Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
December 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
2024 Holiday Heist
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2024 Chili ‘N Cheer
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End-of-Year Reminders and To-Dos
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25 Days of Liftmas
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New Fitness Pop-Ups Coming to the EFC
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The Owl HR Exclusive
CHILI ‘N CHEER WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL & YEARS OF SERVICE CELEBRATION Wednesday, December 4, 2024 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Convocation Center Arena Food Service begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m.
Thank you to the KSU Foundation and University Stores for their generous support.
Please remember to bring your donation for CARE Services. Requested items can be found at hr.kennesaw.edu/yos.php
A Message from our CHRO
As we wrap up another incredible year, it’s time to celebrate our achievements and recognize the dedication that makes KSU such a special place. I’m excited to invite you to our annual Chili and Cheer event, where we’ll enjoy chili, great company, and celebrate a fantastic achievement—honoring over 400 employees who have reached Years of Service milestones this year!
Please join us as we recognize these valued colleagues and share in the spirit of the season. This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect on our accomplishments, and enjoy some well-deserved cheer before the winter break. Karen
Holiday Sweater Contest KSU EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION EVENT In conjunction with the 2024 Chili 'N Cheer celebration, KSU will host a
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 KSU Convocation Center Arena 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the ugliest, most festive, and most creative attire.
The Owl HR Exclusive
End-of-Year Benefits Reminders and To-Dos IMPORTANT
Make sure you log in to Manage My Benefits before the end of this year to verify your Open Enrollment elections for 2025 are correct. You should see either a Future Coverage tile or a copy of your confirmation statement displaying what has been recorded for 2025. If anything is incorrect, please call the OneUSG Connect Benefits Call Center at 1-844-587-4236 for assistance in making corrections or updates.
While you are logged in to Manage My Benefits , please also take a minute to verify your personal information and your beneficiary information are correct. If any of your personal information is incorrect, please make necessary updates in OneUSG Connect Employee Self Service (ESS) . If your beneficiary information is incorrect, you can either make updates in Manage My Benefits or call the OneUSG Connect Benefits Call Center at 1-844-587-4236 for assistance. This is also a great time to visit your retirement vendor's website to verify your beneficiary information with them is also correct and up-to-date.
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Go Paperless with Your W-2! Did you know you can access your W-2 statements online through OneUSG Connect? By opting for electronic delivery, you skip the wait and stay eco-friendly! Federal regulations require your consent to receive W-2s electronically, so don’t miss out—consent by December 31, 2024. It’s quick and simple: It’s easy! Follow these steps to consent to, or confirm, your current status:
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Log into OneUSG Connect
Click W-2/W-2c Consent. If you have already consented in OneUSG Connect to receive W-2 or W-2c forms, your status will indicate “Consent received,” and no further action is required. If your current status is “No consent received,” proceed to step four. Click the Payroll tile then the Taxes tile from Employee Self Service Click the box for “Check here to indicate your consent to receive electronic W-2 and W-2c forms.”
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Click Submit 05
For questions, contact OneUSG Connect Support at 877-251-2644.
The Owl HR Exclusive
If you currently have a general purpose Health FSA, but you have chosen the HSA- eligible plan for 2025, make sure you don’t get tripped up by a Health FSA grace period or carryover. Switching from a Health FSA to an HSA
While, in general, grace periods are a good thing, you need to be mindful of them when you move to an HSA.
You must spend your entire Health FSA funds so you have a zero balance before the end of the twelve-month plan year (before the grace period starts).
As long as you do this, you become HSA-eligible immediately at the end of the twelve-month Health FSA year (assuming that you are otherwise HSA-eligible).
If you carry any balance into the grace period (even a single penny), you cannot become HSA-eligible until the 1st day of the month after the grace period ends.
This means you won’t be able to contribute to your HSA until April 1, 2025, and cannot submit expenses incurred prior to April 1, 2025 for reimbursement from your HSA. HSA eligibility is determined on the 1st of every month, so you are not eligible to contribute to your HSA in 2025 until three full months after the Health FSA plan year ends.
