Visit our website for a full archive of HappyHR newsletters.

 

In the May 5, 2025 edition of HappyHR:

  • HR Focus on Customer Experience
  • Upcoming HappyHR Bites will train up managers for PEP
  • Starting the Conversation: May is Mental Health Awareness Month


From the VC:

Reimagining HR Around You


At ACC, our mission is rooted in service - to our students, our community, and each other. In Human Resources, that means reimagining how we support the employee experience from the moment someone joins ACC through every milestone that follows.


That’s why our HR team has been strategically evolving—not by adding headcount, but by realigning roles, systems, and service models to ensure a more seamless and responsive experience for you. Improvements include a streamlined service model, enhanced support tools, and updated training for supervisors and hiring managers—all designed to make it easier to get help and navigate key processes with confidence.


Read more about how you'll benefit from the improvements we're making.


-- Kelly T. and Your HR Team

READ MORE

HR NEWS

Periodic Activity Pay Process Changes


Period Activity Pay (PAP) is a way ACC compensates faculty and staff for specific activities or assignments, often separate from their salary or hourly wage. It's most commonly used for compensating adjunct faculty, part-time instructors, and staff for specific teaching assignments, research projects, or other short-term commitments. 


Starting May 1, those who enter PAP in Workday will find the old system replaced by a new, more clearly defined process. By requiring a specific rationale, detailing the event's start and end dates, and submitting reportable hours, the process will become standardized, emphasizing fairness and consistency. 


Additionally, all Period Activity Pay allowances will route to the Cost Center Manager for approval. If the employee will earn $1000 or more in PAP pay during the academic year, the division's Vice Chancellor's approval will be required.


Click here for a detailed Job Aid illustrating the new process. Or submit a Mojo ticket, and we'll help walk you through it.

Sign up for these May Sessions of HappyHR Bites

 

What's next on the HappyHR Bites menu? Managing the art of feedback ... both giving and receiving. These bite-sized training sessions will help you master the Workday processes you encounter.


Speaking of feedback, we'd like yours. Are the HappyHR Bites giving you information you can use? Do you have suggestions for topics to cover in the future? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in our HappyHR feedback form.

Mastering the Art of Giving Feedback

Friday, May 9 - 1:30 p.m.

Register Here

The Art of Receiving Feedback

Wednesday, May 28 - 10:30 a.m.

Register Here

The sessions are led by subject matter experts who are available to give personalized help if needed.

MISSED A SESSION? WATCH THE RECORDINGS HERE!
 
 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Let's Start the Conversation


ACC is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month with a series of powerful new webinars designed to educate, support, and inspire. Here are a few:


The Well Woman Webinar Series: Mental Health  -  Blue Cross Blue Shield experts will discuss:

  • Unique mental health challenges women face
  • The connection between mind and body
  • Tips for talking to your doctor
  • Self-care strategies


Thursday, May 8 - 10 a.m.

Register HERE to attend  



Coping With Change  -  Change is a fact of life. Every day brings about change, and even the positive changes can be stressful. The inability to cope with change can be detrimental to mental and physical health. In this session, discover tools and techniques to successfully manage change.


Wednesday, May 14 - 10:30 a.m.

Attend In-Person at RVS - Building G Auditorium, or

Register HERE to attend virtually 



Mental Health Awareness: Shedding the Stigma  -  Mental health issues can affect anyone. in this session, our EAP provider AllOne Health will explain how to nurture mental health wellness and provide indicators that may mean support is needed.


Tuesday, May 20 - 1 p.m.

Register HERE to attend 



Never Forget: You’re Not Alone — Support Is Always Here

Whether you're navigating personal challenges or supporting someone else, remember that help is just a call or click away. AllOne's confidential counseling services and mental health resources are always available to offer support, guidance, and encouragement—whenever you need it.


Let’s work together this May to break the stigma, open up the dialogue, and prioritize mental well-being for everyone.

EXPLORE MORE WELLNESS WEBINARS

YOU ASKED!

What are the differences between TAP, Interim Assignments, and Reclassification?

Business needs change frequently. The tools managers use to respond to new needs can vary, depending on the type of work, length of assignment, and long-term plan. Today we'll look at three ways to make adjustments on your team to meet your needs.


