Job of the Week: Human Resources Generalist

This week’s featured job is a Human Resources Generalist within the Human Resources Solutions Center (job posting 935213). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, and support services for the MSU Community. 

HR Generalists in the MSU Human Resources Solutions Center are part of a cross-functional team that supports many of the day-to-day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty and staff. In this position, you will perform moderately complex transactional tasks in the HR-Payroll system, applicant tracking system, and other HR systems by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You should feel comfortable explaining and applying federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies to provide information and resolve issues for MSU departments, employees, and retirees.

The future HR Generalist will also respond to and investigate inquiries concerning HR issues such as employment, benefits eligibility and enrollment, time, attendance, pay, retirement, employee relations, and internal and external audits. You will also provide information to employees and departments about each area of HR to advise them of options, opportunities, benefits, and rights. 

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in human resources, a related social science field, business or a related field. Six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human resources is required. We are seeking an adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated professional with excellent customer service skills. 

To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by March 26

Don’t Wait to Create a Retirement Savings Plan

We are committed to helping our employees prepare for a successful retirement by offering several retirement savings plan options, along with tools and resources to help you reach your goals.

Most benefit-eligible employees2 are enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10%. That’s an immediate two-for-one match of your investment for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides a great foundation, you may want to consider additional savings options. MSU also offers two additional savings accounts: the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information about these two accounts, read Your Top Questions about MSU’s Optional Retirement Plan Options.

How to Make a Retirement Savings Plan

It’s normal to have many questions when you start to plan for your retirement:

  • How early should I start planning?
  • How much do I need to save to retire comfortably?
  • Which plan(s) should I contribute to?
  • What can I do to maximize my savings?
  • Are my retirement goals attainable?

The answers will depend on your financial situation and retirement goals. We strongly encourage all MSU employees to make an appointment with their retirement vendor – Fidelity or TIAA – to discuss their options and develop a personalized savings plan. Fidelity and TIAA are financial professionals who can provide helpful strategies, tips, and actionable steps that can help you take charge of your finances.

Additionally, both Fidelity and TIAA have numerous resources – including articles, webinars, interactive tools, and more – to help you learn about saving for retirement and other financial goals.

Don’t Wait to Save: The Power of Compounding Interest

For younger MSU employees, creating a comprehensive retirement savings plan may not be a top priority. Between student loans, rent, childcare, and more, it can be difficult to set aside money for a day 30 to 40 years in the future. But the young have a huge advantage when it comes to saving money for retirement: more time. This additional time allows them to potentially benefit the most from compounding interest, which may lead to greater savings down the road.

Compounding interest basically means allowing an investment to earn money while continually reinvesting those earnings over time. The more time you have, the smaller your original investment may need to be. In the hypothetical example below, a 25-year-old starts saving $5,000 annually ($416 per month), and a 40-year-old starts saving twice as much but waits until age 40 ($833 per month). 

Compounding Interest Graph

The 25-year-old ends up contributing less money over time – $200,000 versus $250,000 – but ends up with a higher balance: $798,735 versus $566,317. In other words, the 25-year-old contributes $50,000 less but ends up with $232,000 more than the 40-year-old who waited to save. As this example shows, younger investors may benefit from saving as much as possible as soon as possible.

If your retirement date is a bit closer, you can still take advantage of compounding interest. However, you may need to increase your monthly contributions to meet your retirement savings goals. Luckily, the IRS allows people who are aged 50 years or older to contribute an additional “catch-up” amount to their retirement plans each year.

As you determine your contribution amount, please note the IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to a retirement plan each year. To contribute a certain amount, such as $100 per paycheck, you can use the calculating tool for converting a dollar amount to a percentage.

Of course, remember that investment returns are not guaranteed and will fluctuate — in some years you may have gains, and in other years you may have losses. But over time, any investment that has a net gain will have benefited from compounding.

How to Change Your Contribution

While your contribution to the 403(b) Base account is fixed based on your income, you can adjust your contributions to the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and/or the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan at any time. To do this, login to the EBS Portal with your NetID and password. Select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the Benefit/Retirement Enrollment and Changes tile. Select Enroll/Change my Retirement/Health Savings Account Options from the dropdown menu and click Next. On the Savings Plan screen, you’ll be able to edit your contributions to the 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts. Make sure you click through all the screens and hit Save to finalize the change to your contributions.

