January 15, 2026: HR Update

Please click this link to view the January 15, 2026 HR Update on the Laurel Ridge Update Site. 

A Calendar Year Full of Possibilities!

As we step into 2026, we are excited by the possibilities that await us in the New Year!  Thank you for your continued dedication and contributions that make Laurel Ridge such a great place to work.  We are proud of the work you do and the college values you uphold.  In this HR unit update, you’ll find important year-end reminders for payroll and leave benefits, along with updates to keep you in the know.  Here’s to a fabulous 2026!

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Laurel Ridge Community College Values

Distinguished Award Nominations

The Distinguished Employee Award is the highest honorary recognition an employee can receive within Laurel Ridge Community College. It is granted to employees who embody the mission of the College and provide outstanding contributions to the college based on the College’s core values of learning, high performance, integrity, positive spirit, and diversity. Please submit nominations to the appropriate corresponding email:

Full-time Classified employees: Fulltimeclassifiedstaffnomination@laurelridge.edu

Part-time classified (wage) employees: parttimestaffnomination@laurelridge.edu

Administrators: administratornomination@laurelridge.edu

⭐️Deadline: Nominations will be accepted until January 16th, 2026, by 11:59PM⭐️

Telework and Alternative Work Schedule Guidance

Telework and Alternative Work Schedule Guidance is now available on the Employee Portal.  Supervisors, please ensure agreements are published and completed for your staff in Vision EAS following the new guidelines.  Please ensure you are logged in using your myLaurelRidge credentials to view the document.

Upcoming HR Open Forums

Spring HR Open Forum                                                         

Tuesday, February 3rd, 11 a.m.                                            

Fauquier Campus, The Barn (Wolk 225) and Zoom.               

Summer HR Open Forum

Wednesday, June 17th, 10 a.m.

Held via Zoom. 

Click HR Open Forum Purpose for more information. 

Where do I find HR Related Policies?

Laurel Ridge is governed by policies established by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM), Virginia Community College System (VCCS), and Laurel Ridge policies.  The Policy Repository is the place to find links to all of these policies.  Kindly contact your HR Consultant with any policy questions. 

Classified Staff Performance Management

⏰Important Now: The annual performance evaluation process for classified staff is wrapping up for the calendar year 2025 evaluation period. Please ensure all parts of the evaluation process are complete this month, including job descriptions and establishing goals.  Step-by-step guidance is available on the Employee Portal. 

😎In the Future: Looking ahead, HR will be scheduling training this summer to support supervisors and employees as we continue to implement the new DHRM Performance Management Policy.  Evaluations for Calendar Year 2026 will be based on: 

  1. Job duties in the job description (no change) = 80% of the overall annual evaluation

  2. Standard competencies (new this year) = 20% of the overall annual evaluation

      *HR will work with IT to update the evaluation form in Vision EAS

Payroll and Leave Reminders

  • W-2s will be mailed out before January 31, 2026. Digital copies will be available in Cardinal as well. Please review the new W-2 Guide for employees.

  • Direct Deposit Update: Employees can now update their direct deposit information directly in Cardinal. It is highly recommended that employees utilize the Managing Direct Deposits Job Aid when making changes. Please contact your Payroll Analyst if you have any questions.

  • Leave Calendar: The new leave year started on January 10, 2026.  Employees can expect their new year VSDP balances to be available after 3 pm on January 26, 2026, in HCM, with usage starting on January 10, 2026. A chart for carry over amounts for annual leave can be found on the Employee Portal.

  • The Laurel Ridge 2026 Holiday Schedule is available on the Employee Portal.

  • The 2026 Pay Dates for Full-Time Employees are available on the Employee Portal.

  • The 2026 Wage Pay Dates are available on the Employee Portal. 

  • The Credit Adjunct Pay Information and Schedule for Spring 2026 is available on the Employee Portal.

  • Minimum wage in the Commonwealth increased on January 1, 2026, to $12.77 per hour.  HR processed increases for our work-study students to reflect this increase.  

  • VRS Hybrid Auto-Escalation occurred on January 1, 2026. For Hybrid plan participants who were not already contributing the maximum voluntary contribution of 4%, your voluntary contribution was automatically increased by 0.5%. Please review the VRS Hybrid Auto-Escalation Flyer for more information.

  • Optional Group Life Insurance premiums increased on January 1, 2026, to account for salary changes occurring in 2025. Premiums also increased for employees who moved into a new age bracket last year.

Classified Staff: Classification and Compensation Request Window Opening February 1st!

Laurel Ridge designates one open period annually, between February 1 and February 28, for supervisors and classified staff to submit a request for a review of classification and compensation.  Please find additional information about the Classification and Compensation Request process on the Employee Portal. 

Faculty: Promotion Request Window Opening February 1st!

Laurel Ridge designates one open period annually, between February 1 and February 28, for requests for promotion in rank.  Faculty wishing to apply for a promotion in rank, please complete the Memorandum Of Request for Promotion with official transcripts earned while in current rank (new credits/degrees not on file with HR) and submit it to your dean/direct supervisor by February 28. 

Required Commonwealth of Virginia Training

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) reminds employees that new required training is available on the COVLC for Understanding EEO and Related Processes.  The training can be found on the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC).  Understanding EEO and related processes helps us create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.  By learning these principles, we work together to uphold belonging and inclusion for all members of our community.  DHRM Policy 2.05 outlines the purpose and process for EEO. 

Training & Professional Development

  • Supervisors: A third Recruitment 102: Moving from basics to best practices session is being offered on Monday, February 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  HR has sent the save the date to supervisors.  Search advocates and search committee members are invited to attend this session as well. 

HR Spring Schedule at the Fauquier Campus

Please note, we are making an update to the Spring 2026 HR Schedule for the Fauquier Campus.  Every Tuesday this Spring, JoAnn Ellwood, Associate VP of HR, will be at the Fauquier Campus in 214-C of Wolk Hall.  Every other Monday this Spring, Kris Iden, HR Consultant, will be at the Fauquier Campus in 214-C of Wolk Hall. Details on HR On-Site Visits may be found here on the employee portal.

College Engagement

The Coldest Night of the Year is a time to step outside our comfort zones and shine a light on welcome and inclusion. This February, our team is walking and fundraising to support individuals and families facing hurt, hunger, and homelessness in our community through the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS).

WATTS’ mission is to break the cycle of homelessness—one life at a time. They empower individuals to re-enter the workforce, connect them to vital resources, and provide a safe temporary shelter during extreme weather conditions.  How can you help?

🏃🏾Become a walker! Join the Laurel Ridge Pace Setters and help raise awareness and funds for this important cause. Your participation can make a real difference in our community.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Location: Braddock Street United Methodist Church

🎁 Donate: If you’re unable to walk, you can still support by donating. Every contribution counts— "Donate to the Team" to help those in need this winter.

Winter Is Here: Be in the know when inclement weather arrives

Please refresh yourself on the Color-Coded Closing & Delay System. ☃️

Reminder: EAP Expansion

Anthem EAP is now available to ALL employees! The program provides confidential support to employees to help with personal or work-related challenges that may affect their well-being or job performance. Services include counseling, legal and financial advice, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources. Anthem EAP Expansion (Sept 22 Article)

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