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In this edition of HappyHR:
- Compensation & Classification — upcoming title changes
- Joyful news and developments from ACC Human Resources programs
- Saying yes to the new faculty in our community
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Happy (Fiscal) New Year
Building on the Compensation & Classification Progress
Riverbats,
Happy fiscal new year!
I always appreciate a new year because it gives us a natural moment to look back, take stock, and get clear about what comes next. For HR, there is a lot to be proud of from the year behind us, and a lot I am excited about in the year ahead.
One major accomplishment in our Compensation & Classification (C&C) work is especially worth celebrating: HR has now mapped over 750 job profiles and 2,000 individual positions across the College into ACC’s new, more equitable framework.
In plainer terms, we evaluated and aligned all those positions and profiles with a standardized job structure based on the scope, responsibilities, and impact of each one instead of the work of any particular employee. That gives ACC a much stronger foundation for making compensation and classification decisions more consistently and fairly, both today and going forward.
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Forthcoming changes to employee titles will align with that foundation. | |
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By September 1, new pay grades and titles will be available in Workday. Most employee job titles will not change significantly. For those that do change, the goal is to make them more reflective of the work performed while ensuring consistent alignment with the new framework.
Any employee in a position with a title that is changing will also receive a direct communication, as will their supervisor. If you do not receive a direct communication about your title changing this week, the essential substance of your Workday job title will remain unchanged, though you may see basic structural changes to your title in alignment with the new framework.
Please note that classification entails the assessment of positions in general — and where the work of a position belongs within a consistent Collegewide structure. Conversely, classification does not focus on the individuals who currently hold those positions.
Other key points:
- A change in job title is not, by itself, a promotion or demotion.
- A title change alone does not change your day-to-day responsibilities or reporting relationship.
- Each position’s new pay grade aligns with the new framework. Pay grade updates alone do not signal a shift in your compensation (wage or salary). If your compensation has changed, you have already received a notification about it.
Remember, the framework is not a ranking of people. It is a way of organizing and aligning work.
To these ends, it is important for managers to consult HR before making significant changes to duties or scope so positions remain aligned with the framework. Please manage scope intentionally and involve HR before making significant changes, helping us pursue clearer, more consistent position management.
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Finally, this development represents a point in time, not the permanent finalization of every position at ACC. Like all organizations, ours will continue to evolve. What’s great about this framework is that it gives us a consistent way to evaluate legitimate position changes as they occur rather than relying on one-off exceptions.
Thank you for your partnership, your questions, your patience, and the many ways you help us improve.
Here’s to another year of building an ACC that works better for the people who work here, so all of us can keep doing what matters most: serving our students.
In partnership, joyfully,
Kelly Torrico
Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
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New Wellness Certification
Human Resources is proud to share this exciting news. The Mayor’s Health & Wellbeing Council (MHWC) has awarded ACC with Gold-Level Worksite Partner Certification. The recognition reflects our collective commitment to creating a workplace where employee well-being matters.
MHWC certification designates organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace wellness. It is an honor to be recognized as one of Austin’s healthiest places to work.
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Next Payroll to Include One-Time Lump Sum
We are pleased to provide this reminder that most eligible employees will receive their one-time lump sum with payroll on August 31. (Eligible adjunct faculty who are not on the August payroll will receive their payment in the fall term if they are scheduled to teach.)
The Board-approved stipend follows a partnership between HR and the Payroll Services Department. Together, these teams worked hard to calculate, validate, and ultimately load all payments in advance of the promised deadline.
As described in previous HR communications, this payment is separate from the 2% annual salary increase, which becomes effective September 1, 2026. The maximum that any single employee can receive is $1,700, regardless of all factors of their employment.
Find answers to other frequently asked questions in our previous communication about the payment here.
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Updates in Professional Development Programs
The Upward Evaluation program has officially moved into its Part 2 training, with sessions continuing through September 10. This managerial training helps ACC leaders interpret, communicate, and act on their Upward Evaluation results. The Chancellor will share more about our results in the September Town Hall. Managers will also be sharing more with teams about their goals and objectives for FY27.
Plans are underway to reopen the Supervisor Certificate Program (SCP) in early 2027. To help shape the next chapter, SCP alumni recently received a survey seeking feedback on their experiences and their recommendations for future enhancements.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate a growing culture of development, one that continues to say yes to learning, yes to feedback, and yes to becoming more courageous and compassionate than ever.
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Fun Times at Faculty Orientation
ACC HR proudly welcomed 94 faculty members with an August 17 orientation on Highland Campus.
The day brought Riverbats together to connect with colleagues and learn more about this community. With presentations, roundtable discussions, and a resource fair that lasted through the afternoon, attendees discovered the many ways ACC supports faculty success.
Please enjoy these photos from the celebration!
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Educational Incentive Award
In collaboration with the Educational Advancement Program, ACC Total Rewards manages the Educational Incentive Award. Qualified non-faculty employees are eligible for a one-time stipend.
The award amount varies depending on the degree, and applicants with advanced degrees are not eligible for funding of lower-tier degrees.
Please note: applications must be submitted within 12 months of receiving your degree or ACC certificate. Follow the instructions in the Educational Incentive Award Application to apply.
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Employee Mediation Resources
In alignment with the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance, the Employee Relations Officer has launched a new form that allows employees to request mediation.
Learn more about mediation or access the form here.
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FY27 Pay Scales
Review faculty and hourly salary/wage information for the fiscal year here.
Further, the FY27 Compensation Information Manual will be available on HR’s website by September 1. Check our webpage for this resource next week.
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Theory of Change Network Applications
The deadline to apply to the College’s Theory of Change Network (ToCN) is Tuesday, September 8. In alignment with the Theory of Change Institute, ToCN focuses on Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart’s vision for recentering leadership at ACC.
Learn more here.
Register here.
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Wellness Program Offerings
Employee Wellness Program exercise classes will return on Tuesday, September 1. A schedule with registration links is available now here.
Flu shot clinics will be coming to a campus near you beginning in mid-September. Other offerings, including the COVID-19 vaccine, may also be available upon request. Note: eligible insurance is required.
Finally, this fall, HealthSelect participants can once again lace up for the Trek Through Texas Challenge. Participants who reach the goal of 50,000 steps per week can earn five Buena Vida Bucks each time and enter weekly drawings for state park swag. Registration is open from September 9 through November 3, and the challenge itself runs from September 23 through November 3, 2026.
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Say Bravo!
The latest nomination window for Riverbat Employee Bravo Awards is now open. This program recognizes employees whose actions reflect exemplary customer service. Think back on recent partnerships at work. Does anyone you know deserve recognition?
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Save More This September
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of exclusive savings through the ACC Advantage Discount Program.
Use the QR code here to sign up and search the savings available on school supplies, live events, travel — and more!
New users who register will receive a free welcome gift:
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$10 off a $100 purchase
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$20 off a $200 purchase
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$30 off a $300 purchase
Use your promo code on your first purchase and start saving right away!
| | | | View past HappyHR newsletters on our website here! | | | | |