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Compliance in Employee Relations involves ensuring that staff and managers adhere to policies, employment laws and regulations, and taking the necessary actions to mitigate risk. Every role in Human Resources has compliance responsibilities which includes keeping abreast of changing employment laws, managing complex employee issues, and implementing best practices. Our HR team is here to help you build a workplace culture that does the right thing and to navigate compliance issues. This includes responding to employee concerns, managing employee grievances, consistently managing leave and accommodation requests, and ensuring non- discriminatory practices in hiring, promoting, and pay practices. Some key compliance areas of focus include Policy Adherence, Training and Development, Transparent Processes, and Documentation and Record Keeping. The chart below will highlight a few examples of HR’s role in these areas. Understanding Employee Relations and Compliance Responsibilities
Training and Development:
Policy Adherence:
KSU leadership and managers play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of compliance and living KSU’s core values. By prioritizing ethical behavior, accountability and building a “speak up” culture, leaders and managers lead by example and set the tone for their units. Our Employee Relations and HR Business Partners are available to answer your questions regarding applying, interpreting, and enforcing HR/employment policies.
KSU Compensation Program must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), USG and KSU policies. Our Compensation team hosts regular training sessions to equip managers with the information they need to classify position appropriately and ensure proper compensation.
Transparent Processes:
Documentation & Record Keeping: Our HR coordinators are responsible for ensuring compliance with Employment Eligibility Verification, more commonly known as Form I-9 compliance where new hires are required to provide documentation to demonstrate they are authorized to work in the US, and complete other required forms and certifications as part of the onboarding process.
Our Benefits team manages employee leaves of absence and accommodation requests governed by federal laws such as Family Medical Leave Act (FLMA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They conduct regular audits and compliance reviews to identify and address potential gaps to ensure consistent policy application, and prompt processing of leave requests.
The Owl HR Exclusive
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
WHY RESEARCH?
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!
LEARN MORE...
For questions or more information, contact us at sponprog2@kennesaw.edu.
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25 days of LIFTMAS
EFC members will earn points by completing the exercises each day. Points correlate with # of Reps Example: November 20th = 1 Burpee, meaning it is worth 1 point
@KSUEmployeeWellBeing on Instagram for Thanksgiving Break. Team Member with the most points wins!
Tag Us:
The Owl HR Exclusive
Cindy Parnell: cparnel3@kennesaw.edu 470.578.5535 Upcoming info sessions: Register HERE. Dec 2, 2024 12:00PM -1:00 PM Marietta Campus Atrium Building J381 Dec 11, 2024 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Virtual Teams Meeting
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Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
DECEMBER 18 12:00 - 12:45 pm
Fall is the start to many yearly celebrations, holidays, and other fall festivities. With all the parties and delicious food and drinks going around, it’s easy to pack on the pounds in just a few servings! Join us for this presentation as we discuss tips and tricks to help prevent adverse holiday health results. Some you may have heard before, but some may surprise you!
PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
FLYING BISCUIT CAFE
1450 Barrett Pkwy, Suite #410, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Though we’re famous for our grits and biscuits, our loyal guests throughout the Southeast come join us to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day. Enjoy 10% off with your valid KSU ID..
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... Time is running out! Don’t let your hard- earned vacation hours go to waste! This is an important reminder that the Board of Regents policy permits employees to carry over a maximum of 360 accrued vacation hours into the next calendar year. Any hours exceeding this limit will be forfeited and permanently removed from your leave record after the calendar year ends. Plan ahead and take time off before the deadline to ensure you make the most of your accrued time. Act now to make sure you don’t lose any time!
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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!
