Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
June 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
2024 Staff Appreciation Week
2
Understanding the TAP Program
3
USG Staff Council Conference
5
EFC Summer Games Competition
6
CARE and Midwest Food Bank
15
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in KSU Staff Appreciation Week from May 13-17, 2024. It was wonderful to see so many staff members engaging in the events and celebrating together.
The Owlympics games were the high point of Staff Appreciation Week, showcasing the incredible spirit, competitiveness, and teamwork within our KSU community.
Congratulations to our Owlympics winners: 1st place: Production Black 2nd place: The Sustainable Scrapters 3rd place: The Dorm Troopers Special congratulations to our Trivia winners: 1st place: StratComm Scrappy Fan Club (Marietta) 2nd place: Owl Operatives (Marietta)
3rd place: HR Heroes (Marietta) 1st place: Film Fellas (Kennesaw) 2nd place: I like Big Bucks (Kennesaw) 3rd place: Winged Ones (Kennesaw)
View the IG Contest videos
Thank you again for your enthusiastic participation and for making this week a memorable celebration of our outstanding KSU staff!
The Owl HR Exclusive
USG Staff Council Conference 2024: “ELEVATE: EmpoweringU”
Kennesaw State University has been selected to host the annual Staff Council Conference for the University System of Georgia on October 16 & 17, 2024. The conference will bring Staff Council leadership from each USG institution, along with staff from each institution, to KSU and is a wonderful opportunity for us to show off our campus! Volunteers Needed We need your help to make this conference the best one yet for the USG! If you are interested in volunteering to work on a planning committee or at the event itself, please email us. Conference Registration If you are interested in attending the conference, additional communication, including a conference website and agenda, will be posted in the next few weeks. For questions or more information regarding the conference, please email the planning committee.
3
KSU TRIVIA GAME
The Owl HR Exclusive
Have you been thinking about taking classes at KSU or another USG institution? Are you aware the USG has a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) available to help reduce the cost of classes for eligible employees? Want to learn more? Understanding the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Course Objectives: What is TAP? Eligibility
Join LaFaye Boykins, our HR TAP Coordinator, to learn more about the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)!
Application Process Financial Benefits and Impacts
TAP portal opens 6/15
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 11:00AM - 12:00PM Virtual session via Teams
Eligible employees should 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. A new application must be submitted each semester.
DEADLINE July 15th
5
Wellness Corner
Celebrate Employee Wellness Month by Joining the EFC!
June is Employee Wellness Month , and it's the perfect time to focus on your health. At KSU, we support your well-being, and our Employee Fitness Center (EFC) is here to help you achieve your fitness goals.
1. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Enjoy the latest exercise machines, free weights, and functional training equipment for all fitness levels. 2. Group Classes: Participate in diverse classes like Zumba, Pilates, HIIT, and spinning, led by professional trainers. 3. Personal Training: Get personalized fitness plans from our certified trainers. 4. Stress Relief: Reduce stress and improve mental health through regular exercise. 5. Community: Join a supportive community of colleagues who motivate each other. 6. Convenience: Located on-site, the EFC makes fitting workouts into your busy schedule easy. Investing in your health has endless benefits. Visit the EFC today to sign up and start your journey to better health. Stay active, stay healthy , and make the most of Employee Wellness Month!
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.
For more information on membership options, facility hours, and upcoming events, visit our website or stop by the EFC reception desk. We can't wait to see you there!
The Owl HR Exclusive
The Path2college 529 Plan is a college savings plan established by the State of Georgia and is operated under the Georgia Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services (OTFS). This plan is administere d through TIAA-Cref. Path2College 529 Plan Easy & Convenient
Tax Advantages Your earnings, if any, are free from federal income tax when used for qualified expenses. In the meantime your contributions are reinvested automatically so your account can grow more than a taxable account over the same period.
With the Path2College 529 Plan you can open an account in just 15 minutes and easily manage it online or by mail. Simply set up recurring contributions from your bank account or by payroll deduction so that making regular contributions is hassle-free. Affordable Open an account with as little as $25 per investment portfolio, or $15 dollars per pay period using automatic payroll deduction. Since there are no application, sales, or maintenance fees, it’s affordable even for those on a modest budget.
Use at Schools Anywhere Funds can be used at any
accredited university, college, or vocational school nationwide — and many abroad. In addition, up to $10,000 annually can be used toward K-12 school tuition per student from all 529 plans.
LEARN MORE >>
7
CAREER CORNER
KSU is dedicated to recruiting exceptional individuals who have a passion for our mission, vision, and values and who have outstanding skills and knowledge in their field. To achieve this goal, we have developed a series of effective strategies to attract high-caliber staff members Enhancing Kennesaw State University's Team through recruiting top Talent
who will contribute to our success. Here's how you can help:
Actively Network: Your connections could be our next great hire. Whether it's a friend, colleague, or family member, if you know someone with the skills and enthusiasm to thrive at KSU, encourage them to explore opportunities here and apply. Act as an Ambassador: Spread the word about KSU's vibrant campus, renowned for student success and groundbreaking research. Let others know about the professional and personal growth opportunities available here, as well as our excellent benefits, such as tuition assistance for those seeking to further their education. Clarify Your Team's Needs: If you're involved in the hiring process, take the time to clearly define the qualities you're looking for in new team members. Whether it's specific skills, knowledge, or characteristics, being intentional about your requirements will help attract the right candidates. Foster a Welcoming Environment: Once a new hire joins our team, it's important to ensure they feel valued and supported from day one. Help them acclimate quickly by sharing resources, offering assistance, and providing insights into our culture and practices. Referrals are a key source of excellent hires, and your support in recommending qualified candidates is invaluable to adding to our KSU Community.
