Professional Development
Employee Development Day is Friday, October 27, 2023
Theme: Wellness Works & Employee Perks: A Day of Learning & Well-Being
Sessions have limited seating. To ensure availability, employees are encouraged to sign up using AlamoTALENT registration links.
How to register:
- All sessions, including the opening and keynote, require registration through AlamoTALENT. Once you register, you should receive a confirmation email to add to your calendar
- Sessions have registration limits based on room availability and session activity so secure your spot soon
- When registering in AlamoTALENT:
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- Log-into ACES
- Click on AlamoTALENT
- In the search bar (on top right), type in NLC Employee Development Day
- Sessions should be listed by start time. Find the session you want to register for, select view details, then hit request
- You will receive an email confirmation from AlamoTALENT
Conference style tentative schedule:
- 7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast Paluxy Hall, Bluebonnet Room
- 8:30 am – 9:45 am – Welcome and Opening Remarks (Dr. Veronica Garcia), Bluebonnet Room and Keynote Presentation (Sunny Grosso): Bluebonnet Room “Embrace Positive Change and Embed Behaviors for Lasting Impact”
Breakout Sessions I
10:00 am – 10:50 am
- Financial Health: TRS and Social Security Essentials – presented by Laura F. Redfern, CFP ®, CeFT®
TRS and Social Security will likely form the backbone of your retirement paycheck. In this session, we will take a deep dive into how these benefit systems work together. How benefits are calculated, facts and common myths, and considerations to help you maximize your benefits will be covered. Whether you are just starting to build your retirement foundation or getting close to retiring, this essential info will help! - Information Technology Session 1: Digital Accessibility
Accessibility and Universal Design for learning (UDI). The importance of accessibility in your documents and media and the law. - AI Duality: Synergizing Good Bot and Bad Bot in the Classroom. (NOTE: This presentation will be offered at 10 am and 11 am.) – Dr. Lucinda Flores
Delve into the dynamic world of AI, where the "good bot" aids in personalized learning and support, while the "bad bot" challenges students with constructive feedback and educators with ethical considerations. Explore the practical applications and success stories of integrating these dual AI roles into education, paving the way for a brighter and more adaptable future for students and educators alike. (The presenter will zoom into the classroom) - Soulful Sanctuary
"Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of our Soulful Sanctuary, where ambient lighting and gentle guided meditation will elevate your spirit. Let every breath on our yoga mats become an invitation to serenity and rejuvenation." - Laughter & Game Room
Need a reprieve from the stresses of life? Join us for an hour of fun and games! For those looking to relax and laugh with friends & colleagues, we’ll have games to play indoors around tables. For those looking to enjoy the best of October weather, we’ll have a few outdoor games as well (weather permitting). If you have a favorite game, please feel free to bring it! - Emergency Management – Fire Extinguisher Training
Come join the Live Oak Fire Department in hands-on training for operating fire extinguishers. They will also teach you about common types of fires and fire extinguishers and will be available to answer any questions you may have at the end. - Switching Off: Life Beyond Digital Devices: presented by our partners at Deer Oaks
The modern working world is digitally connected more than ever and we are driven by the rapid advancement of technological growth. This constant contact has transformed working behaviors, compelling workers to be plugged in 24/7.
Following this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the psychological impact of being plugged in 24/7
- Learn simple strategies to unplug digitally and mentally for a healthier and happier life
10:00 am – 11:30 am
- "Cultivating Your Greenhouse: Sustaining Growth and Happiness”. Sunny Grosso This is a 90-minute breakout session
Building upon the inspiration and insights from our previous sessions, our follow-on session aims to reinforce key concepts and provide a deeper understanding of how to sustain growth and happiness within your Greenhouse culture. In this interactive session, we will revisit essential principles, share success stories, and offer practical tools to keep your Greenhouse growing and the ripples of impact flowing.
Breakout Sessions II
11:00 am – 11:50 am
- Making Your ORP Work for You – presented by Phil Lebkuecher, BFA There are many benefits to being in the ORP program, but are you taking advantage of all of them? Tax deferral and employer matching are just the start. Learn how to optimize your ORP, align your investments and strategies to your retirement goals, and make your ORP work for you. BONUS: red flags and costly mistakes will also be covered, so you know what NOT to do.
