Dear Student Affairs Team,

I hope your spring semester has been going well and that teams are leaning into realizing stability in this new structure. Over the past few months, our focus has been on supporting the transition through realignment, ensuring staff are in their roles, connected to their teams, and settled into their spaces.

As we move forward, our focus now shifts to how we operate within this new structure. To support this next phase, our amazing SA Staff Development Team is launching the Student Affairs Training & Development Plan. This plan is designed to align professional development with our structural changes and the priorities identified in our approved Theory of Change. It ensures that every team member has the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in this new landscape.

Three-Tier Framework

Our new training model is organized into three tiers, each made up of focused modules, giving us a shared foundation as a division while also strengthening the unique skills needed in each functional area.

Tier 1: Division-Wide Core (Everyone)

Establishes a universal understanding of the division. These modules ensure every Student Affairs employee understands how we are working together for student success.

Tier 2: Leadership Development (Those with Supervisor Responsibility)

Supports people leaders (AVCs, Directors, Managers, and Supervisors) in translating high-level strategy into daily execution and sustaining team performance.

Tier 3: Technical Pathways (By Function)

Provides technical skill development for each functional area.



Rollout & Timeline

The framework will be rolled out in waves to allow for focused engagement, with the five Tier 1 modules expected to be shared in a staggered release between April 24 and May 8. Once released, all Student Affairs employees are required to complete the asynchronous Tier 1 modules in Workday, followed by an associated in-person Experiential Lab. Staff will be required to complete all of their modules by Friday, May 22, and prior to attending an Experiential Lab. We will offer multiple Experiential Lab options to choose from over the course of June and July.

We are intentionally using a Lecture + Lab model. The lectures allow us to share information quickly and consistently across the division, while also giving you the ability to revisit content and receive credit for completion. The labs are designed to bring that learning to life through practice, peer connection, and real-world application.

We also heard your feedback from Culture Reboot. Many of you shared how valuable it was to learn alongside colleagues, and we are building on that by creating space to connect, practice, and learn from one another.

Ongoing communications will follow regarding the readiness of specific modules and the detailed timelines for Tiers 2 and 3.

Expectations for Engagement

Success in this new model requires engagement from the entire division. During Culture Reboot, over 90% of our division showed up, participated, and completed the experience. That level of commitment is incredible, and it’s a reflection of who we are and how deeply we care about our work and each other. Let’s build on that momentum together.

Staff, we will need your active participation with the modules and labs as they are released.

Leaders, we ask that you model this participation and proactively support your staff in finding and allowing the time to engage with these development opportunities. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and for your commitment to growing alongside us.

Sincerely, 

Shasta Buchanan, Ed.D

Austin Community College District 

Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs

Austin Community College | austincc.edu