Scope
In 2022, ACC established the Employee Relations Officer (ERO) role to invest in the well-being of faculty and staff. The ERO focuses on cultivating trust and ensuring consistent, informal resolution practices across the college. By supporting the College values of courage, compassion, joy, and yes, and by providing employees resources, guidance, and data-driven policy insights, the ERO aims to contribute to a positive work culture that enhances the overall employee experience.
The ERO is a neutral and unbiased thought partner offering consultations on workplace concerns and guides resolution-based outcomes tailored to individual employees’ goals. The ERO is also responsible for the timely and unbiased resolution of formally filed employee grievances and employee mediation. As requested by College leadership the ERO can conduct administrative reviews of internal policy violations, ethics complaints, or systemic workplace concerns.
As part of the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance, the ERO partners with the EOC Director and EOC investigators to address matters promptly and refer any concerns involving illegal discrimination and harassment to the appropriate channels. This partnership ensures a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees.
What the ERO Can Do
- Give feedback on how to informally resolve concerns and refer employees to the mediation program when appropriate
- Facilitate formal employee grievances through a neutral, unbiased, thorough, and timely process
- Partner with the Human Resource Business Partners (HRBPs) to help improve or resolve issues related to employee behavior and performance
- Formally document and monitor a concern or employment-related matter
- Provide a private setting for employees to seek guidance on policies and practices across the district
- Assist the College by formally reviewing systemic workplace and ethics concerns
What the ERO Can’t Do
- Handle issues related to illegal discrimination
- Personally facilitate a mediation
- Oversee employee performance or behavior concerns
- Mandate or require actions that employees or supervisors take
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to file a grievance but it has been longer than 30 days?
The ERO is responsible for ensuring adherence to ACC Administrative Rules and Guidelines to maintain fairness and consistency throughout the college. ACC policy states grievances can be filed within the following parameters:
- Within 30 college business days of the decision or action giving rise to the grievance, or
- Within 30 college business days of the most recent of a series of decisions or actions giving rise to the grievance.
- Additionally, the ERO has the discretion to assess the timeliness of the subject matter of grievances and dismiss matters that are untimely
Who will hear my Level 1 Grievance?
The hearing officer is ordinarily the lowest-level manager who has the authority to remedy the workplace concern and who is not directly or indirectly involved in the grievance.
- If the Grievant’s manager is the subject of the grievance, the employee’s grievance will be referred to the next-level manager, who will serve as the hearing officer.
- If the grievance is against a co-worker in the same department/office, the lowest-level manager of both parties will serve as the hearing officer.
- If the grievance is against an employee outside of the department, the grievance will be heard by the appropriate manager, as determined by the ERO.
- If an informal resolution was attempted with the direct manager, the employee’s grievance will be referred to the next-level manager, who will serve as the hearing officer.
- If the Grievant is a Full-time Faculty Member, the initial hearing officer will be an Instructional Associate Vice Chancellor appointed by the Vice Chancellor of Instruction and approved by the Chancellor. As noted in Section III. Appeals, Part D of this Guideline, recommendations of a Grievance Appeals Committee are strictly advisory to the Chancellor, who has exclusive decision-making authority to uphold, reverse, or remand the Level Two decision.
Can my supervisor mandate a mediation with a colleague?
Employee mediation is an effective and confidential informal resolution tool, however, participation in this process must be mutually agreed upon. The ERO takes great care to assign an unbiased mediator, who is vetted, before each request to ensure that employees feel comfortable in communicating their concerns. If you have reservations about the mediation process, schedule an appointment with the ERO to discuss or learn more about the Employee Mediation Program.
If I have been terminated, who will hear my appeal?
Employees appealing a termination will be heard by the Grievance Appeals Committee.
Can I record my grievance conference?
Recording by video or audio is not a part of the process. While not required by state statute, individuals who wish to record are asked to inform the College in advance.
What is the difference between HR and the ERO?
The Human Resources Department hosts a critical function of the employment life-cycle. The office can support with:
- Questions about an HR service function; Employee Benefits, Leave/ FMLA, Retirement, ADA, Workday
- Questions about existing talent and performance development programs, tools, or resources; Performance Management, Professional Development, PEP/ Annual Evaluation
- Discrepancies or questions regarding benefit elections, onboarding/ employee orientation, hiring process, creating a new position, or other transaction
- Concerns regarding an employee’s compensation, re-classification of a role, or department reorganization
Does the ERO collect and share grievance data with the college?
As a formal resource for the college, the ERO collects data on grievance outcomes and employee consultations. This information is part of the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Annual Report, which is shared annually in the fall semester.
How can I contact the ERO directly?
The ERO is available to meet in-person or virtually. Schedule a meeting at ero@austincc.edu or find a time that works best for you through the ERO Calendly.
Quick Links
Resolution of an Employee Grievance (AR)
Submit an Employee Grievance (ACC Login Required)
Equal Opportunity Compliance Office
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