Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
August 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
Launch 24
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Preparing for Fall 2024
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2024 Benefits Fair
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Policy Update: Paid Parental Leave
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Run Walk Roll 5K!
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Please join us for
Academic year welcome for faculty and staff
Thursday August, 8, 2024 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Convocation Center
Doors open at 8 a.m. | Coffee will be served.
Join President Kathy S. Schwaig, Provost Ivan Pulinkala, and others to celebrate the start of the year and the launch of the new strategic plan.
The Owl HR Exclusive
On August 7-9, Housing and Residence Life will welcome nearly 6,000 new and returning residential students for the 2024-25 academic year. We’re asking for your help as we work to create amazing experiences for our students and their families. Please be patient and exercise caution as roads and parking areas around and throughout both campuses will have high traffic volumes. Below are some items to note for each campus:
We are in Flex Parking on both campuses from Monday, August 5, until 7 a.m. on Monday, August 12.
Kennesaw Campus Central Deck: Will close on Friday, August 2 at 5 p.m. and will reopen on Sunday, August 11 at 8 a.m. First and Second levels of North Deck : Will close on Monday, August 5 at 8 a.m. and will reopen on Friday, August 9 at 8 a.m. Residential students are asked to relocate their vehicles to the upper levels of the parking deck. Marietta Campus East Lot (formerly P38) : Will close on Tuesday, August 6 at 8 a.m. and will reopen on Sunday, August 11 at 8 a.m. West Deck (formerly P60) :Will close on Tuesday, August 6 at 8 a.m. and will reopen on Sunday, August 11 at 8 a.m. You are also invited to serve as a Nest Builder volunteer to assist with welcoming our residents to their new home! Shifts are available Wednesday, August 7, through Friday, August 9, at the Kennesaw Campus and Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, at the Marietta Campus. Sign up here !
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Preparing for Fall 2024
Parking Permits Visit the Parking Portal to confirm that you have an active parking permit and that the make, model, and license plate information is listed correctly for each vehicle that you drive to campus. To view all Faculty/Staff parking areas, click here .
Requesting Door Access
Door Access will grant Faculty access to classrooms for the Fall 2024 semester based on the courses Faculty are registered to teach in Banner. All Faculty will receive an email confirmation with these details at the start of the semester. If you need to request additional door access, click here for detailed instructions. Reminder: When requesting access for a new employee, please wait until their first day of employment to request access to ensure the employee information is in our system.
Share Your Course Materials Requirements with the KSU Bookstore If you have not already done so, please email bookorders@kennesaw.edu to confirm the title(s), author(s), edition(s), and ISBN(s) of all textbooks for your courses so the bookstore can have them ready for your students.
The Owl HR Exclusive
We’re Going Mobile! Introducing Mobile Talon Cards We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Mobile Talon Card, a product of extensive cross-departmental collaboration and partnership with Transact, the leader in mobile-centric campus solutions. We invite all faculty and staff to set up their Mobile Talon Card. If you choose to download the mobile card, your physical Talon card will be deactivated. Instructions for how to download the Mobile Talon Card, FAQs and additional information can be found here . Key Features
Convenience: Access to campus facilities and services with ease. Security: Enhanced protection for your personal information. Innovation: Reflects KSU's commitment to modern, efficient solutions.
Remember to update your Talon Card at a HotSpot to refresh your door access. Hold your Talon Card up to the HotSpot until the flashing/beeping stops, then repeat every seven days. Click here to view a list of HotSpot locations. Update Your Talon Card
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University Dining We are excited to share recent updates to University Dining! The Commons dining hall has recently undergone a renovation, offering an enhanced dining experience with a fresh, modern look. Additionally, a new Starbucks has opened on the first floor of the Carmichael Student Center, providing a perfect spot for coffee lovers and a great place to study or relax.
On the Marietta Campus, stop by Stingers and grab a fresh brick oven pizza from Revolution Pizza located inside the dining hall. That’s not all! Coming soon to the Carmichael Student Center, you can look forward to enjoying delicious bubble tea at Nobi Cha and savoring sushi at Hissho Sushi. Stay tuned for their grand openings this Fall!
Pedestrian Project Update Pedestrian improvements on the Kennesaw Campus have been completed. As a result, traffic patterns have been modified/reduced in the center of campus. Please use caution and comply with all signage and markings when driving through campus. A map of impacted areas can be found here.
The Owl HR Exclusive
2024 benefits fair
SAVE THE DATE October 23, 2024 If your department is interested in attending as a vendor with a presentation table, please email benefits@kennesaw.edu . Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
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Upcoming HR Training
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”. The Training calendar for July - September 2024 is now available! Click here to view all of our upcoming courses available in-person and online. Upcoming topics include: Understanding the Leave of Absence Process Understanding the TAP Program Transform Your Desktop into a Pathway to Success Planning to Retire? Student Hiring 101 How to write a Job Description
Want the Owl HR Exclusive delivered directly to your mailbox?! Visit our website to join our newsletter list!
