Through interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and practical tools, participants will explore the most common sources of workplace conflict, identify their personal conflict-handling style, and learn how to apply best practices for resolution and prevention. The course emphasizes self-awareness, communication, and proactive problem-solving to foster a healthier, more productive work environment. This course is designed to help participants:Identify their preferred strategy for handling conflict. Understand the characteristics and drawbacks of common conflict approaches. Recognize typical sources of workplace conflict. Apply strategies to resolve conflict based on its source. Practice behaviors that minimize tension and promote collaboration. Proactively address issues before they escalate. Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=12167) by September 26th.If the registration deadline has passed or the date for this section doesn't work for you, please visit the Course Details (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/CourseDetails.aspx?cnum=2114904) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

The Employee Wellness Fair is back, and you won't want to miss it! This year, join us eitherin-persononTuesday, Oct. 7at the Student Recreation Center, orvirtuallyonFriday, Oct. 10from anywhere!OR BOTH!In-Person Fair– Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center Entrance near Olsen Field, 187 Corrington Dr., College Station, TX 77843Explore our vendor exhibit hall, enjoy inspiring keynote speakers, connect in breakout sessions, and try exercise & movement classes to boost your well-being.This year, all keynotes, breakout sessions, and movement classes are first-come, first-served.Virtual Fair– Friday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Join keynotes, breakout discussions, and guided movement classes from your desk, a meeting room with coworkers, or anywhere you like.Zoom links and instructions will be emailed closer to the event date to the address you provide when registering.Register for the eventand let us know how you plan to attend. Whether in-person or virtual, you'll have the chance tolearn, connect, and moveto boost your well-being.Learn more details about sessions and register on theLiving Well website.

HROE has revised existing and developed new Standard Administrative Procedures (SAPs) related to staff compensation. Attend an informational session at 11 a.m. Oct. 8 to ask questions and learn about the changes. If you are unable to attend, you may contact your local HROE Hub or hrcomp@tamu.edu (mailto:hrcomp@tamu.edu) for questions regarding this session. The new & updated SAPs may be found in the University Rules and SAPs library (https://rules-saps.tamu.edu/rules-saps-library/) in section 31.

Participants will learn to understand the nature of difficult conversations and the seven stages involved in managing them. The course emphasizes the importance of empathy, preparation, and best practices for initiating and delivering conversations. Through interactive activities and real-life scenarios, learners will practice and refine their skills in a safe and supportive environment. This course is designed to:Understand the nature of difficult conversations and what it takes to handle them. Identify the seven stages of handling difficult conversations. Use empathy to minimize negative responses and strengthen relationships. Apply best practices for preparing, initiating, and delivering the conversation. Discover how to generate solutions and bring the conversation to a close. Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=12165) by October 3rd.If the registration deadline has passed or the date for this section doesn't work for you, please visit the Course Details (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/CourseDetails.aspx?cnum=2114894) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

Discover how leading with purpose and authenticity can create a more connected, motivated, and resilient workplace. This session explores practical ways to align your leadership style with your values - and inspire your team to do the same.  Additional topics include:What's in a Resume?: Tips for Reviewing Applicants (Talent Management) SAP updates from Classification & Compensation Register HERE (https://tamu.zoom.us/meeting/register/aJTWhaOLRmWHWrqWN5s1Lw). Visit the Managers' Minutes website (https://employees.tamu.edu/talent-management/Managers-Minutes/index.html).

The Employee Wellness Fair is back, and you won't want to miss it! This year, join usvirtuallyonFriday, Oct. 10from anywhere!Virtual Fair– Friday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Join keynotes, breakout discussions, and guided movement classes from your desk, a meeting room with coworkers, or anywhere you like.Zoom links and instructions will be emailed closer to the event date to the address you provide when registering.Register for the eventand let us know how you plan to attend. You'll have the chance tolearn, connect, and moveto boost your well-being.Learn more details about sessions and register on theLiving Well website.

Meet with a Benefit & Retirement Specialist if you have questions about:Retirement Eligibility & Savings - We can help you figure out when you are eligible to retire and understand the resources offered to you through your employment to get you financially prepared for retirement. Beneficiary Designation - Need to update or add beneficiaries? Benefit & Retirement Services can help you set up life insurance beneficiaries in Workday. Additional Benefits - The Texas A&M University System health plan has a vast assortment of benefits available to you. Let us help you understand these benefits and decide which program is most beneficial to you and your family. Qualifying Life Events - Experience a life change? We can help you make the corresponding change to your benefits in Workday. All changes must be made within 31 days of a qualifying life event. Upcoming Events - Benefit & Retirement Services strives to provide ample opportunities for education on our programs. Learn about our upcoming events! Other Benefit Related Items - We are here for you! If you have a question or just want to chat about your benefits, stop by! We would love to see you.

Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, you'll explore the power of curiosity, identify professional development opportunities, and learn how to overcome common barriers to growth. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step, this course will help you create a personalized plan to move forward with confidence.Explore the Power of Curiosity: Learn how curiosity fuels innovation in healthcare and education. Identify Skill Gaps: Understand the evolving demands of the dental profession and how to stay ahead. Discover Development Opportunities: Access resources like LinkedIn Learning, mentorship, and specialized training. Overcome Barriers: Learn strategies to tackle common challenges like time, cost, and complacency. Take Action: Leave with a personalized commitment to one small step toward your growth. Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=12162) by October 13th.If the registration deadline has passed or the date for this section doesn't work for you, please visit the Course Details (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/CourseDetails.aspx?cnum=2114915) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

Meet with a Benefit & Retirement Specialist if you have questions about:Retirement Eligibility & Savings - We can help you figure out when you are eligible to retire and understand the resources offered to you through your employment to get you financially prepared for retirement. Beneficiary Designation - Need to update or add beneficiaries? Benefit & Retirement Services can help you set up life insurance beneficiaries in Workday. Additional Benefits - The Texas A&M University System health plan has a vast assortment of benefits available to you. Let us help you understand these benefits and decide which program is most beneficial to you and your family. Qualifying Life Events - Experience a life change? We can help you make the corresponding change to your benefits in Workday. All changes must be made within 31 days of a qualifying life event. Upcoming Events - Benefit & Retirement Services strives to provide ample opportunities for education on our programs. Learn about our upcoming events! Other Benefit Related Items - We are here for you! If you have a question or just want to chat about your benefits, stop by! We would love to see you.

Planning for retirement and choosing the right plan for you and your family can be overwhelming. There is a lot at stake, and it is important that you understand all of your options, as well as the laws and regulations governing the distribution of your benefits once you leave Texas A&M University. Make plans to attend one of our group workshops for pre-retirement counseling. These workshops are not one-on-one sessions, but you will have the opportunity to ask questions. As a participant, you will receive information as to what forms you will need to complete to get you started and to better understand your retirement benefits. Registration is required through: Traintraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=11767) Find upcoming retirement events on the HROE webpage. (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/retirement/index.html)

Join R. Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, for an inside look at how Texas A&M is elevating its reputation and impact on the national stage through disciplined brand building. Based on the principles of his signature Keynote presentation, Building a Brand That Matters, discover how the university is translating its core values into bold storytelling, innovative partnerships, and creative expressions that make Texas A&M impossible to overlook. Learn how staff across campus play a vital role in shaping the Aggie story, from the everyday choices we make to the way we share our work with the world. This session will connect you to the vision behind our brand, highlight recent successes, and offer practical ways you can help Texas A&M be recognized not just as the best in the nation, but the best for it.This will be aone-hour presentation before the USC Meeting. The series can be attended in person at the General Services Complex in Room 101A or via Zoom. For nearly two decades, R. Ethan Braden has built brands and teams that people love and trust. Today, he serves as Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Texas A&M University, where he and his team are shaping the national narrative around one of America's most storied and consequential institutions. Ethan leads the effort to position, promote, and protect the largest land-grant university in the nation, elevating Texas A&M's reputation, relevance, and reach. Prior to Texas A&M, Ethan served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University and Purdue Global, where he helped transform Purdue into a nationally recognized marketing powerhouse. Under his leadership, Purdue earned three Fast Company "Brands That Matter" honors and was named #1 in education on Fast Company's 2023 Most Innovative Companies list, the only university included. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Ethan has spoken at Salesforce's Dreamforce and Connections, Adweek's Brand Week, Google Marketing Live, and keynoted Content Marketing World, where he was named B2C Content Marketer of the Year (2023). He was also named "Marketer of the Year" in higher education by the American Marketing Association (2020), and his work has been featured in Ad Age, The Washington Post, Morning Brew, and NPR, which dubbed him "the top dog in higher ed marketing." Before entering higher education, Ethan spent nearly a decade at Eli Lilly and Company, leading global marketing efforts for billion-dollar brands including Cymbalta and Jardiance. He holds a BA from Willamette University, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and lives in College Station, Texas, with his wife and three children.

Staff are encouraged to attend the next University Staff Council (USC) meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 2:30 p.m. (immediately following the Common Grounds Series) in person at the General Services Complex in Room 101 or via Zoom. The vision of the USC is to help staff feel supported, included and valued at Texas A&M University, where we live the Aggie Core Values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service. Come to the meeting and let your voice be heard or learn more about what the USC is doing for you. You may access full meeting minutes from previous meetings on the USC website.

From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, every generation brings something valuable. Learn how to flex your leadership style to bridge communication and motivation across age groups.  Additional topics include:Checking Your Benefit Dates (Benefit & Retirement Services) Register HERE (https://tamu.zoom.us/meeting/register/aJTWhaOLRmWHWrqWN5s1Lw). Visit the Managers' Minutes website (https://employees.tamu.edu/talent-management/Managers-Minutes/index.html).

