Austin Community College District (ACC) held its November Virtual Employee Town Hall on Friday, November 7. Nearly 1,100 employees tuned in to hear updates from College leadership and Theory of Change design teams.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the significant challenges and painful transitions employees have faced this year, particularly in Student Affairs. Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart affirmed the College’s commitment to moving forward, using the analogy of a ship rising from the bottom of the ocean toward its North Star.

Below are some highlights from the Town Hall discussion:

Market & Classification Studies

The comprehensive market study is now complete, and the classification study is nearly finished. The recommendations from Guidehouse were complicated, and leadership wanted to understand the data and needed some time to determine how to implement the recommendations.

The market study found that the College is at or above market rate in almost every employee area when benchmarked against peer institutions and other expensive U.S. cities, helped by the raises implemented over the last three years. The College remains committed to raising the lowest wage levels rather than increasing compression at the highest levels.

Based on the study findings, a total of 100-200 jobs are expected to be reclassified, resulting in a pay adjustment. This will add $1 million to $1.2 million to the budget. All adjustments will be retroactive to September 1, 2025.

Anyone in a position receiving an adjustment as a result of the reclassification will be notified before the winter break.

Transforming Student Success: Theory of Change Updates

The final two Phase 1 Theory of Change Design Teams presented an overview of their work and recommendations.

Academic Tutoring & Coaching

The College’s current student support systems are fragmented. This leads to delays for students, a lack of coordination, and a gaping chasm between Student Affairs and Instructional departments despite the best efforts of the faculty and staff. The current tutoring and coaching manual referral system is unsustainable while only being used by less than 20% of faculty.

Among its recommendations, the team recommended creating a unified, digital support platform to create a smart referral system. This will be combined with a structured group bringing together Instructional and Student Affairs to ensure students get the help they need, when they need it.

View all of the Academic Tutoring & Coaching Design Team’s final recommendations on the Theory of Change website.

Dual Credit

The Dual Credit Design Team focused on their recommendations to effectively scale the program and ensure quality as it grows, supporting both student outcomes and House Bill 8 requirements.

Key recommendations include:

  • Staffing: Utilize credentialed high school teachers where available to meet demand.
  • Quality Assurance: Implement a collegewide system for reviewing course materials, observing classes, and providing annual professional development, supported by administrative structure.
  • Communication: Launch a new dual credit portal for collaboration between the College and high school partners, along with a dedicated marketing plan for families.
  • Access: Minimize barriers like textbook costs and TSI requirements, and increase students’ access to on-campus supports.
  • Completion: Create a semester-ahead milestone (a sequence of five courses) to encourage and recognize student progress and increase summer and recovery options.

Learn more about the Dual Credit Design Team’s recommendations on the Theory of Change website.

Legislative Updates

Two new state laws will impact College operations. Workgroups have been formed to manage both.

Telework (Senate Bill 2615): This new bill limits telework for state-funded entities. A workgroup with representatives from all employee associations is developing a plan for compliance. The plan will be shared with the Chancellor by February or March. New policies will not go into effect until summer or fall 2026.

Restroom Access (Senate Bill 8): Effective December 4, 2025, this law requires individuals in government-owned buildings to use multi-occupancy facilities that correspond to their gender at birth. An administrative rule has been drafted that emphasizes providing clear access to single-occupancy and family restrooms for all students, employees, and visitors. Campus Planning will continue to evaluate facility needs. The College will share a Q&A and host two in-person forums in the spring to answer questions.

Scholarship Opportunity

An anonymous donor has generously gifted the College $500,000 for scholarships for first-generation college students who are currently classified as out-of-state.

This is a short turnaround opportunity, so employees are asked to help connect eligible students to this fund immediately. Students will receive an email announcing available spring scholarships. Applications are due December 1.

Announcements

  • ACC Holiday Party: Mark your calendars! The employee holiday party is December 19 at 6 p.m. Look for a formal invitation soon.
  • No December Town Hall: Due to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges-related activities and commencement, there will be no Town Hall in December. The next Town Hall meeting will be in January 2026.

View the recording and Q&A transcript on the Virtual Employee Town Hall web page.