February 2025 HR Newsletter

HR Newsletter hr@ung.edu 706-864-1440 ung.edu/human-resources Welcome February

Shine Your Inner Light UNG Well-being Champions 04 08 EAP Tip Sheet 06 HR Thanks You! Increasing Mental Toughness Live Webinar----February 12, 2025 U Away From UNG Fun Activities Away From Work Take Control of Your Finances 05 In this issue EAP Tip Sheet We Are Hiring 10 UNG Careers Take Charge of Your Heart 09 Live Webinar---February 25, 2025 07 January 2025 New Hires 11 New Nighthawks LiveWell UNG 03 February 2025 Campaign 07 Program Information Be a North Georgia STAR Dahlonega Campus Snow Photo credit: Denise Ray

NORTH GEORGIA STRONG MI N D , B O D Y , H E A R T PHYSICAL WELL-BEING February Spotlight February 2025 Mind Taking care of the mind is essential for overall well-being. It involves practicing mindfulness, managing stress, and engaging in activities that promote mental clarity and focus, such as meditation, exercise, or creative outlets. Regularly taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and fostering positive relationships also contribute to a healthy mindset. It's important to prioritize self-compassion and seek support when needed, ensuring a balanced and resilient mental state. Body Taking care of the body involves maintaining a balanced lifestyle through regular exercise, nutritious food, and adequate rest. Staying active helps strengthen muscles and improve overall health, while a well-rounded diet provides the essential nutrients the body needs to function at its best. Rest and sleep are crucial for recovery and mental clarity. Regular check-ups and listening to your body’s signals ensure long-term health and vitality. Heart Taking care of the heart means focusing on both physical and emotional health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining a healthy weight all support cardiovascular health. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption are also vital. Emotional well-being is equally important— nurturing positive relationships and practicing gratitude can help keep the heart strong, both physically and emotionally. Campus Recreation and Wellness

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 Tip Sheet Shine Your Inner Light Everyone has a unique set of strengths and qualities that make them who they are. Sometimes, however, it’s easy to forget how special and capable we truly are. Your inner light, the unique qualities that define you, is something to embrace, celebrate, and share with the world. By identifying your positive traits and learning how to highlight them, you can present a more authentic, confident version of yourself in everyday life. 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 Reflect on Your Positive Traits. Take a moment to reflect on the qualities that make you stand out. Are you compassionate, creative, determined, or perhaps a great listener? Ask for feedback from friends, family, or colleagues to gain insight into the strengths others see in you. Journaling can also help you pinpoint the characteristics that set you apart and help you feel proud of who you are. Embrace What Makes You Unique. Once you’ve identified your positive traits, take time to embrace them. Sometimes we can feel self-conscious or hesitant to show certain aspects of ourselves, but those qualities are what make you special. Let go of comparisons to others and focus on the unique value you bring. Practice Self-Acknowledgment. To truly shine your inner light, it’s important to practice selfacknowledgment. Celebrate small victories and recognize the moments when you’ve exhibited your positive traits. Whether you handled a difficult situation with grace, helped a colleague with a project, or offered a kind word to someone in need, acknowledge these actions. Present Your Best Self to the World. Confidence comes from consistently putting your best foot forward. This doesn’t mean trying to be perfect or someone you’re not—it’s about being genuine and highlighting your strengths in ways that feel natural. Practice speaking with confidence, maintain positive body language, and embrace opportunities to showcase your unique qualities in both personal and professional settings. When you feel connected to your authentic self, it’s easier to shine in all aspects of your life. If you ever need support in exploring or strengthening your inner light, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help. With access to free, confidential counseling, you can gain valuable insights and tools to boost your confidence and navigate life's challenges with a more positive, authentic approach. 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 Administered by

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 Tip Sheet Take Control of Your Finances 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. Managing your finances doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By learning key skills, you can gain control over your money, reduce stress, and build a solid foundation for your financial future. Here’s how to get started: 1.Assess Your Finances. Begin by tracking your income and expenses. Use a budgeting tool or app to see where your money goes each month. List your assets and liabilities to understand your net worth. 2.Create a Budget. Consider using the 50/30/20 rule: 3.Communicate Openly. Discuss your finances with family or a partner. Open conversations about goals and challenges can help build trust and accountability. 4.Set Financial Goals. Create SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. Start with short-term goals (paying off debt, building an emergency fund) and progress to longterm objectives (saving for retirement, buying a home). 5.Build an Emergency Fund. Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses in a savings account to cover unexpected events, like job loss or medical expenses. Budgeting, setting goals, and communicating about money are key to gaining control. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your progress! You can also reach out to your Employee Assistance Program for free financial consultation with a highly experienced Money Coach. 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 50% for essentials (housing, groceries) 30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, dining) 20% for savings and debt repayment.