Assistant Athletic Director
Graduate Program & Advising Specialist
Operations Manager
Public Relations Multimedia Specialist
Senior Accountant
Accountant - Bursars Office
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
The Owl HR Exclusive
Wellness Corner
Exciting New Fitness Pop-Up Classes Coming to the EFC in December! The KSU Employee Fitness Center (EFC) is shaking up its Group Fitness Schedule with some fresh and exciting offerings to keep you moving and motivated! Starting this December, we’re introducing new classes that cater to diverse interests and fitness goals:
Fusion Friday Kick off your weekends with Flex Friday, held on the first Friday of each month at 4:00 pm. Each session will feature a different fitness modality, giving participants the chance to try something new! From yoga to strength training and more, Flex Friday is your opportunity to explore unique fitness formats. Plus, these sessions help the EFC gauge interest for potential permanent class additions. Midday Metabolism Boost Power up your lunch break with our Midday Metabolism Boost class! This 45-minute workout blends science-backed weight training and cardio exercises to rev up your metabolism and energize your day. Dec 17th @ 11:15 am - 12:00 pm Throwback Thursdays Travel back in time while working up a sweat with Throwback Thursdays! Enjoy a 45-minute class combining nostalgic music from different decades with fun, dynamic exercises. Dec 19th @ 11:15 am - 12:00 pm Tabata Tuesday Get ready for a high-energy, heart-pumping workout that combines 20 seconds of intense exercise with 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 rounds. You’ll tackle a variety of challenging exercises all set to motivating music. This class will help you burn calories, build strength, and boost your metabolism—all in just 30 minutes. Come sweat with us and have fun! Dec 10th @ 7:00 am - 7:30 am
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December USG Well-Being Events:
Money Monday-What Makes You, You by Allstate Money Mondays are monthly financial education workshops provided in an online video and on-site format to the entire University System of Georgia.
Healthy Celebrations by Kaiser Permanente Eating right and staying active will help you feel good and energized so you can enjoy the season. In this webinar ideas and resources related to creating healthy menus, maintaining fitness, and addressing increased stress during holidays will be explored. Joyful Living: Exploring the Science of Happiness by Kaiser Permanente Discover how positive psychology and practical strategies can nurture your own happiness. You will learn concepts and evidence-based practices such as kindness, empathy, gratitude, and awe that foster social and emotional well- being. Tackling Emotional Eating by Weight Watchers It’s no secret that stress eating is real. During this webinar, a WW Coach will walk through techniques to help quiet the part of the brain that activates our stress response.
Dec 4 12pm
Dec 9 12pm
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 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.
Dec 17 10am
Dec 16 3pm
Dec 18 11am
Dec 20 12pm
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.
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CARE Holiday Drives
Help CARE Services by participating in one of our annual holiday drives supporting KSU Students!
The Owl HR Exclusive
The Owl HR Exclusive
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The Wellbeing@KSU Coalition has launched YOU.kennesaw.edu , an innovative web platform that offers confidential, personalized wellbeing support for KSU students, faculty, and staff.
YOU.kennesaw.edu provides online tools and campus and community resources on a variety of topics, including self- care, wellbeing assessments, stress management, and healthy goal setting.
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The Owl HR Exclusive
Click to learn more and enroll!
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WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
OCTOBER 28, 2024
Dominic Adduci
John Thorne
Marcus Erasme
Md. Mehedi Hasan
Princess Gbadie
Tyler Standard
The Owl HR Exclusive
NOVEMBER 4, 2024
Angelique Spruill Nealy Caroline Yost Emily Johnston Eriberto Salazar Jamar Smith Jasmine White Jay Whitman Jazzmon Kendrick Kavarus McCullough
Kes McGuire Latrice Lewis Manuel Flores
Nathaniel Williams Qunwana Holloman Rahim Brown
The Owl HR Exclusive
NOVEMBER 18, 2024
Brooke Beatty Debra Walsh Eddie Burgess Elijah Askew Finneas Key Kania Greer Kaylon Cotton Larry Ledford Lesley Jenkins Rachel Miller Tracy Childers Tyler Bennett Xavier Barber
#OWLONBOARD
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