Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
May 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
2024 Staff Appreciation Week
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2024 Staff Awards Winners
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USG Staff Council Conference
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EFC Summer Games Competition
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CARE and Midwest Food Bank
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E E K PR ECIAT
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION BOOKSTORE SALE EMPLOYEES ENJOY *40% OFF AT THE KSU BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK!
P
E
MAY 14
MAY 15
MAY 13 CHICK FIL A BISCUITS 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM MARIETTA & KENNESAW CAMPUSES
TEAM TRIVIA 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM MARIETTA CAMPUS - BALLROOMS A&B
ICE CREAM SOCIAL 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM MARIETTA CAMPUS - K-FIELD
MAY 17
MAY 16
OWLYMPICS 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CONVOCATION CENTER
TEAM TRIVIA 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM KENNESAW CAMPUS - UNIVERSITY ROOMS
ICE CREAM SOCIAL 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CAMPUS GREEN
Learn more! hr.kennesaw.edu/eaw
*Exclusions apply. Valid for individual, in-store purchases only. Not applicable to departmental purchases. Please present staff ID at time of purchase. *Exclusions apply. Valid for individual, in-store purchases only.
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK | MAY 13 – 17
WE’RE WE’RE DOUBLING YOUR DISCOUNT Extra THANKFUL
40% OFF KSU-BRANDED CLOTHING & GIFTS
FOR YOU!
*Exclusions apply. Valid for individual, in-store purchases only. Not applicable to departmental purchases. Please present staff ID at time of purchase.
Sports and Recreation is celebrating Staff Appreciation Week by offering an exclusive $10 membership to faculty and staff for the week! You’ll receive access to both Student Recreation Centers May 13-17,2024 ! Special Events hosted throughout the week! 2024 STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
Purchase the pass online at mysportsrec.kennesasw.edu Your membership will be added to your Talon Card for access.
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Thank You for your 2024 KSU Staff Award nominations! Thanks to all the managers, colleagues, coworkers, leaders, and others who nominated staff employees or provided letters of support for the Staff Awards. We received a record-breaking 67 nominations in five categories. Recognizing employees’ achievements is vitally important in building an innovative and engaged culture. The nominators and supporters have demonstrated that KSU employees ARE making a difference within the KSU community and beyond, most notably in the area of student engagement, belonging, and success. The 2024 Staff Awards luncheon will be held on May 1, 2024 , to honor and recognize these staff employees whose attitude and work performance consistently go above and beyond to deliver amazing results in the following areas:
Excellence in Innovation
Outstanding Leadership
Student Success Impact Award Brian Garsh | Student Engagement & Belonging
Positive Impact/Service to the Community William Hargrove | Student Affairs - Student Volunteerism & Service
Savana Alexander | Athletic Advising - Learning Support
Sergeant Greg Stacy Public Safety
And the Outstanding Owl Award goes to….
Shawanda Daniel Student Affairs - Assessment and Analysis
A special thanks to those who served on the Staff Awards Nomination Committee. Check out Staff Awards for more information on the 2024 Staff Award Honorees. The Owl HR Exclusive
USG Staff Council Conference: “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! Call for Proposals We are looking for presentations that: Offer innovative solutions to current issues higher ed professionals face each day; Share ideas that can be implemented across USG institutions; Engage the audience in a fun and impactful way.
Presentations should be approximately one hour in length, including a Q&A time.
Submit your proposal here before May 10, 2024. Selected speakers will be notified by May 20, 2024.
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.
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Wellness Corner
One point will be provided per day you attend the EFC, and an additional point will be provided for completing our daily task. The daily task will include an exercise that the EFC staff must watch you complete , this task will be located on the white board upfront. The top 3 will win prizes including bronze, silver, or gold medals . Details Below: We are excited to introduce our 2nd annual EFC Summer Games This summer competition will start this Monday, May 27 and end Friday, August 30
2 points will be provided for any referrals that mention you by name during sign up.
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 weekly leaderboard will be updated every Monday to showcase who is in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The leaderboard is located on the pin board by the group fitness area.
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
Did you know? Incoming freshman can be hired to begin working as student assistants in the summer, as long as we can verify that they have enrolled for fall classes. Visit the Student Employment website to learn more about the Student Employment hiring process. If you have questions, please email Student Employment at hrstudentemployment@kennesaw.edu .
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CAREER CORNER
In the bustling world of recruitment, one factor stands out as a pivotal determinant of success: the candidate experience. As we strive to attract top-tier talent to our institution, cultivating a positive and thoughtful experience for candidates is paramount. Here’s why: First Impressions Matter: The recruitment process serves as the initial introduction between candidates and our university. A thoughtful candidate experience sets the tone for a positive relationship from the outset. From the clarity of job postings to the responsiveness of communication, every interaction shapes candidates’ perceptions of our institution. Reflect Organizational Values: The candidate experience is a reflection of our university’s values and culture. A seamless, respectful, and transparent process communicates our commitment to our institutional values. By aligning every touchpoint with our values, we attract candidates who share our vision and mission. Differentiate Our University : In a competitive recruitment landscape, a standout candidate experience sets our university apart from others. Word-of-mouth travels fast, and candidates who have positive experiences are more likely to recommend our institution to others, amplifying our reach and reputation as a destination place to work. Foster Engagement and Loyalty: A positive candidate experience doesn’t end with a job offer— it lays the foundation for long-term engagement and loyalty. Candidates who feel valued and respected during the recruitment process are more likely to become invested members of our university community, contributing their talents and expertise to our collective success. The Power of a Thoughtful Candidate Experience in Recruitment
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!
