Kansas State University

A short time ago I hit the one year mark of my time at K-State. As a student of history I learned to examine the past but also to look to build the future informed by what came before. I think that is what we all do at a university — we build something new, discover something new and create something new often on the shoulders of what came before. Our K-State 2025 plan does just that. Based on K-State 2025 and what has already happened and what we want to achieve, Human Capital Services also has a 2025 strategic plan. We have some amazing team members in HCS working every day to make things better.

Our leadership team met in December of 2017 to develop and lay out our strategic priorities for the coming year. From those priorities, informed by our 2025 plan, ambitious goals were formed. Among those goals were an HRIS functional upgrade from PeopleSoft 9.1 to version 9.2. In a few short months, with the partnership of colleagues from ISO and ITS, we accomplished that goal.

Another of our goals is the development of a supervisor training program for all supervisors at K-State. Work on accomplishing that kicked off with meetings with a variety of campus stakeholders, listening sessions with campus partners and design work on content. This program will offer incredible resources and tools for those who supervise on campus.

We also have begun work on the foundations of implementation of a competency model and career ladders. Competencies are observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. You will be hearing more about this very soon.

We established a strategic advisory council for Human Capital Services, which had its first meeting in early June. This council is made up of a variety of campus constituents from varying backgrounds. We appreciate their willingness to be our sounding board and help guide and evaluate our efforts and strategy as we continue building a customer-centric culture.

Like many of you, HCS has a lot of exciting, challenging initiatives to tackle and achieve. Keeping you informed is one of those initiatives and we hope this newsletter helps.

Taking a vacation and looking for ways to save money? The State of Kansas STAR (State Thanks and Recognition) program may help. Discounts are available for travel, lodging, events and activities. Other discounts may include electronics, cell-phone companies and more! All K-State employees are eligible for the program. Check out the full listing on the State Thanks and Recognition website.

The Employee Assistance Program also offers discounts on various entertainment events, including theme parks, movie tickets, hotels and more! Sign up for Guidance Resources and Working Advantage on the Guidance Resources website.

Happy Saving!

Questions? Contact your Benefits Team at benefits@ksu.edu.

How TEAMWORK made paychecks possible.

Human Capital Services was in the process of creating paychecks for June 1 when the Hale Library fire occurred. With all resources and systems unavailable, the HCS Resource Center & Operations and Benefits teams went into action. With assistance from K-State’s Office of Information Systems, Information Technology Services and the Statewide Payroll and Accounting Department in Topeka, they created alternative resources to produce paychecks just in time. Countless hours, including Memorial Day weekend, were spent working on this payroll.

The HCS Resource Center & Operations staff would like to thank the many liaisons across campus who went the extra mile to help get our employees paid.  Your patience and assistance during this time has been greatly appreciated.

The summer months have brought many staff changes to Human Capital Services. Some of these changes may already be familiar, while a few are rather recent.

New faces

Human Capital Services is excited to welcome the following to our ranks.

• Jenny Dowell, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, started her new position as Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness Manager on July 9.
• Kaitlin McGuire, starts her new position as a Talent Acquisition Strategic Partner on Aug. 27.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

When a team member leaves, it is often bittersweet. We hate to see them go, yet are happy for them as they embark on their next journey. This past summer, Human Capital Services said goodbye to some while others announced plans for retirement. We at HCS wish them all the best!

• Erica Graydon, Payroll Manager, left the university at the end of June to move closer to family.
• Samantha Roberts, Learning & Development, is transitioning to a position as a STEM teacher at a local elementary school. Her last day in HCS is Aug. 31.
• Deena Schmelzle, Office Specialist III, has announced her retirement. Her last day with HCS will be Friday, Sept. 21.

HCS tips

Human Capital Services team members are always ready to provide assistance and guidance on all of your human resources need. If you have any questions please visit our website at www.k-state.edu/hcs or you may contact our call center at the number listed below.

HCS Call Center: 785-532-1888

Highlights

• The Movement Challenge is underway! Beginning Aug. 19, the five-week challenge begins. Keep track of your activities and submit them for the opportunity to win prizes. Employees who participate in the Movement Challenge will earn 4 HealthQuest credits for reporting activity all five weeks of the challenge.
• Human Capital Services is dedicated to improving services to the campus community. A few areas that we have been working to improve include reclassification requests, hiring processes, onboarding and communication efforts across campus.

Upcoming

Benefits Open Enrollment is right around the corner. Please keep an eye out for communications through the K-State Today and the Benefits website. As in the past, Benefit Enrollment runs through the month of October.