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At ACC's Human Resources office, we want to make you happy about managing your employees and finding answers to your own employment questions. Keep an eye open for bi-monthly happyhr newsletters to learn easy ways to get it done! | |
From the VC
Embracing Change at ACC
Riverbat Faculty and Staff,
As we begin a year that is sure to be one of transformation in service to our beloved students, I am thrilled to introduce the inaugural edition of our HR newsletter – a platform designed to keep you informed, engaged, and connected.
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Your resilience and dedication to ACC have been the driving force behind our success thus far, and I am confident that together, we will navigate the road ahead with grace and positivity.
Change is a constant in any dynamic institution, and as we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, your Human Resources team is committed to ensuring that our faculty and staff are well-informed and supported every step of the way. In this newsletter, you will find valuable insights into upcoming initiatives, updates on HR processes, and stories that celebrate the incredible talent and commitment within our community. It is a testament to the strength of our college that we continue to adapt and evolve, and I am genuinely excited about the positive impact we will create together.
As we dive into what will surely be an exciting new year together, I know we will approach our work and each other with openness and a shared commitment to our mission. Our success is rooted in each of you, and I encourage you to explore the newsletter, share your thoughts, and actively participate in the collaborative spirit that defines us. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. Here's to a great year ahead!
At your service,
Kelly Torrico
Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
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HR Team Growing to Meet the Need
With the goal of improving our response time to your HR needs, we have staffed up the HR department. We've filled slots that have been open for a while and we've created some new positions to meet specific needs. So please join me in welcoming:
Elma Benavides - HR Managing Director (new position)
Cyndy Cerbin - HR Communications Coordinator (new position)
Divya Krishnankutty - HR Specialist, Onboarding and Orientation
Joshua Williamson - Workday Process Analyst
Brittney Tran - HR Assistant II
We're grateful to have these talented and energetic folks helping us widen our bandwidth across our four major areas of responsibility: Benefits, Compensation, Employment, and Professional Development.
Check out the complete new employee announcement here!
Soon, we'll come back with more hiring news -- three new positions that will allow us even more one-on-one time with you.
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Important New Hiring Guidelines
Hiring managers received emails this week announcing new hiring guidelines that give Veterans, some of their family members, and former foster children preference in the ACC hiring process.
Essentially, when a candidate fulfills requirements as an eligible Veteran or former foster child and has qualifications equal to or exceeding all other candidates, the manager is required to hire those candidates.
The guidelines are written to ensure compliance with Texas state law, so it is imperative that hiring managers understand and become familiar with the requirements.
Details, step-by-step video instructions, job aids, and an FAQ can be found at the link below.
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Last year, there was a 100 percent passing rate among students in ACC’s Dental Hygiene certification program. Every one of the graduates found a position in their field of study. The credit for that success goes to many, but Department Chair and Professor Michelle Landrum is widely recognized as the program’s driving force.
What sets Michelle apart from other professors? We asked her manager, Health Sciences Dean Nina Almasy:
"Colleagues and students consistently praise Michelle for her caring and
compassionate leadership style. She is recognized for celebrating the
achievements of her faculty and staff, fostering a positive and collaborative
learning environment. Michelle's focus on student success and her ability
to create a supportive atmosphere have earned her admiration and respect from both colleagues and students.
“Michelle is also praised for her passion and dedication to finding and promoting community resources for underserved and underrepresented populations. That adds a dimension of social responsibility to the organizational culture, undoubtedly elevating the standing and effectiveness of ACC's Health Sciences Division as a whole.”
By holding herself to the highest standards, Michelle motivates everyone around her to do their best.
Thank you, Michelle, for raising – and exceeding! – the bar for all of us!
Do you know any rock star supervisors at ACC?
Click on the button below to tell us about them!
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"What's the difference between a Market Study and a Compensation Study?"
Market Study: For HR, this term refers to a systematic analysis of salary and benefits data within the industry or geographic region relevant to the organization conducting the study. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the organization's compensation practices remain competitive, providing valuable insights into prevailing market trends, benchmarking against industry standards, and enabling the team to make informed decisions on salary structures and benefits to attract and retain top talent. At ACC, the Compensation team conducts this study every other year using information provided by external vendors such as Payscale.
Compensation & Classification Study: A study or analysis of this nature takes a holistic look at how an organization's internal structure and compensation are aligned with its overall mission and goals. The study aims to ensure internal equity by addressing compression and accuracy of positions based on factors such as duties, qualifications, and responsibilities. An ACC committee chaired by the VC of HR and comprised of leadership from our Employee Associations is in the process of identifying a consultant who will begin this analysis for staff early this year.