- AI Duality: Synergizing Good Bot and Bad Bot in the Classroom. (NOTE: This presentation will be offered at 10 am and 11 am.) – Scott D’Amico
Delve into the dynamic world of AI, where the "good bot" aids in personalized learning and support, while the "bad bot" challenges students with constructive feedback and educators with ethical considerations. Explore the practical applications and success stories of integrating these dual AI roles into education, paving the way for a brighter and more adaptable future for students and educators alike (presenter will zoom into the classroom) - “Healthy Eating on a Budget, Xavier Vara, Nutrition Education Coordinator (San Antonio Food Bank)
During this session, there will be a discussion on various ways to manage finances and live well. All within a budget. Following the presentation, there will be a food demonstration of Basil Avocado Toast to showcase practical meal options
- Information Technology - Managing your digital life. Keeping Professional and Private Separate – Les Germer, NLC IT
This session will include an interactive discussion of how to manage both your Personal Digital Life and Professional Digital and keep them separate and secure. Emphasis will be placed on Security, Privacy, and applicable rules and guidelines. -
Switching Off: Life Beyond Digital Devices: presented by our partners at Deer Oaks
The modern working world is digitally connected more than ever and we are driven by the rapid advancement of technological growth. This constant contact has transformed working behaviors, compelling workers to be plugged in 24/7.
Following this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the psychological impact of being plugged in 24/7
- Learn simple strategies to unplug digitally and mentally for a healthier and happier life
- Discover practical ways to reclaim a sense of work-life balance and address existing habits
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Laughter & Game Room
Need a reprieve from the stresses of life? Join us for an hour of fun and games! For those looking to relax and laugh with friends & colleagues, we’ll have games to play indoors around tables. For those looking to enjoy the best of October weather, we’ll have a few outdoor games as well (weather permitting). If you have a favorite game, please feel free to bring it!
- Soulful Sanctuary
"Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of our Soulful Sanctuary, where ambient lighting and gentle guided meditation will elevate your spirit. Let every breath on our yoga mats become an invitation to serenity and rejuvenation." -
Active Shooter/Threat Training w/Sgt. Santos and ACPD. (Sgt. and ACPD)
ACPD officers and Sgt. Santos will review how to respond and react to an active shooter or active threat situation. They will show hands-on techniques for securing your area and will be available for questions. - You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup! (or, It’s Now Time to Prioritize You!), Todd Whitthorne, Health & Wellness Expert
Let’s be honest, the world changed, dramatically, in March 2020. While COVID may no longer be “the lead story,” we all know, and feel, that these are still very challenging times. For folks in leadership positions, whether it be professionally or personally, it’s been difficult navigating through extremely dynamic circumstances. In this presentation, Todd lays out the importance of why investing in yourself is critical if you want to lower stress, avoid burnout, and dramatically improve your ability to lead and influence others. Taking care of you is not selfish. In fact, it’s the antithesis of selfishness since, as we all intuitively know, it's impossible to pour from an empty cup! (not included on the website)
12:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Lunch and Engagement
Paluxy Hall, Bluebonnet Room
Breakout Sessions III
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
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5 Things Retirees Need to Know – presented by Laura F. Redfern, CFP ®, CeFT®
Retirement advice is everywhere, but too much of it is marketing material or misguided information. What do you really need to know? In this session, we’ll discuss retirement realities, including the top 5 essential questions to ask before you retire. We’ll also cover what to expect: “lessons learned” from retirees, pitfalls to avoid, and the actions that can lead to success. - Information Technology: Alamo IT Perks, getting the most out of your Alamo IT benefits – LaTrenda Walker, NLC IT
Did you know that Alamo Employees are entitled to about a thousand dollars worth of free software (that can used on personal computers)?
In this session, we will demonstrate how to obtain Microsoft 365 and Adobe Products. If there is time, we will also discuss NLCFileShare (An Alamo-only process, but quite handy) Bring your work and/or personal laptops if you’d like to work along. - Soulful Sanctuary
"Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of our Soulful Sanctuary, where ambient lighting and gentle guided meditation will elevate your spirit. Let every breath on our yoga mats become an invitation to serenity and rejuvenation." - Laughter & Game Room
Need a reprieve from the stresses of life? Join us for an hour of fun and games! For those looking to relax and laugh with friends & colleagues, we’ll have games to play indoors around tables. For those looking to enjoy the best of October weather, we’ll have a few outdoor games as well (weather permitting). If you have a favorite game, please feel free to bring it! -
Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Orientation and Work/Life overview, presented by our partners at Deer Oaks
Learn more about EAP available services. This session covers all EAP services available to employees and includes the free benefits that EAP has to offer employees like cab fare reimbursement.