Simulation Support Specialist - Wellstar College of Nursing
Advancement Services Coordinator
Research Liaison
Administrative Assistant - Mathematics Department
Senior Accountant
Business Analyst - Finance
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
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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.
The Owl HR Exclusive
PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
TERIYAKI BOX 745 Chastain Rd NW #1030, Kennesaw, GA 30144 Teriyaki Box offers a variety of MSG free Japanese cuisine including their special homemade Teriyaki sauce. Present your KSU ID for a 10% discount on your food purchase.
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... CAPTRUST provides unbiased financial and retirement advice, at no additional cost to you. Connect with an independent CAPTRUST financial advisor to see if you are on track to achieve your financial goals. Whether your retirement savings are with AIG, Fidelity, TIAA or TRS, visit captrustadvice.com/usg or call the advice desk at 1-800-967-9948 to get started.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
KSU supports mental health awareness
Acentra, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), is offering a series of workshops in May centered around mental health and well-being. Visit the USG Well-Being page to register.
The Owl HR Exclusive
HR Highlight
Who are the TAM Coordinators? Talent Acquisition Coordinators (TACs) collaborate closely with Talent Acquisition Specialists (Recruiters) to facilitate the hiring process for new employees at KSU. This process typically spans a minimum of 10 business days from the initial offer to the start date. Multiple departments are involved in ensuring the seamless integration of new hires into KSU systems. Once all necessary information is gathered, TACs liaise with HRMS and UITS for further processing. Upon completion of the required documentation, the employee's virtual folder is forwarded to HRMS for data entry, subsequently transitioning through systems to UITS for credential creation. Full-time employees participate in New Employee Orientation (NEO), while part-time employees schedule an I-9 appointment to finalize their onboarding procedures. Moreover, TACs provide assistance in various administrative tasks such as Student Background Checks, Registered Visitors management, Pcard Requests/Renewals, Out of State Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs), E-Verify Compliance, and managing new job postings for applicants.
Brooke Erwin
Offer
Background Check Ordered
Relinda Tiggs
NEO
Dana King
Welcome Letter
Liselle Hansraj
I-9 Onboarding
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Purchase your tickets!
The Owl HR Exclusive
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Employee Assistance Program The Power of Pets
Research has shown that having a pet can reduce stress and depression, combat loneliness, and improve heart health. All pets have been shown to help in these areas -- think beyond dogs and cats if you’re not ready for that level of commitment. Consider fish or lizards such as bearded dragons which make excellent pets, especially if you have allergies to animals with fur. Birds, guinea pigs, and other exotic pets might be a good option for those with space constraints.
The benefits of having a pet are vast and include: Stress reduction. The act of petting and having physical contact with an animal reduces anxiety and can calm an active mind. Consider an aquarium or even a single beta fish. Watching fish swim has been shown to have a calming effect. For some, the sound of the water bubbling in a fish tank is also relaxing. Depression reduction. The companionship and connection that pets provide help decrease depression and loneliness. Having a pet to care for and that also provides structure and routine brings meaning and purpose to life. Owning a pet is also a great way to meet other people with similar interests. Improvements to heart health. Dogs require daily walks which leads to increased activity levels which helps to fight weight gain that can contribute to cardiovascular problems. Being outdoors comes with the added bonus of boosting your mood. Studies have shown that pets lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Before you run out and get a pet, it’s important to do your research around proper care, time commitment involved, space needed, and anticipated expenses. Most rescue groups will provide all of this information upfront. Contact your Employee Assistance Program for help locating local rescue groups or shelters in your area, or if you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness.
Robinson, L. and Segal, J. “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets”. HelpGuide.org. Accessed January 18, 2024 from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
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.
24/7/365 PHONE: 1.844.243.4440
WEBSITE: usg.mylifeexpert.com Code: USGCares
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.
The Owl HR Exclusive
WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
MARCH 25, 2024
Antonio Patton Bianca Rivera Ethan Williams Jarod Buxton Jessenia Barron-Cohen John Williams Jonathan Lowrie Kay Lucke
Maria Soledad Soto Matthew Windsor Sarah Caffrey TaNiya Pierce Wesley Samples
APRIL 1, 2024
Camille Pfeifle
Charlie Dale
Eva Henke
Giovanni Ciconte
Kadejah Brathwaite
Norey Smith
Ramona Johnson
Robert Freer
Tien Thai Vu
Wezly Barnard
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APRIL 15, 2024
Alexis Stegall Covisha Covington Dorothy (Lee) Cunningham Ian Campbell Jacob Dye Julia Bellezza
Karen Hubbard Krysteta Evarts Linda Andrade
Simmara Lacanglacang Titandium Debardlabon
#OWLONBOARD
KSU TRIVIA GAME
The Owl HR Exclusive
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