The Owl HR Exclusive

The Owl HR Exclusive is a monthly newsletter that provides pertinent HR news and policy updates to staff and faculty. Topics are thoughtfully selected each month to provide timely updates on the latest HR project developments, services, federal regulation and/or internal policy changes, and professional development workshops and events.

Do you have suggestions for featured topics? We'd love to hear from you! Please email your ideas to hrnewsletter@kennesaw.edu and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

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  • Fall is a season of growth and new opportunities at KSU, and I’m excited to share the launch of the 2026 High Impact Leaders Program (HILP) Cohort. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to developing talented employees and preparing the next generation of leaders across the university. Thank you to everyone who nominated, supported, and encouraged colleagues to participate in this year’s program. I look forward to seeing the impact this cohort will make across campus.

    As we focus on growth, it’s also important to make time for our health and well-being. I hope you’ll join us for the 2026 Benefits Fair on Tuesday, October 20. This is a great opportunity to connect with our benefits partners, explore available resources, ask questions, and learn more about the programs and services designed to support you and your family.

    Karen

  • Has HR Made a Difference in Your Work Life?
    Whether we helped you navigate benefits, supported your professional growth, or guided you through a challenge, we want to hear your story! Your experience could inspire others and showcase the ways HR is here to support our employees.

    Share a brief testimonial about how HR has helped you, and your story might be featured in an upcoming newsletter! How to Submit: Simply send us an email  with the subject line “HR Story” or use our quick submission form.

  • Kennesaw State University congratulates the 24 faculty and staff members selected for the 2026-2027 High Impact Leaders Program (HILP), a year-long leadership development initiative for early to mid-career faculty and staff.

    Cohort Members
    Kristina Beasley
    Brandon Carpenter
    Craig Chin
    Jeffrey Collins
    Patrick Fennell
    Paul Floeckher
    Vennece Fowlkes
    Luc Guglielmi
    Sinobi Guillaume
    Andrew Haddow
    Danielle Herrington
    Shana Hill
    Jennifer Hoosier
    Laura Howard
    Rachel Johnson
    Carl Jones
    Rachel Kinney
    Savannah Lockman
    Mia Plachkinova
    Jennifer Purcell
    Taylor Rogers
    Justin Roth
    Nazmus Sakib
    Keir Singleton-Ortiz

    Congratulations to these outstanding leaders on this achievement. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make as they continue their leadership journeys at KSU.

    To learn more, visit the HILP website.

  • Open enrollment for active employees will be October 26 – November 6, 2026. The enrollment period to elect or make changes to your benefits for the 2027 plan year begins October 26, 2026. 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.

  • As part of the University System of Georgia’s cybersecurity training requirements, all KSU faculty, staff, and student employees must complete the Spring Cybersecurity Awareness Training by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 21.

    HOW TO COMPLETE IT

    Beginning September 16, you may complete the Spring Cybersecurity Awareness Training online through the University Information Technology Services (UITS) webpage.  Approximate completion time is 15 minutes.


    DEPARTMENT TRAINING

    UITS also offers personalized department trainings. Interested departments can submit requests for these sessions through the KSU IT Service Desk at service@kennesaw.edu until Oct. 15

    For any questions, contact the KSU IT Service Desk at 470-578-6999.

    Stay cyber-aware and complete your training today!

     

  • Get ready for the KSU Benefits Fair. Home Run for Health 2026.

    Date: October 20, 2026.

    Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    Location: KSU Center, Room 400.

    See you there at the 2026 Benefits Fair. Go Owls!

  • Tuition Assistance

    Are you planning to take classes in Spring?

    The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) registration window opens on October 15th for Spring 2027! 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.

    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 2026, we encourage you to review your vacation balance by accessing OneUSG Connect. If you have any questions or concerns, please email payroll@kennesaw.edu.

  • OCTOBER | HEALTH LITERACY

    Focus on caring for both your mental and physical health with sessions on stress management, self- awareness, oral health, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources, and practical financial strategies to make your money work harder.

    QUARTER 4: HEALTHY HOLIDAYS

    Invest in your well-being this quarter with free virtual webinars designed to help you thrive at work and at home. From stress management and physical health to financial wellness, Quarter 4 offers practical tools and expert guidance to support every aspect of your well-being.

    EVENTS

    Oct 06 / 12:00 PM | Myth-busting: Healthcare Expenses

    Oct 07 / 12:00 PM | Working with Your Health Care Provider

    Oct 16, 2026 / 12:00 PM | Tapping into Calm: Somatic Stress Management Tools

    Oct 20 / 10:00 AM | Getting the Most from Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP 101) 

    Oct 22 / 10:00 AM | Empower Your Team: EAP Basics for Supervisors

  • About Great Basics
    Great Basics is a virtual workshop series offered to USG institutional employees as a way for individuals to learn and build leadership-related skills through interactive sessions.

