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In the March 27, 2026, edition of HappyHR:
- 10 things to know this spring
- Vice Chancellor Cullinane Hege moves data to direction
- First class of Bats to Badges sworn in
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ACC's Spring Reset
10 Things You Need to Know
Welcome back, Riverbats.
Spring break offers a pause, and returning offers something just as important: a moment to reset how we move forward together.
Across ACC, there is meaningful work underway. At the same time, we are part of a broader world that is complex, fast-moving, and at times uncertain.
This is a moment to reconnect to our work, to one another, and to the role each of us plays in shaping this institution.
How we show up right now will shape what ACC becomes next.
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1. Compensation & Classification framework is moving forward
Implementation is underway, focused on aligning systems, tools, and processes so decisions about roles and compensation are consistent and sustainable across the College.
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The last update was shared in the March 5 HappyHR newsletter
- Updates and communication plans are developed in collaboration with the Compensation & Classification workgroup, including association members, staff, and administrators
- If you have questions or ideas, please engage HR or your association so we can ensure information is clear and responsive to your needs
- Moving forward, updates will be shared here monthly with clear, relevant information
2. Student Affairs and Basic Needs alignment to the new Compensation & Classification framework is nearing completion
Student Affairs and Basic Needs are the final two areas being aligned to the new framework. We are within weeks of completing this work.
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We are validating how positions (not individuals) map to the new job categories with divisional leadership
- Once positions are confirmed, we will review individual pay within those roles
- If an employee’s current pay falls below the new range for their position, an adjustment will be made
What to expect:
- Some employees may receive adjustments while others do not
- Previously, similar roles could exist across multiple pay grades due to the absence of a consistent structure
- Under the new framework, roles are aligned to defined pay ranges based on market value and internal equity
- Adjustments this year will occur only when pay falls below the new range
Also:
- Reclassification requests submitted in these divisions are being reviewed
- Employees will receive a determination on those requests
Important reminders:
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Any pay adjustments resulting from this one-time alignment will be retroactive to September 1, 2025. It is important to note, however, that due to the recently completed reorganization, many employees are now in new or different roles than they were in September 2025. All of this information will be reviewed and considered.
- This is not a market study and not an annual raise; this is a one-time structural alignment to ensure consistency
3. Demonstrated Practices of Caring (DPOC) is becoming operational
This pillar of ACC’s Theory of Change is moving into daily practice. We are on the verge of redefining the values through clear behavioral expectations so we can:
- train to them
- evaluate against them
- hire with them in mind
- and hold each other accountable
You will see more clarity in how we communicate, give feedback, and support one another’s work.
4. Upward evaluation is launching this semester
Employees will have the opportunity to provide structured feedback to their supervisors.
- First year results will not be used for evaluation decisions
- Results will identify strengths and opportunities across the College
- A minimum response threshold will protect confidentiality
- Leaders will receive aggregated results where appropriate
- Cabinet members are accountable for results within their divisions
5. Supervisor training and expectations are strengthening
Training will take place in late April through May, focused on feedback, accountability, and team leadership.
We are also introducing:
- Workday-issued policy acknowledgments
- Brief, ungraded knowledge checks with those acknowledgements
- Tracked completion
This ensures expectations are clear and consistently applied.
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Bats to Badges, Cadets to Officers
One year ago, the Austin Community College Police Department was down 17 officers and struggling to attract applicants. Today, that story looks very different.
At a standing room-only badge-pinning ceremony yesterday, 12 cadets officially became ACC police officers, marking a major milestone driven by collaboration and creative problem-solving.
Facing a limited hiring pool, ACC Police partnered with Business Partner Donald Jackson and HR to try something new: covering the cost of required state training for qualified candidates. The approach removed a key barrier and opened the door to a wider range of applicants.
The so-called Bats-to-Badges program was already off the ground when Chief Gizette Disher came to ACC last August. The other officers convinced her this was going to work, and now she's thrilled to see the results. Chief Disher's leadership has been central to the department’s renewed momentum and positive direction.
As the new officers begin their work, they’re stepping into a role that goes beyond traditional law enforcement. Lt. Chris Law captured that sentiment as he gave some advice to new officers. “Many of your interactions won’t be about crime," he said. "They’ll be about trust, mental health, and helping people feel safe enough to learn and live. De-escalation isn’t a tactic; it’s a mindset.”
What started as a staffing challenge has become a model of what’s possible when teams work together to find new solutions.
