Our work in Academic Affairs is focused on building a future-ready instructional model<\/strong> that strengthens support for faculty, improves clarity for students, and aligns operations with the College\u2019s Theory of Change and North Star goals. Below is a summary of key initiatives currently underway.<\/p>\n We are transitioning from \u201dInstruction,\u201d \u201cInstructional Services,\u201d or \u201cInstructional Staff\u201d language to a unified \u201cAcademic Affairs\u201d identity to reflect our broader purpose, structure, and strategic alignment across instructional divisions. This change is in effect, and the efforts to update websites and other collateral materials are ongoing. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) is conducting a light-touch functional and process audit<\/strong> to identify redundancies, gaps, and opportunities to streamline our work.<\/p>\n Expected Report:<\/strong> Originally expected January 2026. Now expected April 2026.<\/p>\n Purpose:<\/strong> Improve efficiency and reduce operational burden. While no roles or programs are being restructured, it is possible that a small number of units or individuals may shift reporting lines to better align related work. Any adjustments would be minimal, collaborative, and grounded in clarity\u2014not consolidation. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The DLIWG (\u201cthe DillyWig\u201d)<\/a> is designing and implementing a more sustainable model for department chair leadership.<\/p>\n Goal:<\/strong> Build a leadership model that supports long-term sustainability, clarity, and belonging.<\/p>\n A new position, Dean of Strategic Scheduling, will be hired early in the spring semester. <\/p>\n This office will centralize data, analysis, and course-taking insights to strengthen schedule planning and better meet student enrollment needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n These roles were created using existing vacancies and were developed to support the growing complexity and compliance needs of Health Sciences.<\/p>\n We are exploring new, clearer language to replace \u201cAreas of Study,\u201d based on faculty, staff, and student feedback. This includes evaluating how program groupings can better align with dean areas to reduce confusion and improve pathway clarity. The survey period ended February 20, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n To improve clarity and better support rapidly evolving fields, CSIT has been reorganized<\/a> into two departments:<\/p>\n Launching in AY 2027<\/strong>, the redesigned Program Review will be built around standardized, widely used program health metrics to support continuous improvement and strategic program decisions.<\/p>\n Led By:<\/strong> Office of Institutional Research and Analytics (OIRA), in partnership with Academic Affairs<\/p>\n Purpose:<\/strong> Provide consistent, transparent data to support long-term academic planning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The timeline below reflects our current planning. Dates are subject to change as the work evolves, but we are committed to sharing updates regularly and keeping you informed every step of the way.<\/em><\/p>\n Is Academic Affairs undergoing a reorganization?<\/a><\/p> No. There is no reorganization of people or programs underway. The current efforts focus on evaluating structure, naming, and support systems to reduce burden, improve clarity, and plan for future needs.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Will any positions be eliminated?<\/a><\/p> No. New roles have been created by repurposing existing vacancies. There is no reduction in staffing.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n What is the purpose of renaming Areas of Study?<\/a><\/p> Feedback indicates that \u201cAreas of Study\u201d is confusing for both students and employees. Renaming and aligning program groupings aims to reduce confusion, improve navigation, and strengthen pathway clarity.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n What is the EPMO audit, and how will it affect faculty or staff?<\/a><\/p> The process audit is light-touch<\/em> and focuses on identifying inefficiencies and friction points based on the functions across Academic Affairs. It is not a major restructuring effort and should not create additional workload for faculty or staff.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n How will department chairs be affected by the DLIWG?<\/a><\/p> The DLIWG is designed to support<\/em> chairs, not add responsibility. Changes include more release time, added operational support, clearer processes, and assistant chair structures.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n How will faculty be involved?<\/a><\/p> Faculty input will be gathered through surveys, focus groups, chair leadership channels, and structured input processes (particularly around Areas of Study naming and Program Health). For questions or comments, or more information on how to get involved, please send an email to vcinstruction@austincc.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Will these initiatives increase faculty workload?<\/a><\/p> No. These projects focus on improving efficiency and clarity. Faculty engagement will occur only where input is essential.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n How does this work connect to ACC\u2019s Theory of Change?<\/a><\/p> A clear, aligned instructional structure is foundational to \u201cStart Strong\u201d and \u201cBelonging & Connection,\u201d all essential components of the Theory of Change and our goal of 70% completion by 2030.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Where can I find ongoing updates?<\/a><\/p> This Initiatives page will be updated regularly as new information, timelines, and decisions become available.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Academic Affairs Initiatives This page provides real-time updates on major initiatives shaping Austin Community College\u2019s (ACC) instructional future. Last updated Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Have any questions? Please send an email to vcinstruction@austincc.edu. Our work … Continue reading Key AY 2026 Initiatives<\/h3>\n
Instructional Staff Rebranding to Academic Affairs<\/h4>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/vice-chancellor-of-instruction\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/20250926_ACC_GenAssembly_065-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nAcademic Affairs Process Audit (EPMO)<\/h4>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/vice-chancellor-of-instruction\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/ACC_Genereral2025_21-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDistributed Leadership Implementation Work Group (DLIWG)<\/h2>\n
In Progress:<\/h3>\n
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Launch of New Offices and Roles<\/h2>\n
Office of Strategic Scheduling (Launching Spring 2026)<\/h3>\n
![\"ACC](\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/vice-chancellor-of-instruction\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/53558642456_45b2ea2cc9_c.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nNew Deans and Leadership Roles<\/h4>\n
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Area of Study (AoS) Updates<\/h2>\n
Renaming & Structural Alignment<\/h3>\n
![\"Persons](\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/vice-chancellor-of-instruction\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/53616731651_9fb8fda089_c.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nComputer Science & Information Technology Restructure (CSIT)<\/h2>\n
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AY 2027 Initiatives<\/h2>\n
Program Review Process Redesign (Program Health)<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/vice-chancellor-of-instruction\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/53218391253_ee78ab3320_c.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nInitiative Timeline<\/h2>\n
Fall 2025<\/h3>\n
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Spring 2026<\/h3>\n
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Summer\u2013Fall 2026<\/h3>\n
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AY 2027<\/h3>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n