Planning for retirement and choosing the right plan for you and your family can be overwhelming. There is a lot at stake, and it is important that you understand all of your options, as well as the laws and regulations governing the distribution of your benefits once you leave Texas A&M University. Make plans to attend one of our group workshops for pre-retirement counseling. These workshops are not one-on-one sessions, but you will have the opportunity to ask questions. As a participant, you will receive information as to what forms you will need to complete to get you started and to better understand your retirement benefits. Registration is required through: Traintraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=11744) Find upcoming retirement events on the HROE webpage. (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/retirement/index.html)

This presentation will focus on the Texa$aver 457(b) Plan. It will include a brief discussion of pension and Social Security benefits, highlighting how they fit into the overall state retirement picture. The session will then provide a comprehensive overview of the Texa$aver program and explain how it, along with outside savings, can help participants retire from the state without significantly reducing their quality of life.Registration (https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8ba4acc3-16be-47b8-a93e-a44e83018dc6@68f381e3-46da-47b9-ba57-6f322b8f0da1) is required. Visit Upcoming Retirement and Financial Planning Events (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/retirement/index.html) to see a full list of events and resources.

Any manager who's struggled to close a significant performance gap or anyone who has ever walked out of an annual review feeling like they've just been processed rather than prioritized knows there's nothing easy about it. Performance management is about addressing behavior routinely and consistently. It's about candidly coaching through challenges and fostering a culture of accountability for lapses in behavior. It's about identifying goals, fast-tracking careers, and in the process, improving the bottom line. The good news is these accountability skills are replicable and learnable. We're all just a few crucial skills away from learning how to manage people and performance daily and directly. Crucial Conversations for Accountability is an engaging classroom course rich with group discussion, real-time practice, and group support and coaching.Learning ObjectivesMaster performance discussions. Manage projects without taking over. Reach alignment when stakes are high and opinions vary. Strengthen trust and reliability. Apply multiple sources of influence. Get results and improve relationships. Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=11986) by October 31st.If the registration deadline has passed or the date for this section doesn't work for you, please visit the Course Details (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/CourseDetails.aspx?cnum=2114686) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

Social Security 101 This session offers a comprehensive overview of Social Security and Medicare benefits for pre-retirees. Topics will include eligibility for retirement benefits, the impact of early retirement, disability, survivors and spouse benefits, strategies to maximize benefits, and guidance on when to file for Medicare. Participants will gain valuable insights into important considerations for planning a secure retirement.Registration (https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fee07b00-9d4c-4012-afbf-a332f94a8e0d@68f381e3-46da-47b9-ba57-6f322b8f0da1) is required. Visit Upcoming Retirement and Financial Planning Events (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/retirement/index.html) to see a full list of events and resources.

Performance evaluations begin soon! Join our online workshop on supervisory best practices for the performance management process.Prerequisites: NoneObjectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:Differentiate between performance management and performance appraisal Establish SMART performance goals and clarify performance expectations Provide ongoing feedback and support to maintain high performance standards Use Texas A&M University's behavioral competencies and rating criteria while avoiding unintentional rating bias Identify approaches to recognize and reward performance Register in TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=12161) by October 31st.

Any manager who's struggled to close a significant performance gap or anyone who has ever walked out of an annual review feeling like they've just been processed rather than prioritized knows there's nothing easy about it. Performance management is about addressing behavior routinely and consistently. It's about candidly coaching through challenges and fostering a culture of accountability for lapses in behavior. It's about identifying goals, fast-tracking careers, and in the process, improving the bottom line. The good news is these accountability skills are replicable and learnable. We're all just a few crucial skills away from learning how to manage people and performance daily and directly. Crucial Conversations for Accountability is an engaging classroom course rich with group discussion, real-time practice, and group support and coaching.Learning ObjectivesMaster performance discussions. Manage projects without taking over. Reach alignment when stakes are high and opinions vary. Strengthen trust and reliability. Apply multiple sources of influence. Get results and improve relationships. Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=11986) by October 31st.If the registration deadline has passed or the date for this section doesn't work for you, please visit the Course Details (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/CourseDetails.aspx?cnum=2114686) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

Delegation isn't just a time-saver-it's a developmental tool. Explore how to delegate effectively while building team capacity and trust.  Additional topics include:SAP Updates from Classification & Compensation Biweekly Payroll: Timesheet submission/approval, deadlines, pay schedules (Payroll Services) Register HERE (https://tamu.zoom.us/meeting/register/aJTWhaOLRmWHWrqWN5s1Lw). Visit the Managers' Minutes website (https://employees.tamu.edu/talent-management/Managers-Minutes/index.html).