Austin Community College District (ACC) instituted new guidelines for hiring managers to follow to ensure compliance with the Texas code that gives preferential consideration to applicants who are military veterans or former foster children. 

Under Texas Code Section 657, veterans can request preferred status in the application process. An individual who qualifies for a military employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with a state agency over other applicants who do not have a greater qualification. 

This preference also applies to veterans’ surviving spouses who have not remarried and orphans of veterans who were killed on active duty.

Similarly, Texas Code Section 672 requires ACC and other state agencies to give employment preference to former foster youth over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. For eligibility, the applicant must have been in the permanent managing conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services on the day preceding the individual’s 18th birthday, and if the individual is 25 years of age or younger.

Supervisors will receive an email containing additional details soon. 

Click here to learn more about the processes for determining eligibility and incorporating preference into hiring practices.  

For questions, email [email protected].