Newsletter
Welcome to the HR Newsletter: November 2025
As we enter a season of gratitude and reflection, we’re reminded of how blessed we are to serve alongside such a dedicated community of faculty and staff. The holidays are fast approaching, and with them come new opportunities to pause, celebrate, and prepare for an exciting year ahead.
In this edition of the HR newsletter, you’ll find timely end-of-year reminders and important updates on benefits, training programs, and upcoming events. You’ll also read about Liberty’s recognition as one of Lynchburg Business Magazine’s 2025 Best Places to Work, learn how to use Workday Help for HR questions, and explore new offerings like CAPTRUST at Work.
Message from the EVP
With Thanksgiving just ahead and Christmas around the corner, before you know it, we’ll be stepping into a new year. With all the hustle and bustle of our jobs, the customers we serve, not to mention our families and personal lives, it’s easy to get caught up in it all: caught up in tasks and to-do lists, caught up in goals and planning, caught up in life.
If I’m honest, there are moments when life can feel like a treadmill set a little too fast. When I’m operating at that pace, it’s easy to miss something God might be trying to show me. I’m often reminded of the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), where Martha is busily working and serving, but she misses the blessing of experiencing what Jesus has to offer her.
Jesus said that He came so that we could have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). As we enter the holiday season, I think it’s worth asking: are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers? Are you making space to find rest and renewal in Him?
Our prayer in HR is that you’ll receive everything that God has for you in the coming weeks. If you need assistance or support, then know we are here to serve you. I’m praying for you as you serve, lead, and love well.
Warmly,
Steve Foster
Executive Vice President of Human Resources
Liberty Recognized as 2025 Best Places to Work
We’re proud to share that Liberty University has been recognized by Lynchburg Business magazine as a Best Place to Work in 2025, one of just six organizations selected! The award was given to local businesses that are committed to their employees and the overall health and well-being of their workforce. The magazine’s article highlights Liberty’s strong commitment to employee professional, personal, and spiritual development.
Read the full article here.
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.
Review Your HR Address for W-2s
As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to prepare for the issuance of 2025 W-2 tax forms. We kindly request that all employees verify their current Human Resources address in Workday by December 31, 2025. Please refer to the Add or Update my HR Address Knowledge Article for information on updating your address.
Accurate address information is essential for the proper delivery of your W-2 and for maintaining up-to-date records in our system.
Mailed and electronic W-2s will be available no later than January 31, 2026. Please note that W-2s will not be accessible through Workday. Electronic copies can be accessed via the ADP iPay portal.
For questions about updating your HR address or receiving and accessing your W-2, please submit a Workday Help case, and an HR team member will be happy to assist.
Christmas Holiday Closure and Time Off
This year, the university will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Full-time benefited employees should have already received 7 holidays in Workday to be used to cover the Christmas holiday. Below are some important details to help you understand how the Christmas closure will work.
Requesting Time Off: Please request Christmas time off like you would for any other holiday. If you need a refresher on how to submit time off, you can refer to our Workday knowledge article for step-by-step instructions on Requesting Time Off. Hourly and salary employees should be requesting paid time off in Workday when they are not working.
Carryover Policy: Christmas time off, like all other holidays, will not carry over into 2026 if unused. Essential workers required to work during the university Christmas holiday must submit a carryover request in Workday to have that unused time off during the Christmas days added to their 2026 balance. Only carryover requests for essential workers who were required to work during the Christmas closure will be approved and carried over.
Carryover requests can be submitted in Workday beginning in January after the Christmas holiday. For more information on how to submit a carryover request, please see this Workday Help knowledge article on Requesting Christmas Carry Over.
Terminating Student Workers Before Exams
When a worker is terminated in Workday and their termination checklist is submitted, they will lose access to their accounts (including Canvas and Outlook) for 3–4 days while IT removes their employee permissions. Due to the high volume of terminations at this time, the waiting period for access restoration may be longer.
For student workers terminating between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12, we ask that you delay your submission of their termination in Workday and their termination checklist in ServiceNow until after Dec. 12, 2025.
This will allow students the opportunity to complete all required coursework without fear of losing account access due to their termination.
After Dec. 12, 2025, please:
- Submit your student worker’s termination with the effective date being their last day of work. This will maintain data integrity for their termination date.
- Submit their termination checklist to ServiceNow if one is needed.
Please note that any involuntary terminations will be processed normally at the time of termination. If you have already submitted a student worker termination and need it canceled to resubmit after Dec. 12, 2025, please create a Workday Help Case. For more information, you can also refer to our Workday knowledge articles for help processing terminations and handling any student worker terminations for RAs in Workday.
New Employee Benefit: CAPTRUST at Work
We’re excited to share a new benefit now available to all eligible LU employees: CAPTRUST at Work!
This partnership provides direct access to experienced financial advisors who can help guide you through important decisions, from retirement planning and investment strategies to budgeting and saving for life’s milestones.
As part of this service, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one consultations at no cost. These confidential sessions are designed to give you practical, personalized advice to help you make the most of your benefits and feel confident in your financial future.
In partnership with Transamerica, CAPTRUST also offers helpful resources, so you can clearly see what choices best fit your needs. For a breakdown of the differences between CAPTRUST and Transamerica, view this resource.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking ahead to retirement, CAPTRUST offers tools and expertise tailored to your personal goals.
Notice to Medicare-Eligible Individuals
If you or any dependents covered under Liberty University’s health plan are Medicare-eligible, please take note of an important notice — your 2026 Medicare Part D Disclosure Notice — which can be found on the HR annual notices page.
For more information or questions regarding health benefits, please create a Workday Help case, and an HR team member will be happy to assist.
2026 Champion Leadership Training Applications
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 distinguished 7-week Champion Leadership Training program! This program is anchored in a unified 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.
2026 University Holidays
The 2026 university holidays are now in Workday! Benefited employees receive paid time off for designated holidays throughout the year, including an extended break during the Christmas season. Be sure to check the Paid Leave page for the full list of 2026 observed holidays. Read our Workday knowledge articles to learn more about Paid Leave Days and Holidays and how to Request Time Off in Workday.
2026 VA Minimum Wage Will Increase
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has announced that the state’s minimum wage will increase from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
HR will automatically adjust pay rates for all current employees whose wages fall below the new minimum. No action is required from departments for these updates. However, departments are encouraged to review their budgets and plan accordingly for any potential impacts.
For any payroll-related questions, please create a Workday Help case, and an HR team member will be happy to assist.
2026 Leadership on the Mountain Summit
Save the date for the 2026 Leadership on the Mountain Summit on June 18-19!
Save the date for the 2026 Leadership on the Mountain Summit: June 18–19! 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 on the location are coming soon!
Get Your Christmas Shopping Done at the IT Marketplace
Treat yourself or someone you love this Christmas with exclusive deals at the IT Marketplace! Liberty University’s IT Marketplace is a convenient online resource to help you find the perfect gift, whether it’s for academic, personal, or professional use. Discover amazing deals for stocking stuffers or gifts this year, and support the university by purchasing here!
The IT Marketplace also provides information and access to ThinkEDU, Liberty’s software and hardware store. To learn more or make a purchase this holiday season, visit Liberty.edu/ITMarketplace.