Ask Staff Council

Answers from Cabinet members to recent questions will be posted here as they become available.

2/4/26

Q: Why is there not standardization of of salary ranges across job titles? For example, why is the pay range for an assistant director in one office $55-57k, when an assistant director position in another office was listed as $65-75k? This seems like a big discrepancy.

A: From HR: Our commitment to external equity means that our compensation practices align with what similar roles earn at comparable organizations. Some roles with similar title levels may be compensated differently based on market demand and the specialized skills required. For example, two assistant directors may have similar leadership expectations, but compensation can vary depending on the specific functions and skills required for the area they lead. 

Q: How can an employee get a copy of their job description? Was the employee doing the job consulted when the job description was created, or was it based solely on a supervisor’s vision of the role? When do ongoing ‘other duties as assigned’ warrant a review and increase in compensation?

A: From HR: Employees can ask for their job description at any time by emailing HR@coloradocollege.edu. Job descriptions may be updated as roles evolve. This commonly occurs during a vacancy review, but supervisors may also revise descriptions as responsibilities change. These updates often include collaboration and input from the employee currently in the role.

CC uses salary surveys to determine appropriate pay ranges for each role, based on the position’s essential functions. If core responsibilities shift enough to change the match in our salary surveys, the position’s band may also adjust either up or down. Generally, “other duties as assigned” make up less than 15% of a role and usually do not affect its salary band. However, if one of these duties grows enough to become an essential function of the job, it would prompt a review and possible adjustment.

Q: Are there plans to incorporate upward feedback, allowing staff to share input on their supervisors in a way that supports professional development and organizational improvement?

A: From HR: We continue to explore the best way to support meaningful upward feedback. We’ve partnered with several staff groups to consider how employees can share input in ways that feel both confidential and actionable. So far, many staff have shared that they feel comfortable offering positive feedback through surveys and other tools, but are more hesitant to provide constructive feedback given that small teams might make confidentiality challenging.

You can email hr@coloradocollege.edu or connect confidentially with any member of the HR team to share any ideas on how to design an approach that feels safe, is useful, and aligned with our values.

1/17/26

Q: Was Staff Council aware of the changes to the Staff Handbook and implementation of an NDA that was sent out last week? I know I am not alone in my discomfort surrounding these, and am grateful for the support of the faculty in opposing the language, roll out, and lack of communication leading up to these documents. Knowing that the deadline is upon us and we have yet to hear further communication from the College, what is next? If we do not sign, do we lose our job on the spot? What is Staff Council doing to make sure that these concerns are heard and addressed?

A: Thank you for reaching out to Staff Council. The NDA policy that was sent by HR was not a policy that Staff Council was aware of before the campus rollout, but we have been working with the FEC and with HR to address several concerns that have been expressed. Just before winter break began, the Staff Council Co-Chairs met with HR to discuss communication strategies for future rollouts and to address the wording and seeming urgency of this particular request. At the time of our meeting, HR had already addressed some of the concerns in the follow-up email and Debi O'Connor has asked that if anyone still has any questions or concerns to please reach out so that she can address those directly. Moving forward, Staff Council is appoiniting 2 representatives to meet with the FEC and members of HR to discuss this policy and to continue to advocate for staff concerns.

5/29/25

Q: On May 29th two high school graduations occurred simultaneously, both in Shove and Robson arena, without notice to campus stakeholders. The events caused traffic issues and dangers as well as parking chaos for permit holders because there were no road closures or police presence. Community attendees were parking in places where campus employees pay for permits (and for some, those permits have become more expensive). I support the college's partnership with community events but given that these events are not the first in the college's history, I'm dismayed at their lack of organization and seeming lack of respect for those employees who work at CC year round. What is College leadership's plan to improve the college events planning process in the future so they can be inclusive of all variables, decision-makers, and humans impacted?

A: All external guests are required to pay for parking on campus, and the location of external guests' parking is determined by parking services.

*Please note: Previous Ask Staff Council question posts have been archived but are available upon request to StaffCouncil@coloradocollege.edu