The Owl HR Exclusive - January 2025

Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.

January 2025

THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!

Highlights in this issue:

2024 Chili ‘N Cheer Recap

2025 Staff Awards - Now Open

Unlock Your Potential in 2025

Fidelity On-campus 1:1 Visits

Zumba Glow Party

2024 Chili ‘N Cheer Recap

The 2024 Chili ‘N Cheer and Years of Service program was a remarkable success, drawing a crowd of over 1500 employees. Heartfelt congratulations to all our dedicated faculty and staff who marked significant years of service milestones. We truly value and appreciate the commitment and contributions of those who have stood with us through the years, recognizing that tenure and longevity are integral aspects of our workplace culture. A special shoutout goes to the winners of the 2024 Holiday Sweater competition: MARBL Catherine Lewis (Most Creative), Kai-Lin Young (Ugliest), and Kim Cuba (Most Festive). Your festive spirit added a delightful touch to the event!

Stay tuned for more information regarding employee appreciation events in 2025.

The Owl HR Exclusive

Happy New Year, Owls! I hope you’re as excited as I am to kick off a new year filled with opportunities, growth, and collaboration. I’m thrilled to announce that nominations for the 2025 Staff Awards are now open! These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of your colleagues who exemplify KSU’s mission, vision, and values. A Message from our CHRO

If you know a staff member or leader who has made a significant impact in categories like community service, innovation, leadership, or student success, I encourage you to submit a nomination by Friday, January 24, 2025 . Let’s start the year by celebrating the

extraordinary individuals who make KSU a better place for all of us. Thank you for everything you do, and here’s to a remarkable semester ahead! Karen

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2025 Staff Awards Nominate your highest performing Owls We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Staff Awards from Thursday, January 2 to Friday, January 24, 2025. Staff Awards are a great way to recognize employees’ achievements and to let them know that their work is important, valued, appreciated, and makes a difference within the KSU community and beyond. These awards provide financial incentives for winners ranging from $5000 to $7000. Staff Awards recognize staff employees or staff leaders who are top performers who demonstrate exceptional dedication and contribution to KSU’s mission, vision and values in these specific categories: Community Impact Outstanding Owl

Excellence in Innovation Outstanding Leadership Student Impact

Information regarding award criteria and the timeline can be found on the Staff Awards website . Nominators will complete the online form and submit two letters of support from others beside the nominator. Help us identify and celebrate our highest performing Owls.

The Owl HR Exclusive

Check your Paycheck Now that Open Enrollment for 2025 has ended, we urge you to log in to OneUSG Connect to check your January paycheck to ensure that your deductions are correct. If you find that your information is incorrect, please call the OneUSG Connect – Benefits Call Center at 1-844-587-4236.

JANUARY PAYCHECK REMINDERS: Changes made during open enrollment are reflected on this check.

PLEASE NOTE: Changes in salary will impact both disability and life insurance premiums. If you celebrated a birthday in 2024 that resulted in your age ending in 0 or 5, your life insurance premiums moved to the next age rate effective January 2025.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

View your tax withholding status in the upper right section of your pay statement. If you need to make changes, you can do so in the OneUSG portal any time throughout the year. View your itemized deductions, taxes, and employer contributions. Please review each section to ensure all are correct.

Check OneUSG Employee Self Service (ESS) to verify all personal information is correct and up-to-date. Have questions? Please contact the Benefits team at benefits@kennesaw.edu

Unlock Your Potential in 2025!

The January–March Training Calendar is here, packed with opportunities to elevate your skills, grow professionally, and achieve your career goals. Whether you prefer in-person connections or online flexibility, we have courses designed to inspire and empower you. Click here to explore what’s next on your learning journey! Upcoming topics include: Student Hiring 101

Job Description Writing Comp 101 Career Framework Training for Staff

Interviewing & Candidate Selection Onboarding & Ongoing Trainings

Do you have an idea for a training topic going forward? We want to hear from you! Please free to provide your suggestions to hr@kennesaw.edu with the subject “HR Training”.

