More than 1,300 Austin Community College District (ACC) employees joined the Virtual Employee Town Hall on Friday, September 4. The town hall included shoutouts, updates on key initiatives across the College, and a preview of General Assembly.

Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart kicked off the town hall by asking employees to share any experiences they had over the summer that affirmed the College’s work. You can add yours in the comments below.

Russell also shared his appreciation for the design and rollout of new digital signage across all our campuses, the work of the First-Year Experience team, and Student Life’s successful Welcome Week. He recognized the faculty and staff who volunteered to help our students during Welcome Riverbats days and shared how much he enjoys learning from students as he helps them. 

Employee Compensation & Classification

Leadership addressed recent communications regarding staff job title changes that were sent in error based on preliminary information. It was emphasized that no pay is being reduced, these steps are not part of a performance process, and nothing has been entered into Workday. Read more about the Compensation & Classification updates here.

Adjunct Faculty Association Restructuring

Russell remarked on the decision to temporarily pause active operations for the Adjunct Faculty Association (AFA) to restructure and strengthen shared governance. He assured employees that adjunct faculty will maintain a strong voice and remain active on committees throughout this process. Tri-chairs Anaka Rivera, Ruth Reinhart, and Missi Patterson are leading the AFA restoration project to analyze bylaws and establish best practices so adjunct faculty are effectively represented. Read the full update on the Adjunct Faculty Association here.

Telework Update

An update was provided on the College’s updated telework guidelines, which focus on improving student service, supporting operational needs, and offering flexibility where feasible under requirements outlined by State law. Leadership acknowledged the challenges and adjustments associated with returning to in-person collaboration across campuses. Read the full Telework FAQ and guidance from the Chancellor’s Office here.

Upward Evaluation

More than 2,710 employees participated in ACC’s baseline Upward Evaluation. These evaluations are designed to help demonstrate institutional trustworthiness by responding to and taking action on confidential feedback. HR Professional Development Director Lora Delgado presented some of the results:

  • Key Strengths: Value-based leadership scored the highest overall, with 91% of respondents stating their manager treats them with respect. Building teams also scored high.
  • Areas for Focus: Operational efficiency, decision-making clarity, talent practices, and strategic planning emerged as key growth areas.
  • Next Steps: Over 321 managers have already begun developing goals and action plans based on ongoing training sessions. To avoid the end-of-semester rush, future upward evaluations will launch earlier in the spring semester, shortly after spring break.

General Assembly 2026

Faculty Senate President Dr. Kisha Barrett and Facilities Maintenance and Operations Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Michael Garcia encouraged all staff and faculty to attend the upcoming in-person General Assembly. The reimagined event will feature interactive sessions on topics such as the Theory of Change, Institutional Effectiveness Report Card, and the College’s AI TRUST Framework. More connection points include a resource fair, a vintage T-shirt giveaway, food, and swag. Doors open at 8 a.m., with official programming starting at 9 a.m. Employees are encouraged to carpool or take public transportation. 

Employees can RSVP on the General Assembly webpage.

Watch the Full Recording: To view the Q&A or rewatch the town hall recording, visit the ACC Town Hall webpage.