several gifts in various wrapping papers and ribbons sitting on a red platform.

Don’t Forget Your MSU Employee Discounts this Holiday Season!

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you can access various discounts and savings to help you make the most of the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website, enter your MSU email, click Get Started, and enter your password. First-time users will need to create a new account using the link below the login fields. You will need your MSU ZPID number for the form, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: Save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Chordify: Up to 60% off music lessons with a Chordify Premium yearly subscription.
  • Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code CROCS20 at checkout.
  • Dell: Exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
  • Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: 30% and more off MSRP on select appliances. Use code COREEXT21.
  • Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
  • HP: Up to 40% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: Receive 30% off your first month on this kids’ educational subscription box featuring fun STEM-based projects.
  • PremiumSeatsUSA.com: Save 10% with promo code CORESTREAM.
  • Restaurants.com: 20% off all certificates.
  • Rosetta Stone: Get a Lifetime Subscription with Unlimited Languages for $149 (normally $299).
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on top museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks and more.
  • Wharton Center: Save 10-15% on select performances.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find around the university through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others. For more information on discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Job of the Week: Veterinary Surgery Nurse

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as Surgery Nurse for the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine (job posting 998848). If you are passionate about providing patient care for ill and injured animals and interested in working in the Surgery unit of the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), this may be the role for you! 

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine prides itself on diversity, innovation, integrity, compassion, and collaboration. Their vision states, “Together we will be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service,” with a mission of learning, discovering, healing, and protecting. 

In this position, you will be responsible for patient care of injured and sick animals primarily in the Small Animal Unit of the VMC. You will occasionally work in the Large Animal Unit, Anesthesia Support Center, and Emergency and Critical Care as well. This role instructs and demonstrates techniques, skills, cleanliness, and more to students, assistant students, and clinicians within the VMC. This job entails afternoon and evening shifts, as well as weekend shifts with overtime if necessary. Physical tasks include the ability to lift medical equipment and animals into cages, push gurneys and carts containing animals and equipment, climb stairs carrying lab equipment, and restrain animals. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include two to three years of college, technical, or vocational schooling in Veterinary Technology, six months to one year of related or more responsible work in the realm of extensive patient care, surgery, anesthesia, sterilization, and drug-dosing. You should also have experience and knowledge in spreadsheets and other word processing software and past work in a veterinary research setting. You must be licensed as a Veterinary Technician with the state of Michigan within one year from your date of hire. 

Learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine on their website. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and three professional references and should be submitted by November 5th!

Job of The Week: Marketing Analyst & Social Media Coordinator

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Marketing Analyst and Social Media Coordinator for the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences (job posting 998830). If you are innovative and detail-oriented, interested in program marketing for the college, and looking to play a pivotal role in marketing and enrollment efforts, this may be the position for you! This job posting is for a one-year limited-term role with the possibility of renewal based on success in the position and the needs of the college.

The MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences (sometimes referred to as ComArtSci) is one of the largest and most respected communication colleges in the nation, as well as the first of its kind. It prides itself on offering world-class training to students through innovation, dedication, individual strength, and collaboration, all in order to shape a better tomorrow.

In this position, you will manage paid social media campaigns, search ads, and enhance ComArtSci’s social media presence on all platforms. You will create and distribute content to a diverse audience and be responsible for active engagement. The candidate will also work on future projects and align them with the college’s strategic priorities to demonstrate ongoing education and enrollment. Additionally, you will conduct keyword research, work with ad trafficking to direct students to programs, use short-form video content to leverage current trends and audience engagement, and strengthen collaboration between the colleges. This fast-paced role offers a hybrid schedule with a minimum of three days per week in the office.

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a degree in telecommunications, journalism, or public relations, and one to three years of related work in public or media relations, editing, print media, broadcasting, or similar. You should also have experience with Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager, as well as experience with paid social media management tools. In this role, you should be familiar with AP style, have a good understanding of X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, as well as a thorough understanding of current trends, excellent communication skills, and great interpersonal skills.


