Kennesaw State University Human Resources newsletter for faculty and staff.
September 2024
THE OWL HR EXCLUSIVE!
Highlights in this issue:
Discounted Football Tickets
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2024 Benefits Fair
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2025 Open Enrollment
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Walktober 2024
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September USG Well-Being Events
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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
The Owl HR Exclusive
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2024 benefits fair
SAVE THE DATE October 23, 2024 If your department is interested in attending as a vendor with a presentation table, please email benefits@kennesaw.edu . Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
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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.
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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Congratulations to the 2024 Administration and Finance Mentor Program Graduates! We are thrilled to congratulate the latest graduates of the 2024 Administration and Finance (A & F) Mentor Program, who celebrated their accomplishments on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. This group of dedicated individuals has successfully completed a 6-month mentoring program designed to foster professional growth and development through close mentorship with experienced leaders.
The A & F Mentor Program pairs employees eager for professional advancement with seasoned mentors, creating a unique environment for learning and growth . Throughout the program, mentees committed to a structured schedule of up to 8 hours each month, engaging in activities that honed their skills, expanded their knowledge, and provided valuable feedback.
Eligibility for the program is selective, requiring at least one year of employment at KSU, a high-performance evaluation rating, and a willingness to embrace new ideas and challenges. Each mentee also prepared and delivered a presentation at the end of the program, sharing insights and reflections from their journey. We are incredibly proud of this year’s cohort and the dedication they have shown in pursuing their professional goals. Their achievements not only reflect their hard work and commitment but also the support and guidance provided by their mentors.
Please join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals. We look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and contribute to our university community. Congratulations, graduates!
The Owl HR Exclusive
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Fall Reminder
WHAT IS TAP?
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) allows eligible employees to attend classes at any University System of Georgia (USG) institution under a waiver of tuition and most fees. Employees may receive a waiver for up to nine (9) academic credit hours per semester.
ELIGIBILITY
TAP is available to full-time, credential seeking, benefits- eligible employees who have successfully completed at least six (6) months of employment in a benefits-eligible position as of the date of the TAP application deadline for the desired academic semester. Applicants must also receive a grade of C or better and not withdraw to maintain TAP eligibility. APPLICATION PROCESS For KSU employees, TAP applications are submitted and routed for approval through the TAP portal. Applications must be submitted and approved by managers by the application deadline for the waiver to be considered. Please note that a new application must be submitted each semester. NURSING FACULTY Due to the shortage of nursing faculty in Georgia, TAP is available to Part- Time Nursing Faculty pursuing a graduate degree in Nursing. Part-time applicants seeking to attend Nursing classes must also complete the USG Nursing TAP application. This application must be signed by both the employee and their supervisor and returned to TAP@kennesaw.edu by the TAP application deadline for the applicable semester.
YEARLY DEADLINES Summer Semester – April 15th (includes Maymester) Fall Semester – July 15th (includes Decembermester) Spring Semester – November 15th
DEADLINE FOR FALL: NOV. 15, 2024 7
The Owl HR Exclusive
KSU TRIVIA GAME
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The Owl HR Exclusive
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
Student Employment Program Coordinator Students MSS transactions Student employment questions
Compensation
Leadership Support& Management Training Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requests HR Generalist Employee Relations (ER) issues General policy and procedure guidance Exit interviews Student hiring (SEHF) processing
Job and pay change requests job description creation and updates
Records Assistant
Review or request your personal Employment Records
HR Coordinator
Note: Open Records must initiate through Legal Affairs. Records & Information Management including retention of records should be directed to Museums and Rare Books at xxx.
New hire processing Termination paperwork/off-boarding Worker’s Compensation Manager Self Service (MSS) Transactions
HR Benefits Specialist Leave of Absence
VISIT HR.KENNESAW.EDU TO DETERMINE YOUR ASSIGNED HR CONTACT
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Retirement (TRS, ORP, 403b, 457b)
Talent Acquisition Coordinator New hire paperwork Background checks Questions regarding job postings Talent Acquisition Recruiter Updates on interviews and screenings Requisition processing & status
HAVE A FACULTY RELATED QUESTION?
