Rightsizing Frequently Asked Questions

#	Question	Answer
	How many positions were eliminated on April 10?	On April 10, 2026, HACC eliminated: a. 41 vacant positions b. 87 filled positions Positions were eliminated across the College.
	Were the faculty involved in the rightsizing?	Two faculty members were retrenched. Retrenchment is the elimination or reduction of faculty positions due to institutional financial consideration, service reductions, enrollment decline and/or program reduction, rather than individual performance.
	Why is HACC making these changes?	HACC has been reviewing its divisional structures to ensure they support the College’s current operational needs and long-term priorities. These changes are intended to strengthen how we deliver on our mission and position the College for continued success.
	What does “rightsizing” mean?	“Rightsizing” means aligning HACC’s workforce with the roles and responsibilities needed to support its updated organizational structure and strategic priorities, academic mission, student needs and available resources.
	What changes are being made?	HACC divisions reviewed their structures and developed updated organizational charts. In some cases, roles may change, remain vacant or be eliminated if they are no longer part of the new structure. The Office of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development is conducting a comprehensive review to address institutional financial pressures, including enrollment declines. In addition, the Office of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development analyzed program inefficiencies, market alignment and faculty workload. Where workload cannot be met, retrenchment may be implemented. In addition, programs are being restructured into meta majors aligned with the Guided Pathways model. These efforts reflect a collegewide approach to ensuring long-term sustainability.
	How is rightsizing different from a layoff or furlough?	A layoff occurs when a position is eliminated and an employee’s employment with the College ends. A furlough is a temporary unpaid leave where employees remain employed by the College but are required to take time away from work for a specific period. Rightsizing is adjusting staffing and organizational structures so they are aligned with the College’s current enrollment, programs, services and long-term priorities. This may include reorganizing departments, shifting responsibilities or changing how certain programs or services are staffed.
	How were decisions about positions made?	In consultation with the Office of Human Resources and Organizational Development, divisional leaders reviewed roles and responsibilities to ensure alignment with operational needs and the updated organizational structure.
	Were vacant positions considered as part of the review?	Yes. Vacant positions were included in the review and, in some cases, may remain unfilled based on operational needs.
	How is HACC supporting employees during this transition?	HACC recognizes that organizational change can be challenging. HACC leaders and the Office of Human Resources and Organizational Development are committed to providing clear communication and resources to support employees throughout the transition.
	I heard that the positions of non-faculty employees are being eliminated because the College signed the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and gave faculty substantial raises. Why is the “rightsizing” of the College being placed on our backs? Will faculty be “right-sized?”	The College’s rightsizing is not a direct result of the faculty union contract. The rightsizing stems from a combination of long-term enrollment declines, flat revenue, rising operational costs and the loss of one-time federal COVID-19 funds. While we have made strides in retention, these incremental gains have not offset the financial pressures facing the institution. This is a collegewide impact - not one placed solely on non-faculty employees. Faculty are also being affected through retrenchment, program closures and unfilled vacancies. We are navigating these challenges together in a fiercely competitive environment.
	How will I know if my position is affected?	Employees whose positions are affected were contacted directly by their supervisor and/or the Office of Human Resources and Organizational Development. During these conversations, employees received information about next steps and available resources.
	When will employees be notified?	Affected employees were notified the morning of April 10.
	What support will be available to employees whose positions were eliminated?	Employees whose positions were eliminated will receive information about available resources, including our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), benefits information and guidance on exploring other opportunities.
	Can employees whose positions were eliminated apply for other positions within HACC?	Yes. Impacted employees are encouraged to review open positions and apply for roles for which they qualify. Faculty will follow the CBA retrenchment process.
	What happens to my benefits if my position was eliminated?	Employer-sponsored benefits will remain active through the last day of the month of separation. After that time, coverage will terminate. You may have the option to continue certain benefits through COBRA or other continuation programs. Additional information regarding benefit continuation will be mailed to you directly from HACC’s COBRA vendor, Inspira.
	What will happen to my final pay if my position was eliminated through the rightsizing process?	Employees whose positions were eliminated through the rightsizing process will receive all wages earned through their final day of employment in accordance with the College’s regular payroll schedule and normal payroll practices.
	Will I receive severance if my position was eliminated through the rightsizing process?	Yes. Eligible full-time employees whose positions were eliminated as part of the rightsizing process may be offered severance equal to two weeks of base salary plus one additional week of base salary for each completed year of full-time service, subject to the terms of a Separation Agreement and General Release and other applicable conditions.
	Will I be paid for unused vacation or other accrued leave if my position was rightsized?	Eligible employees will receive payment for unused accrued vacation time through their last day of employment in accordance with SGP 814.
	What do I need to do before my last day of employment?	Employees will be asked to complete a separation checklist, return College property (including keys, employee identification, laptops and any other College-owned items) to the Safety and Security Department and finish any remaining responsibilities before their final day of employment. Employees working remotely who are unable to return items on their last day will receive additional instructions in their separation letter regarding the return deadline.
	My position was not eliminated. Will these changes affect my role or responsibilities?	Some roles or reporting relationships may change as divisions implement updated structures. Leaders will communicate directly with employees about any changes affecting their roles or teams.
	Will additional work be assigned to remaining employees?	As teams transition to the updated structure, leaders will review responsibilities and priorities to ensure work is distributed appropriately.
	Will there be opportunities for growth or new responsibilities?	Yes, organizational changes can create opportunities for employees to develop new skills and/or take on new responsibilities as teams evolve.
	Will additional hiring occur?	Future hiring decisions will be based on operational needs and the updated organizational structure. While the College is rightsizing, the institution must continue to align with market demand, which requires some strategic hiring where necessary.
	Who reviewed and approved these changes?	Divisional leaders developed proposed structures and reviewed them with the College president and the Office of Human Resources and Organizational Development to ensure alignment with HACC’s goals and policies.
	How was fairness ensured in the process?	The review process followed HACC policies and applicable labor agreements. The Office of Human Resources and Organizational Development worked with leaders throughout the process to support consistency and compliance.
	Were labor agreements considered?	Yes. Employees covered by labor agreements will be treated in accordance with the applicable provisions of those agreements.
	Why can’t leaders discuss individual decisions?	Personnel matters are confidential. Leaders are not able to discuss decisions related to individual employees.
	What is the breakdown of positions that were eliminated by campus and program?	As HACC follows a One-College model, many employees can be asked to work on any of our five campuses. The response to this question can be found on this webpage.
	When was the union notified of potential layoffs?	All HACC employees were notified about position eliminations on April 10, 2026. In addition, the retrenchment of faculty followed the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Therefore, the two retrenched faculty were notified according to the CBA prior to April 10, 2026.
	Are part-time student employment opportunities being eliminated?	HACC values the dedication of our student employees and the important role they play in serving our campus community. In addition, student employment remains a key part of how we deliver services. We are committed to continuing these opportunities as we build a more flexible staffing model. As the College aligns its service hours with current student demand, some positions may see changes in available hours in the upcoming semester. Students whose roles or hours are affected will be notified by their supervisor. We encourage student employees to contact their supervisor regarding their schedule and any available opportunities going forward.