Join Adam Mikeal, Chief Information Security Officer, and Kyle Levenick, Program Director for IT Security & Risk, for an in-depth look into IT Security & Risk and how it impacts the university, our students and our employees.Adam Mikeal is the Chief Information Security Officer and an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University. Following an undergraduate degree in history and music, he shifted to Computer Science, leading to a Masters focused on human-computer interaction and digital libraries. The office of the CISO is responsible for securing the digital assets of the largest public research university in the US, with a student population of over 79,000 and annual research expenditures of over $1.4 billion. As the Program Director for IT Security & Risk at Texas A&M University, Kyle Levenick plays a pivotal role in developing and executing comprehensive security strategies to protect institutional data and systems. With a Master of Science in Psychology and over a decade of experience in higher education IT, Kyle's expertise spans people, product, and project management, vendor relations, and the implementation of cutting-edge security solutions. His work blends technical expertise with a collaborative approach to cybersecurity, fostering a secure and resilient IT environment.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.

Staff are encouraged to attend the next University Staff Council (USC) meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 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.

Working Genius identifies the six fundamental activities that are required for any type of work and provides a simple framework for how work gets done. Too many people feel frustrated, underutilized or misunderstood at work. Far too many teams experience failure, feel stuck or are confused because they don't know how to tap into the people around them. Working Genius is changing the way people are thinking about their work and teams, and is leading to more dignified, fulfilled and successful work. This course is designed to:Introduce the Working Genius Model Provide a language and framework for how we all fit together in the process of getting work done Explore how to use the model to raise team's productivity by tapping into the genius of those around them Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=11356) by 9/3/25.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=2114683) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

When facing persistent, resistant challenges, leaders often surrender to poor results or invest in change efforts that waste time and resources. And yet it's possible to influence behavior with surprisingly predictable success. For the past thirty years, Crucial Learning has studied leaders with a proven ability to influence rapid, profound and sustainable change. And here's what they know: human behavior is grounded in six sources of influence. Effective leaders know how to leverage and apply these sources of influence to solve everyday leadership challenges. Crucial Influence® teaches leadership skills that are essential to leaders at every level. Drawing on five decades of social science research and work with successful leaders around the world, the Crucial Influence Model reveals why people do what they do and how all leaders—from aspiring leaders to top executives—can influence others for lasting results. Crucial Influence is an engaging classroom course rich with group discussion, real-time practice, and group support and coaching. Delivered in one day, this in-person course offers the best in traditional learning and development. Learning ObjectivesIdentify influence challenges keeping you from results. Clarify vital behaviors that lead to desired outcomes. Motivate and enable others with six sources of influence. Transform organizational culture and secure results. Lead with Influence. Register via TrainTraq (https://traintraq.tamus.edu/SectionDetails.aspx?snum=12000) by September 4th.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=2114687) page and click on the Upcoming Sections tab to explore other available options.

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=11743) Find upcoming retirement events on the HROE webpage. (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/retirement/index.html)

Managers' Minutes Meet UpWhen: Thursday, September 18 | 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.Where: Rudy's BBQ  Join fellow Texas A&M managers for a fun and casual morning of food, connection, and conversation! What to Expect: A free breakfast taco & drink for each attendee  A short, inspiring Leadership Lens talk  Small group discussions to share ideas and experiences  Networking and social time with your peers Space is limited! Only the first 50 RSVPs will be guaranteed a spot. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and recharge with fellow managers!Reserve your spot! (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjQbk8ozeTHEelzksket-s72TdcCpAvs54sW4zc0HuI0RdBg/viewform?usp=header)

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 September 9th.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.

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 September 9th.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.

Trust is the foundation of high-performing teams. Learn practical strategies for creating a space where honest feedback and open dialogue can thrive.   Additional topics include:Onboarding Graduate Assistants (Alyce Odasso) Driving Your Career Forward (Organizational Development) Wellness Fair (Living Well) Register HERE (https://tamu.zoom.us/meeting/register/aJTWhaOLRmWHWrqWN5s1Lw). Visit the Managers' Minutes website (https://employees.tamu.edu/talent-management/Managers-Minutes/index.html).

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.

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.

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.

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 & Communications Officer, for a one-hour speaker series. 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. Reporting to University President General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, a former member of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, 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.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.

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)