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May 6, 2024
In this edition:
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Commitment, Confidence, and Competence Drives Culture
HR Business Partners Coming Soon
Stepping up toward upward evaluation
Forbes Recognizes ACC!
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From the VC
Empowering Supervisors:
Building a Foundation for Our Culture
Today marks a significant milestone as our HR team collaborates with nearly 60 carefully selected individuals from across the District to shape the College's developmental series for people managers. This hands-on curriculum aims to equip supervisors with the confidence, competence, and commitment to our culture of Belonging & Connection, ensuring our Values are embedded in every aspect of their leadership.
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While there is still work to be done, we are thrilled about the progress made in defining and enhancing a curriculum. The content and learning outcomes are meticulously designed in collaboration with College stakeholders to empower supervisors to lead with authenticity and integrity in a manner unique to ACC.
Foundational elements will include:
Alignment with College Values: Supervisors will learn to align their actions with our shared values, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. This includes understanding the importance of embodying our core values in everyday interactions, such as integrity, empathy, and accountability.
Effective Communication: From addressing personal and practical needs to navigating difficult conversations, supervisors will hone their communication skills to build trust and understanding among their teams. This entails identifying elements of effective communication and listening, offering a framework for having difficult conversations, and providing timely, specific, and balanced feedback.
Motivation and Team Building: Supervisors will gain insights into team dynamics and learn strategies to build high-performing teams, both in-person and remotely. This involves understanding the stages of team development, building trust and psychological safety, and leveraging tools like the True Colors assessment to create diverse and cohesive teams.
HR Fundamentals: Covering topics such as interview skills, legal compliance, coaching, and performance evaluation, supervisors will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to support their teams effectively. This includes understanding laws, regulations, and policies such as Title IX, ADA, and FMLA, as well as implementing effective performance management processes and documentation skills.
Time Management: Supervisors will learn strategies for managing their time effectively, delegating tasks, and prioritizing responsibilities. This involves employing tools like priority matrices and conducting time audits to optimize productivity and focus on high-impact tasks.
Continuous Learning and Growth: Recognizing that leadership is an ongoing journey, supervisors will be encouraged to embrace a growth mindset and seek opportunities for continuous learning and development. This includes fostering a culture of feedback and reflection, where supervisors are empowered to learn from their experiences and adapt their leadership approach accordingly.
Supervisors play a crucial role in coaching, mentoring, and removing barriers for the talented individuals on their teams. As John C. Maxwell said, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Supervisors are not merely tasked with doing their team's jobs for them, but rather guiding and empowering them to reach their full potential.
We also recognize…
that every area and team is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Area leaders are trusted to steward their teams, while supervisors of other supervisors are expected to provide feedback and hold their teams accountable to our values.
Strategic efforts, such as the development and integration of the HR Business Partner role, will offer personalized, proactive support to supervisors, enabling them to make informed decisions and take action in alignment with our organizational values.
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek
Moving forward…
let's embrace this opportunity to empower our supervisors, foster a culture of Belonging & Connection, and continue to grow and evolve together. Together, we can create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
We in HR are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Here's to a future filled with possibilities and positive change.
Warm regards,
Kelly Torrico
VC Human Resources
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Business Partners: Ready, Set, LAUNCH!
Erica Breedlove, Aly Wang, and Donald Jackson have spent their first 90 days as HR Business Partners developing and defining their new roles. They've studied the landscape at ACC, researched potential improvements, met with key leaders, and produced an operational plan. Now it's time to take the show on the road!
One of the goals of bringing on board business partners is to personalize and connect with you. To that end, each has been assigned a campus and a collection of ACC departments to focus on. But all three will be working closely together, as well, connecting daily to ensure consistency in approach and service level across divisions and campuses.
When you see Erica, Aly, or Donald on campus, stop and say hi. We can't wait to hear about your unique ACC experience! If you miss them in person, send them a meeting request through the HR Mojo ticketing system or through hrsupport@austincc.edu. A web page with more information about the business partners is under construction here.
