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Hello Student Affairs Colleagues,
Following recent collegewide conversations, including the Chancellor’s Town Hall and discussions with employee association representatives, we recognize there may be questions about hourly staffing and potential changes. We want to provide additional context about the work underway within Student Affairs and what employees can expect as the process moves forward.
As part of our ongoing budget and staffing planning across the college, Student Affairs leadership is reviewing hourly staffing needs to ensure our resources align with the college’s institutional priorities, guided by the Theory of Change and the strategic direction set by our Chancellor. This work focuses on directing resources where they can have the greatest impact on student success while supporting essential services and operational needs. Planning is still underway, and decisions may vary across functional areas based on student needs, operational priorities, and available resources that are closely aligned with the Theory of Change and Priorities for the college.
At the same time, as mentioned during the town hall, the College is continuing to evaluate hourly positions and assignments more broadly, including work underway through the Finance & Administration Office and in alignment with applicable College Administrative Rules, which state: “Hourly employees may be hired for positions or functions which are needed on a varying schedule to support college programs or support services. Hourly employee assignments are related to short-term projects or assignments which are temporary in nature”. Leaders across the college are being held accountable to be in compliance with this long-standing Administrative Rule.
We understand that conversations like these can create uncertainty. If a change will directly affect an hourly assignment, you will hear directly from your Associate Vice Chancellor with updated information about what is changing, when it will take effect, and what resources are available to you.
To best support our teams, we appreciate your patience as leadership completes this work, ensuring that when information is shared, it is complete and accurate for everyone involved.
We want to keep everyone informed as this process moves forward and will share updates as information becomes available. You can expect to hear from us in the next couple of weeks, even if there are no major updates to share, so you remain informed as the work progresses. In the meantime, if you have immediate questions, please connect with your functional area executive dean.
Thank you for your understanding and for your continued commitment to supporting our students, one another, and the work we do together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shasta Buchanan
Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs
Austin Community College District
“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” ~Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
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