Breakout Sessions and Activities

Take Control of Your Stress
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (STEM 131)

Finding a healthy and productive way to cope with the inevitable stress in our lives is important for our immediate and long-term health. Join this webinar to learn strategies and techniques to support stress management and self-care, including implementing the 4 A’s (avoid, alA's, adapt, or accept).

Ready for a Career Boost? Let's Countdown from 10 ...
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (STEM 143)

This is a resume-building workshop to help job seekers rocket to the top of the pile with ten solid tips and lots of personalized discussions. It is lively and engaging with an astronaut theme.

Morning Stretch with MK
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (STEM 242)

Stretching, light yoga (to include partner yoga), and tai chi. Modifications will be given for all ability levels. Some work will be done on the floor.

Internship Jam Session: Amplifying Student Success
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (STEM 145) 

Get ready to turn up the volume on student development with the Mays Center's high-energy session on student internship possibilities. In harmony with the Employee Development Day’s music festival theme, this interactive training will show faculty and staff how to help students hit the right notes on their career journeys through internships. This session will break down the essentials of internships—what they are, why they matter, and how they serve as a backstage pass to real-world experience. Using data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, we’ll show how internships strike a chord with employers, with over 64% preferring candidates who have relevant work experience. We’ll spotlight campus “instruments” like Handshake, Career Advisors, and networking events that help students get stage-ready for the professional world. Attendees will groove together in a brief collaborative activity designed to explore employer expectations and brainstorm how to coach students in finding their career rhythm. By the final encore, participants will leave inspired and equipped to support students in turning up the volume on their internship potential.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Navigating the AI Maze in Academia
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (STEM 161)

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the landscape of higher education, university professors are uniquely positioned to harness its potential for groundbreaking research and innovative pedagogy. "From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Navigating the AI Maze in Academia" is a hands-on professional development session designed to empower faculty with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate AI into their research workflows. Participants will learn about current AI tools for literature reviews, academic writing, and collaboration. The session includes interactive demonstrations and real-world examples, allowing attendees to practice these skills directly. We will also cover important topics like ethical concerns, best practices, and strategies for maintaining academic integrity when using AI. By the end of the session, participants will have practical experience and a clear understanding of how to integrate AI responsibly and effectively into their research, helping to foster innovation and excellence in higher education.

Connection Tour
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (CAB Game Room)

An energizing, competition-driven networking experience designed to break the ice, spark conversations, and strengthen bonds across teams. Participants will embark on a series of fun, fast-paced challenges where collaboration is key and connections are the ultimate prize. Whether you're teaming with familiar faces or meeting new colleagues for the first time, this session turns networking into an adventure, proving that a little friendly competition is the perfect way to build lasting professional relationships.

10 Strategies For Improving Finances
11 - 11:50 a.m.
In-Person (STEM 166)

The current economic climate brings both challenges and opportunities from a financial perspective. During these challenging times, you may wonder, "What should I be most careful about?" and "What should my family and I work towards?" The 10 financial tips discussed in this workshop will get you on the road to financial well-being during challenging times.

Take Control of Your Stress
1 - 1:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 131)

Finding a healthy and productive way to cope with the inevitable stress in our lives is important for both our immediate and long-term health. Join this webinar to learn strategies and techniques to support stress management and self-care, including the implementation of the 4 A’s (avoid, alter, adapt, or accept).

When Being Accessible is Being Compliant: Preparing for the New ADA Requirements
1 - 1:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 166)

This session, developed for faculty and staff, will provide insight into complying with the ADA requirements, which mandate that all public-facing documents be accessible. Participants will leave with an understanding of the legal mandate, some easy accessibility tools, and a preview of upcoming training.

Connection Tour
1 - 1:50 p.m.
In-Person (CAB Game Room)

An energizing, competition-driven networking experience designed to break the ice, spark conversations, and strengthen bonds across teams. Participants will embark on a series of fun, fast-paced challenges where collaboration is key and connections are the ultimate prize. Whether you're teaming up with familiar faces or meeting new colleagues for the first time, this session turns networking into an adventure, proving that a little friendly competition is the perfect way to build lasting professional relationships.

The Write Stuff: Sharpening Your Professional Writing
1 - 1:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 169) 

Sharpen your everyday professional writing. We'll explore writing effective emails, creating clear and concise presentations, and effectively telling a story. With practical tips on writing and editing, an overview of some A&M-SA editorial guidelines, and tips on enhancing your professional writing skills, this should have something for everyone. Writers and non-writers alike should walk away with some practical tools.

Weaving Wellbeing into Our Lives
2 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 131)

Our well-being goes beyond just our physical health. It includes five interconnected elements: career, social, financial, physical, and community well-being. Join this webinar to learn more about each element, how to recognize them in our lives, and how we can thrive in each to enhance overall well-being.

Ready for a Career Boost? Let's Countdown from 10 ...
2 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 143)

This is a resume-building workshop to help job seekers rocket to the top of the pile with ten solid tips and lots of personalized discussions. It is lively and engaging with an astronaut theme.

Move Beyond Good Posture to Prevent Pain
2 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 161)

Is too much sitting contributing to your chronic aches and pains? Spending hours at a desk can lead to pain throughout the upper body and lower back. Proper posture is essential, but it’s only the first step towards improving back and neck health. Join Airrosti for an interactive workshop to learn simple techniques for reducing strain, improving range of motion, and increasing strength. We’ll also provide a conservative care option to help stop pain at the source.

Connection Tour
2 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (CAB Game Room)

An energizing, competition-driven networking experience designed to break the ice, spark conversations, and strengthen bonds across teams. Participants will embark on a series of fun, fast-paced challenges where collaboration is key and connections are the ultimate prize. Whether you're teaming up with familiar faces or meeting new colleagues for the first time, this session turns networking into an adventure, proving that a little friendly competition is the perfect way to build lasting professional relationships.

When Being Accessible is Being Compliant: Preparing for the New ADA Requirements
2 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 166)

This session, developed for faculty and staff, will provide insight into complying with the ADA requirements, which mandate that all public-facing documents be accessible. Participants will leave with an understanding of the legal mandate, some easy accessibility tools, and a preview of upcoming training.

Mastering Crucial Conversations: Tools for High-Stakes Dialogue 
1 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 143) 

Do you want to have the tools needed to engage in a crucial conversation at the ready? If so, this session is for you! Drawing from the bestselling book Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, attendees will learn what constitutes a crucial conversation, signs to recognize when a conversation has turned crucial, and how to best prepare to ensure the conversation is a success. Although the book cannot be covered in its entirety, attendees will receive a high-level overview of how to engage in a difficult conversation confidently and prepared.

Fire Safety: How You Can Prevent a Disaster
1 - 2:50 p.m.
In-Person (STEM 242) 

This class equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to safely determine when and how to use a handheld fire extinguisher. Topics include the basic origins of fire and effective methods for eliminating its essential components. The course concludes with a virtual, hands-on fire extinguisher simulation, allowing participants to apply what they've learned in a realistic scenario.