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In the July 30, 2026, edition of HappyHR:

  • Encouragement through the Performance Excellence Program
  • New job aids for managers
  • Welcome Riverbats event
  • Bravo Award nominations (opening soon)
 

Now’s the Time

Reflect, Refocus, and Recommit


Riverbats,


As we welcome a new academic year, ACC is stepping into an important season of significant progress. Meaningful work is underway across the College, so your leadership, engagement, and commitment to our mission have never been more important.


Implementation of the Compensation & Classification Study continues alongside our active Theory of Change efforts. Student Affairs is reorganizing to better serve our students. At the same time, conversations about culture, accountability, communication, and leadership are helping shape the future of ACC.


This is a moment that calls for the courage of saying yes to change, compassion for one another, and ultimately the joy that comes from making a meaningful difference for our students and community.


That’s why participating fully in the Performance Excellence Program (PEP) is more than an annual expectation. Through reflection on how your work supports ACC, affirmation of your commitment to excellence, and clear, constructive feedback and goals, PEP is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.


Successful PEP conversations should never include surprises. Whether you are providing feedback or receiving it, this is your opportunity to take ownership of your contributions, recognize your impact, and create a path forward with clarity and purpose.


Employees – Use your self-evaluation to highlight your accomplishments, demonstrate how you contribute to ACC’s success, and share how you hope to grow in the year ahead.

Supervisors – Use this time to celebrate excellence, set clear expectations, foster accountability, and create space for open, meaningful dialogue.


Your HR Business Partner is available to help you prepare for these conversations, answer questions, and provide guidance along the way. We also maintain our PEP webpage with resources and tools designed to support your success throughout the process.

Excellence doesn’t happen by chance. Instead, it grows from intentional reflection, honest conversations, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Let’s use this season to strengthen our teams, deepen our connection to our mission, and lead with courage, compassion, and joy as we continue writing the next chapter of ACC’s story together.


In partnership,

Kelly Torrico

Vice Chancellor of Human Resources

Further PEP Specifics


The 2026 Performance Excellence Program will continue through August 31, and evaluation is just one part of ACC’s larger Performance Excellence Program. Conducted in Workday, PEP also entails “Hold to Meet” discussions between managers and employees, the setting of SMART goals, and final employee signoff. All employees with more than 180 days of service participate, and the employee’s current job profile is at the core of each PEP question.


Thank you for your continued, courageous spirit of yes throughout this year’s process.

HR News

New Job Aids for Managers


The Professional Development team recently authored and published four new managerial job aids through Workday:


These new resources are here to help managers take steps through PEPs, request feedback, and create goals. Meanwhile, the dedicated Workday page on HR’s website is your link to a wider world of resources for not only managers but all employees.


Whether you’re activating your ACCeID as a brand-new hire or printing your latest performance review, Workday job aids can help!



Be the First to Welcome Fall 2026 Riverbats


The start of a new semester is one of the most exciting times at ACC – and you can help make every student feel at home.


Volunteer for Welcome Riverbats on Monday, August 24, or Tuesday, August 25, and be one of the friendly faces greeting students as they arrive for the fall semester. Choose a convenient 2-hour shift at any of ACC’s 11 campuses.


As a volunteer, you’ll:

  • Welcome students to campus
  • Help them find classrooms and key locations
  • Connect them with important resources and services
  • Receive a Welcome Riverbats volunteer T-shirt


Event Dates: Monday, August 24 & Tuesday, August 25

Shift Length: Your choice of a 2-hour shift

Locations: All 11 ACC campuses

Sign Up: Volunteer Form


To support this important tradition, ACC will once again observe Collegewide Calendar Blackout Days during the first two days of the semester. During this time, most internal meetings, trainings, and non-essential events are paused so employees can focus on helping students get off to a successful start.


Student-facing services – including advising, orientation, help desk support, and basic needs assistance – will continue as usual.


Your warm welcome can make a lasting first impression for our newest Riverbats.



Volunteer by Friday, August 21.

Resource Fair for the Army Software Factory at Rio Grande Campus


On July 17, 2026, Austin Community College welcomed Army Software Factory Soldiers and their families to the Rio Grande Campus for the Army Software Factory Resource Fair. The event showcased the wide range of educational opportunities, student support services, and employee resources available through the College.


Human Resources joined more than 22 ACC departments in welcoming attendees, sharing information about employment opportunities, employee benefits, professional development, and the many resources available to support students, employees, and their families. The fair provided a valuable opportunity for ACC faculty and staff to connect with Soldiers and their families, answer questions, and demonstrate the College’s commitment to education, workforce development, and community partnerships.

The Army Software Factory enables Soldiers to work on live software missions while developing skills in software development, platform engineering, and product design. ACC supports this mission through its Tech Accelerator and academic programs in the Computer Science and Visual Communications departments, providing an agile curriculum that adapts to evolving operational needs.


The Resource Fair further strengthened the partnership between ACC and the Army Software Factory by introducing participants to the many academic, career, and support resources the College has to offer.


Say Bravo!


The next nomination window for Riverbat Employee Bravo Awards will open on August 15. This program recognizes employees whose actions reflect exemplary customer service. Think back on recent partnerships at work. Does anyone you know deserve recognition?

 
 

DATES TO REMEMBER

Now through August 31

PEP Season

August 3 | 3 p.m.

Board Work Session and Meeting

August 6

IT Campus Conversation at Cypress Creek

August 9

Summer Semester Ends

August 14 | 9 a.m.

Chancellor’s Virtual Town Hall Meeting

August 22

Austin Community Pride Parade

August 24

Fall Semester Starts

August 24–25

Fall Collegewide Calendar Blackout Days & Welcome Riverbats

 

Cyndy Cerbin has been bringing joy to ACC with this very newsletter, HappyHR, since its creation. We in Human Resources wish her so much joy heading into retirement. Thank you, Cyndy, for all you’ve brought to the division and College with your courageous, compassionate communication skills!

 
 

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