Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
October 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
2024 Benefits Fair
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2025 Open Enrollment
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TAP Success Story: Jasmine Sandhou
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Emergenetics or Clifton Strengths?
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October USG Well-Being Events
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OCTOBER 23, 2024 10:30AM - 1:30PM KSU CENTER 400 If your department is interested in 2024 benefits fair attending as a vendor with a presentation table, please email benefits@kennesaw.edu .
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2025 Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for active employees will be October 28 – November 8, 2024. The enrollment period to elect or make changes to your benefits for the 2025 plan year begins October 28, 2024 . To make your elections during the open enrollment period, go to OneUSG Connect – Benefits . Active employees will begin receiving Open Enrollment information in late September. Please ensure that your address is updated in the "personal details" tile in OneUSG. For more information and the schedule of Information and Help Sessions, visit our Open Enrollment Website.
DON'T MISS A BEAT! Text USG to 23613 to sign up for benefit updates and reminders delivered via text message.
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TAP Success Stories Meet Jasmine Sandhu ADVANCING THROUGH EDUCATION
At Kennesaw State University, our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps employees reach their educational goals while continuing to build their careers. One such success story comes from an employee who recently completed her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in 2.5 years, showcasing the transformative power of education and professional growth through TAP. Broadened Horizons and New Career Opportunities For Jasmine, the MPA program was a game-changer. "The program broadened my horizons and my network. I met incredible people, connected with amazing faculty members, and gained valuable leadership insights," she shared. With these new skills and connections, Jasmine applied for a new role at KSU, and today she proudly serves as a Training and Communications Specialist in the Division of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, and Inclusive Excellence (OLI). "I wouldn't be where I am today without the confidence and growth the program gave me," she added. Applying Leadership Lessons in the Workplace One of the most valuable lessons Jasmine took away from the MPA program was how leadership plays a role in every corner of an organization. "Even if you aren't in a formal leadership role, we all play a part as leaders in some capacity here at KSU," she noted. The leadership tools she gained have had a direct impact on her approach in her current role, where she strives to foster an inclusive and effective work environment. Support and Motivation Along the Way Jasmine’s journey to earning her master's wasn’t without its challenges, but she credits the TAP program and her supportive management team for helping her achieve her goal. "I’ve always wanted to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration, and TAP gave me the confidence to apply. I’m incredibly grateful to the MPA programming team and my managers, who helped me balance work and school." With their support, Jasmine successfully navigated the demands of both worlds. The Owl HR Exclusive
Advice for Future TAP Participants: Pace Yourself and Persevere
To fellow employees considering TAP, Jasmine offers this advice: "Do it! You can take it slow if you're worried about balancing work, life, and school. I had to step back at times, taking one class instead of two to maintain balance and sanity. In the end, it’s worth it." Jasmine’s message is one of perseverance, highlighting the importance of pacing yourself and embracing the journey. Gratitude for the Journey Reflecting on her experience, Jasmine expressed deep appreciation for the KSU MPA faculty and programming team: "They made the experience worth it." Her success story stands as an inspiration for others at KSU, demonstrating how the Tuition Assistance Program can help employees grow both professionally and personally.
For more information on how you can take advantage of TAP, visit the TAP website .
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) registration window opens on October 15th for Spring 2025! Take advantage of this opportunity to further your education and career at no cost. Whether you're pursuing a degree or enhancing your skills, TAP is a great way to invest in your professional growth. Don’t miss out —be sure to register early and remind your supervisor to approve your application before the November 15th deadline. Are you planning to take classes in Spring?
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 .
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14TH ANNUAL
Join us for the 14th Annual Pumpkin Launch! Featuring innovative designs and mechanisms created by sophomore mechanical engineering students! Enjoy some fun and watch pumpkins splatter in this Marietta campus tradition!
Don't miss out on free t-shirts and the chance to stuff your own pumpkin! Plus, food trucks will be on site to keep you fueled for all the action.
Thurs. Oct. 17, 2024 2:00PM-5:00PM Marietta Soccer Field
Thurs. Oct. 17 2 - 5pm Marietta Soccer Field
The Owl HR Exclusive
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 October - December 2024 is now available! Click here to view all of our upcoming courses available in-person and online. Upcoming topics include: Open Enrollment 2025 Information Session Maximizing your Benefits and Wrapping up your FSA Compensation 101 Student Hiring 101 Career Framework for Staff
Want the Owl HR Exclusive delivered directly to your mailbox?! Visit our website to join our newsletter list!
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Emergenetics or Clifton Strengths? FIND YOUR BEST FIT
Selecting the right tool to enhance team dynamics, communication, and productivity is crucial. Two options we offer in Human Resources are Emergenetics and Clifton Strengths, each providing unique insights into individual and team performance. This chart is designed to help you understand the key differences between these tools, so you can choose the one that best fits your department's needs. option and find the right fit for your department’s objectives.
On the other hand, Clifton Strengths emphasizes identifying and leveraging individual talents, helping teams to focus on and develop what they naturally do best.