Learn more about the MSU College of Communication Arts and Science on their website. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by November 5th!

2024 NDEAM poster shows a road leading to round photos of diverse disabled workers in various workplaces. Says “Access to Good Jobs for All, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, #NDEAM and dol.gov/odep."

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which raises awareness around disability employment issues and celebrates the many contributions of workers with disabilities. This year’s official theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” Every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to America’s workplaces and economy. Each October during NDEAM, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring all Americans—including Americans with disabilities—can put their skills and talents to work.

We all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce where every person is recognized for their abilities – every day of every month. Although many impacts are not physically visible, it doesn’t mean they do not exist.

MSU is a leader in cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment, and we are constantly striving to improve our efforts to meet the needs of persons with disabilities by being more flexible, understanding, inclusive and supportive of those with different abilities. In observance of NDEAM, we put together this helpful list of resources for awareness of employee disability workplace accommodations.

Resources for Employee Disability Workplace Accommodation Awareness

Discounted Hearing Aids

Did you know you have access to discounts on hearing aids? MSU employees and retirees may qualify for discounted hearing aids through partnerships between some MSU benefit providers and TruHearing®. Additional funding can also be provided by our partner organization Michigan Rehabilitation Services. For more information please contact Aaron Pena, Workplace Accommodations Specialist.

Assistive Technology

Technology can be a great resource for employees to address the impacts of their disability. Some resources are free at MSU without having to complete the registration process (e.g., screen reader software that reads text aloud)! See the full range of resources at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) Assistive Technology page.

Mental Health Resources

Through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU offers many services, programs and resources to help faculty, staff and their families thrive. This includes the Employee Assistance Program, providing no-cost confidential counseling services to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate assistants and their families. Services include short-term counseling, couples counseling, emotional wellness, short-term trauma services and stress reduction services. Learn more from University Health and Wellbeing.

If you are interested in requesting disability workplace accommodations at MSU, begin the process by registering with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD).

All medical records and diagnoses are kept confidential from supervisors and units. Undergraduate and graduate employees can also qualify for workplace accommodations. If you need more information or help going through the process, please contact Workplace Accommodations Specialist, Aaron Pena at penaaaro@hr.msu.edu.

For more information on National Disability Employment Awareness Month please visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s website.

Happy International Pronouns Day!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This article was written in partnership with the EVPA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Today is International Pronouns Day! Using correct pronouns respects each other’s identity and fosters inclusivity. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with one another in and out of the workplace, and often they are assigned based on preconceived biases and perceptions. By educating about personal pronouns, we promote understanding and celebrate everyone’s intersecting identities.

What is International Pronouns Day? 

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises the MSU community’s awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple, intersecting identities. As we explore the significance of this day, learn about how MSU is implementing changes to promote gender inclusivity to create a beneficial environment for all. For more information, you can visit https://pronounsday.org. 

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment? 

  • Speak and write in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender, or gender identity and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes 
  • Share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people or during meetings 
  • Don’t make assumptions; ask people to share their pronouns 
  • Always use the pronouns that a person asks you to use 
  • Include your pronouns in your email signature or other digital communications 
  • Complete the Quest: Building Capacity for LGBTQA+ Inclusion online education program 
  • Check out the course, Introduction to Name, Gender and Pronouns, to learn more about how to practice gender inclusivity with students and staff at MSU. 

What events are being held across campus? 

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have and with resources you may need! The center provides educational programs and resources to make MSU a more inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty. Tuesday, November 19th, the GSCC is hosting a Trans Allyship Zoom course for cisgender students and staff to learn more about working with non-binary and transgender peers on campus. Learn more about the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center here, and be sure to register for the course here. 

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion? 

At MSU, we are committed to ensuring your identity is accurately represented and respected throughout our campus community while maintaining privacy. Additionally, there’s work underway with the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, along with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration to advance the name, gender, pronoun data policy recommendations across our information technology systems. We are collaborating with the project management office and system owners to create an implementation road map to advance the policy requirements across enterprise data systems. In the interim, MSU encourages all employees to indicate their gender pronouns, if desired, on email signatures and other written communication.  