TAP (Temporary Assignment Pay)

  • Purpose: Compensates exempt employees performing higher-level temporary duties (3–6 months) either until an employee returns from leave or until a vacancy is posted
  • Eligibility: Duties must be higher than the employee's current job level
  • Conditions: Requires a posted vacancy, which cannot be backdated


Interim Assignment

  • Purpose: Temporarily fills a vacant position with an employee who meets all qualifications
  • Duration: Typically 3–6 months; may extend up to 1 year with approval from the HR Vice Chancellor
  • Pay: Set at a salary as if permanently hired; employee's current role is protected


Reclassification

  • Purpose: Recognizes permanent changes in job duties, title, or pay grade
  • Process: Requires detailed justification, supervisor and VC approvals, HR analysis, and funding confirmation
  • Results in a new job title and salary based on market data and internal equity


If your team member's situation doesn't quite fit any of these options,

submit an HR Mojo Ticket

Kelsey Sisler

Student Affairs Communication Programs Manager


As Student Affairs Communication Programs Manager, Kelsey Sisler leads a team of five, offering professional development opportunities, day-to-day guidance, and encouragement. Her team provides communication and marketing consultation, graphic design, digital promotion, video production, event coverage, and website support for students and Student Affairs staff.


We asked Kelsey to tell us a little bit about herself. Here's an excerpt:


What first sparked your interest in communications, and how did that path lead you to higher education?

I’ve always loved connecting with others and using communication to make a positive impact. After studying at Texas State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, I started my career in public relations but felt drawn to work with more purpose. Reflecting on my favorite jobs in college—like being an RA and orientation leader—I realized how much I loved working in higher education and supporting students. That led me to ACC, where I get to blend my passion for education and communication on the amazing SA Comms team. 💜


Your team nominated you for this recognition. What do YOU think makes a good supervisor?

My team is so encouraging, and I am honored that they nominated me for this recognition. (Special shoutout to Luc - you help me grow into a better leader every day!) I know I am not perfect, but I believe that showing up authentically, showing genuine care, and being a good listener go a long way when leading a team. I may not always have the right answer, but I’m always ready to roll up my sleeves and work alongside my team to reach our goals.


ACC is on the cusp of some big changes. What’s the most important thing you can do to support your team through it all?

Positivity and empathy are two of my top CliftonStrengths, and I’m leaning into both during this time of uncertainty. Supporting my team means truly listening to their perspectives and creating space for honest conversations. And even during change, there’s always a reason to be grateful and to keep smiling.


Who would Kelsey like to trade places with? What keeps her occupied after hours?

READ MORE ABOUT KELSEY HERE

A Win for Wellness!


ACC employees attending Wellness Fest last week went home with custom bats, trophies, hotel stays, boat rides, spa days, murder mystery dinner tickets and more. They also went home with new friendships and great tips for living a healthier life.


More than 200 people attended the event in Eastview's courtyard, visiting vendors and collecting field day competition points to win top campus. In the end, Eastview came in first (for the third time in a row), HLC and HBC tied for second, and Northridge took bronze.


Exercise Stars showed off t-shirts they earned for meeting their own goals. And the Ambassadors of Joy taught everyone the new JEM Shuffle.


The highlight of the day might have been watching RB and Blue Bear (Blue Cross Blue Shield's mascot) go at it in a dance-off. Blue Bear had some good moves, but RB's spirit couldn't be beat.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

May

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 5 - 3 p.m.

ACC Board of Trustees Meeting and Work Session

May 9 - 9 a.m.

Virtual Employee Town Hall

May 9 - 10 a.m.

Phase 2 Theory of Change Exchange

May 9 - 1:30 p.m.

HappyHR Bite: Mastering the Art of Giving Feedback

May 16 - 4 p.m.

Spring Commencement

May 23

FT Faculty Contract Options Due

May 26

Memorial Day - College Closed

May 28 - 10:30

HappyHR Bite: The Art of Receiving Feedback

 
 
 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

NOMINATE A ROCK STAR SUPERVISOR
ASK A QUESTION
SHARE AN IDEA
 
 
 

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