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Soaring Through Nighthawk Gardens 04 08 06 UNG Campus Gardens Refresh & Refuel Wellness To-Go Stress Management EAP Tip Sheet Eating Right on the Run 05 EAP Live Webinar - April 9 New to USG? 10 USG Benefits Orientation - April 8 & May 12 UNG Student Summer Employment 09 Submitting a Student Worker Agreement March 2025 New Hires 11 New Nighthawks Live Well UNG 03 April 2025 Spotlight 07 How to Nominate Staff Award and North Star Award Cultivating Compassion in the Workplace EAP Tips from March webinar 12
This Earth Day, let's celebrate both the planet and the importance of mental well-being. As we work to protect the environment, remember: "The World is better with you in it." If you're struggling, you're not alone—reach out. Together, we can build a world where both our planet and our communities flourish. Earth Day 2025 HEALTHY SPACES, HAPPY FACES! April Spotlight April 2025 The World is better with you in it! Sexual Assault Awareness Month This year’s theme, "Together We Act, United We Change," emphasizes collective action to prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment by raising awareness, amplifying survivors' voices, and promoting safety and respect in communities. By working together, we can create safe environments where everyone is treated with dignity, helping to prevent sexual violence in workplaces, schools, and communities. Celebrate Earth Day 2025 on April 22nd by taking action for a sustainable future. Join the movement to raise awareness, reduce waste, and protect our planet for generations to come. Every effort counts!
As the semester winds down, faculty and staff are invited to refresh, refuel, and recharge with a delicious to-go fruit ,yogurt and granola bars! Stop by for a quick pick-me-up, enjoy some quick grab items, and enter your name for a chance to win a bundle of goodies! Catch us on your campus between 8:30 AM-10 AM This is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and fuel up for the final stretch of the semester! See you there! Be on the lookout for an email from HR with more details about the event! Refresh & Refuel: Wellness To-Go Tuesday, April 22, Volleyball area *Robinson Ballroom if raining, Gainesville Thursday, April 24, Hoag ABC rooms, Dahlonega Tuesday, April 29, Administrative Lawn, Oconee Thursday, May 1, Pavilion, Cumming Wednesday, May 7, Outside Patio, Blue Ridge
Employee Assistance Program Live Webinar Series Join us on 4/9/2025 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM EST WEBINAR DESCRIPTION: We've all made excuses or rationalized the need to sometimes eat “junk” or “fast” food. In this webinar, participants will cover realistic strategies to eat well and with ever-rising costs in mind, including which items are worth paying a premium for, or when to purchase organic products. Together, we will learn the most important steps to eating healthy and stay within our financial means. When creating a new account, use company code: USGCares EATING RIGHT ON THE RUN AND ON A BUDGET APRIL 2025 You may also register at USG.MyLifeExpert.com. Contact us 24/7 at 1.844.243.4440 Scan Here to Go Directly to the Website
Blue Ridge & Cumming Although there are not formal gardens on these Campuses, Blue Ridge has a student organization that will be planting flowers along the entrance of the walking trail and Cumming created an enhanced seating area with lots of landscaping shown to the right. Dahlonega The Hometown Harvest Garden is located at the Historic Vickery House. The program was developed in 2017 as a university collaboration with local partners to encourage young people from kindergarten to college to eat more fresh produce. More information can be found here. Gainesville The Memorial and Remembrance Gardens are located outside the Student Center. The bench shown on the right allows a nice place to study and reflect. Dedicated to our retired faculty, staff, and students, the rose garden and trees at UNG offer a peaceful space to honor their memory. More information can be found here. Oconee The UNG-Oconee Pollinator Garden, located in the back part of campus alongside the walking trail, has been around since 2018. It is part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, a certified Monarch Garden and Wildlife Habitat. The south end of the garden is planted almost exclusively with native plants from Georgia. Reach out to Susan.Brantley@ung.edu for more information. Through Nighthawk Gardens Visit the Gardens As spring unfolds across the UNG, so does the beauty of community gardens. Each olds across the UNG, so does the beauty of community gardens. Each UNG campus hosts its own area, offering students and employees a chance to connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study, a hands-on learning opportunity, or a way to give back to the community, they provide an enriching environment for all.
The North STAR or Polaris – is famous for holding nearly still in our sky while the entire northern sky moves around it. For thousands of years navigators have used Polaris to guide them to and from their homeports. Sailors still use Polaris for celestial navigation, and modern astronomers often use Polaris to help them align their telescopes. The North Georgia STAR employee recognition program recognizes meaningful accomplishments of University of North Georgia staff employees who embody the University’s standards for excellence, efficiency, and outstanding customer service to internal or external constituents. The purpose of the award is to: recognize outstanding full-time and part-time employees who embody UNG’s standards for excellence efficiency and excellent customer service; reward those employees who show exemplary individual achievement, contribution, and performance in their jobs and other related duties beyond their own areas; acknowledge those whose efforts have inspired and supported the performance and achievement of others. The program is maintained in the Human Resources Department. Click here for nomination form Know a full-time staff member whose professional achievements and contributions to the University’s success deserve recognition? Email your nomination to staffawards@ung.edu. .