ATL BRAVES vs MIL BREWERS
TUESDAY AUGUST 6, 2024 Truist Park - First Pitch @ 7:20
Join fellow KSU alumni, fans, and friends to cheer on the Atlanta Braves as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park at 7:20pm! When you purchase the specialty ticket package, you will receive a Braves/KSU co-branded soft touch tumbler and $4 of every ticket package will be donated to the KSU General Scholarship fund. For questions, contact alumni@kennesaw.edu.
Score your tickets HERE
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Paid Parental Leave Policy Update
Regular full-time employees (30+ hours/week) with 6+ months of service. Regular part-time employees (19-29 hours/week), and temporary non-benefits eligible employees with 6+ months of service and 700 hours worked. Qualifying Events: Birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Eligibility (calculated from first date of qualifying event)
Up to 240 hours of paid leave. Leave can be used continuously, partially or intermittently within 12 months of the qualifying event. No carryover or cash value for unused leave. Runs concurrently with FMLA, if applicable.
Policy Details
Notify your supervisor and HR at least 30 days in advance (or ASAP for unforeseen events). For required forms and information, please visit our website . If you still have questions please reach out to your Benefits Specialist directly.
Process for Requesting Leave
The Owl HR Exclusive
Wellness Corner
NEW EQUIPMENT We installed all brand new treadmills, barbells, benches, and a brand new glute builder!
CURRENT MEMBERS Stop by the front desk to claim your T-shirt and Blender Bottle (limit 1 per member). Stay fit and stylish with EFC!
NEW MEMBERS Sign up during the month of August and receive an exclusive EFC branded Blender Bottle and T-shirt!
Mitch Palmer is the Employee Wellness and Fitness Manager. He holds a masters degree in Human Performance and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist as well as an Exercise Physiologist.
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Did you know...
KSU is forming new Affinity Groups!
Affinity groups are formed around common interests, goals, or characteristics, which can foster a sense of community and belonging among members. They can enhance personal and professional development, provide support, advocate for change, and create a more inclusive and connected community or organization. Interested in starting a group? We are currently accepting proposals for the formation of new Affinity Groups.
KSU TRIVIA GAME
The Owl HR Exclusive
Join Us for Kaiser Permanente's Run Walk Roll 5K!
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us for a fun- filled, community-driven event! Kaiser Permanente's Run Walk Roll 5K is just around the corner, and we invite everyone to participate. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or rolling along in a wheelchair, this event is for you. It's a fantastic opportunity to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and support a great cause. Mark your calendars, rally your friends and family, and come be a part of this exciting event. Let's run, walk, and roll together towards better health and wellness!
Wednesday, Sept. 25th, 7:00PM at Piedmont Park Rate Breakdown: $5 + processing fee* until July 8 $10 + Processing fee* from July 9-August 19 $15 + processing fee* from August 20-September 23 Full price $45 + processing fee from September 24-25
Price applies to USG employees and one guest using code USG2024 Register HERE
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The Owl HR Exclusive
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!
Senior Financial Aid Counselor - Processing
Copy and Print Services Coordinator
Facilities Warehouse Tech
Academic Advisor - Honors College
Business Analyst, Finance
Public Relations Specialist
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
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PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
BRUSTER'S ICE CREAM 10% discount for KSU staff, faculty, and students who show a valid KSU ID. 2960 George Busbee Pkwy location
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... CAPTRUST provides unbiased financial and retirement advice, at no additional cost to you. Connect with an independent CAPTRUST financial advisor to see if you are on track to achieve your financial goals. Whether your retirement savings are with AIG, Fidelity, TIAA or TRS, visit captrustadvice.com/usg or call the advice desk at 1-800-967-9948 to get started.
The Owl HR Exclusive
August USG Well- Being Events:
Tapping by Georgia Tech Join us as we explore some body- centered approaches to stress management. Learn some free, easy, potentially powerful, in-the-moment vagal toning, self-help tools. Setting Healthy Boundaries by Acentra Health This session will help participants identify various ways to achieve balance with personal, family and work responsibilities.
HSAs and Medicare by HSA Bank
Aug 7 12pm
Aug 12 12pm
In this session, you will learn when to stop HSA contributions, Medicare enrollment implications, and HSA eligible expenses in Medicare.
Join us for "EAP 101: An Introduction to Employee Assistance Programs," a comprehensive webinar designed to help you understand the benefits of EAP services. Learn about all the benefits, outside of counseling, available to you. EAP 101 by Acentra Health
Aug 16 12pm
Aug 20 10am
From Burnout to Brilliance by Kaiser Permanente
Aug 21 11am
Finding a healthy pace at work and at home is more important than ever to avoid burnout. Discover how workplace culture, connection, practicing compassion and taking small steps to practice self care can reduce burnout and help increase motivation.
