position them to thrive and lead through future challenges.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! | | Past happyhr newsletters can be viewed on our website here! | | | | |
