Job of The Week: Generalist Counselor

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a generalist Counselor for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) (job posting 1031414). If you are interested in providing direct mental health services to MSUCOM medical students and are passionate about helping others, this may be the role for you.

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s mission is to provide world-class osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research to foster community across patient-centered medical care. The Wellness and Counseling Office is committed to supporting MSUCOM medical students throughout their medical school journey by offering various mental health resources and wellness initiatives in a safe and confidential environment.

MSUCOM’s Wellness and Counseling Office is seeking a compassionate and skilled generalist counselor to provide direct mental health services to MSUCOM students. This part-time, on-call position offers a flexible 20-hour work week, 1039 hours in any twelve-month period. You will provide in-person and telehealth counseling support to students within the medical school throughout their education, clinical rotations, and across many different campuses. This role will provide support for a wide range of personal, academic, and professional struggles, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, burnout, family worries, trauma, grief, and loss. You will implement strategic planning to help students through these individual issues and to enhance their overall health and well-being. 

This position requires maintaining confidential documentation of student sessions and completing case notes in compliance with MSUCOM policies. In addition, you will actively participate in weekly staff meetings and student orientation events, white coat ceremonies, and graduation. You will engage in clinical supervision, professional development opportunities, and other various duties needed to support MSUCOM’s Wellness and Counseling Office’s goals and student support. 

Desired qualifications include completing one or two years of graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree, such as a Master’s in Social Work or a Licensed Professional Counselor, and one to three years of related experience in a counseling/mental health support setting. It is also recommended to have State certification as a Social Worker, Professional Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMSW, LPC, LMFT). 

Learn more about the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Wellness and Counseling Office here. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your current State of Michigan licensure and should be submitted by May 2.

Your Guide to MSU Resources for Stress Reduction

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

April is Stress Awareness Month! Daily stress can seriously impact both our mental and physical health. Taking control of our stress is key to living a balanced and healthy life. MSU offers a variety of resources designed to help you manage and reduce stress:  

Activities

  • Campus Meditation Map: Beal Scholar Anhad Viswananth created this incredible meditation map to highlight the best spots to meditate around campus. 
  • Staying Active: Watch your stress dissolve as you become more active this spring. Warmer weather is on its way, and it’s the perfect time to get outside and run, kayak, walk, or swim. Join a biking group in the Greater Lansing area or an MSU Recreation group fitness class to stay motivated. 
  • Finals Flex Midday Movement: Stop by the MSU Main Library to wind down from the school year and de-stress. Bring a mat or a towel, and get ready for breathing, stretching, and mobilizing exercises. 
  • Desk Decompress: Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 7 to May 1, join this 15-minute virtual class to relax and decompress while stretching and strengthening the wrist, shoulders, and spine. Register here for Desk Decompress for a midweek pick-me-up!
  • Walking at MSU: There are many things to see and do on MSU’s 2,100-acre campus. Follow these various MSU campus walking tours to make the most of our beautiful campus and gardens. 
    • On April 5, join the Red Cedar River Environmental Walking Tour and learn about the environmental history of the river at the heart of MSU’s campus. This 1.2-mile round-trip walk will start at the MSU Main Library and describe some interesting historical and environmental features of the river.
    • On April 10, join the Beal Botanical Garden for a Sensing Spring tour to learn about the science of nature exposure benefiting physical and mental wellbeing and how plant communities support each other, plus some ways we can be supportive in return.
    • On April 23, join Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum for lunchtime guided walking tours on the fourth Wednesday of each month, April through October.
    • On April 25, join IPF and Landscape Services for Arbor Day and help install native plant material along the riverbank, creating a new pollinator garden along the banks of the Red Cedar River.
  • Rest with Music: Music can heal, calm, and regenerate our mind, body, and spirit. Hosted by Health Promotion and Engagement, Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music – live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres. Visit the website for dates and times available for you.

