As the year winds to a close, we’re preparing for open enrollment, reflecting on goals, and planning holiday vacations. This month, our PLN is full of reminders, helpful resources to prepare for the end of the year, and support for employees with special circumstances. 

Stay tuned for updates about the next People Leader Forum. In the meantime, you can visit the People Leader website for previous recordings and other resources to help you lead. 

In this month’s newsletter: 

Beyond the Basics: Deep-Dive Benefits Information Sessions 

These deep-dive benefits information sessions place USG benefits under a microscope to help employees understand which are best for them. They also cover how choices can be altered after various life events. Take advantage of these new sessions to prepare for the 2026 open enrollment period, Oct. 27 - Nov. 7.

Open Enrollment Information Sessions 

Save the date(s) and attend one of three general open enrollment information sessions to prepare for the open enrollment period, Oct. 27 - Nov. 7. For more information on the 2026 open enrollment period, click the button below. 

Education Assistance Information Session for Supervisors

This virtual session will provide managers with information about the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP) process, including how to approve applications in ServiceNow. 

Click the button below to register for the information session.

Thursday, Oct. 2 | 11 a.m. - noon 

Schedule a Financial Checkup

Schedule a financial checkup with Michael Beuttel, our dedicated Corebridge Financial Advisor. Michael can help you navigate your retirement plan accounts and explore your options.

To schedule a meeting, click the button below.   

For supervisors meeting resistance, it's important to have open and honest discussions with your team members and document a plan together. The telework site has resources to help you with that process. 

We’re also sharing a presentation from our recent supervisor support sessions. You will find useful information on special circumstances, change management, meeting talking points, and other resources tailored to supervisors. 

Here is a reminder of upcoming deadlines: 

Special circumstances include relocation from out of state and non-FMLA-related caregiving. Requests for special circumstances should be documented through the special circumstances form, available at the link below by Oct. 31. Special circumstances should be resolved by Dec. 31. 

Click the button below to submit a request for a special circumstance review.

In anticipation of major traffic and parking disruptions for the concert at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Friday, Oct. 3, consider alternative work arrangements for yourselves and your teams. Several parking lots and roads near the stadium will be closed beginning Friday, so consider flextime to avoid delays. For more information on road or parking closures, transit adjustments, and other important updates, click here.

To explore flexible work options, click the button below.

As of Oct. 1, the U.S. government has failed to reach a spending agreement in time to avoid a shutdown of the federal government. Due in part to financial planning, the Institute does not expect any significant effect on its operations in the immediate term.

As in previous situations, a Georgia Tech working group has been assessing the potential of a shutdown and planning mitigation strategies to help ensure business continuity as lawmakers negotiate to reach an agreement. Click the button below to learn more.

Eligible full-time faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for education assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP). These programs are designed to support your professional development and help you and/or your employees achieve your educational goals by providing tuition and mandatory fee waivers or reimbursements. The next education assistance application period is Oct. 15 - Nov. 15.

For supervisor-specific information from the Administrative Services Center, click here, or click the button below to learn more about education assistance programs. For support in processing and approving education assistance applications from employees, register for tomorrow’s information session.  

Nominations for the Changemaker Academy close Monday, Oct. 6. If you or someone you know is an assistant/associate director or above at Georgia Tech who’s looking for an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and join a community of like-minded leaders, this four-month is for you. Changemaker Academy was created to champion career and leadership development opportunities at Georgia Tech and contribute to a culture of excellence.  

Read this article to learn more, or click the button below to nominate a colleague or yourself! 

The end of the year will be here before we know it, and that's why it's imperative that all employees review and/or update their tax information in OneUSG Connect. Confirming your tax details are correct ensures you receive your documents and can file your taxes on time and accurately. Click here for a step-by-step guide to updating tax information in OneUSG, or click the button below to learn more.

Did you know that Georgia Tech Human Resources' Engagement team is always busy thinking up ways to keep you and your team feeling healthy and happy in and outside of work? Whether you want help recognizing when your employees might be struggling or you're feeling stressed about financial planning during the holidays, GTHR Engagement has you covered with its Wellness Sessions.

Click the button below to learn more and register for upcoming sessions.