Are there resources to explore this further? 

We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).

SafePlace Operations Coordinator

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Operations Coordinator for MSU Safe Place, a division of University Health and Wellbeing (job posting 997270). If you are interested in supporting the Center for Survivors and maintaining the legal responsibilities of this important job, this may be the position for you!

The Michigan State University Center for Survivors provides free and confidential group and individual counseling to MSU Students who are survivors of sexual assault and abuse. The Center for Survivors stands with survivors against all forms of social injustice through empowerment and an inclusive community, priding itself on integrity, compassion, and collaboration. 

In this role, you will carry out day-to-day operations at the Center for Survivors Safe Place shelter and provide a clean, safe and supportive environment for those who are or have experienced violence. This role does have ethical and legal responsibilities as you must protect client confidentiality, and you will work under guidelines provided by Michigan State University and the state of Michigan, as well as VOCA. You will coordinate community donations, support residential clients with transportation and basic needs, oversee food and inventory supply, and participate in a shared case management system that supports collaboration and consultation with clients. In addition, you will coordinate with UHW Safety and Operations to ensure the physical shelter is up to date on fire drills, routine inspections, sanitation, emergency procedures and more. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include an associate’s degree in any business-related field, one to three years of related work experience, and basic knowledge of computer terminology and operations. You should also have previous training experience with the dynamic of intimate partner violence and its effect on children, as well as experience in a 24-hour residential job setting. Physical demands include the ability to lift and push/pull 5-40lbs, work onsite, shovel snow and salt walkways, travel throughout the community, and work 24-hour shifts.
Learn more about the Center for Survivors here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information. Applications require a resume and a cover letter and should be submitted by October 29th.

Job of The Week: Accounting Clerk

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Accounting Clerk for the College of Education in the Department of Teacher Education (job posting 994967). If you are interested in supporting the Fiscal Office and a College with five education programs ranked number one in U.S. News and World Report, this may be the position for you! 

The MSU College of Education’s mission is planted in Leadership, Scholarship and Service. They strive to develop and implement excellence in the community, and strive to sustain the college as a scholarly space for the community, staff, and students. Focusing heavily on information education reform and policy in schools all around, the College of Education is constantly pushing to better the preparation of educators. 

In this position, you will initiate payments to outside vendors and students via disbursement vouchers, fellowships, and other items needed for transactions. You will also support faculty, graduate students and their associates by coordinating and managing all travel requests and expense reports. In this role, you would maintain monthly procurement card transactions and manage account files, keeping track of their most relevant information. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a high school education, and one to three years of progressively more expansive work in accounting, bookkeeping, and database software. You will also be expected to attend necessary courses to maintain certifications and enhance the work environment while in this role. You should also have excellent communication, customer service, and multi-tasking skills, and be knowledgeable in software such as Excel, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and more. 

Learn more about the College of Education here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information. Applications should be submitted by October 22nd!

Happy World Mental Health Day!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

October 10th is World Mental Health Day! While mental health is one of the foundations of health and well-being, it can often fall low on the list of priorities in the work setting. The World Health Organization has established this year’s theme of “It Is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace” to promote mental health awareness at work.  

Good mental health is vital to our overall well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people. 

Work should never get in the way of maintaining good mental health, however, a busy schedule may make resources appear inaccessible. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are some resources you can use at MSU and in your personal life. 

MSU Resources: 

Teladoc: MSU faculty and staff and their dependents currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc – an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. Teladoc’s services extend to behavioral health (anxiety, depression, grief counseling, etc.). 

University Health and Wellbeing: MSU employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your work schedule, MSU offers both Zoom and in-person appointments.  

Health4U: Health4U focuses on all aspects of health with resources, support groups and educational courses. They offer a variety of resources dealing with mindfulness, psychological flexibility and more.  