Stress Management During Times of Transitions When stress on the job interferes with your ability to work, care for yourself, or manage your personal life, it is time to take action. Start by paying attention to your physical and emotional health. When your own needs are taken care of, you are stronger and more resilient to stress. The better you feel, the better equipped you will be to manage work stress without becoming overwhelmed. Stress is all around us and can be difficult and problematic to ignore. Your ability to utilize healthy stress management techniques in the workplace can make the difference between successfully managing through times of workplace transition or developing unhealthy habits which may negatively impact your professional or personal life. Here are some suggestions for regaining control over yourself in stressful situations: Communication is essential. Rumors have a tendency to surface during times of organizational transition. It is important to not believe everything you hear, and be sure you make efforts to get the facts. If you have questions about information you are hearing, reach out to your manager or a representative from HR for clarification. Maintain a positive attitude. Remember you may not be able to control the situation, but you can control your reactions to it. To maintain a positive attitude, you may need to adjust your expectations and limit your exposure to negative people. Stay focused. Keep doing your job. Your energy is better spent focusing on your job duties, than focusing your mental energy on the unknown/situation beyond your control. Maintain a sense of humor. It helps you keep things in perspective and aids in maintaining a positive attitude. Laughter has been proven to elevate mood through the increased release of endorphins or “feel good” hormones into the body. Laugh often! Practice healthy stress management techniques. Getting sufficient rest, eating a balanced diet, and exercise go a long way to managing thoughts and emotions associated with stressful situations. Remember to avoid the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol as coping strategies While these tips apply to a work environment, do not forget the value of your personal connections and social outlets. Together they will add balance and foster resilience during a difficult, stressful period. Employee Assistance Program Tip Sheet 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. 24/7/365 PHONE: 1.844.243.4440 WEBSITE: USG.MyLifeExpert.com CODE:USGCares Scan this QR code using your phone camera to go directly to the EAP website
Click HERE to submit a Summer Student Work Agreement (SWA). Undergraduate students must be registered for six or more total hours during the summer term. Graduate assistants serving in summer term must maintain the minimum enrollment of three credit hours. Please select start and end dates between 5/11/2025 and 8/02/2025 for summer. Please attach a copy of the student’s summer class schedule. If your student worker ceases to work prior to the summer end date provided on the SWA, please complete the Student Worker Early Termination Form immediately. Reminder---there will be no Federal Work Study during the summer semester. If you wish to keep your student(s) working during the summer term they must be switched to an institutional-funded student employee or part-time staff. For questions, email hr@ung.edu.
New to USG? USG Virtual New Hire Benefits Orientation Orientation sessions are scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday of each month April 8, 2025: 10 AM - 11 AM May 12, 2025: 10 AM - 11 AM Click here to register for orientation We know that USG benefits are important to you and your family. They offer financial protection, valuable resources, peace of mind, and comfort — and we hope you make the most of them.
By practicing compassion and empathy, teams can work more effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment. Creating a compassionate workplace starts with small, intentional actions. Use these tips to foster empathy and build stronger, healthier relationships at work: Practice Active Listening: Give your full attention to the person speaking. Avoid interrupting and show genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions. Recognize Others’ Needs: Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues that may signal stress or frustration. Offer support when someone appears overwhelmed, even if it’s just a kind word. Lead with Empathy: Consider how your actions and decisions impact others. Try to understand different perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. Create a Safe Space: Encourage open communication and respect everyone’s input. Avoid judgment, and make it safe for colleagues to share concerns or ideas. Show Appreciation: Acknowledge others’ contributions and express gratitude for their efforts. Even small gestures, like saying “thank you,” can go a long way in building trust. Model Compassionate Behavior: Lead by example by demonstrating kindness and patience in your daily interactions. Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their role or background. Your EAP offers resources to help you cultivate empathy and strengthen workplace relationships. All services are free and confidential. Let’s work together to build a workplace where compassion thrives! 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. Employee Assistance Program Reminders Cultivating Compassion and Empathy in the Workplace Compassion is the ability to recognize and act on the needs of others with kindness and care, while empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In the workplace, these qualities are essential for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of psychological safety where everyone feels valued and supported. 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 Scan this QR code using your phone camera to go directly to the EAP website Tips from the March webinar
Karen Andrews Director of University Events, Strategic Communications & Marketing, Dahlonega Amanda Brown Administrative Assistant II, Student Health Services, Dahlonega Tamara Butterworth Simulation Center Office Assistant III, Nursing, Dahlonega Carol Chapman Administrative Assistant I, Student Health Services, Gainesville Anthony Davis Talent Acquisition Consultant, Human Resources, Gainesville Cesar Dubois Carranza Assistant Director Outreach & Community Engagement, HEP, Gainesville George Gordon Police Officer I, Public Safety, Gainesville Suzette Guadagno Business Support & Administrative Specialist, Academic Affairs, Dahlonega Ellen Mirakovits Administrative Assistant III, Alumni Relations, Dahlonega Luke Mott Groundskeeper, Facilities, Dahlonega Sawyer Paul Central Dispatch Officer I, Public Safety, Dahlonega Shelby Sharp Central Dispatch Officer I, Public Safety, Dahlonega Alicia Stryker EMS and Capitol Planning Specialist, Strategic Management & Marketing, Dahlonega Tyler Woody Groundskeeper I, Facilities, Dahlonega NEW NIGHTHAWKS Blue Ridge Cumming Dahlonega Gainesville Oconee
If you need this form in an additional format, please reach out to Michael McLeod Visit MyUNG for previous issues of the HR newsletters Oconee Pollinator Garden
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