Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
November 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
2025 Open Enrollment ends this week!
2
Sponsored Programs is Hiring
5
2024 Chili ‘N Cheer
7
TAP Success Story: Candis Dickson
11
Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
13
Open enrollment for active employees ends Friday, November 8, 2024. To make your elections during the open enrollment period, go to OneUSG Connect – Benefits . If you do not complete your open enrollment by November 8, you still have an opportunity to make your elections or complete your certifications for 2025, but you will need to call the OneUSG Connect - Benefits Call Center at 1-844-587-4236. 2025 Open Enrollment ends this week!
Open Enrollment information is available at usg.edu/hr/benefits.
The Owl HR Exclusive
A special congratulations to Kristina Beasley, who won the Treasure Chest game with her close guess of 173 coins—the chest held 174! Thank you to all KSU faculty and staff who attended the 2024 Benefits Fair! We had an incredible turnout, with over 500 participants coming out to learn more about how to "Treasure Your Health."
As a reminder, 2025 Open Enrollment is ending this week on November 8, 2024. Be sure to review your benefits and make any necessary updates!
2024 benefits fair
3
TO KSU VETERANS OF ALL BRANCHES: Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. In short, thank you for your service! Thank You
9
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.
5
A Message from our CHRO
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you bring to our university community. Each of you contributes to the success and spirit of KSU, and for that, we are truly thankful.
This season reminds us to pause and reflect on our accomplishments and the invaluable connections we share. On behalf of the Human Resources team, I wish you a joyous, peaceful, and safe holiday.
Karen
May your celebrations be filled with warmth, laughter, and moments of gratitude.
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
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
FSA
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) vs Health Savings Account (HSA): What's the difference?
FSA: The HealthCare FSA is used for eligible out-of-pocket expense for healthcare, prescription, dental, and vision expenses for your and your eligible dependents. Your contributions are tax-free, saving you money on federal and state income taxes and Social Security taxes. How an FSA works: FSAs must be elected during your new hire eligibility period and reelected each year during annual open enrollment for the next year. You are not automatically reenrolled each year. Decide what you want to contribute to your FSA for the year. Money is then deducted pretax from your paycheck in equal installments. Amount cannot be changed after election for that plan year. Use your HSA Bank Health Benefits Debit Card to pay for qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Or, pay out of pocket for eligible expenses and submit a claim for reimbursement.
Check your balance and account information on the Member Website or HSA Bank mobile app 24/7.
Plan carefully! Money left in your FSA at the end of the grace period is forfeited and cannot be returned to you. This is called the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule. You must incur eligible expenses by March 15, 2024 and submit them for reimbursement before March 30, 2024.
The Owl HR Exclusive
HSA
HSA: If you are enrolled in the Consumer Choice HSA (high deductible) healthcare plan, you’re eligible to have a Health Savings Account with HSA Bank. Your contributions are tax-free, saving you money on federal and state income taxes and Social Security taxes. How an HSA works: Only individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans can contribute to HSAs. HSA funds can be rolled over from year to year. USG matches employee contributions up to certain amounts for HSAs. Decide what you want to contribute to your HSA for the year. Money is deducted pretax from your paycheck. Annual contribution goal amount can be changed throughout the year.
Pay for qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. You can reimburse yourself for any eligible expense after you opened your HSA.
Use your HSA Bank Health Benefits Debit Card to pay directly or pay out of pocket for reimbursement or to grow your HSA funds.
You own the account, and it stays with you if you leave USG or enroll in another plan.
Any funds remaining in your account at the end of the year automatically rolls over into the next plan year. This can allow you to save the money for future years including retirement.
Investment options are available once you reach a minimum balance threshold of $1,000.
9
TAP Success Stories Meet Candis Dickson ADVANCING THROUGH EDUCATION
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) empowers employees to achieve their educational goals while advancing their careers. Candis Dickson is a shining example of this, having earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in just under four years. Her journey illustrates how dedication and TAP support can open doors to new professional opportunities. Career Growth and New Opportunities For Candis, earning her degree was transformative. "Completing my degree has provided me with promotions and new job opportunities in different areas on campus—none of which would have been possible without a degree," she shared. TAP enabled her to access roles that would have otherwise been out of reach, propelling her career forward.