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
Candidate status Hiring proposals
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We believe that engaged employees are the heartbeat of KSU. What's your favorite thing about being part of our team? Share in the comments section on our instagram!
ENGAGE TO EXCE L !
Click Here!
Fall Financial Literacy
Join USG Benefits & CAPTRUST Financial Advisors for The Fundamentals of Personal Finance; a financial literacy series that empowers you to take control of your financial health and wellness.
Fall 2024 USG/ CAPTRUST Financial Literacy Series Each Tuesday in September from 12:00-1:15pm September 3 - The Foundation of Personal Finance
September 10 - Accumulation Phase September 17 - Decumulation phase September - 24 Estate Planning
Spots are LIMITED! Once registered for Session 1, you will be registered for the remaining 3 Sessions by end of day on September 4th.
The Owl HR Exclusive
You’ll be taken on a virtual color tour through some of the world’s most vibrant, breathtaking landscapes - while boosting energy, improving mood, and making walking a priority. Registration begins September 16 and ends October 6 Challenge begins October 1 and ends October 31
Achieve your goal of 20 leaves by logging 6000+ steps/day, 5 days/week
The winning institution with the highest average steps takes home the Traveling Trophy! Look for registration info coming soon on the USG Benefits website and in KSU Weekly!
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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25TH, 2024 7:00PM AT PIEDMONT PARK
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us for a fun-filled, community- driven event! Kaiser Permanente's Run Walk Roll 5K is just around the corner, and we invite everyone to participate. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or rolling along in a wheelchair, this event is for you .
Mark your calendars, rally your friends and family, and come be a part of this exciting event. Let's run, walk, and roll together towards better health and wellness!
$15
Rate Breakdown: $15 + processing fee through September 23 Full price $45 + processing fee from September 24-25
Price applies to USG employees and one guest using code USG2024
The Owl HR Exclusive
Wellness Corner
with a Student Trainer at the Employee Fitness Center! Boost Your Fitness
Boost Your Fitness with a Student Trainer at the Employee Fitness Center! Are you looking to elevate your fitness routine or find motivation to stay active? The Employee Fitness Center has an exciting opportunity just for you! We are offering all faculty and staff the chance to work with a highly motivated and knowledgeable student trainer—completely free of charge. Our student trainers are passionate about fitness and eager to apply what they've learned in their academic programs. Whether you're aiming to build strength, improve flexibility, or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, they’re ready to help you reach your goals. Plus, the personalized attention and customized workout plans they provide will ensure that your exercise routine fits seamlessly into your busy schedule
Signing up is easy! Simply visit the Employee Fitness Center or check our website to book your sessions. This is a fantastic way to support our students'
educational experiences while enhancing your own well-being.
Don’t miss out on this win-win opportunity. Sign up today and take the first step toward a healthier you!
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.
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We are excited to welcome faculty and staff into our offices (Kennesaw ALC 3525 and Marietta Student Center 160) for free professional headshots! There is no need to make an appointment for a professional headshot. Feel free to come by either main office Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-4:30PM with your KSU ID and receive an instant, professional headshot for free! Contact us at 470-578-6555 or career_services@kennesaw.edu with any questions.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS IN 5 MINUTES!
CAREER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
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!
Admissions Recruiter, In House
Service Team Associate - Receiving & Distribution
Office Manager - Admissions
Communications & Outreach Manager
Custodian - Housing & Residence Life
Administrative Assistant, Student Disability
For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, please visit jobs.kennesaw.edu
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PERKS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
TAZIKI'S CAFE 777 Townpark Lane NW, Suite 120, Kennesaw, GA 30144
KSU faculty and staff receive 10% off all food purchase with valid KSU ID at this local Mediterranean cafe. Curbside and delivery available.
SEE MORE PERKS
IT BENEFITS YOU TO KNOW... The TRS website is getting a new, updated look! The information you need to conduct your TRS-related business will still be right there, available anytime you need it, but in a format that’s easier for you to use! Be on the lookout for more information regarding the changes in our next newsletter.
