{"id":5083,"date":"2025-11-20T17:20:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T17:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/?page_id=5083"},"modified":"2026-07-22T21:24:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:24:34","slug":"raising-a-workplace-concern-at-acc-for-employees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/raising-a-workplace-concern-at-acc-for-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Raising a Workplace Concern for ACC Employees"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ACC is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and supportive workplace for all employees. If something doesn\u2019t feel right \u2014 whether it\u2019s behavior, communication, fairness, workload, or a general workplace experience \u2014 you have a voice and a clear process for bringing concerns forward.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your HR team is here to listen, help you understand your options, and resolve matters professionally and fairly.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your Options for Raising a Concern<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employees can choose from several paths depending on the situation. Use the chart below to compare confidentiality, action, timelines, and considerations for each route.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Rights-Respect-Resilience.pptx-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Rights-Respect-Resilience.pptx-1.png 960w, https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Rights-Respect-Resilience.pptx-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Rights-Respect-Resilience.pptx-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Rights-Respect-Resilience.pptx-1-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Rights-Respect-Resilience.pptx-1-320x180.png 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When to Contact HR<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the <strong>HR Concern &amp; Complaint Form<\/strong> if you experience or observe:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inappropriate workplace behavior or conduct<\/li>\n<li>Unfair treatment or retaliation<\/li>\n<li>Conflicts with a colleague or supervisor<\/li>\n<li>Concerns about how a policy is applied<\/li>\n<li>Safety or working-condition concerns<\/li>\n<li>Any workplace behavior that feels disrespectful or inappropriate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>If the concern involves discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on a protected class (such as race, sex, age, disability, etc.), HR will coordinate immediately with the Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) Office.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <strong>urgent safety concerns<\/strong> or threats, contact <strong>ACC Police at (512) 223-7999<\/strong> before submitting the form.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happens After You Submit a Concern<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We know that submitting a concern can feel stressful. Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. HR Receives and Reviews Your Report<\/strong><br \/>Your report goes directly to HR \u2014 not your supervisor.<br \/>Within two business days, HR will confirm receipt, gather additional information as needed, and outline preliminary next steps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. HR Determines the Appropriate Path<\/strong><br \/>Depending on the issue, HR may:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manage the case directly<\/li>\n<li>Partner with or refer it to another office (EOC, Title IX, Campus Police)<\/li>\n<li>Coordinate with leadership if climate or unit-level concerns arise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you submit anonymously, HR will take whatever action is possible with the information provided.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Follow-Up and Communication<\/strong><br \/>HR will keep you informed of key steps and expectations, unless you choose to remain anonymous.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Case Review &amp; Closure<\/strong><br \/>A case is closed only after the Vice Chancellor of HR (or designee) verifies that the issue was addressed to the extent possible.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your Privacy and Protections<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Confidentiality<\/strong><br \/>HR keeps your information private and shares it only on a need-to-know basis to address the concern.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Anti-Retaliation<\/strong><br \/>Retaliation is strictly prohibited.<br \/>If you believe retaliation has occurred, contact HR immediately.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Respectful Process<\/strong><br \/>Everyone involved is treated with dignity regardless of their position or the outcome.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fairness &amp; Consistency<\/strong><br \/>Actions are based on facts, established procedures, and policy.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who You May Hear From<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on your situation, you may interact with:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HR Business Partner (HRBP)<\/strong> \u2014 Your primary contact<\/li>\n<li><strong>HR Executive Assistant<\/strong> \u2014 Intake and documentation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vice Chancellor of HR<\/strong> \u2014 Oversight of complex matters<\/li>\n<li><strong>EOC or Title IX<\/strong> \u2014 Protected-class and harassment concerns<\/li>\n<li><strong>ACC Police<\/strong> \u2014 Safety or criminal concerns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I submit anonymously?<\/strong><br \/>Yes. You may omit your name; however, anonymity may limit HR\u2019s ability to investigate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Will my supervisor be notified?<\/strong><br \/>Only if necessary to address or resolve the concern.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long does the process take?<\/strong><br \/>Most concerns receive initial contact within two business days. Timelines vary based on complexity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What if I just want advice?<\/strong><br \/>You can still use the form. HR can provide guidance without initiating a formal process \u2014 unless the concern involves legal or safety obligations that must be addressed.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ready to Share a Concern?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re unsure which option is right, it\u2019s okay to start here. HR will help guide you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u27a1\ufe0f <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?AustinCC&amp;layout_id=30\">Submit a Workplace Concern<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u27a1\ufe0f <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1kOXYa4LwAXTIf_wxEsyw4FRso2_Z9DaHszZaPtTwgog\/edit?ts=691cb95c\">Not sure where to start? Try the Decision-Tree Tool<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ACC is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and supportive workplace for all employees. If something doesn\u2019t feel right \u2014 whether it\u2019s behavior, communication, fairness, workload, or a general workplace experience \u2014 you have a &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/raising-a-workplace-concern-at-acc-for-employees\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5083","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5083","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/58"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5083"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5083\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6021,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5083\/revisions\/6021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}