Advice for Future TAP Participants: Stay the Course
Submit Your Own TAP Success Story!
To fellow employees considering TAP, Candis offers encouragement: "You can do it! If I did it, everyone else can too. I'm not saying it was easy, but it was well worth it, and I’m so happy I stuck with it and finished." Her determination is an inspiring reminder that effort leads to long-term rewards.
If you’ve used TAP to achieve an educational milestone, we’d love to hear from you! Share your story to inspire others by completing the TAP Success Story application today.
A Journey Filled with Meaningful Connections
Share your story
In addition to career advancements, Candis found unexpected personal connections along the way. "You never know who you might meet during your academic journey. I met one of my lifelong friends, and we were able to graduate side by side!" she shared.
For more information on how you can take advantage of TAP, visit the TAP website .
The Owl HR Exclusive
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:
11
FSA: Use it or Lose it!
Reminder for Year End:
A s we are rapidly approaching the end of the year, please remember that the deadline for incurring health and dependent care Flexible Spending Account expenses for the 2024 plan year is December 31, 2024. All claims for FSA expenses must be incurred no later than March 15, 2025, and submitted to HSA Bank no later than March 30, 2025, to be eligible for reimbursement.
Note: Those switching to an HSA must incur expenses and submit receipts and have a zero balance in their FSA account no later than December 31, 2024.
Vacation Hours: Use It or Lose It!
This is a reminder that the Board of Regents allows faculty and staff to carry over a maximum of 360 accrued vacation hours to the next calendar year. After the end of the calendar year, each employee’s leave record is adjusted to reflect no more than 360 hours of accrued vacation hours.
Have you checked your vacation balance lately? As we approach the end of 2024, we encourage you to review your vacation balance by accessing OneUSG Connect . If you have any questions or concerns, please email payroll@kennesaw.edu .
The Owl HR Exclusive
2
Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
NOV. 21 & DEC. 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!
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.
5
The Owl HR Exclusive
Nov. 30, 2024
15
PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
SEE MORE PERKS DAIRY QUEEN Enjoy a 10% discount for KSU staff, faculty and students who show a valid KSU ID. . 380 Cobb Pkwy S, Marietta, GA 30060
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... If you are enrolled in Supplemental Life Insurance, please note that those premium amounts are both salary AND age-based. If you experienced a 5 or 10-year birthday milestone in 2024, you will see a change in your life insurance premiums on your first paycheck of 2025.
For more information on your USG Supplemental Life Insurance Plans please visit the USG website and/or download this flyer.
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!
Assistant Athletic Director, Compliance
Enterprise Network Engineer
Electrical Technician
Technology Asset Management Specialis
Contracts Specialist
Post Award Specialist
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
17
November USG Well-Being Events:
Tapping by Georgia Tech
Good health is a big defense against holiday stress. Eating right and staying active will help you feel good and energized so you can enjoy the season. You'll explore creating healthy menus, maintaining fitness, and addressing stress during the holidays. Learn ways to shop smarter to meet your health needs and learn to read food labels to make healthy choices. You will be invited to create a realistic action plan that will help you take positive steps towards taking control of your health. Smart Grocery Shopping and Label Reading by Kaiser Permanente Thriving Through the Holidays by Kaiser Permanente This presentation takes an in-depth look at target-date funds, explaining potential benefits, considerations, and why they are unique as an investment category. Also, discussed is what distinguishes one Target Date Fund from another. A Deeper Look at Target Date Funds
Nov 11 12pm
Nov 15 12pm
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. 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 You may have multiple retirement accounts and investments that you have accumulated over the years. Learn ways to improve and simplify your savings, options you have with old accounts, and things to be aware of to make the best decisions for you. Simplify Your Savings - What to Do with Old Retirement Accounts
Nov 18 3pm
Nov 19 10am
Nov 20 11am
Nov 25 12pm
The Owl HR Exclusive
Employee Assistance Program Tip Sheet Curbing Emotional Spending
Emotional spending occurs when feelings trigger purchases. Feelings of anger, sadness, excitement, insecurity, stress, or fear can result in spending that might not happen otherwise. If left unchecked this habit can negatively impact long-term financial health. Keep reading for some tips related to ways to guard again this type of spending. Developing awareness around emotions and how they play into financial decisions can be used to manage feelings and guide behavior. Evaluate your spending habits. Do you tend to make purchases when triggered by emotions? What is your financial situation, or in other words, can you afford to make these decisions? Plan out a budget that you refer to before making future decisions. If you find yourself struggling to rein in emotional spending, develop a plan for what to do in the future when you are about to make a decision that involves money. Ask yourself: how am I feeling in this moment; and is it possible that this feeling is leading to my desire to make this purchase? Establish a plan for what to do in the moment if you determine you are feeling emotional. Can you call a friend? Go for a walk? Delay the spending decision until a time when you’re feeling calm and grounded. For assistance with emotional spending, or any other financial guidance you need, reach out to the EAP for a free financial consultation with a highly experienced Money Coach.
