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A bi-monthly newsletter for ACC employees, about ACC employees | |
From the VC
The Bold Path Forward
Riverbat Faculty and Staff,
In recent times, many of you may have found yourselves asking, "What the heck is up with HR?" …or something like that. When I came to ACC as the inaugural Employee Relations Officer nearly two years ago, I had an immediate front-row seat in observing your frustration and distrust with existing systems and processes. Having spent almost 20 years building expertise in organizational leadership and operations, I understand that individual experiences are reflective of systemic issues.
Now being a part of the HR team which has held open-door sessions at almost every campus, I can tell you we hear you, and we acknowledge the issues that have been raised: slow hiring times, a lack of clarity on career growth paths, including promotions and hiring practices for internal candidates, unresponsiveness, and, worst of all, inconsistent application of policies that have contributed to a sense of distrust. I want to address these concerns head-on and outline our path forward.
It is undeniable that the organizational climate is a reflection of held values. Decision-making and leadership behaviors are realized at every level. Our new Chancellor has emphasized a commitment to student success starting with us -- our values, structure, and processes. It’s clear that this work is necessary for mission success; we also recognize that change will not be easy. However, it is within this challenging landscape that we find the opportunity to redefine our priorities and create a workplace that aligns with the values we hold dear.
Moving forward, our paramount focus will be on prioritizing training, tools, and resources that allow employees, especially supervisors, to lead with values that hold the best interests of current and future students in mind. This commitment will require courageous and bold decisions, ones that may challenge the status quo but are essential for the growth and success of our organization.
In our commitment to transformation and addressing raised concerns, we are enthusiastic about integrating HR through robust communication channels and the establishment of dedicated HR partnerships for more proactive and consistent support. We will build upon foundational services such as Compensation and Benefits, and continue collaborating to streamline hiring processes, define clear career paths, and ensure fair and consistent application of policies. Through these efforts, our goal is to rebuild trust and foster an environment where every employee feels valued and supported.
We understand the frustration and concerns that have been expressed, and we are committed to turning this challenging period into an opportunity for positive change. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and we look forward to working collaboratively toward a limitlessly bright future for ACC.
At your service,
Kelly Torrico
Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
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Applications for Tuition Reimbursement Due Soon!
The Tuition Reimbursement program is one of the most valuable perks offered to ACC employees. If you've worked at ACC for three consecutive years, completed a class in your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs, and provided the necessary verification for eligibility, ACC will reimburse 75 percent of the cost of the class, up to $3,000. The lifetime cap for reimbursements is $8,000.
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ACC Partner Offers Advanced Degree Programs at a Discount
Park University is inviting ACC employees interested in earning an advanced degree from the School of Education to attend one of several informational sessions in February and March.
Through the Access to Education (A2E) Partnership, ACC employees can get a 25 percent discount off all School of Education Graduate Programs, waived admission fees, and a 10 percent discount for any of the accredited university's other programs. Additionally, if five ACC employees enroll in the School of Education Graduate programs in any given term, the first course will be free.
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Meet Candice Brown, our dynamic Regional Director of Student Life, leading transformative programs that cultivate community, belonging, and success. Candice's leadership builds a culture of compassion, courage, joy and YES!, where both staff and students thrive. Her personalized, servant leadership approach tailors guidance to each team member, creating a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Colleagues say Candice's compassion. can-do attitude, and judgment-free support make her an exceptional leader.
"One Thanksgiving, I was trapped in my apartment with only ramen to eat, and she brought over a delicious homemade Thanksgiving dinner for my partner and me." - Herman Cavasos
"Candice always is open to answering any questions, free of judgment. It makes work so
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much easier and fun because we can focus on our students and have a great time working together as a team!"
- Samantha Suarez
"On my first day, Candice started teaching me the different tasks and duties that were required of me. When I started to look overwhelmed, she would say "I know this is a lot, but we'll continue talking about it" or "I just threw a lot at you, what questions
do you have?" I appreciated her for recognizing there was a lot of new information and that I wouldn't remember it all immediately. I later found out that Candice had lost a loved one that day. But she put her feelings aside for her new employee and was completely present for me on my first day."
- Lynda Aguirre
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Do you know any rock star supervisors at ACC?
Click on the button below to tell us about them!
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What are the differences between hire date, original hire date, and continuous service date in Workday? | |
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Hire Date refers to the most recent date an employee was hired to fill a position.
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Example: John Smith was hired on January 15, 2024, as a marketing manager at ACC. His hire date is January 15, 2024.
Original Hire Date marks the first time an employee was hired at ACC.
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Example: Sarah Jones first joined ACC as an intern on May 1, 2018. She was later rehired as a full-time employee on June 1, 2023. Sarah's original hire date is May 1, 2018.
Continuous Service Date is used to track the duration of an employee's service, especially when transitioning between different types of positions within ACC.