Emergenetics focuses on identifying thinking and behavioral preferences, offering a holistic view of how people approach work and interact with others.
By comparing these tools, you can make an informed decision on which assessment will most effectively support your team's growth and success. Use this chart to explore the strengths of each option and find the right fit for your department’s objectives.
Still need assistance determining which tool is right for your team? Contact your HR Business Partner for further assistance.
The Owl HR Exclusive
VS.
Underlying Science
Combines research and rigorous statistical analysis in the areas of personality, psychology, and neuroscience. Focuses on the connection between human behavior and thinking styles to empower appreciation of self and others.
Positive psychology and strength-based psychology. Focuses on what is right with people instead of what is wrong with them. Over 31M people assessed. Research based on successful, effective leaders.
Nature of Assessment - Identification
Explains seven characteristics universally applicable to all humankind. These thinking and behavior preferences provide insights into how individuals process thoughts, evaluate information, and interact with others.
Identifies an individual's natural talents and strengths, highlighting areas of exceptional performance and potential.
Core Focus - Emphasis
Fosters understanding of thinking and behavior patterns for both individuals and the collective team to enhance collaboration, communication, relationships, and productivity.
Uncovering and leveraging individual strengths to enhance performance, productivity, and personal fulfillment. Employee Engagement.
Application - Value
Explores individual approach to work and life relative to team dynamics and communication. Facilitates effectively working together by understanding diverse thinking and behavioral preferences to develop an engaged workforce, strengthen staff cohesion, enable growth, and maximize group potential.
Personal development, career planning, leadership development, and team building. It focuses on leveraging individual and team strengths to accomplish goals, maximize performance, and engagement.
Results
With the knowledge of an entire team's preferences combined as one approach to productivity, planning, and problem solving, managers can quickly uncover inherent strengths of the group, determine where gaps may exist, and identify a plan to create alignment.
Identifies an individual's top strengths from a list of 34 talent themes, offering a language to articulate and develop these strengths further.
Approach to Development
When employees and leaders understand how team members prefer to think and behave, those insights facilitate development of an inclusive, inspiring workplace that attracts, engages, and retains top talent through leadership, culture, collaboration, and by understanding communication and cognitive contrast.
Focuses on developing and maximizing an individual's strengths rather than fixing weaknesses. It empowers individuals to leverage their talents for enhanced performance and fulfillment.
Cost $89 per assessment; includes accessibility to the app which provides job aids, additional learning tools, and resources to help participants learn to stretch their skills in their least preferred attribute(s).
Clifton Strengths 34 Report - $59.99 (plus $10 coach discount) = $49.99 + tax. or Top 5 Report - $19.99 (plus $10 coach discount) = $9.99 + tax.
HR's Subject Matter Experts
Amy Phillips, Deputy CHRO, is certified in Emergenetics facilitation.
Melissa Hernandez, Employee Relations Manager, is a Gallup Certified Coach.
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WHO TO CONTACT IN HR
Do you have a question or issue you need resolved but you aren’t sure who to contact in HR? Use this reference guide to point you in the right direction! If you don’t see what you are looking for, please contact your HR Partner . HR Business Partner Talent Management & Succession Planning Performance Management Organizational Review & Restructures Leadership Support & Management Training
Student Employment Program Coordinator Students MSS transactions
Student employment questions Student hiring (SEHF) processing Compensation Job and pay change requests Job description creation and updates
HR Generalist
Employee Relations (ER) issues General policy and procedure guidance Exit interviews HR Coordinator New hire processing Termination paperwork/off-boarding Worker’s Compensation Manager Self Service (MSS) Transactions HR Benefits Specialist Leave of Absence Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Retirement (TRS, ORP, 403b, 457b) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requests Talent Acquisition Coordinator New hire paperwork Background checks Questions regarding job postings Talent Acquisition Recruiter Updates on interviews and screenings Requisition processing & status
Records Assistant
Review or request your personal Employment Records
Note: Open Records must initiate through Legal Affairs. Records & Information Management including retention of records should be directed to Museums and Rare Books at tlivings@kennesaw.edu .
VISIT HR.KENNESAW.EDU TO DETERMINE YOUR ASSIGNED HR CONTACT
HAVE A FACULTY RELATED QUESTION?
Candidate status Hiring proposals
The Faculty Affairs Coordinator is your primary point of contact for faculty related questions. Coordinator assignments can be found at facultyaffairs.kennesaw.edu/contact.php
The Owl HR Exclusive
TRS has now launched their revised website. You still have access to information that’s always been there for you, but now you have access to additional features right on the home page. The new TRS Website is here! Please visit www.TRSGA.com to see the refreshed site! As part of a 2024-2025 Staff Senate initiative, we want to help you get and stay connected with your peers across campus! Admin/Support Staff Team If you handle general office management,
procurement, contract processing or anything else that entails keeping your department running, join the campus wide Admin/Support Staff Team. This serves as a place to connect with those that do similar tasks across our organization. Ask questions, get advice and get help finding solutions to day-to-day issues that others may have already solved. You do not have to have a support staff role, anyone that would find this group helpful can join, use the QR code or visit ksuhub.com/admsupport to become a part of the group.