Do you have an HR question but don't know

who to contact? Download this quick reference sheet to guide you the right person!

The Owl HR Exclusive

Wellness Corner

January 2025 Well-Being Events

New Year New You! Ready to kickstart a healthier, happier you this New Year? Our board-certified health coach is here to help you create a personalized wellness plan that fits your life. Whether you want to eat better, get fitter, or find more balance, we’ll help you build healthy habits that stick. Free consultations for the first 10 to register between January 6th and 13th!

Don’t wait—make this the year you transform your health and well-being. Register today and start your journey to a healthier you! Transform your health in 2025 -

Are you ready to transform your life one small step at a time? 🌟 Join our engaging and interactive discussion on The Power of Lifestyle Change and learn how creating small, sustainable habits can lead to big improvements in your health and well-being. January 8th 4:30pm-5:30P at KSU Center Register by contacting your Well-being Team at 470.578.5535 or emailing cparnel3@kennesaw.edu

Visit our website for other January 2025 Wellbeing events

Click HERE

Meet with your Fidelity Workplace Financial Consultant

JOHN D SCHULTZ JR, CRPC Workplace Financial Consultant

I am a licensed financial professional, with years of experience helping people plan for their financial future. I can help with many of your everyday financial needs—from investing in your workplace retirement plan, to identifying ways to save for college tuition and much more.

To find out more about what I can do for you http://www.fidelity.com/askus

As part of your plan benefits, you can meet with us by phone, in-person or video conference. DATE/TIME: EVENT: REGISTRATION LINK:

Tuesday 01/14/2025 9:00AM—3:00PM

https://fidelity.com/schedule

Confidential Consultations in-person at KSU HR-- Room TP 2230

800-642-7131 to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. CALL:

Schedule an appointment online. http://www.fidelity.com/schedule CLICK:

The Owl HR Exclusive

The lifestyle change program at Kennesaw State University launches in the new year and is FREE to faculty, staff, and spouses! This program is valued at $450, and space is limited. The program will be led by an employee wellbeing team member and a trained Lifestyle Coach. This national program was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants will learn strategies for healthier eating, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and other lifestyle changes to prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes. Who can participate? Kennesaw State University Faculty, staff and spouses who have a BMI 25 or higher (23 or higher if you are of Asian descent), have prediabetes or are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes may be eligible to participate.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, join us for a virtual information sessions:

Thursday January 9th 12:00pm-12:45pm

Tuesday January 14th 12:00pm-12:45pm

Tuesday January 21st 12:00pm-12:45pm

For questions about eligibility or enrollment please contact: Cindy Parnell at 470.578.5535 or cparnel3@kennesaw.edu

NEW HR EMPLOYEES Welcome

KRISLYN JOHNSON Organizational Development and Training Director

TRACY CHILDERS HR Project Manager

The Owl HR Exclusive

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a first-timer, the easy-to-follow dance moves will have you moving, grooving, and burning calories in no time. This class combines cardio, dance, and body-sculpting techniques to tone your body and boost your mood. The added glow factor will keep you energized as you move to the rhythm in a fun, supportive environment! Get ready to light up the night and shake off the stress in our Zumba Glow Party!

PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

SUSHI-OLOGY 1615 Ridenour Blvd, Suite 207, Kennesaw, GA, 30152

10% discount on any dine-in or take-out orders (excluding alcohol) with a valid KSU ID. Not valid with any other offers/discounts.

SEE MORE PERKS

IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW...

If you are enrolled in a USG healthcare plan and are not a tobacco user, or if the working spouse surcharge doesn’t apply to you, and you did not update your tobacco and/or working spouse statuses for 2025 , you are now being assessed an additional $150 per month per surcharge (for each dependent age 18 and older) beginning January 1, 2025. You still have an opportunity through February 15 to update your certifications. To complete your certifications or get answers to your questions, call the OneUSG Connect – Benefits Call Center at 1-844-587-4236 (International- 312- 843-5248). Expert representatives are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, to assist you.