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!
Executive Director, Student Engagement & Belonging
Program Manager - Data Strategy
Senior Software Engineer
Technical Director, Event AV Tech
Events Coordinator – New Student Programs
Business Analyst - Finance
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
9
June is Preventive Care Month: Get Physically Active for Better Health Take the time this month to prioritize your health with preventive care and physical activity. Being proactive can help with detecting problems early before they become a more serious or life threatening event. This month, USG Well-Being is focusing on being physically active to help ward off potential diseases and health problems, promote a
healthy lifestyle, and enhance quality of life. Check out the well-being events for June!
The Owl HR Exclusive
PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
LM DRY BAR
Your Blowout Co.
3940 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Visit us to experience the LM DRY BAR DIFFERENCE. Indulge in Luxurious Hair Treatments. We use premium products and the latest styling techniques. KSU Faculty & Staff receive 15% off services with valid ID.
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW...
LegalEASE can help ease the two biggest stresses -finding and paying for an attorney.
LegalEASE offers an insurance plan that provides support and protection from unexpected personal legal issues. For more information, review page 50 of the 2024 USG Comparison Guide or visit legaleaseplan.com/usg
11
HR Highlight
June 2024
Director of Talent Acquisition Ed Ramirez
With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources focused primarily on Talent Acquisition, Ed has been successful in developing and implementing strategic long- range recruitment plans for mid-sized to Fortune 500 organizations in the Atlanta area.
Ed graduated from Reinhardt University with a degree in Communication and has acquired a certificate in Human Capital Management from the NYU School of Continuing education. Ed lives in Atlanta, but you can always find him traversing nature enjoying activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting and fly fishing or spending time with his two daughters Emma and Olivia. I have worked extensively with USG schools throughout my career including KSU and have not only witnessed the exponential growth at the Kennesaw campus but have also observed the success of these students as they transitioned into the workforce. I am thrilled to be joining the KSU team to continue supporting this endeavor.” ““Having dedicated much of my profession building strong relationships with colleges and universities for supporting organizations, I have always had an affinity for the culture and the work involved in preparing students for successful careers.
The Owl HR Exclusive
USG Cares EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Recognizing Signs of Depression
Are you concerned that someone you work with is struggling with depression? Although no two people experience depression in exactly the same way, the following are some symptoms that may be present.
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down” Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts Health complaints without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment
At work, symptoms might manifest as showing up late for work, decreased energy, missed deadlines, and/or frustration or anger. It’s important to avoid diagnosing someone as these symptoms could be related to other issues. If you are concerned, the best thing you can do is show interest in their well-being, be genuine, caring, open, available, and offer support. Depending on what you are observing, you could say something like “you seem a little tired/quiet/down lately; is everything ok?” or “I’ve noticed you haven’t felt like joining us for lunch; are you feeling alright?” This could lead to the individual saying they’ve been feeling down or unmotivated or have experienced some recent life event. Especially with colleagues or those you supervise, you will want to avoid prying and keep things professional, but you could remind them about USG Cares, your Employee Assistance Program and that it is a free, completely confidential counseling resource that is available 24/7/365. Check in with them later to see if they have been able to call, and if not, perhaps offer to help them make the call. Depression often interferes with peoples’ ability to complete tasks so making a phone call can be difficult. Reminding someone that quality help
is available offers hope for the future about an effective path to improvement. If you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call 988 immediately.
National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. March 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
USG Cares, Your Employee Assistance Program Anytime, any day, you have free, confidential access to professional consultants and online resources to help you be your best. To access these services, call or log on to get started.
CALLTOLL-FREE, 24/7: 1.844.243.4440
WEBSITE: www.USG.MyLifeExpert.com Code: USGCares
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. 13
Purchase your tickets!
The Owl HR Exclusive
15
WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
APRIL 22, 2024
Brentley Cauthen
Cory Viehl
Craig Callison
Deonta Murphy
Ennis Walker
Evbusogie Sogbesan
Isis-Nashe' Scott
Susie Ivy
MAY 6, 2024
Breanna Roper David Doran Edwin Ramirez
Jacob Bell Josh Paine Kimberly Rutherford
Lauren Hahn Lemuel Grant
Madison Ristroph Margaret Ciarletta Natalie Barrington Paige Stafford Sierra Hovet
The Owl HR Exclusive
MAY 20, 2024
Alexis Cochrane Christina Lewis Denise Tucker Eduardo Acevedo Heather Perschon Ke'Sha Blanton Kerry Collett
Kiara Hurst Kyra Shelby Morgan Nixon Nicole Rawls Patricia Solano Reimao Philip Pearson Sameera Luthur Sean Waggoner Sharlande Nicolas Shemar Walker Sudhashree Sayenju
Thalia Escobedo William Waddy
#OWLONBOARD
17
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 17Made with FlippingBook HTML5