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Wellness Corner
Employee Fitness Center
New members who sign up for an Employee Fitness Center membership will receive a complimentary EFC-branded t-shirt and shaker bottle. Please note that this offer is available for sign-ups only and does not apply to free trials.
Join now to get a head start on your fitness goals before the holidays and enjoy the benefits of being part of our community!
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.
The Owl HR Exclusive
Tailgating, Touchdowns, Owl Walk, & more!
Experience the thrill of Kennesaw State Football game day at Fifth Third Stadium for our inaugural season in Conference USA. As a token of appreciation for your service and dedication to our KSU community, we invite you to take advantage of an employee discount! All full-time benefits-eligible faculty and staff can purchase single-game and season tickets at a discount.
For discounted single-game football tickets , please click HERE . To purchase discounted football season tickets or for more information, call the ticket office at 470-578-OWLS (6957).
Seating options & corresponding discounts
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2024 Chili N Cheer and Years of Service Celebration We will recognize those employees with service milestones that were reached in 2024. SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 11:30AM - 1:00PM
The Owl HR Exclusive
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PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
HUDSON GRILLE Hudson Grill offers a welcoming atmosphere with delicious American cuisine, a wide selection of drinks, and plenty of big screens for game days. All KSU faculty, staff, and students receive a 15% discount with a valid ID. 2500 Cobb Pl Ln NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins this month! It’s important to remember that
even if you do not want to make any changes to your current coverage, you MUST log in during the Open Enrollment period and complete the Tobacco Use Certification for yourself and any covered dependent age 18 or older if you are enrolled in a USG healthcare plan.
Additionally, you MUST also complete the Working Spouse Certification if you cover your spouse.
If you do not complete the certifications, the $150.00 per month surcharge per impacted covered member will be deducted from your pay beginning January 1, 2025.
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!
Graduate Student Service Specialist
Academic Advisor - SCM Science & Mathematics
Academic Advising Manager, Radow
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Senior Accountant
Director, Academic Advising
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
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October USG Well-Being Events:
Fostering a Sense of Belonging by Acentra Health Learn about what belonging means and why it is so important. Gain strategies to cultivate belonging and understand what your institution can do to foster a culture of belonging. Intergenerational Caregiving by Kaiser Permanente In this webinar, you'll explore some of the challenges related to meeting the needs of multiple generations and brainstorm creative solutions including creating a realistic action plan, using your personal strengths to help care for yourself and family.
EAP 101 by Acentra Health
Oct 2 12pm
Oct 15 10am
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.
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.
Oct 16 11am
Oct 18 12pm
The Owl HR Exclusive
Employee Assistance Program Tip Sheet Finding Joy through Hobbies
Taking part in enjoyable activities has a direct impact on wellbeing. When we engage in special interests or hobbies, our brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical that improves mental health and generally makes us feel pleasure and joy.
Hobbies have many other benefits, including improving physical health if the pursuit is active in nature or providing a way to connect with others leading to decreased feelings of isolation. Interests such as: Engaging in puzzles and reading can help guard against developing dementia. Playing musical instruments have been found to help with memory. A study conducted by the University of Essex found that taking part in hobbies resulted in an 8% increase in wellbeing and a 10% reduction in stress and anxiety. Those who prioritized achievement over enjoyment were less happy the next day. If you’re looking to find more joy in your life, try engaging in a new hobby or activity that you enjoy. Having a hard time finding happiness in your life? Reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) today. The EAP can also help connect you with clubs, classes, and other resources.
Reference: “The Science Behind Why Hobbies Can Improve Our Mental Health”. Accessed July 21, 2024 from https://neurosciencenews.com/hobby-mental-health-17765/
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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WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
AUGUST 26, 2024
Alexis Williams Anna Miller Ayanna Ivery Briahna Forrest Cassandra Smith Chanelle Johnson Chloe Cooper Emily Newton Eric Valdescaro Ishita Thumati Kayode Bamidele Madesh Samanu Mike Bonnette Moriah King Sean Ledbetter Spencer Kealamakia Thian Melchior
The Owl HR Exclusive
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Brock Bowers Cierra Days Demon Rashad Baker Janina Peachey Justin Turner Katelyn Stickley Kaysia Campbell Kelly Johnson Khristina Holliday Kiersten Richmond LaTashia Clarke Li Zhou Madeline Dunn Osauese Guobadia
Raj Moona Sole Sealey Stephanie Wilson Tara Brown Winston Lett
The Owl HR Exclusive
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
Ashley Way I’Lesha Goins
Jason Lancaster Joseph Marxen Kendra Key Mahnoor Haider Martha Iglesias
Sean O'Dowd Seth Thomsen Sydney Boyer #OWLONBOARD
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