Local Resources: 

24-Hour Crisis Services (Walk-In and Mobile):  The City of East Lansing provides walk-in or mobile crisis counseling and mental health assistance around the clock. 

Online Mental Health Screening: Ingham County Health Department offers free and anonymous behavioral health screening, linking resources connected to your results. 

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Behavioral Health Services: Sparrow Hospital offers psychiatric and behavioral health services including holistic care in an external environment and art, music and yoga therapy.  

You matter, your mental health matters, so join us in celebrating the 75th annual World Mental Health Day by taking charge of your own mental health with these resources and more. MSU resources and benefits are available to get you—or keep you—on the path to a healthy body and healthy mind. Learn more about World Mental Health Day on the World Health Organization website.

Reminder: Enroll in, change, or cancel vision, legal, and critical illness insurance during October

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The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2025 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment in October. These include VSP vision insurance, ARAG legal insurance, and MetLife critical illness insurance.

If you’re interested in enrolling in these benefits, need to make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2025 plan year, you must do so in October. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2025 with the exact same coverage.

How to Enroll in, Change, or Cancel Voluntary Benefits

You can enroll in, change, or cancel these benefits via the MSU Benefits Plus website.

  • First Time Users: Click the link to create an account. Enter your MSU email and pick a password to get started. You will need your MSU ZPID number (use a capital “Z”) located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.
  • Existing Users: Enter your email and password and then click Log In.

How to View Current Participation

To view your current participation or deduction history, log in to the MSU Benefits Plus website, click on Benefits in the top navigation, and then Enrollments. Click on Deductions to view an itemized list of your voluntary benefit deductions. Please note the MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on products you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as vision, legal, and critical illness insurance.

Learn More about Voluntary Benefits

Please review a brief description of vision, legal, and critical illness insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits, please review the appropriate Open Enrollment guide: Support Staff Open Enrollment Guide or Faculty/Academic Staff Open Enrollment Guide.

  • VSP vision insurance can help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses for you and your family. VSP is the benefit provider, and they offer two plan options: the standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.
  • MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra cash in the event you or covered family members experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered through MetLife with no evidence of insurability requirement. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the plan coverage and rates.
  • ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need. Network attorney fees are 100% paid in full for most covered matters. Life is full of legal situations. Some you plan for, like creating a will, and others are more unexpected—like fighting a traffic ticket. Choose between two plans for coverage that best fit the needs of you and your family. UltimateAdvisor® covers most common legal issues. UltimateAdvisor Plus™ includes more robust coverage plus additional services. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.

Questions? You can learn more about, enroll in, change, or cancel voluntary benefits on the MSU Benefits Plus website. Learn about all your benefits options on the HR website. If you have questions, consider joining an HR Site Lab. The HR Solutions Center is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

Job of the Week: Residence Hall Director

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a pool posting for three open positions as a Residence Hall Director for the Division of Student Life and Engagement (job posting 991717). The Division of Student Life and Engagement seeks an experienced individual to provide supervision, leadership, management and more to a residence hall community. The Residence Hall Director is a live-in position and will be working under a Community Director, so if you are interested in this engaging job, this may be your role!

Student Life and Engagement strives to provide a world-class experience for students and guests, creating an immersive and connected campus experience. SLE prides itself on supporting and embracing the diversity and uniqueness of Spartans all around campus. 

In this position, you will supervise and train student staff, oversee student organization advising, individual student development and community development coordination. You will also work on residential curriculum efforts and administrative duties. This position is designated as critical status, meaning that during the events of a university closure or suspension of operation due to weather or other emergency conditions, you are expected to attempt to report to work as scheduled. This role has on-call duties, and if applicable, remote duties as well. 

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a degree in a human resources-related field, such as student personnel or counseling, and one to three years of related or more extensive experience as a director in a residence hall or housing complex. 

Learn more about Student Life and Engagement here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information. Applications should be submitted by October 31st, and notice for re-appointment is provided May 15th of each calendar year.