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Forbes Names ACC One of the BEST!
We all know ACC is the best, but it sure feels good when a global media company like Forbes recognizes it, too.
Forbes has released its lists of top companies for 2024, and ACC is included two of them: Best Employers for Diversity and Best Midsize Employers!
The rankings were determined through an independent survey from a sample of more than 170,000 U.S.-based employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S.
These designations are more than bragging rights. They are important tools for attracting top talent, which is the key to making ACC the kind of institution other colleges want to emulate.
Read more about the award and see where ACC falls among its competitors in the FacStaff Info Hub!
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An Invitation to Evaluate
As Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart mentioned at the Data Summit, the evaluation process should be a two-way street. That's why he's asking every ACC employee to spend a few minutes evaluating ACC's Cabinet members, including himself.
Emails have been going out this week asking for constructive and honest feedback. The ACC Evaluation of Cabinet Leadership survey link in the email is exclusive to you and can be submitted only once. You will not be asked to identify yourself, and Russell will be the only person evalulating the results. The deadline to submit the evaluation is May 17.
Feedback will be used to identify strengths and areas where the Chancellor's Cabinet can focus their efforts. This will be the first phase in the evolution of how we solicit and act on feedback in all directions.
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Join the Conversation!
Mark your calendar for the next Campus Conversation: Understanding the Budget Process.
Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
In-Person: ACC Highland Presentation Hall (Building 2000)
Virtual: Watch & learn through livestream.
In this campus conversation, ACC Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration Neil Vickers will discuss the college’s annual budget development process. Join us to learn more about how ACC’s budget comes together each year, from evaluating our revenue streams to planning for our expenses.
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Social Security Questions? Here's Where to Get Answers!
Momentum has been building recently for Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two laws dating back to 1983 that reduce regular Social Security benefits for workers who receive a pension based on earnings from employment not covered by Social Security.
ACC voted in 1981 not to participate in Social Security. If you'd like to learn more about WEP and GPO and how they might affect your retirement income, you're invited to attend a special webinar later this month hosted by a specialist from the Social Security Administration.
Understanding Social Security Windfall Elimination & Government Pension Offset
Thursday, May 23 - 11 a.m.
Register HERE to attend
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Mental Health Month
According to the World Health Organization, 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety alone.
In observance of Mental Health Month, we want to remind you of the exceptional mental health resources available through ACC's insurance and employee assistance programs.
EAP Helpline: 888-993-7650
BCBS 24/7 Mental Health Line: 800-252-8039
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
When struggles are more than just the blues, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Visit our website for a list of webinars and workshops designed to help you manage the events and situations that can affect your mental health.
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Libraries are integral components of community college campuses, providing essential resources, support services, and intellectual opportunities that contribute to the academic success and enrichment of students and faculty alike. The best librarians not only know where to go for answers, they also know not all knowledge is found in books.
Courtney Mlinar, head librarian at Elgin and interim head at Rio Grande, has honed her leadership skills to manage staff, collaborate with faculty, and encourage students. Courtney embodies the value Yes! by nurturing a strong team and helping students find pathways around barriers to success. As a supervisor, Courtney helps staff members reach their potential by polishing their strengths.
"Students can sense how staff feel when they come into the library -- kindness, happiness to be of help, compassion. Employees that are well-managed and feel supported provide much better support and services to our students, faculty, and staff."
Library Services Dean Keri Moczgemba notes that Courtney's touch extends college-wide, having developed, maintained, and promoted the Teaching and Learning Academy, which provides faculty with the highest level of pedagogy training available.