Employee Assistance Program Live Webinar Series Join us on 02/12/2025 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM EST WEBINAR DESCRIPTION: In this seminar, participants will be provided the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past few years, and to self-reflect on the opportunities for growth in the face of adversity. Together, we will discuss what it means to be mentally tough, how to find the positive in negative circumstances, manage ambiguity, and react with agility to change. Finally, we will dive into the importance of ‘grit’, defined by Dr. Angela Duckworth as ‘passion and sustained persistence applied toward longterm achievement,' which is a much-needed skill for both personal and professional growth in today's world. Contact us 24/7 at 1.844.243.4440 INCREASING MENTAL TOUGHNESS FEBRUARY 2025 You may also register at USG.MyLifeExpert.com. When creating a new account, use company code: USGCares Scan Here to Go Directly to the Website

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. Jenica Alvarez Renee Clement Rebecca Coleman Joel Contreras Ken Crowe Adan Diaz Anna Gillespie Alison Hite Human Resources would like to express our deep appreciation to the Faculty & Staff Well-being Committee and to the dedicated champions who contribute to their efforts in enhancing our overall well-being. We look forward to continued collaboration through 2025 to improve our health, boost morale, and foster a stronger sense of community throughout our UNG Community. Thank You! Erick Jones Steven Lloyd Derrick Pirkle Brandi Poole Anne-Forrest Prim Sarah Snyder Adam Strzemienski Sabrina Wall Click here for nomination form

AWAY UNG How do you balance work and life? Share photos to hrnewsletter@ung.edu Samantha Thompson Assistant CIO Enterprise Info Systems Samantha and Jeremy visited one of the many beautiful temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Michael Rifenburg English Professor Michael and Amy vacationed in the Dominican Republic. Linda Rowland Director of Institutional Research Linda, Ken, and their two sons visited the Xcambo Mayan Ruins on the cruise to Mexico over winter break. Ken Rowland Facilities North, Custodian

For more information and to apply visit: go.ung.edu/jobs Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily and job postings are subject to be removed when closed or filled. WE ARE HIRING Associate Director of Residence Life Job ID 281145 Central Dispatch Officer I Job ID 279066 Financial Aid Counselor I Job ID 281167 Groundskeeping Supervisor Job ID 280431 Student Success Coach, HEP Job ID 277559 Building Trades Manager Job ID 281127 Groundskeeper Job ID 281124 Residence Life Coordinator Job ID 280984 Transfer Credit Evaluator Job ID 280731 Assistant Director Academic Advising Job ID 280732

Heath Bailey Technical Support Associate I, Information Technology, Dahlonega Samantha Basile Administrative Assistant IV, Sociology & Human Services, Gainesville Kaitlyn Boyne Accreditation Analyst, Institutional Effectiveness, Dahlonega Colleen Casey Limited Term Faculty, Visual Arts, Dahlonega Jason Chitwood Admissions Counselor, Undergraduate Recruitment, Gainesville Melanie Dodson Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice, Dahlonega Ashley Dycus Lecturer, eCore, UNG Online Rebecca French Coordinator of Well-being, Campus Rec and Wellness, Dahlonega Brittany Genaro Assistant Director Assessment, Institutional Effectiveness, Dahlonega Myrtha Labastille-Normil Lecturer, Nursing, Gainesville Ruth Maher Department Head, Physical Therapy, Dahlonega Antonio Martinez Service Desk Representative I, Information Technology, Dahlonega Jason Matt Sr. VP for Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Business & Finance, Dahlonega Jeffrey Peterman Warehouse/Property Control Assistant, Logistical Services, Gainesville John Reidy Multicraft Maintenance Technician I, Facilities South, Gainesville Lauren Terry Degree Credit Evaluator, Registrar, 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

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