Questions? We encourage you to reach out to Fidelity (800-642-7131) or TIAA (800-732-8353) for your retirement planning questions. Visit the HR website for additional information on the retirement plans offered by MSU.

1 Please note, that the example above is a hypothetical illustration only and is not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. The example assumes contributions are made monthly at a 6% annual effective rate, compounded monthly, and no withdrawals. Actual performance will vary with market conditions. Investing involves risk. There is no assurance that the goals will be met or that the solution or strategy will be successful. This example was developed in partnership with TIAA.

2 Certain types of employees are excluded to participate in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more detail. 

International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion

Women’s History Month observances honor the contributions and impact of women and highlight the pivotal roles women have played in our community. MSU Human Resources celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8! This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion.”  To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, in all aspects of society.

MSU HR is led by a team of dynamic leaders who happen to be all women. Their experience and dedication drive HR’s mission to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, and service to the MSU community.

We asked our HR directors, “How can we inspire inclusion, or create more inclusivity, especially for women, working here at MSU?” Here is what they had to say:

“I stand proudly on the shoulders of incredible women who came before me, recognizing their struggles and triumphs while reflecting on my own journey; especially as a woman of color. International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a call to action for continued progress. Let us amplify the voices of all women and work together to create an environment where every woman can thrive without limitations. We can inspire inclusion through representation, mentorship, sponsorship, courage, and resolve. I believe in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Together, we can cultivate a sense of belonging for all.” –Christina Brogdon, PHR, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

“Inclusivity starts by listening. Therefore, we must establish channels of open dialogue to listen and hear women at MSU so they may share their experiences and suggestions without fear of reprisals, to understand barriers that impede inclusion, as well as work collaboratively to dismantle them.” –Sherri Reese, Ph.D., Director of Talent

“While institutional efforts to advance inclusion are critical, we must ask ourselves what we are doing daily to foster inclusivity. As a female leader, am I actively seeking out and embracing diverse perspectives? Am I fostering mentorship and learning opportunities, especially for women? Am I seeking out opportunities to grow and learn? By critically examining what we are individually doing to foster a culture of respect and value, we collectively can work to create a more inclusive environment.” –Donna Donovan, J.D., Director of HR Administrative Services and Chief of Staff

“Establishing an environment of inclusion requires the creation of safe places for dissenting opinions and respectful debate. Many voices contributing will almost always aid in better decision making and a sense of inclusion and empowerment.” –Amy Holda, MLRHR, Interim Director of Employee Relations

“In higher education, where women often outnumber men but remain underrepresented in senior leadership, the phrase ’empowered women empower women’ resonates deeply with me. It encourages collaboration, mentorship, and sponsorship among women. By recognizing and amplifying our strengths, women in academia can challenge systemic barriers and prepare themselves for leadership positions. Embracing this mantra fosters a culture of support and inclusivity, breaking down barriers and paving the way for gender equality in the workplace. It reminds us that by lifting others up, we all rise, creating a more diverse and empowered leadership landscape.” –Sharri Margraves, EdD, SCP-SHRM, Director of Organization and Professional Development

“One of the best compliments I ever received as a leader is that I am authentic. I can’t think of a better way to inspire inclusion than with authenticity. Transparency in communications, awareness of others and their needs, along with a willingness to listen is key in creating an inclusive environment.” –Mary Lou Morey, Director of Benefits

“The power of women leaders investing our own time, energy and experience into mentoring other women from all backgrounds cannot be overstated. I am incredibly grateful to several amazing women who have generously shared their leadership journeys with me, their mentorship having served me well throughout my career. I pay their gifts forward by investing and supporting other women on their leadership journeys. Mentorship is one of the most powerful opportunities all women leaders have to promote the inclusion of more women into leadership, where they will encounter opportunities to keep paying it forward to others.” â€“Alice Smith, MPA, SHRM-SCP, Director of Solutions Center

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. Happy International Women’s Day!

