Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
April 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
2024 Staff Appreciation Week
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2024 Annual Retirement Ceremony
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Congratulations, Staff Award Nominees
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Summer Reminders for SA Employment
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Career Corner: Unlocking Potential
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2024 Staff Appreciation Week Save the Date May 13 - 17, 2024 Join us for fun, food, games & more! Watch this space for more details about the daily events in the next newsletter. Thank You FOR ALL YOU DO!
Did you miss the live Goal Setting trainings?
Follow our HR Events Calendar for upcoming training opportunities
Goal setting enables employees to understand their work expectations. We see dramatic progress in employee and team performance when they effectively set goals that closely align with strategic objectives. In this manager training, we will explore the new online process, importance of strategic goal setting, and tips top leaders use to achieve greater success.
The Owl HR Exclusive
You are invited...
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 11:00 am - 12:15 pm Prillaman Hall | Room 1105
Join us as we honor those faculty and staff who celebrated the joyous milestone of retirement during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Portal: Now Open
DEADLINES Summer Semester – April 15th (includes Maymester) Fall Semester – July 15th (includes Decembermester) Spring Semester – November 15th ELIGIBILITY Employees must be continuously employed in a full- time benefited position (1.0 FTE) for at least six months prior to the applicable TAP deadline for that semester. WHAT IS TAP? The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) allows eligible employees to attend classes at any USG institution under a waiver of tuition and most fees. An employee may seek approval to enroll in up to nine (9) academic credit hours per semester.
APPLICATION PROCESS For KSU employees, TAP applications are submitted through the TAP portal at www.kennesaw.edu/hrtap . This online application process includes electronic routing to the employee's supervisor on record with Human Resources. Employees must submit and supervisors must approve TAP applications through the TAP portal prior to the application deadline for applications to be considered for the TAP waiver. Please note that a new application must be submitted each semester. Please Note: Due to the current shortage of nursing faculty in the state of Georgia, the Tuition Assistance Program is available to Part-Time Nursing Faculty members seeking a graduate degree in Nursing. Part-time faculty seeking to attend classes in Nursing must also complete the USG Nursing TAP application form which must be submitted to the University System Office. The paper application must be signed by both the employee and supervisor and returned to TAP@kennesaw.edu by the TAP application deadline for the applicable semester.
The Owl HR Exclusive
Maximize Your Retirement Savings Potential: Unlock Your Voluntary Contribution Options
Unlock the full potential of your retirement savings by exploring voluntary contribution options beyond the mandatory retirement plan. While your TRS or ORP contribution remains fixed at 6%, you have the power to increase your savings through additional voluntary contributions. USG staff and faculty can tap into the benefits of 403(b) and/or 457(b) accounts, offering both pre-tax and after- tax options. In 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 annually, with an additional $7,500 if you're aged 50 or above. Enrollment is convenient through OneUSG Connect via the Retirement@Work tile. Start contributing today and witness the surprising growth of your retirement nest egg. Need guidance on investment strategies? Schedule an appointment with one of our retirement vendors for expert advice tailored to your financial goals.
