{"id":5367,"date":"2026-03-27T15:39:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/?p=5367"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:48:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:48:52","slug":"top-10-things-to-know-as-we-return-from-spring-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/news-and-updates\/top-10-things-to-know-as-we-return-from-spring-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Things to Know as We Return from Spring Break"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"303\" height=\"368\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/03\/Kelly-Torrico.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5368\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.8233620653050826;width:213px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/03\/Kelly-Torrico.jpg 303w, https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/03\/Kelly-Torrico-247x300.jpg 247w, https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/03\/Kelly-Torrico-124x150.jpg 124w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Welcome back, Riverbats.<\/p>\n<p>Spring break offers a pause, and returning offers something just as important: a moment to reset how we move forward together.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How we show up right now will shape what ACC becomes next.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here are ten things I want you to know as we step into the rest of the semester.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. The Compensation &amp; Classification framework is moving forward<\/strong><br \/>Implementation is underway, focused on aligning systems, tools, and processes so decisions about roles and compensation are consistent and sustainable across the College.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The last update was shared in the March 3 <a href=\"https:\/\/myemail.constantcontact.com\/HappyHR-Newsletter---Progress-Update-on-New-Classification---Compensation-Framework.html?soid=1138816145274&amp;aid=Or-EMXWLoHo\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/myemail.constantcontact.com\/HappyHR-Newsletter---Progress-Update-on-New-Classification---Compensation-Framework.html?soid=1138816145274&amp;aid=Or-EMXWLoHo\"><em>HappyHR<\/em> newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Updates and communication plans are developed in collaboration with the Compensation &amp; Classification workgroup, including association members, staff, and administrators<\/li>\n<li>If you have questions or ideas, please engage HR or your association so we can ensure information is clear and responsive to your needs<\/li>\n<li>Moving forward, updates will be shared here monthly with clear, relevant information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Student Affairs and Basic Needs alignment is nearing completion<\/strong><br \/>Student Affairs and Basic Needs are the final two areas being aligned to the new framework. We are within weeks of completing this work.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We are validating how <strong>positions (not individuals)<\/strong> map to the new job categories with divisional leadership<\/li>\n<li>Once positions are confirmed, we will review individual pay within those roles<\/li>\n<li>If an employee\u2019s pay falls below the new range for their position, an adjustment will be made<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>     <strong>What to expect:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some employees may receive adjustments while others do not<\/li>\n<li>Previously, similar roles could exist across multiple pay grades due to the absence of a consistent structure<\/li>\n<li>Under the new framework, roles are aligned to defined pay ranges based on market value and internal equity<\/li>\n<li>Adjustments this year will occur only when pay falls below the new range<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>     <strong>Also:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reclassification requests submitted in these divisions are being reviewed<\/li>\n<li>Employees will receive a determination on those requests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>     <strong>Important reminders:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Any pay adjustments resulting from this one-time alignment will be retroactive to September 1, 2025<\/li>\n<li>This is not a market study and not an annual raise<\/li>\n<li>This is a one-time structural alignment to ensure consistency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/infohub.austincc.edu\/theory-of-change\/belonging-and-connection\/demonstrated-practices-of-caring-from-employees\/\">Demonstrated Practices of Caring<\/a> is becoming operational<\/strong><br \/>This pillar of ACC\u2019s Theory of Change is moving into daily practice.<br \/>We are on the verge of redefining the values through clear behavioral expectations so we can:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>train to them<\/li>\n<li>evaluate against them<\/li>\n<li>hire with them in mind<\/li>\n<li>and hold each other accountable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You will see more clarity in how we communicate, give feedback, and support one another\u2019s work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Upward evaluation is launching this semester<\/strong><br \/>Employees will have the opportunity to provide structured feedback to their supervisors.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First year results will not be used for evaluation decisions<\/li>\n<li>Results will identify strengths and opportunities across the College<\/li>\n<li>A minimum response threshold will protect confidentiality<\/li>\n<li>Leaders will receive aggregated results where appropriate<\/li>\n<li>Cabinet members are accountable for results within their divisions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>5. Supervisor training and expectations are strengthening<\/strong><br \/>Training will take place in late April through May, focused on feedback, accountability, and team leadership.<\/p>\n<p>We are also introducing:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Workday-issued policy acknowledgments<\/li>\n<li>Brief, ungraded knowledge checks with those acknowledgements<\/li>\n<li>Tracked completion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This ensures expectations are clear and consistently applied.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6. We are evaluating our hourly workforce<\/strong><br \/>HR Business Partners are reviewing hourly roles to better understand usage, alignment, and consistency across the College.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7. Job architecture and role clarity are being standardized<\/strong><br \/>A major win associated with the transition to the new compensation and classification framework will be common job categories (Assistant, Specialist, Coordinator) being defined with consistent expectations.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Core qualifications and requirements will be standardized<\/li>\n<li>Duties and skills will allow for appropriate customization<\/li>\n<li>Supervisor training will support this work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Job description updates are expected to begin later this year following Workday configuration.<\/p>\n<p><strong>8. HR support is here and improving<\/strong><br \/>We are focused on service excellence through better data, reporting, and accountability.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submit a TDX ticket for support<\/li>\n<li>Join HR Office Hours on Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>9. How we show up matters, especially now<\/strong><br \/>ACC remains a place where:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>people are treated with dignity<\/li>\n<li>professionalism is expected<\/li>\n<li>and differences are handled with care and respect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is part of how we do our work well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10. The work ahead belongs to all of us<\/strong><br \/>Our systems and culture depend on how we show up every day:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>how we communicate<\/li>\n<li>how we hold ourselves and others accountable<\/li>\n<li>how we support one another<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is a moment to move forward with clarity, intention, and shared commitment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We\u2019re glad you\u2019re back, and I\u2019m glad we\u2019re moving forward together.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With appreciation,<br \/><strong><em>Kelly Torrico<\/em><br \/><\/strong>Vice Chancellor of Human Resources<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/news-and-updates\/top-10-things-to-know-as-we-return-from-spring-break\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news-and-updates"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"cyndycerbin","author_link":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/author\/cyndycerbin\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"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=5367"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5367\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5373,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5367\/revisions\/5373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}