    These sessions focus on a variety of professional development topics and allow attendees to immediately implement the skills they learn in their workplace. Sessions are designed to be relevant and applicable whether you are leading yourself or leading teams.

    The University System of Georgia strives to be an organization that truly thrives. A thriving organization is talent-focused, healthy, reputable, innovative, vision-minded, engaged, and service-oriented.

    Join us for the second half of 2026 as we take a deep dive into each of these dimensions, exploring not only who we are as an organization, but how we can intentionally grow ourselves professionally for lasting success.

    Vision-Minded: Work with Purpose
    With Guest Speaker Angela Landers, Leadership and Institutional Development Program Director

    It’s crucial that we hold ourselves accountable for connecting our current role to a larger sense of direction and purpose within the system. Taking ownership, setting purposeful goals, and making decisions with intention keep us focused on the vision. In this session, participants will reflect on personal and professional goals and consider how their work today contributes to where the system is headed. 

    Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Register for USG Great Basics

    Questions? Email USOTHRIVES@usg.edu

  • A new employee’s first few days can shape how they feel about their new workplace. A meaningful welcome doesn’t require a large budget, it requires intention.

    • Before They Arrive: Send a personal welcome message with helpful details. Consider assigning a peer buddy.
    • Make Day One Count: Have their workspace and technology ready, introduce them to the team, and make time for lunch.
    • Stay Connected: Check in regularly during the first few weeks. Help them understand the team's culture and unwritten norms.

    Make Their Welcome Count

    Before your next new team member arrives, take a few minutes to plan their first week. Ask yourself: What can I do to help them feel welcomed and connected? A thoughtful welcome starts with you. Make the first impression a meaningful one—and help your newest team member feel that they made the right choice joining KSU.

    Have a welcoming practice that works well for your team? Share it with KSU Human Resources!


     

  • Kennesaw State University is hiring for the following positions. Know a friend or family member who may be interested in working at KSU?

     Our Openings

    For a complete listing of all open positions available at KSU, visit the KSU careers website.

    View All KSU Job Openings

  • RALPH'S ZUCCA PIZZA
    4290 Bells Ferry Rd, Kennesaw, GA - in the Publix Shopping Center

    Features New York-style hand-tossed pizza, salads & sandwiches, along with all of your Italian favorites in a “neighborhood” atmosphere. Enjoy 15% off your food. Simply show your valid KSU ID to receive your discount! Opens daily at 11:30 AM.

    See More KSU Employee Perks

  • Open Enrollment for the 2027 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, 2027.

  • Turkey Trot 5K
    November 14, 2026 at 8 a.m. at The Perch.
    Presented by Kennesaw State University Sports and Recreation.

    Turkey Trot registration

     

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  • Newly Hired KSU Employees Featured at New Employee Orientation (NEO)

    August 31, 2026

    Adam Smith | Anahi Lara | Ashley Middleton | Brianna Palmer | Campbell Hutcherson | Courtney Chester | Deborah Abraham | Dohnovan Walker | Donald Perez | Greer Payne | Holly Warren | Karen Vickers | Karina Reoyo | Kineta Edwards | McMichen Tatum | Michael Wymer | Natalie Medina | Pamela Pedroza | Rehma Razzak | Samantha Boswell | Samantha Lewis | Sheena Mayrant | Skyler Freeman | Urennwa Oduaro

     

    September 8, 2026
     Stephanie Kamel | Niomi Rosario | Brian Howell | Karima Dukes | Aislinn Sweeney | Adrianne Skrzypek | Benjamin Hernandez | Tia Chism | Zachary Hale | Leonard Herring | Noah Grant | Jude Douglas | Sierra Hines

    September 14, 2026

    Ieza Fatima | Medina Safic | Naomi Gates | Mikki Pitts | Kelly Blackwell | Lauren Tear |Micah Roberts | Nyla Blackwell | Kenneth Baumhoff | T'Kai Ali | Stephanie Stubbs | Victoria Tomlinson | Shaun Krisher | Nicholas Privitera | Ayoola Momoh | Trucly Knight | Levi Walker

    September 28, 2026
    Andrew Mann | Anthony Nguyen | April Scott | Blanca Izaguirre | Dominique Stafford | Doriel Prince | Elizabeth Fitzgerald | Jiayu (Vicky) Xin | Leonard Cooper | Maritza Estrada-Maceda | Rachel Warner | Scott Henderson | Tashar Palmer | Willie Doston