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We're excited to congratulate the following nominees for the 2024 KSU Staff Awards! Their dedication and remarkable contributions have made a lasting impact on our university community, embodying the excellence and commitment to service that defines Kennesaw State University. Let's applaud these remarkable individuals and wish them luck in the selection process! Winners will be notified on April 8, 2024. to Our 2024 Staff Award Nominees! Innovation Angela Lewis Christine Bryant Outstanding Leadership Alejandro Cambron Brichaya Shah Outstanding Owl Anne Marie Thomas Barbara Hair Brant "Wes" Daggerhart
Greg Humble Helen Maddox Jennifer Hoyt Lindsey Fisher Meghan Cooper Melissa Conners Rebecca Mattox Sanjoosh Akkineni Savana Alexander Positive Impact Ellen Lehtinen Hayley Anderson Jayne Kier Jeremy Walts Kellie Johnson Lauren Cerny Lawrence Gettemy Mary Hiatt Melinda Ross Melissa Lappe William Hargrove Yvonne Perrino
Greg Stacy Krysta Fry Leigh Ann Oder Lexie Baker Meghan Stoltzfus Natasha Talreja Steven Fuller Susanne Rothery Trudi Vaughan Xiaoxiao Ji
Caitlin Summer Cammie Conn Cindy Schmelzer Danielle Avery Danyelle Denham David Bennet Erin Steinmetz Kaitlyn Nestor Lindsey Jefferson Lynn Kunkel Marie Manuel Milya Maxfield Nate Mann Opal Ojeda Raquel Britt Rhonda Nemeth Ron Sullivan Shawanda Daniel Stephanie Carlson
Student Success Audra Boyd Blake Williams Brandon Bedford Brian Garsh Hannah Stocks Janessa Perez Michael Tsukamoto Sobia Mufti
Tina Russell Todd Carper
The Owl HR Exclusive
Important reminders regarding student assistant summer employment
We know you want to do everything you can to retain your productive student assistants during the summer break! You may schedule them to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer, whether or not they are enrolled in summer classes, as long as they will be enrolled for fall 2024.
Managers will receive an email from HR in May with a list of their direct student reports who are not enrolled in summer classes. These student workers will also receive a direct email from HR in May, making them aware of the additional payroll deductions they will see while working during the summer. This email will also have information on how to request a refund of their GDCP contributions at the end of summer. Note: The last day they are eligible to work is May 31. (This may differ for international students. International students should contact the International Student and Scholar Services office to confirm the last date they are authorized to work.) Graduating in May?
Any level of summer enrollment, including Maymester, affirms their student status for summer. Encourage your student workers to take at least one class. If they are not enrolled for summer classes but are willing to work, they are no longer eligible to be exempt from certain taxes and deductions. Applicable deductions will begin with the pay period that starts on May 5 and will be in effect through the pay period that ends on August 3. To streamline these transitions, HR will utilize reporting to identify active student employees who are not enrolled in summer classes. HR will update these employees’ profile in OneUSG to ensure the appropriate deductions come out of their checks. No action is required of managers. At the end
of the summer, HR will ensure these deductions are stopped for student employees enrolled for fall classes.
If you are interested in transitioning your student worker into a temporary staff or part time regular staff role, please connect with your HR Business Partner for next steps.
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Wellness Corner
Are you looking for a way to boost your energy, improve your health, and foster a sense of well-being? Look no further than our very own Employee Fitness Center! Located conveniently on campus, our fitness center offers a wide range of amenities and programs tailored to meet your fitness goals. Joining the EFC isn't just about breaking a sweat – it's about investing in your health and overall quality of life. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider becoming a member today: Get Fit, Stay Healthy: Join Our EFC Today!
Convenience: With our convenient KSU Center location, fitting in a workout before, during, or after work has never been easier. Say goodbye to long commutes to the gym – simply step in, work out, and leave feeling rejuvenated. Variety of Equipment: From cardio machines and free weights to resistance training equipment and group fitness classes, our fitness center has everything you need to tailor your workouts to your preferences and fitness level. Community: Joining the Employee Fitness Center is more than just a solo workout experience – it's an opportunity to connect with colleagues who share a passion for health and wellness. Take advantage of our group fitness classes, social events, and community challenges to stay motivated and inspired. Investment in Yourself: Your health is your most valuable asset. By prioritizing regular exercise and self-care, you're not only benefiting yourself but also setting a positive example for those around you – including your colleagues, friends, and family.
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.
So why wait? Take the first step toward a healthier, happier you by joining the Employee Fitness Center today. Together, let's make wellness a priority and strive for a healthier, more vibrant campus community. For more information on membership options, facility hours, and upcoming events, visit our website or stop by the Employee Fitness Center reception desk. We can't wait to see you there!