Job of the Week: Undergraduate Program Secretary

This week’s featured job is an Undergraduate Program Secretary for the College of Nursing (job posting 10033616). The College of Nursing advances the health of individuals, communities, and populations through inclusive and equitable nursing education, research, scholarship, and practice. 

In this position, you will provide secretarial support in the Office of Academic Affairs for the Undergraduate Program, its leadership team, and faculty with undergraduate teaching responsibilities. You will primarily support the Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Office of Academic Affairs. 

In order to support faculty associated with the undergraduate program, you will draft syllabi, order textbooks and office supplies, process reimbursements, maintain files, make travel arrangements, maintain calendars, sort mail, post web documents, and interact with faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, you may have supervisory oversight over students employed in the College of Nursing. This position has the potential for remote work ability for up to 2 days a week. The Undergraduate Secretary is also expected to uphold the values of the College of Nursing including their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge normally acquired through a high school education and three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience. Knowledge of the university policies and procedures, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently with little oversight is desired.
To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references on the MSU Careers website by March 12.

Fostering Excellence: Continuous Learning and Educational Assistance for MSU Support Staff

Written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR and Organization and Professional Development

Michigan State University stands as a beacon of educational excellence, not only for its students but also for its dedicated support staff. At the heart of MSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth and development is the twin approach of continuous learning and educational assistance benefits tailored for support staff.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, and MSU recognizes its transformative power. For support staff, engaging in ongoing education and using it on the job brings many benefits to the individual and helps create a dynamic and adaptable workforce that contributes significantly to the university’s success.

  • Career Advancement: Continuous learning helps us open doors to career advancement opportunities. MSU staff have access to many professional development opportunities, from workshops to specialized training sessions, allowing us to enhance our skills in preparation for future positions. Educational Assistance is available for non-credit opportunities such as conferences, seminars, and credit opportunities for those interested.
  • Enhanced Job Performance: Staying current with industry trends and best practices is essential for optimal job performance. MSU’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, directly impacting their ability to excel in their roles and contribute to the university’s operational excellence. Individuals can chart their own path using educational assistance or elevateU, the free on-demand source for technical and essential skill development and certification prep.
  • Increased Engagement: Continuous learning fosters a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction with a person’s job, and while resources are always slim—supporting continuous learning is essential for supervisors. Staff who feel supported in their educational pursuits are more likely to experience higher engagement, leading to a positive work environment and a deepened commitment to MSU’s mission.
  • Adaptability to Change: Adaptability is a key attribute in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Continuous learning instills resilience and the ability to navigate change effectively. Those empowered to participate in ongoing education will be well-positioned to embrace new challenges and contribute to the university’s culture of innovation.

Educational Assistance Programs

MSU exemplifies its commitment to the educational journey of support staff through robust educational assistance programs designed to remove financial barriers to learning. Please review your employee contract for specific details.

  • Tuition Assistance Programs:
    • The Tuition Assistance Program at MSU is a testament to the university’s commitment to making education accessible. Staff can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees with financial support, aligning their educational aspirations with their career goals. Attending MSU credit-granting programs means you will receive a waiver upfront on the cost of tuition.
    • Tuition for non-MSU degree programs provides reimbursement according to your contract.
  • Non-Credit Assistance:
    • Each employee group can take programs offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development or IT Services, non-credit programs, seminars, and conferences. Most staff employee groups have $800 or$900 available annually for non-credit programs. APA members can utilize this amount toward credit classes.

How to access:

Log into the EBS Portal, select My Career and Training from the top navigation, and then select the tile for Courses for Employees at MSU (HR or IT Services classes), elevateU, or Educational Assistance System.

  • Programs run on an academic calendar in general, adjusting for variances in start/stop dates.
  • Beginning January 2024, APA and APSA employees are eligible for these benefits at the time of hire.

For more information: 

MSU’s unwavering commitment to continuous learning and educational assistance for staff reflects a dedication to fostering a community of excellence. By investing in the growth and development of its employees, MSU not only enriches individual lives but also ensures the continued success and vibrancy of the entire university. Through continuous learning and educational assistance, MSU empowers its staff to excel in their roles, contribute meaningfully to the institution, and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.