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Example: Michael Brown started working at ACC as a part-time hourly employee on September 1, 2017. Later, he transitioned to a full-time staff position on January 1, 2019. His continuous service date would be adjusted to January 1, 2019, which marks the date he began in a benefits-eligible position.
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What else do you want to know about HR?
We'll answer your questions in every newsletter.
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Devynn DeVilbiss | Workday Business Process Analyst and Trainer
Devynn DeVilbiss, our exceptional Human Resources Process Analyst, has a knack for presenting complex information in a way that captivates her audiences and makes the most intricate details accessible. With a background as a special education teacher at schools in Round Rock and San Marcos, she brings a compassionate approach to her role, ensuring solutions are not only effective but also considerate of diverse needs.
Devynn fearlessly tackles challenges head-on, demonstrating courage in dissecting and improving HR processes within Workday. Beyond the office, her joyful demeanor and zest for exploration create a positive atmosphere that inspires creativity. Whether discovering new coffee shops, going to the zoo, hanging with her pet cat and snake, or playing with Legos, Devynn embodies trust, courage, compassion, and joy, enhancing both our team and HR processes.
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WHAT IF?
Every day brings new challenges.
Here are some tools and advice for handling them!
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SCENARIO: Your amazing new hire completed 7 of the 8 requirements for coming on board, but she hasn't been able to get to the Highland Campus to show her I-9. What should you do? | |
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A) Call HR and let them know she'll need a few more days to get that document in
B) Let her know you'll have to restart the hiring process if she misses the 3-day cutoff.
C) Tell her she can scan the document and email it to the Primary Recruiter in HR.
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The correct answer is B!
Federal law requires new hires to show proof of eligibility for employment IN PERSON within three days of hire. Extensions are not allowed. If the deadline is not met, the employee may be terminated and the hiring manager will be required to re-post the position.
CLICK HERE
to read ACC's Guideline on Employment Eligibility Verification
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3-Minute Reads
HR Insights
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Nurturing Resilience: Tips for Preventing Burnout | |
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To sustain the dedication and passion of faculty and staff in the pursuit of excellence, it is crucial to address burnout—a pervasive challenge characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness in the workplace. Here are some evidence-based tips to prevent burnout and foster holistic well-being across our community.
1. Embrace Self-Compassion:
Resilience is a skill that can be honed with practice. Cultivating self-compassion by acknowledging limitations, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating accomplishments helps.
- Example: When faced with a missed deadline, instead of self-criticism, acknowledge the challenge, set realistic expectations for improvement, and celebrate small achievements along the way.
2. Set Boundaries:
Establishing clear work-life boundaries prevents burnout by preserving mental and emotional well-being by.
- Example: Designate specific hours for work-related tasks and set your device to "Do Not Disturb" during personal time to ensure a clear distinction between professional responsibilities and personal life.
3. Practice Mindfulness:
- Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, into daily routines reduces stress and builds resilience by focusing acknowledgment on what can and cannot be controlled in the moment. Example: During stressful moments, stay grounded in the present by using techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, or focusing on a feeling like the soles of your feet on the floor.
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4. Foster Supportive Relationships:
Seeking emotional support from colleagues, friends, and mentors works to combat burnout by building a sense of camaraderie and emotional connections crucial for navigating challenges.
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Example: You have a ton of competing priorities and want to plan your approach before bringing your stress to your supervisor. Reaching out to a peer or colleague who has "been there, done that" in a similar position can build new or deeper relationships and offer helpful perspectives. An appointment with your Ombudsperson is also a great option!
5. Pursue Meaningful Work:
Connecting with the intrinsic value of your work by aligning it with core values boosts motivation and satisfaction by recognizing the impact of your daily work and contributions
- Example: Reflect on the positive impact of your work on students' lives or the community and make a list of how that work connects with your personal values.
6. Prioritize Joy and Gratitude:
Cultivating joy and gratitude through exercises and activities that bring happiness elevates overall well-being by training your brain to notice the positive first.
- Example: Incorporate moments of joy into your routine, such as taking a brief walk around campus, engaging in a hobby after work or during breaks, and express gratitude for small achievements or positive interactions with colleagues.
As we implement these evidence-based strategies, we can create a resilient academic community that values well-being, supports its members, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
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You can support ACC‘s Zero Waste efforts by electing to receive your 1095-C digitally instead of by mail!
The IRS doesn‘t need you to include this health verification form in your tax filing but it may help you prepare your taxes. If you change your election in Workday by FEBRUARY 12, you can enter to win some cool prizes!
Below, RB shows us how to do it: In Workday, click on ACTIONS under your name, then SUMMARY. Hover over BENEFITS, then click on CHANGE 1095-C PRINTING ELECTION. After that, you can VIEW and print your ACA forms!
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Past happyhr newsletters can be viewed on our website here! | |
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ACC HR is here for you!
Contact us: HRsupport@austincc.edu
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