This year, Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Performance Excellence Program (PEP) opens two weeks early to give managers a head start on their evaluations. This extended window — starting June 15 — allows them to kick off conversations with their employees as early as July 1. | | |
Each one of us plays a vital role in how we communicate our culture at the college.
As part of our commitment to the Demonstrated Practices of Care (DPOC), the project team has officially finalized a set of Values-Based Behaviors (VBB) for Teachers, Helpers, and Supervisors. Approved by Russell on February 11, these behaviors give us a shared language for what "living our values" looks like in practice.
Over the next few months, Emily Demerath, Senior Director of Student Affairs Staff Development, will reach out to specific groups and individuals to support the integration of these new VBBs into existing platforms, events, communications, etc.
Some of this work has already begun! You can find our new VBBs reflected in our Student Affairs New Employee Orientation and in our updated Student Affairs Guide to Loving our Students and Staff to Success. Additionally, the Training Module, “Guiding Students to their Next Step,” connects our new VBBs to our role in customer service.
Below are links to resources to equip you with the shared language for our new college-wide Value-Based Behaviors and competencies.
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The Courage to Say What Needs to Be Said
Hosted by Andrew Silver and Amber Martinez Vasquez, this interactive workshop empowers participants to approach difficult conversations with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Focusing on conflict management, participants will learn practical strategies to initiate courageous conversations with both peers and supervisors, while addressing the common fears that often hold us back.
Through guided discussion and real-world scenarios, the session explores how to navigate tension, communicate effectively, and maintain professionalism in challenging situations. Participants also will discover and better understand their communication style while exploring how to manage conflict productively and build stronger, more authentic workplace relationships.
Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday, June 23 | 1:30–3:00 p.m. | RRC
- Wednesday, June 24 | 1:30–3:00 p.m. | Virtual
- Tuesday, July 28 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. | HLC
- Wednesday, July 29 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. | SAC
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The Skill Shortage No One is Talking About
In this Fieldnotes by Catalyst article, Zach Mercurio addresses the importance of human skills and mattering in the age of AI.
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The Role of Feedback
Looking for additional ideas as you prepare for PEP season? Check out these webinar recordings from the Office of the Ombudsperson. Each 45-50 minute session offers helpful tips for exchanging feedback:
If you prefer a quick read, The Management Center offers Five Tips for Giving Better Feedback, describing five ways to get better at giving feedback - while helping colleagues get better, too.
| | Ways to Engage with the Vice Chancellor | | |
Student Affairs Office Hours
Over the next few months, Dr. Buchanan will be hosting Office Hours for Student Affairs staff members. Staff will be able to join the Zoom session for open discussion and Q&A with Dr. Buchanan. AVC’s will also be available to jump in and answer questions or provide information as needed. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from 11 a.m.-noon.
If you aren't able to attend the June 24 session, the next opportunity to join Office Hours is on Thursday, July 30, at 11 a.m.
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Student Affairs Training & Development Plan: More than 90% of Student Affairs staff have completed all five of their Tier 1 Modules, and more than 77% have signed up for an Experiential Lab. The Tier 2 Modules, designed for people leaders (anyone who supervises a staffing table employee within Student Affairs), are set to be released in July. The Student Affairs Staff Development Team will be sharing more information about Tier 2 Modules with People Leaders later this month.
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Pride Month: ACC recognizes Pride Month this June by highlighting resources, support services, and learning opportunities available at the College to help students navigate their educational journey. Learn more and explore available resources at austincc.edu/pride.
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Juneteenth at ACC: Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the emancipation of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865 — two and a half years after the official Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. ACC will host the College’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, participate in the community parade, and close in honor of the day. Read more here.
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Advising Office Closure: Academic Advising services will be unavailable on Friday, June 12, to allow the advising staff to participate in a mandatory division meeting and the monthly Advising Forum.
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Financial Aid Updates: The Financial Aid Outreach team has launched a new webpage to help students, faculty, and staff navigate federal and state financial aid changes for the 2026-2027 school year. The page covers Pell Grant eligibility changes, federal loan updates, TASFA residency requirements, and more. Check it out at austincc.edu/faupdates.
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TLED Summer Tech Week: Summer Technology Week, formerly Summer Software Day, is now an expanded weeklong event taking place June 8–12, exploring people-centered tools across software, hardware, and AV that support teaching, learning, and operations at ACC. Centered on this year’s theme, Intentional Technology: Designing for People First, the event is delivered virtually via Zoom and features vendor-led sessions Monday through Thursday, followed by practical sessions led by ACC faculty and staff on Friday, June 12. Click here for more info.
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Practice of Change Roadshows: With the recommendations of the Theory of Change Design Teams finalized, ACC hosts the Practice of Change Roadshow series to discuss next steps. The events focus on how Design Team work moves into implementation and how those shifts begin showing up across departments, campuses, and the student experience. Click to read more.
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Emergency Preparedness Week: ACC invites students and employees to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW), June 15–19. Throughout the week, the College will conduct campus safety drills, test its Emergency Alert System, and share resources to help everyone understand what to do if an emergency occurs on campus. Read more on the FacStaff Infohub.
| | Student Affairs Employment Opportunities | | |
Full-Time
Part-Time
Interested in something else? We encourage all Student Affairs employees to check the Workday internal job site for additional updates regularly and to explore openings that align with your skills, interests, and aspirations.
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