The Owl HR Exclusive
Who is HRMS? Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a behind-the-scenes division of HR that is responsible for employee data. Each data role provided by our team plays a part in the timely and accurate portrayal of your data as it relates to HR/Payroll. HR Highlight
data transactions
data ownership
data validation
data files
data cleaning
Manager, Employee Data Services Pam Smith
Data Integrity Analyst Tamara Gaddis
data expertise
data records
Records Assistant Marianne Huggins
data reporting
data access
data entry
HR Coordinators, Data Services Ana Ayala Gabrielle Smith Helene Davis NeeNee Mack Tiffany Brady-Miller
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CAREER CORNER
An often-overlooked aspect of recruiting is the inclusion of early career candidates. Their vitality, fresh perspectives, and adaptability infuse any organization. Here's why considering these budding professionals is great idea when filling jobs. Firstly, early career candidates bring a wealth of untapped potential. Their hunger for growth and willingness to learn fuels innovation within teams. They harbor a curiosity- driven mindset, unencumbered by preconceived notions or entrenched practices, thereby fostering a culture of experimentation and evolution. Secondly, investing in early career talent cultivates a pipeline of future leaders. By providing them with opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and meaningful projects. This proactive approach not only ensures continuity but also infuses the workforce with different ideas and leadership styles. Moreover, considering early career candidates fosters a culture of agility and adaptability. In our rapidly evolving landscape, the ability to pivot and innovate is paramount. The importance of considering early career candidates when filling jobs cannot be overstated. Their potential, diversity, and agility not only enrich organizations but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable future. By investing in these creative professionals, organizations sow the seeds of innovation, and leadership, ensuring their continued growth and relevance in an ever-changing world. Unlocking Potential: The Value of Early Career Candidates in Recruitment
The Owl HR Exclusive
Fifth Third Stadium
KSU TRIVIA GAME
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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!
Learning Content & Resource Management Specialist
Customer Relationship Management Coordinator
Lead Groundskeeper
Technical Liaison, Business Systems
Career and Internship Advisor
Senior Graphic Designer
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
The Owl HR Exclusive
PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
BURGER 21
1300 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW Ste 310, Kennesaw, GA 30152
At Burger 21 we are obsessed with burgers. To us, burgers aren’t just another meal. We don’t compromise on quality or ingredients. We are burgers reinvented. Faculty and staff can show a valid KSU ID to get 10% off their order.
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... If you switched from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and had a balance in your FSA as of 12/31/2023: Log in to Manage My Benefits or call the
OneUSG Benefits Call Center at 1-844-587-4236 to designate an amount for your FSA to begin April 1st or after. Deductions will begin the first of the month AFTER you make the election. You are only eligible to be reimbursed for expenses dated on or after April 1, 2024.
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With the USG Employee Assistance Program, you don’t have to handle your problems alone. Kepro provides professional and confidential assistance for: • Family caregiving • Relationship or family challenges • Work concerns Your household family members are also eligible for the program. All calls are confidential within the limits of the law. • Stress or anxiety • Legal consultations/referrals • and more... Your USG Benefits provide confidential support for personal and work concerns at no cost to you.
Visit usg.mylifeexpert.com | Company code: USGCares (First-time users will need to establish a username and password) or call 844-243-4400 for assitance
The Owl HR Exclusive
APRIL 24, 2024
Happy Administrative Professionals' Day
Thank you for everything you do!
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Purchase your tickets!
The Owl HR Exclusive
WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
FEBRUARY 26, 2024
Brianna Conroy
Brianna Henry
Edward Weathers
Kailea Rich-Myles
Loraby Zendejas-Zapien
Maria Rodriguez-Martinez
Misgana Idris
Savannah Gonzalez
Tracy Phelps
MARCH 11, 2024
Alia Hoyt Craig Stallings Devar McPhillip Duk-Sun Spillers Erika Smith
Gabriel Gardner George Dawkins Jacqueline Frasier-Banks Joshua Davis Mercedes Jenkins Rin Bozone
Ryan Packard Sarah Connally Victoria Vazquez Wanda McLaughlin
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