Join Kelly Wellman, Sustainability Director, for an update on sustainability at Texas A&M. At a large university, thousands of small daily decisions—from what we print to how we commute—add up to significant environmental and social impacts. Sustainability doesn't require major lifestyle overhauls; it begins right at your desk, in your office, lab, or vehicle. Join this session to learn about the university's sustainability performance and discover practical, easy-to-implement actions that not only reduce your environmental footprint but also improve efficiency, support university goals, and enhance well-being in your workplace.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.Kelly Wellman is the Sustainability Director at Texas A&M University (TAMU), where she leads key initiatives, collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to advance a comprehensive sustainability program, oversees the Aggie Green Fund, and guides implementation of the university's Sustainability Master Plan. She holds a BS in Geography with an Environmental Studies emphasis from TAMU (1995), an MBA from the University of Phoenix (2006), and a Master of Jurisprudence in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy from TAMU School of Law (2023).

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=11750) Find upcoming retirement events on the HROE webpage. (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/retirement/index.html)

Staff are encouraged to attend the next University Staff Council (USC) meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:30 a.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.