Learning Resources

  • Breaking Free from Stress Course: This course will help you become aware of how your own thought world operates to bring you your personal reality of your work and personal life.  Learning the basic principles presented in this course will help you see how to be less reactive to other people and events and how to live your life from a deeper perspective of common sense and wisdom. Eligible employees may use their Educational Assistance funds for this course.
  • Spartan Resilience Education Programs: University Health and Wellbeing provide opportunities for any Spartan, anywhere, to develop or strengthen the skills needed to effectively respond to their unique collection of challenges. Through a variety of media and teaching formats, they seek to ensure that resilience education is accessible, inclusive, and ever-present as part of the “Spartan Experience.”
  • How to Disconnect from Work: Taking time away from work, in the forms of breaks, vacation time, or strengthening boundaries around employees’ workdays, is important. View these resources to learn more about balancing your time and work schedule. 
  • Stress Reduction: MSU Health4U has plenty of resources to help you reduce your stress levels. Learn more in their Stress Reduction series of articles. 
  • Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential short-term counseling and referral service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, graduate assistants, retirees, and their insurance-eligible dependents who are located within the state of Michigan. Classes and resources to help reduce stress are updated on the EAP website often.
  • Avoiding Burnout: This article will help you learn how to avoid burnout and what to do if you’re experiencing it.

Stress can look different for each individual, so take care of yourself using these resources and beyond. Have another resource you’d like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Opening photo of the Beal Botanical Gardens by MSU University Communications.

photo of the Livongo diabetes welcome kit, which includes a glucose monitor, case, strips, and other medical tools.

Don’t Forget Your Optional MSU Benefits and Resources 

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

MSU is committed to offering valuable benefits to support you and your family. You’re probably aware of MSU’s health and dental care benefit options as a benefits-eligible employee. However, on top of those, you can access a range of optional benefits we’d like to remind you about. 

Beyond meeting your health and dental care needs, these optional benefits can help you save money on needed products and services. We realize keeping track of all these different resources can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve created the following recap to jog your memory with links to more detailed information to learn more. 

This graphic provides a quick summary of these optional benefits (view a PDF version).

An infographic displaying the following optional benefits available to MSU employees: 1. Teladoc: speak to a licensed medical professional by web, phone, or app. If needed a prescription can be sent anywhere in the U.S. No co-pay for employees enrolled in BCV, BlueCard, or Community Blue. CDHP enrollees pay the full amount until the deductible is met. 2. Livongo by Teladoc: A free diabetes management program for benefits-eligible employees, their spouse/other eligible individual, and dependents. 3. Teladoc Medical Experts: Expert medical advice for informed medical decisions. Get help to make the right choice with confidence. 4. Voluntary Benefits: options include pet, vision, home, auto, legal, critical illness, along with discounts. 5. On-campus/local services: Find imaging services, such as MRI, X-ray, and more- along with prescription delivery within 30 miles of campus.

Optional benefit programs available: 

  • Teladoc: Virtually speak with a doctor 24/7 via web, phone, or mobile app. They can even write you a prescription if necessary. Employees have described Teladoc as “a game changer” (read employee experiences here). If you haven’t already, we recommend you sign up for Teladoc now so you’re prepared. 
  • Livongo: This diabetes management program provides free supplies delivered right to your door whenever you need them and support with optional virtual coaching. Save time and money on needed supplies. Learn more about Livongo on the HR website. 
  • Teladoc Medical Experts: Get medical advice from experts on your specific medical condition and feel empowered to make the best choice possible for your care. Whether you need medical questions answered, a diagnosis double-checked, help deciding on a treatment plan, or guidance about surgery, Teladoc Medical Experts can help. Learn more about the services Teladoc Medical Experts offers. 
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts: Find insurance offerings such as vision, legal, pet, home/auto, and critical illness (some have enrollment periods) through MSU Benefits Plus. Additionally, you will find MSU Campus Discounts and a variety of other discounts on everything from electronics to home goods, meal delivery services, travel, and much more. 
  • On-Campus/Local Services:

You might not always need or think of these resources, but keeping them tucked away can make it easier and more cost-effective to manage your family’s health. As always, if you have any questions about these benefits options, please visit the HR website to learn more or contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

Job of The Week: Pharmacy Technician I

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a Pharmacy Technician I for MSU Health Care Clinical Services (job posting 983065). If you are interested in assisting pharmacists in various tasks, this may be the position for you.