Sources:

Photo by David Tett via Centre for Ageing Better

Don’t Miss Out on These Exclusive Spring Break Discounts!

Spring Break for many area schools is quickly approaching. Before finalizing your plans, review your exclusive employee discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to determine if any may be useful to your family.

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in or sign up for a free account.

Travel

National Car Rental: Enjoy up to 20% off your reservation rate when booking through our exclusive link. Discount automatically applied with the link. 

Tickets at Work: Go somewhere new in 2024 with up to 60% off exclusive hotel rates at top destinations worldwide. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% off the best available rooms at participating hotels worldwide.

Entertainment

Premium Seats USA: Save 10% on ticket purchases to professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, auto racing, wrestling and more when you use promo code CORESTREAM. 

Tiqets: Save over 40% on Museums worldwide. Access top museums across the country and around the world! Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!

Restaurant.comGet 20% off all certificates. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites or enjoy quality takeout meals. 

Find these savings as well as many other discounts by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. The MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions at 888-758-7575.

Campus Deals

Wharton: Discounts are given to Wharton Center subscribers and occasional 10-15% discounts on select performances are given to MSU employees.

Munn Ice Arena: Save on public skating during spring break. Employees receive discounted rates with valid MSU ID. The next public skating day is Saturday, March 30 from 4:30-6:40 p.m.

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center: Thinking about a staycation? MSU Employees can receive special hotel accommodation rates when making reservations. A valid MSU employee ID may be required at check-in.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

This week’s job of the week is for a Communications Manager I position in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 932698). The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is ranked #1 in the world in the global ranking of agricultural and applied economics departments. The Food Security Group within AFRE is a self-organized team established in the early 1980s that works with local partners in developing countries to carry out empirically based policy-oriented scholarly research, engagement, and capacity-building focused on problems of global food security.

This job includes but is not limited to cooperating closely with the co-directors and other faculty of AFRE’s Food Security Group (FSG) to write, edit, and create materials (including video) on the activities and outputs of grant-funded international projects suitable for a variety of audiences. There is a strong emphasis on digital communications using the web, content management systems, and social media platforms. There is also the opportunity to travel to project sites in developing countries and to engage with communications specialists in partner organizations in those countries.

The desired candidate will be a self-starter with an outgoing personality who feels comfortable positively representing a team. Ideally, this position is best suited for a team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions, and prioritize tasks effectively. Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills are desired.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree in journalism, telecommunications, or public relations. One to three years of experience in public relations, marketing, graphic design, web design, publication production, and social media management is required. A background in social sciences and/or agriculture and natural resources is desired but not required to apply.

If you’re interested in applying, please learn more about the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and apply for this position by March 19.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day

Happy Employee Appreciation Day! The university’s over 20,000 faculty and staff help make Michigan State University a leader in education and research. Your contributions are part of something bigger. Please enjoy this message of gratitude from Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Brogdon.

Happy Leap Day!

Leap Day gives you an extra 24 hours once every four years. So, what are you going to do on your extra day? Here are a few ideas:

  • Stop by the MSU Dairy Store for a sweet treat to celebrate 2024 having 366 days.
  • Take a scenic walk along the Red Cedar or the Lansing River Trail – by yourself or with a friend.
  • Organize your house, email inbox, or your mind. Take this time to sort through all of the tasks you may have been pushing to the side.
  • Try something new! During these few extra hours you can stargaze, listen to a new album, try out a new recipe, or go rock climbing. 

Have a great Leap Day!

March Events Round-Up

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events 

March 1-17The REDress Project Exhibition: the MSU Museum and its campus partners will host the REDress Project, an evocative art installation that spotlights the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. This striking exhibition features approximately 60 red dresses suspended along West Circle Drive in public spaces near the MSU Museum and Beal Botanical Garden, symbolizing the haunting absence and powerful presence of these women and girls. A reception will take place on March 8, International Women’s Day, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Green Room (4th floor, West) at the MSU Libraries. Please RSVP for the reception.

March 9- Step Afrika! At the Wharton Center: Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

March 9 – April 14APIDA Heritage Month Events: Michigan State University recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Heritage Month each year to celebrate the group’s diverse identities, histories, and cultures. APIDA Heritage Month is recognized nationally in May when most students are no longer on campus. MSU observes APIDA Heritage Month events this year between March 9 and April 14 while students are on campus and can connect with each other.