The Owl HR Exclusive

Employee Assistance Program Tip Sheet Laughter as a Stress Reducer

Did you know that laughing actually creates changes in the body that act as stress busters? Read on to learn more and discover tips for how to add more humor into your life.

Laughter has been shown to: Increase levels of endorphins.

Settle stress responses. Eliminate muscle tension. Promote positive thinking which can combat stress and illnesses through production of neuropeptides. Ease pain. Provide a way to cope with difficult situations. Strengthen bonds between people when laughter is shared. Improve mood. There are many ways to start to add more humor into your life. Increase your exposure to humor. Think about the kind of humor that appeals to you most. You might hang up a cartoon or image that makes you chuckle. Choose a comedy over a drama series. Watch silly videos, follow funny social media accounts, or listen to witty podcasts. Laugh at your situation when you can. This can add levity in the moment and reduce stress responses. Spend time with others that make you laugh. Seek out people that act as a mood booster. Look for the humor in everyday moments. Find one thing every day to laugh about and you will most likely find humor in unexpected places. If you’re struggling to find joy in your life, reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Reference: Mayo Clinic. Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

Anytime, any day, you have access to mental health professionals available to connect you with free and confidential services and resources to help you be your best. Simply call to get started today. Your Employee Assistance Program

WEBSITE: usg.mylifeexpert.com Code: USGCares

24/7/365 PHONE: 1.844.243.4440

Scan this QR code using your phone camera to go directly to the EAP website

The contents of this article and referenced websites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the site are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided by these websites is solely at your own risk. Acentra™ Health is not responsible for the contents of any “off- site” web page referenced from this server. Acentra Health. All rights reserved.

HIRING WE’RE

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: SPONSORED PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION The Office of Research provides guidance on crafting compelling proposals and navigating funding opportunities. We aim to cultivate and sustain an environment where research can flourish to deliver impactful, relevant solutions to economic and societal challenges by creating meaningful collaborations through strategic academic and industry partnerships. If you’re looking to begin your journey or just exploring new opportunities, our positions are an ideal entry point for individuals without prior experience in Sponsored Programs Administration. We offer exciting, structured career paths for those starting their careers or professionals looking to take their experience to the next level in research! We have a wide range of rewarding positions available, including:

Post Award Assistant Pre Award Coordinator Post Award Coordinator Post Award Specialist Pre Award Specialist Contracts Specialist Research Liaison

These roles offer growth and development in a dynamic environment, supporting impactful research initiatives. Explore these opportunities and take the next step in your professional journey with us! WHY RESEARCH?

LEARN MORE...

For questions or more information, contact us at sponprog2@kennesaw.edu.

We're Hiring! Kennesaw State University is hiring for the following positions. Know a friend or family member that may be interested in working at KSU? Help us find our next great hire!

Financial Aid Counselor

Director, Technology Transfer

Graduate Programs Recruiter

Campus Planner – Licensed Architect or Certified Planner

Academic Advisor- Department of: SPCEET Advising

Senior Business Analyst

For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu

The Owl HR Exclusive

WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO) DECEMBER 2, 2024

Elisheva Gottstein Eun Sik Kim Jaired Johnson Joshua Tait Katerina Townsend Kevin Dean Kirsten Dos Santos Krislyn Johnson Linwood Lyod Mariela Alvarez Maxwell Bradley Shawn Hutcherson

Stephanie Ard Viola Alexander

DECEMBER 9, 2024

Tyquan Earle

Michael Sharpe

Kendell Andrews

John Perry

Zack Chenoweth

Zakiya Clarke

Lingaraju Gorla

Madison Lynem

Kennedy Mileham

The Owl HR Exclusive

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Joshua Lane

Mia McNeil

Cara Tafoya

Ryan Schlosser

Linda Colloton

#OWLONBOARD

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