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Evacu-chair training (Dawn Thompson)
In-person training with Risk Management, learn how to use the evacuation chairs! This will be a hands-on training, you will also have the opportunity to move someone down the stairs and/or be moved yourself.
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You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup! (or, It’s Now Time to Prioritize You!), Todd Whitthorne, Health & Wellness Expert
Let’s be honest, the world changed, dramatically, in March 2020. While COVID may no longer be “the lead story,” we all know, and feel, that these are still very challenging times. For folks in leadership positions, whether it be professionally or personally, it’s been difficult navigating through extremely dynamic circumstances. In this presentation, Todd lays out the importance of why investing in yourself is critical if you want to lower stress, avoid burnout, and dramatically improve your ability to lead and influence others. Taking care of you is not selfish. In fact, it’s the antithesis of selfishness since, as we all intuitively know, it's impossible to pour from an empty cup! -
Journey to Wellness Presentation, Liz Atkisson, ERS Wellness Consultant
From getting enough exercise to eating a well-balanced diet, you have many ways to maintain your health and wellness. This presentation will introduce you to the wellness resources and tools available to you and your covered dependents through HealthSelect of Texas® medical plans, including Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM. These resources will help you on your journey to wellness, starting with the Well onTarget® wellness portal.
This is where you will access:
- your Health Assessment,
- self-management programs,
- personalized coaching,
- trackers, and
- apps
This session will also cover the Blue PointsSM incentive program and fitness and weight management programs.
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Session
- D&D Overview at EDD – Judah Leggett
Curious about playing Dungeons & Dragons but don’t know where to start? Come explore fantasy worlds in a fun session that will introduce you to the mechanics of the game. No previous experience is necessary. Character sheets and dice will be provided. Limited to five participants in our adventuring party.
Breakout Sessions IV
3:00 pm – 3:50 pm
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The ABC's of Investing – presented by Phil Lebkuecher, BFA
More than just the nuts and bolts of investing, this session will dive into factors that can influence your investing decisions. Financial decisions are often made based on emotions and cognitive biases rather than rational calculations. Learn how to use this to make sense of investing and ultimately make better financial decisions.
- Information Technology- Security: Keeping your personal and professional information secure - Carlos Galindo, IT Security
This session will include a variety of information security practices that can help develop stronger methods of protecting your personal and professional information. Some of these methods include VPN (Personal Use), creating strong passwords, email verifying, social engineering, and awareness. - Soulful Sanctuary
"Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of our Soulful Sanctuary, where ambient lighting and gentle guided meditation will elevate your spirit. Let every breath on our yoga mats become an invitation to serenity and rejuvenation." - Laughter & Game Room
Need a reprieve from the stresses of life? Join us for an hour of fun and games! For those looking to relax and laugh with friends & colleagues, we’ll have games to play indoors around tables. For those looking to enjoy the best of October weather, we’ll have a few outdoor games as well (weather permitting). If you have a favorite game, please feel free to bring it! -
Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Orientation and Work/Life overview, presented by our partners at Deer Oaks
Learn more about EAP available services. This session covers all EAP services available to employees and includes the free benefits that EAP has to offer employees like cab fare reimbursement.
-
Introduction to Genealogical Research Dr. Laura Boyer
Have you ever been interested in researching your family history? This session will go over the basics of Genealogy Research and give some tips on how to get started.
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Campus Safety 101 and Who to Call (Sgt. Santos & ACPD)
Come join Campus Risk Manager, Dawn Thompson and Campus Sergeant, Sergeant Santos in a discussion about the basics of campus safety and how to respond to emergencies. We will also discuss communication during an emergency situation, and where to find safety information nearby!
-
Journey to Wellness Presentation, Liz Atkisson, ERS Wellness Consultant
From getting enough exercise to eating a well-balanced diet, you have many ways to maintain your health and wellness. This presentation will introduce you to the wellness resources and tools available to you and your covered dependents through HealthSelect of Texas® medical plans, including Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM. These resources will help you on your journey to wellness, starting with the Well onTarget® wellness portal.
This is where you will access:
- your Health Assessment,
- self-management programs,
- personalized coaching,
- trackers, and
- apps.
This session will also cover the Blue PointsSM incentive program and fitness and weight management programs.
PLEASE NOTE: The college will be closed so that all employees can participate. Evening classes will meet after 5 p.m. Employees are expected to participate in Employee Development Day sessions unless leave has been approved by your supervisor