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Employee Assistance Program Tip Sheet Strengthening Relationships Through Improved Communication
Are you having a hard time navigating conflict in your relationship? As long as both parties are motivated to resolve areas of tension, the following strategy can help develop an understanding of the other person’s perspective which can ultimately lead to more understanding, compassion, and ability to compromise.
Set aside time to take turns being the speaker and the listener. The speaker starts by bringing up an issue that is causing conflict. If there is a high degree of resentment or anger, individuals may not be ready for this practice. 1. The speaker shares their perspective and how the issue impacts them. They communicate how it makes them feel while avoiding blame, criticism, or name calling. The other person listens without preparing for a rebuttal. The issue is probably something that has come up before and each person has formed an opinion without truly considering the other person’s experience or feelings. 2. The listener asks open-ended questions to help understand the partner/speaker’s concerns. The idea here is to deepen the listener’s understanding of the speaker’s concerns to avoid making assumptions. For example, “how does this situation affect you?”. 3. The listener summarizes what they heard the speaker communicate and how the issue makes the other person feel. The listener reflects on the experience from the speaker’s perspective. The speaker should acknowledge whether they have accurately summarized their feelings or clarify any areas of misunderstanding. 4. The listener validates and expresses empathy. For example, “I can see how you would feel that way.” This does not mean that the listener agrees with the speaker’s view necessarily but that they can understand the experience and feelings of the other. 5. The listener asks the speaker if they feel understood. “Did I get it?” or “Is there anything I missed?” If they indicate that the listener accurately understood them, switch roles. If not, ask “what do I need to know to understand your perspective better?”. This process is based on the Gottman-Rapoport Intervention and is best facilitated by a licensed counselor with experience treating couples. The therapist can help create guardrails around the interaction, maintain the process, and redirect if the discussion becomes more heated or unproductive. Reach out to your Employee Assistance Program today for referrals to marital counselors in your area. Services are at no cost and completely confidential. Sharickah Rogers, LPC. “Enhancing Relationships: A Comprehensive Workshop on Marital Counseling”. April 26, 2024.
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.
The Owl HR Exclusive
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SUN SAFETY TIPS FROM USG WELL-BEING
With summer in full swing, it's important to remember the significance of sun safety. While the sun provides numerous benefits like mood enhancement and the ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply, it is important to enjoy it responsibly. By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your skin from harmful UV radiation and reduce the risk of skin cancer and other sun-related health issues.
Apply Sunscreen: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of your body, including your face, ears, neck, and hands. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Seek Shade: When the sun is at its peak, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek shade whenever possible. This reduces direct exposure to UV rays and decreases the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that provides adequate coverage. Choose long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide- brimmed hats to shield your skin from direct sunlight.
Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block 100% UV protection from all UV light (UVA and UVB) or those labeled UV400.
Stay Hydrated: Spending time under the sun can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and maintain healthy skin.
Check the UV Index: The UV Index provides information about the intensity of UV radiation in your area. Check the index daily and plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Higher index levels indicate a greater risk of harm from the sun. Regular Skin Examinations: Perform regular self-examinations of your skin to identify any changes or irregularities. If you notice any new moles, changes in existing moles, or other suspicious marks, consult a dermatologist promptly.
The Owl HR Exclusive
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The Owl HR Exclusive
WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
JULY 1, 2024
Abhijeet Sharma Betoyah Dorzema Bradford Porter Carlos Gomez Clairee Peterson Diego Franco Dylan Fields Emanuel Indrei Heather Koopman Helen Weaver Jacob Whitney Jody Minor Ke Zhang Kelvin Miller Lawrence Whitman Nathan Nabb Ramazan Kilinc
Sara DeMello Sarah Knapp
JULY 8, 2024
Andrew Turner Christian Rotsch
Earl Pinkett Jared Kent
Jennifer Baker-Keeler Madigan Bechthold Mary McMyne Qiu Dotson Raynard Churchwell Robert Reyburn Sarah Packer
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JULY 15, 2024
Aarika Forney Aaron Walker Ali Dag Amy Gilbert
Andrew Peachey Christina Rucker Ciara Stocks Durrell "Genesis" Tillman Grace Buckley Jillian Edwards KanDee "Braelin" Harris Karie Seilberger Kayre Lupo
Nathaniel Jacobs Quasheera Haizlip Schantel Drausin Shelton Arrington
Steven Kinsey Sydney McKee Xi Zhang
JULY 22, 2024
Botong Xue Carlos Kelly Charlotte Cease David Osada Felicia Guffey Hansol Rheem Harun Avci Katherine Burgin
Louis Marino Mary Tucker Mindy Bernhardt Noelle Kerber Savannah Williamson
#OWLONBOARD
The Owl HR Exclusive
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