What else do you want to know about HR?
We'll answer your questions in every newsletter.
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YOUR HR TEAM
Meet Alisol Martinez
ACC Benefits Manager
Got a question about the ACA? FMLA? Group Insurance? Retirement benefits? It's Alisol you need.
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Alisol Martinez is one of five managers in HR. She and her team manage all your benefits, insurance plans, and retirement plans.
Alisol was recently awarded the position of Benefits Manager after 24
years of exceptional service and dedication to the ACC community. She is a trusted expert in all areas of employee benefits, including federal legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the Family Medical Leave Act. As interim manager of the Benefits team, she demonstrated an effortless approach to collaborative team-building, successfully navigating such challenges as pandemic response and Workday implementation.
Read more about Alisol's expertise in the announcement we sent out earlier this month.
Alisol is an Austinite through and through. Her life outside the office revolves around family, including a husband, three sons and two grandchildren. (That's 3-year-old fashionist Luna in the picture with Alisol!) She hosts football watch parties and steak nights and supports her teenage son as a Band Mom. With a son who is an ACC graduate and a father who taught here, she's fully invested in ACC. And with whatever time is left over, she tends to her plants, attends comedy shows, listens to audiobooks, watches action movies, and goes shoe shopping!
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With 11 campuses and two centers, our customers cover a lot of ground. Once a month, our whole staff spends a full day at a different location for professional development and Q-and-A sessions with staff and faculty. Bring us your toughest questions -- we're ready! | |
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At the Round Rock Campus recently, faculty showed off their teaching and lab spaces where students get hands-on experience in everything from MRI imaging to auto mechanics. Staff members had lots of questions for us; we'll share our answers in future editions of happyhr. Thanks to North Regional Director of Campus Operations Tracie German and all Round Rock staff and faculty for your hospitality!
Cypress Campus, mark your calendars!
We'll be visiting you on Feb. 14!
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WHAT IF?
Every day brings new challenges.
We have tools and advice for handling them!
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SCENARIO: An employee falls while walking quickly to a meeting and is now limping. What do you do? | |
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The correct answer is C!
After making sure the employee is okay, note the location, time, witnesses, and any other details about the incident. Instruct the employee to inform their immediate supervisor right away for assistance with filing an incident report. The form can be found here. This step is important so a referral for Workers' Compensation can be made if appropriate. The employee and supervisor may also determine if the employee needs time off work, or to follow up with HR to see if any other resources or steps may be required.
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3-Minute Reads
HR Insights
Navigating the HR Odyssey: A Brief Journey through the History of Human Resources
Welcome, fellow time-travelers! Today, we embark on a swift journey through the captivating history of Human Resources. Buckle up as we explore the evolution of this essential facet of the workplace in a story that will take you no longer than three minutes to read!
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Ancient Roots:
Our voyage begins in ancient civilizations where records show the existence of workforce management structures. The Greeks had their "agora," a marketplace that served as both a commercial hub and a platform for civic discussions. Even back then, maintaining harmony among individuals required some form of HR wizardry!
Industrial Revolution and Labor Unions:
Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, and we witness the birth of personnel management. The focus shifted to optimizing factory production, but the well-being of the workforce took a back seat. Cue the entrance of labor unions advocating for fair wages and reasonable working conditions.
Post-World War II: The Birth of HR:
As the world rebuilt post-World War II, organizations recognized the need for a more strategic approach to people management. The term "Human Resources" gained popularity, marking the shift from a personnel-centric model to one that acknowledged the value of individuals within an organization.
The 20th Century Renaissance:
Enter the 20th century, a period of HR enlightenment. Academics like Elton Mayo and Frederick Herzberg brought theories of employee motivation to the forefront. HR was
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no longer just about policies and
paychecks; it became a dance of
psychology, sociology, and a touch of managerial magic.
Technology and the Digital Era:
The late 20th century witnessed a technological revolution that transformed HR. Computerized systems streamlined processes, and the birth of the internet allowed for global talent acquisition. Suddenly, HR was connecting minds across borders,
Strategic Business Partner:
In the 21st century, HR emerged as a strategic business partner. The role expanded beyond administrative tasks to include talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture shaping. The HR department became the heartbeat of workplace culture, ensuring that organizations thrive by valuing their most precious asset – their people.
Today, as we stand at the intersection of technology, psychology, and global connectivity, the HR saga continues to unfold, ensuring that organizations and their people thrive in harmony.
And there you have it, time-travelers! A brief yet exhilarating expedition through the rich history of the HR/People function.
Until our next adventure, keep managing those resources with humanity!
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ACC HR is here for you!
Contact us: HRsupport@austincc.edu
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