Between labor negotiations and standards for online learning, HR administrators are entering uncharted waters this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ACSA’s 2020 Personnel Institute promises to guide them through, with expert information on new regulations and current practices impacting human resources administrators. For the first time ever, Personnel Institute will be offered in an online virtual format, allowing a more affordable and convenient way to participate from home or work. This two-day conference will empower HR staff — whether veterans, newcomers or administrators interested in the world of HR — to discover new ideas and stay up-to-date on the latest research and legal issues.  ACSA’s Human Resources Council, which plans the annual conference, selected this year’s theme as “Navigating the Unexpected.” “Acknowledging that 2020 has brought us many challenges, this conference will address topics relevant to HR practices developed and refined in response to COVID,” said Cindy Frazee, president of the ACSA Human Resources Council and associate superintendent HR with the San Dieguito Union HSD. Topics will include employee leaves, negotiations during unexpected times, professionalism in online learning, layoff/furloughs, interviewing practices, and first amendment rights. Other topics may include Title IX, employee misconduct investigations, Special Education, labor relations, credentialing, innovative recruitment strategies, communication, legal and legislative updates, and setting up the Human Resources office.   With its mix of live and recorded sessions, Personnel Institute will offer plenty of information and insight into the issues confronting HR departments.  On Wednesday and Thursday, participants will experience two full days of programming, with the ability to ask presenters questions during live Q&A sessions and have a thoughtful discussion with a small group of peers during live breakout sessions. Hear from HR practitioners, consultants and attorneys during a live budget panel, live “hot topics” panel, and live attorney panel. Or take a deep dive into other topics, as there will be 14 pre-recorded sessions that participants can view before, during or after the virtual conference.  There will also be a virtual coffee hour and other networking opportunities to meet fellow HR administrators from districts throughout the state.  For those new to HR, don’t miss a special one-hour workshop for new HR administrators from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29.  The featured keynote speaker is Dr. Troy Hutchings, a researcher, teacher and speaker on a national level in the areas of teacher sexual misconduct with students, educator decision-making, and the professional continuum-of-responsibility associated with a framework for an ethical and legal teaching practice. Hutchings is currently the Research Chair for Education at the University of Phoenix. He also served as a high school administrator, teacher, and coach in public and private schooling environments for 16 years, resulting in numerous school, district, and state teaching awards. The Human Resources Council will also present the Ray Curry Award, which honors an outstanding human resources or personnel administrator who has displayed accomplishments in that role.