Staff members are her biggest fans:
"Courtney is a great boss because she really cares about her staff. She's inclusive, supportive, and kind-hearted. I feel secure and bolstered at work. Courtney's leadership and guidance give me a strong sense of confidence and I feel like part of the team." Theresa Zelasko
"I'm just tickled that Courtney is receiving this recognition! I have worked for her for 12 years and I told her I will stay as long as she is here. Why? Because she is an amazing supervisor and mentor and I consider her my friend. She never complains, but rather rejoices in watching young librarians grow in their profession." Lorrie Phillips
"She has a hands-on approach that lifts each employee up by focusing on their strengths and minimizing their weaknesses. She encourages each staff member to step outside their comfort zone by pursuing professional development, both within and outside ACC. I know of one part-time librarian who was ready to leave ACC until Courtney encouraged her to take the Hourly Instruction Librarian program. Courtney's leadership completely changed this person's view of their role at ACC." Mary Havens
Thank you, Courtney, for loving your staff and students to success!
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Who are the rock star supervisors in your orbit?
Click on the button below to tell us about them!
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Leadership Academy Applications Close 5/24
Time is running out to apply for one of the coveted spots in Austin Community College's Leadership Academy. This program is made up of employees who have demonstrated a commitment to ACC and a potential for professional growth. You must have a minimum of two years of employment at ACC to be accepted. The program runs for a full year.
If you'd like to learn more, there is one more virtual information session on Wednesday, May 8 at 12 p.m.
The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. Friday, May 24.
Don't miss this opportunity to take your leadership skills to the next level!
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With Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart's encouragement, ACC departments are taking a harder look at data to inform their actions. But data are nothing but numbers if there aren't any human faces connected to them. That's why Russell gave every ACC employee a hardback copy of Stephanie Land's "Class," a follow-up memoir to her book "Maid," which chronicled her fight against an abusive boyfriend, a low-paying job, single parenthood, and the dream of being a writer. In "Class," Stephanie recounts her struggle to get educated in America while living below the poverty line.
Many ACC students understand that struggle all too well. And if we, as the employees who serve them, don't understand it, we'll have a hard time connecting.
HR's recently formed Joy committee is hosting a new book club for HR staff and others to discuss the book and identify ways they can use it to bring about positive change at ACC. The meetings are every other week, and attendance is voluntary. But it's a great way to step away from our desks and cubes, engage with each other, and bring meaning to the data that guides our path forward.
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Kelly Clennan | Benefits Coordinator
We work hard all our lives imagining a time when we can toss out the alarm clock and spend all the time we want with family, travel, or books. But if we don't plan well, we can find ourselves in a financial pinch that takes some of the joy out of retirement. Kelly Clennan is one of the people who wants to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
As Human Resources Benefits Coordinator, Kelly administers the Teacher Retirement System and other retirement plans for ACC employees. That requires staying on top of ever-changing state and federal compliance laws and regulations. She counsels ACC employees and retirees about benefits and guides new enrollees through the process. She's the one who researches and troubleshoots issues related to retirement, savings plans, and benefit programs eligibility, contributions, enrollment, coverage, and leave plans. Kelly says her favorite part of the job is helping ACC employees save and prepare for retirement.
Kelly came to ACC six years ago when she realized her heart was in higher education. She spends her spare time with family and close friends. "I have a group of “ride or die” friends I’ve known for 20 years," she said. "We’ve grown up together and raised our kids together. They keep me humble and honest."
Kelly and her husband of 31 years have a student-athlete son who'll graduate from St. Edward's University in Austin this month. She says her hobbies -- a good morning run, digging around in the backyard garden, and traveling -- remind her to be grateful for the world around her.
And we're grateful to have you on our team, Kelly!
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Wellness Fest Hands Out Trophies, Prizes, and Fun!
Congratulations to the ACC Exercise Stars of 2024! They racked up 888,041 minutes just by adding exercise to their daily routines starting in January. Winners were recently recognized at the 2024 Wellness Fest on the Eastridge campus. Non-competitors enjoyed the event, too, visiting vendors, playing games, and making new friends. Thanks to all who came out! See if we caught you on camera, and read more about the event on our wellness website!
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Past happyhr newsletters can be viewed on our website here! | | | | |