March 18 – 30 — Las Alas Invisibles: The Unseen Wings: Join the exhibition reception to celebrate MSU’s migrant farmworker and farmer community on March 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MSU Union Art Gallery (2nd floor). Timed with National Farmworker Awareness Week and MSU’s CĂ©sar Chávez and Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration, the exhibition traces the migration of monarch butterflies and migrant farmworker labor from the fields to higher education.

March 20- Artist Talks: 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition (free): Join MSU Department of Art, Art History, and Design Master of Fine Arts degree candidates Shirin Abedinirad, Gustavo Uriel Ayala, Emily J. Burkhead, Adeline Newmann, and Patrick N. Taylor as they discuss their work included in the 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, on view from Mar. 9–May 26, 2024 at the MSU Broad Art Museum. Register here

March 25- 2024 MSU CĂ©sar Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration (free): Each year, the Michigan State University, Greater Lansing, and East Lansing communities gather at MSU to honor the legacy of two of the most prominent U.S. labor leaders and civil rights activists, CĂ©sar E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta. This event will feature a keynote speaker and workshops followed by a dinner. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

Family-Friendly Activities

March 2- Family Day: Connect: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged.

March 12- Kids Crafternoon at the East Lansing Public Library (free): Join the East Lansing Public Library for a casual craft activity, featuring a simple craft project each week and supplies to do it. 

March 17- Sensory Friendly Show at Abrams Planetarium (free): The Abrams Planetarium offers sensory friendly shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 

March 23- Bug Day at the East Lansing Public Library (free): Come to the Library during this open-house style event to enjoy a variety of interactive activities exploring the science of arthropods (“bugs” like insects, arachnids, and more). Join MSU STEM Ambassador Dr. Christina Miller and East Lansing Public Library’s STEAM Educator Dr. B for a fun-filled exploration of bugs. 

Health and Wellness

March Tuesdays: Informal Mindfulness Course (free): This class will teach you some basic, informal mindfulness skills that can help you center and find a sense of balance while you move through your busy days. Registration is required for each online session. 

March 6- Wellbeing Through Divorce: Insights and Strategies: This virtual seminar, featuring Anne Conlon, will discuss the process of divorce and tools and strategies to support wellbeing through this pivotal life transition. Registration is required for this webinar.

March 11: Encore Presentation: Workplace Wellbeing: This session will explore opportunities to infuse health and wellbeing into the daily work routine and the resources available through MSU’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Registration is required for this free webinar.

March 12, 19, 26: Chair Yoga (free): Chair Yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga to be done seated, or while standing and using the chair for support. Stretching, reaching, bending, and breathing – and no mat required! Registration is required for each free session. 

March 20- Wellness Wednesday: Cold-Hardy Planting (free): Embrace the Spring Equinox and celebrate the changing seasons with the Beal Botanical Garden and MSU Museum. This workshop invites you to extend your garden’s growing season by delving into the world of cold-hardy vegetables and sustainable planting techniques. Registration for this free event is recommended.

Learning Opportunities

March Fridays- Financial Fridays: Learn about investing in retirement, MESP 529 Plans, and estate planning from field professionals every Friday in March. In-person and online registration is available on the WorkLife Office website

March 13- Women’s Networking Association – Networking Breakfast – Women’s History Month Celebration (free): In honor of Women’s History Month, The Women’s Networking Association welcomes you to their Networking Breakfast from 8:00am – 10:00am. Join us for a networking presentation by Shelley Davis Boyd, breakfast and an opportunity to network and connect with others at MSU. Registration for this event is required. 

March 19- Attracting and Retaining Values Based Employees Seminar: This session will offer insights into what employees value, the importance of flexibility, support for caregivers, and the importance of investing in the mental health and wellbeing of employees. Join Sherri Reese, Jake Lathrop, and Rachel Perez by registering for this online event

March 26- Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals (free): While we can’t borrow or bottle time, this class will explore strategies to more efficiently allocate our minutes, streamline workflow, and relieve some pressure in the process. Registration is recommended for this online session.