The Owl HR Exclusive
September USG Well-Being Events:
Find Your Joy by Kaiser Permanente
Working in Resilient Environments (WIRE)
Sep 4 12pm
Sep 10 12pm
WIRE uses experiential learning and arts-integration techniques to engage participants and provide them with tools to address stress and burnout and foster a resilient workforce. *NOTE* You will be directed to a Google Sheet to sign up. 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
Discover how positive psychology and practical strategies can nurture your own happiness. You will learn concepts and evidence-based practices such as kindness, empathy, gratitude, and awe that foster social and emotional well-being.
HSA Bank Investment Program Overview
Sep 16 12pm
Sep 17 10am
This session shares the benefits of investing, investment options and tools you can use to help select your investments. We’ll also discuss the upcoming Investment transition. Mindfulness for Healthy Eating by Acentra Health Very often people start snacking just because they are bored or stressed and are often not aware that they have just eaten. Sometimes people manage their emotions and stress with food. This session demonstrates the use of mindfulness to listen to the body.
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.
Sep 18 11am
Sep 20 12pm
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Employee Assistance Program Tip Sheet The 5 Buckets Principle for Work-Life Balance
Every day, sometimes every moment of every day, we are confronted with a barrage of demands. How do we decide where to focus our energy? Which area takes precedence over the other, especially when tackling one can feel like neglecting another. How is it possible to sustain this push and pull?
The idea behind the Five Buckets Principle is that it creates a framework around which to prioritize our choices to ensure that energy and time is being spent on the areas that matter most. This allows for thoughtful decision making, which ultimately leads to feeling more aligned with one’s goals and values, creating a better sense of fulfillment and balance.
The Five Buckets Principle areas of focus:
1. Family and Friends. Prioritize time with loved ones, set boundaries to protect this time, and learn when to say “no” to commitments that get in the way of achieving this. 2. Work. Focus on finding joy and positive aspects of your work, manage interruptions so you can do your best, and find ways to grow professionally. 3. Finances. Set goals, manage spending, plan for retirement, and prepare for the unexpected. 4. Health. Exercise, schedule and attend preventative screenings, and prioritize nutrition, sleep, and stress management. 5. Community. Carve out time for your passion, cause, or commitment, which not only helps with a sense of being involved in something larger than yourself but helps form social connections. Each of these areas requires some level of attention whether it is daily, weekly, or monthly. Perhaps there are categories you would change out. The important thing is to practice spending more of your time and energy on the areas that are important and letting go. If you’re finding it hard to prioritize the things in your life that you value, the Employee Assistance Program can help.
Wendy Wollner. “The 5 Buckets of Work-Life Balance”. LinkedIn, May 13, 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-buckets-work-life-balance-wendy-wollner-rjake
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.
The Owl HR Exclusive
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WELCOME NEW KSU OWLS Newly hired KSU employees featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)
JULY 29, 2024
Alana Mango Bill Mclure Bin Luo Carolina Ayerbe
Christopher Peterson Felipe Salazar-Tobar Fidelia Omondi Harshitha Nirujogi
Hossein Mohit Jody Hubbell Joshua Zink Oyebisi Oladeji Paris Williams Rachael Vause
Ruvini Jayamaha Samantha Gough Shadi Beshai Shimelis Beyene Gebru Ying Chen
AUGUST 5, 2024
Alexis Philips Anna Lee Bosarge Bradley Martinez Brooke Aumer Dale Marie Johannesson
Dana Larson David Levine Dominique Davis
Iris Rodriguez Jason Rebeck Katelyn Butler Lakeiva Cook Laquana Brooks Maria Del Carmen Rivera Venancio Oluwadara Oni Patrick Lei Regan Bristol Tara Pope
The Owl HR Exclusive
AUGUST 12, 2024
Andrew Clausen Brana Ivey Brian Alexander Dana Larson Davis Calandra
Erica Darden J'Tey Franklin John Foley Karra-Kelsie Debreus Katie Sclafani Kiersten Lange Lanie Vantrease Michaela Caston Randi Woodard Sherrie Goodman
Taylor Rogers Terrence Clay
AUGUST 19, 2024
Branden Portis Calvin Copeland Chad Holsing Ericka Sims James Limone John Williams Justin Brown Leslie Newkirk Li Zhou Mwanga Carswell Ny Espada Sierra Turner
#OWLONBOARD
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