Newsletter
Welcome to the HR Newsletter: January 2026
The new year has officially begun! We are so excited to begin 2026 with you and look forward to watching our university continue to grow. Below, we’ve provided you with reminders of upcoming events, information on leadership training, benefits updates, and more.
Message from the EVP
Happy New Year!
It’s hard to believe 2025 has come to a close and 2026 is already here. This season is always exciting as we look forward to what God has in store for us, but it can also feel a little bittersweet. As we pack away the Christmas decorations and return to our routines, the warmth of the holiday season can seem to fade.
But here’s the good news: The God we celebrated at Christmas is still with us today. His love doesn’t end with the season, and we have the opportunity to reflect that love in our daily work. Scripture reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
This week, take a moment to encourage someone. You never know how a simple word of kindness or prayer can bring light and hope to someone’s day.
Let’s start this new year by showing Christ’s love and compassion to one another. And remember, if there’s anything we can do for you in HR, we’re here to serve.
In Christ,
Steve Foster
Executive Vice President of Human Resources
W2 Availability and Taxes
W2 forms will be mailed to your Human Resources address no later than Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. For those who prefer electronic access, electronic copies of your W2 will be available via the ADP iPay portal. It’s important to note that W2 forms will not be accessible through Workday. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your W2 forms, please create a Workday Help case for assistance.
New Year, New You, New Taxes
Employees are encouraged to review their federal and state tax elections for the upcoming year to ensure accuracy. For assistance with your tax elections, please review our knowledge article on Adding or Updating Tax Elections.
Christmas Rollover Reminder
Full-time staff received six days of Christmas time off in 2025:
- Wednesday, Dec. 24–Friday, Dec. 26
- Monday, Dec. 29–Wednesday, Dec. 31
The university was closed, so most employees were expected to use all six of those days. However, we understand there were some essential functions needed on campus that required a small number of employees to work on one or a few of those days. Those employees can request to carry over unused Christmas time in Workday. Unused Christmas time will not automatically carry over into 2026.
Employees can review this Christmas Carryover Request knowledge article to learn how to submit a carryover request. These requests will be routed to your Time & Absence Approver for approval.
Deadline: All requests must be submitted and approved by Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Carryover days will be available to employees with approved requests on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.
Understanding How Paid Time Off (PTO) Accruals Work
Full-time benefited employees accrue 120 hours of vacation time throughout the year. From January through October, 11 hours will be accrued after working through the last day of the month. November accrues 10 hours so that the total time off accrued each year is 120 hours of vacation. Time off does not accrue in December.
A few reminders regarding time off:
- Up to 40 hours of vacation time can be carried over into the new year.
- Unused holiday and sick time are forfeited at the end of the year.
- 40 hours of sick time is available on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and can be used immediately (no accrual).
- Employees reaching their 5-year anniversary in 2026 will receive an additional 40 hours of vacation on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, bringing their total vacation time off accrued to 160 hours. Employees reaching their 10-year anniversary in 2026 will receive an additional 80 hours of vacation on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, bringing their total vacation time off accrued to 200 hours.
For more details on time off, please read our knowledge article here.
Employee Benefits Updates
There are several benefit plan updates that you should be familiar with as we enter into the new year. Below are reminders and changes related to plan maximums, deductibles, virtual care, and financial planning resources.
403b and HSA Updates
The IRS has increased maximum contribution limits for retirement, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts. Below, you will find the updated contribution amounts for each plan type.
- Retirement:
- Maximum contribution — $24,500
- Additional catch-up contributions for employees ages 50 or older — $8,000
- Secure Act 2.0 — Employees who are age 50 or older, have earned $145,000 or more in the past 12 months, and have reached the maximum 403(b) contribution limit will have any additional catch-up contributions directed to the Roth option until the maximum catch-up limit is met.
- HSA:
- Maximum contribution for individual coverage — $4,400
- Maximum contribution for family — $8,750
- The $1,000 additional catch-up contribution for those ages 55 or older is unchanged.
Anthem Deductible Resetting
As a reminder, Liberty operates on a benefit plan year that runs from July to June; however, deductibles reset on Thursday, Jan. 1, and are based on Anthem’s calendar year.
Virtual Health Free for All Medical Plans
Virtual health visits are now offered at no cost prior to meeting one’s deductible on all LU health plans with access through Anthem’s Live Health Online. Telehealth is covered through other providers but only offered at no cost directly through Anthem.
CAPTRUST at Work
Last year, Liberty introduced a new financial planning benefit to all eligible employees — CAPTRUST at Work. Our partnership with CAPTRUST gives you direct access to experienced financial advisors at no cost. There’s no better time than now to meet with one of these advisors and get a pulse on your financial well-being. You can use this link to get more information about CAPTRUST and schedule a meeting.
How to Create a Workday Help Case
Workday Help launched this summer and is designed to serve as your go-to resource for HR-related questions and requests.
With Workday Help, you can:
- Search our centralized knowledge base for quick answers to common questions.
- Submit cases directly to HR and track the progress.
- Communicate with HR through a clear message thread.
- View all your HR cases in one place for easy reference.
To learn how to submit a Workday Help case, simply search How to create a case in Workday or watch this video for step-by-step instructions.
February 2026 Town Hall
Every now and then, it’s important to bring the whole team together to stay aligned and connected.
On Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:30* a.m., join us for the second All-Employee Town Hall of the academic year. Whether you’re faculty or staff, you’ll want to attend this meeting to hear key updates from university leaders and learn what’s ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged!
* Please note that this time has been corrected.
2026 Leadership on the Mountain Summit
- Leadership on the Mountain Summit (LOTM)
- Location: The Champion Center
- Date: June 18-19, 2026
“Two days to inspire, challenge, and connect.”
Last year, Human Resources hosted our first annual leadership summit, and we’re excited to do it again this year! This dynamic two-day summit is designed to inspire, challenge, and connect leaders across our organization. Expect fresh perspectives, meaningful dialogue, and intentional time to build lasting connections in a truly energizing setting. More details are coming soon. To check your eligibility for this event, visit the HR website or email HRtraining@liberty.edu.
HR Leadership Training Academy
Champion Leadership Training (CLT)
“Develop as a Christ-centered leader.”
Are you a manager of one or more employees? We’re calling on you to advance your development as a Christ-centered leader through Liberty’s 7-week Champion Leadership Training program. This program is anchored in a biblical leadership framework and enriched with practical tools and opportunities for campuswide connection. To apply or learn more about the program, visit the HR Training and Development page.
RISE Leadership Series (Launching February 2026)
“Elevate your leadership journey.”
Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating across departments, or simply looking to grow professionally, RISE is designed to elevate your leadership journey. Each module is a standalone session that is foundational to Liberty’s LEADERS (Lordship, Environment, Accountability, Development, Execution, Results, and Shepherding) framework, offering practical tools and fresh perspectives to help you thrive. RISE modules are available to all full-time and part-time faculty and staff. To sign up for a session or learn more about the program, visit the HR Training and Development page.
Champion Culture Series (Launching February 2026)
“Building a workplace that reflects our values.”
Champion Culture is a new series of interactive workshops designed to improve workplace dynamics and reinforce Liberty’s biblical culture expectations. These sessions address real-world challenges and equip employees with practical strategies to foster a Christ-centered environment where collaboration and respect thrive. This series is available to all full-time and part-time faculty and staff. Learn more about the program.