Reference: Marter, J. “The Psychology of Emotional Spending”. Psychology Today. Accessed November 20, 2023 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-wealth/202305/the-psychology-of-emotional-spending
Your Employee Assistance Program 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.
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.
19
The Kennesaw State University Staff Council successfully hosted the University System of Georgia (USG) Staff Council Conference on October 16- 17, 2024, with 140 attendees from across the state. This year’s theme, "Elevate: Empowering U" focused on empowering staff members through strategic insights, leadership development, and workplace improvement. The event featured a robust lineup of speakers , each contributing their expertise on topics essential to fostering a vibrant, engaged, and high- performing workforce. The conference featured sessions on Workplace Happiness, the USG Strategic Plan, Building a Coaching Culture, and KSU’s Staff Mentorship Program for high-potential employees. Attendees also engaged in discussions on elevating customer service and USG’s role in Georgia’s economic development. The 2024 Staff Council Conference was a resounding success , offering valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking, and inspiration to the staff members of the University System of Georgia.
The Owl HR Exclusive
What is Employee Relations? Employee Relations involves the strategies and practices an organization uses to manage the relationship between employers and employees. This includes creating and maintaining a positive work environment that enhances performance and resolves conflicts. To contribute to a healthy and productive workplace culture, check out KSU’s Conduct Guidelines . The employee relations function ensures our workplace culture aligns with our KSU values . The Role of Employee Relations in Policies The main goal of employee relations is to create a respectful and positive work environment where employees feel valued and engaged. This begins with clear policies that outline expectations. Here are key aspects related to these policies: Understanding Employee Relations and Policy Responsibilities
Policy Implementation Ensuring that policies are consistently applied and understood by employees.
Developing Policies
Creating and updating policies that govern workplace behavior, performance, and disciplinary actions, and participating in the policy approval process with the Policy Process Council and other KSU governing bodies.
01
02
Responding to Concerns Investigating employee and manager concerns and taking corrective action when performance or behaviors violate policies. Learn more about KSU policies and USG policies . If you have any questions, please reach out to our HR team .
Compliance
Ensuring that staff and managers adhere to policies, labor laws, and regulations, and taking necessary actions to minimize risk.
03
04
21
WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
Brian Graham
Bryan Dykstra
Elizabeth Dundee
Haley True
Jonathan Murat
Melodee Reese
Michael Denham
Syretta McMutry
Zachery Meehan
The Owl HR Exclusive
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Brandon Phillips Catherine Shamanski Christopher Kibbe Dillon Butler Duane Tyndale Jennifer Babcock Julie Thomas Kris Movalia Lara Boyle Michael Denham Noralil Fores Sophie Vincent
The Owl HR Exclusive
OCTOBER 14, 2024
Adam Sarouji Alexanderia Poole
Alexys Brown Aliza Paracka
Ashley Irwin Asim Saiyed Chukwuedu Owuzo Clare Castronovo Connie Slater Cynthia Parnell Harriett Pyburn Heather Carpenter Jubilee Criswell Karen Seaver Kayla Jones Keri Chang Samuel Krausman West Peterson
OCTOBER 21, 2024
Caitlin Deaves
David Jockers
Dusan Prokopljevic
Emily Holzgrefe
Hadzira Frljic
Kathryn Helms
Kimiesha Jones
Nathan Schmelz
#OWLONBOARD
23
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23Made with FlippingBook HTML5