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AGUSTIN CERVANTES
Equipment Rental Industry
ALPHONSO ROSADO
HEB Corporate Security
DANIEL BUONTELLO
ACC Student Services
GABRIELLA D'ANGELO
My Gym Austin
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GENESIS WELLS
Raging Axe & Splatter Paints
JONATHAN DUBE
Williamson County Jailer
MARCO CRUZ
Williamson County Jailer
MAXIMUS MAZE
Williamson County Jailer
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NOE NAVARRO
Travis County Jailer
RONALD DEAVER
Tech Industry & U.S. Marine Corps
TYLER LE GARDE
Austin PD C-TAC
VINCENTE ALONSO
Williamson County Jailer
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Understanding Alcohol’s Role in Our Lives
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an opportunity for our campus community to promote education, prevention, and responsible decision-making related to alcohol use. Throughout the month, the Equal Opportunity & Compliance (EOC) team will be partnering with campus departments to share resources and raise awareness.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by the Equal Opportunity Compliance table at Wellness Fest on April 24 to learn more about alcohol safety resources available to students and employees. We will also be highlighting Take the High Road Ride, a reimbursement program that helps employees access safe transportation options when needed.
We'll share reminders about ACC’s alcohol policies and campus expectations regarding responsible alcohol use. These policies are designed to support a safe and healthy campus environment for all members of the ACC community. Visit DAAPP to learn more about our drug and alcohol abuse prevention program.
Thank you for helping promote awareness and support the well-being of our campus community.
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Jenna Cullinane Hege
Vice Chancellor, Research, Effectiveness, and Grants
At this month’s Ask Me Anything at Round Rock, Dr. Jenna Cullinane Hege, Vice Chancellor of Research, Effectiveness, and Grants, reminded us of something simple but powerful: Data doesn’t just inform our work. It tells us where to go next.
It Starts with Curiosity
Jenna calls ACC a “data-informed” college, and just as importantly, a data-curious one. Posting data on the website is not enough; we have to be able to answer the question "so what"?
“It’s not enough to post data on a website. We have to help answer the question: So what?”
Jenna says data becomes meaningful when it’s used to understand problems, guide decisions, and measure what’s actually working.
Turning Numbers into Stories
The real impact of data comes from connecting the dots. Some of the most powerful work happening at ACC isn’t just collecting data, it’s interpreting it and bringing together multiple data points to answer a bigger question: What story is this telling us about our students, and what should we do about it? That’s how the college is shaping programs, responding to workforce needs, and improving outcomes.
When Data Leads to Action
Jenna says data only matters if it changes something. A clear example: analyzing course waitlists revealed thousands of students ready to enroll but unable to access the classes they needed. That insight is now driving smarter scheduling and better access.
“Data plus action means students are in a better spot.”
A Shift in Culture
Jenna says ACC has made major progress in building trust in its data. Now, the shift is toward using it better:
- Collaborating across teams
- Asking better questions
- Focusing on effectiveness—what success looks like and how we measure it
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If Not Us, Then Who?
One of the most energizing takeaways was a mindset shift thats's happening across the college: If not us, then who? Instead of waiting for direction, Jenna is seeing teams step up and use data to identify problems and move solutions forward.
The Takeaway:
Data isn’t just about numbers. It’s about clarity, direction, and impact. And when we pair it with curiosity and action, it becomes one of the most powerful tools we have to serve our students.
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YOU ASKED
Is it okay to leave an inactive hourly employee in Workday in case I'm able to hire them again?
It may seem efficient, but it's not a good idea. For data integrity and budget transparency, managers are urged to close vacated positions and create a new one when a true hiring need arises. Here's why:
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Misleading Budgets: Hourly roles don't have "reserved" money. They draw from a shared departmental pool that is set annually. Keeping a position open in Workday suggests there is a dedicated budget line for it when there isn't, which can skew your workforce planning.
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Inaccurate Org Charts: Leaving these positions open can lead your team to believe a role is permanently funded or "active," causing confusion about available resources.
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Outdated Information: Hourly job profiles and pay rates are updated every year. If you keep a position "on the shelf" for more than a year, the data attached to it will likely be obsolete by the time you're ready to rehire.
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Wellness Fest Coming Soon
It's a lot of fun to gather and compete with coworkers. It's a good midday break from the office. And when you burn up all those calories, you'll feel less guilty lining up at the food truck.
Be sure to mark your calendar for Wellness Fest on April 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Eastview!
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Questions About Your Insurance?
Understanding insurance and making the right decisions for our families are some of the hardest things we do as adults. So it's smart to take advantage of every opportunity to learn more.
The annual Blue Cross Blue Shield Benefits Roundup is Tuesday, March 31, at 11 a.m. Bring your questions to this virtual session.
Don't forget, your HealthSelect coverage offers most preventive screenings and services with no
out-of-pocket costs when you visit an in-network provider.
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A Night to Remember
ACC proudly presents the 2026 Employee Talent Show, a collegewide variety show to benefit the Employee Emergency Fund.
The show, co-emceed by Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and Maze, will feature hidden talents (oh my!) from across the College.
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Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: Doors open at 5:30 pm
In Person: ACC Highland Campus, Music Recital Hall, Building 2000, Room 2.2560 (Second Floor)
Virtual: Link will be sent after ticket is purchased
Your donation becomes your ticket to attend. Find out more on the Emergency Fund website.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! |
| Past happyhr newsletters can be viewed on our website here! | | | | |
