Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

I want to thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate the realignment process within Student Affairs. After careful consideration and discussions with campus partners, I would like to share an update that I hope will provide clarity and ease any concerns. 

I had previously shared our vision regarding the Student Affairs organizational updates. We are balancing several important projects simultaneously: the Student Affairs realignment, the college’s collaboration with Guidehouse, the Campus Purpose project, and the innovative changes coming from the Theory of Change design work. To ensure transparency and achieve the best outcomes for our students and team, we have decided to slow the pace of the Student Affairs realignment. Please note that we will address any compliance needs as required, always prioritizing the best interests of the college, students, and staff. This adjustment allows us to integrate key recommendations from these initiatives into our structural decisions.

Our tentative timeline for sharing broader updates is Spring 2025, contingent upon the continued progress of the aforementioned projects. This shift in the timeline reflects our commitment to thoughtful planning and implementation that prioritizes the needs of our students and the success of our division.

Please know that this decision was made with careful consideration and is guided by the principles of the Theory of Change strategic plan. By taking a more deliberate approach and aligning with work across the college, we can plan with greater intention and strategic focus. It is guided by my intention to ensure that any changes we implement serve our students and support our team in the most effective way possible.

Thank you for your understanding and dedication to our shared mission.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Shasta Buchanan,

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Austin Community College District