From joint ventures and partnerships to leveraging expansive clinical research and expert educational strengths for patients, MSU Health Care focuses on providing healing and caring to all. MSU Health Care spans 46 adult and pediatric specialties committed to high-quality patient care. Their missions are to deliver a personalized experience and a safe environment for all, train the next generation of clinicians, ensure equitable access, and offer the highest quality of care. MSU Health Care remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and enhancing life. 

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for assisting pharmacists in patient pharmaceutical care through billing, receiving, and preparing prescriptions for pharmacists to review. Additionally, you will provide patient assistance at the point of sale and perform other technical functions to support operations in the pharmacy. This job also requires significant physical effort and involves standing, lifting boxes, bending, and reaching for items. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include knowledge typically acquired from specialized training in a pharmacy technician program and six months to one year of similar work experience in a pharmacy setting, including computer and math skills. This role also requires a current State of Michigan Pharmacy Technician license and certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. 

Desired qualifications include a work history in a retail pharmacy setting, excellent customer service skills, great written and verbal communication skills, and a vaccine administration certificate. 

Learn more about MSU Health Care here.  To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by April 8.

April Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

If you and your family are looking for events in April, you have come to the right place! April holds many opportunities on campus and in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required.

Campus Events

April 4 – RCPD Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception:  Each year, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities hosts an annual awards and appreciation reception to honor the outstanding achievements of scholarship recipients, exceptional faculty and staff, and generous donors supporting the RCPD mission.

April 5 – Red Cedar River Environmental Walking Tour: Take a tour on the banks of the Red Cedar and learn about the environmental history of the river at the heart of MSU’s campus. This 1.2 mile round-trip walk will start at the MSU Main Library and loop from the Kalamazoo Street Bridge to Farm Lane and back, with stops to describe some interesting historical and environmental features of the river

April 5 – Family Day: CREATE: The First Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum, and this month, you and your family have the opportunity to celebrate young artists with hands-on and interactive fun for all. 

April 8 – 13 – Chicago: Chicago is a Broadway classic that has it all: a story of fame and fortune with unforgettable music and dance and a battle for the spotlight. With over 27 years on Broadway, 10,000+ performances, 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, this show, appearing at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, is not one to miss! 

April 12 – Museum Tour: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden: Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens Maeve Bassett to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection. 

April 12-13 – The MSU Student Horticulture Association Annual Spring Show and Plant Sale: The Spring Show is the MSU Student Horticulture Association’s biggest event of the year! It’s a part indoor garden show and part plant sale, with a different theme every year. It’s perfect for plant lovers, those who are looking for cool garden ideas, or those who would like a small vacation from the cool grayness that is Michigan in early spring.

April 16 – Finals Flex Midday Movement: Stop by the MSU Main Library to wind down from the school year and de-stress. Bring a mat or a towel, and get ready for breathing, stretching, and mobilizing exercises. 

April 18 – Night at the Museum: Discover the journey of your food through hands-on art and science activities at the MSU Broad Art Museum! This event is partnered with themes presented in the Farmland exhibition and explores the questions of food knowledge, security, and justice against the background of MSU’s 170-year history in agricultural tradition. 

April 21 – Rest With Music: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for our once-a-month Rest with Music session. Music is powerful and can heal the mind, calm the body, and regenerate our mind, body, and spirit. Stop by for 40 minutes of healing, relaxation, and peacefulness for a small break from your busy work week.

April 24 – Take Your Child to Work Day: MSU employees are encouraged to bring their child or a special child in their life to work on Thursday, April 24th! Take Your Child to Work Day is open to all MSU faculty, staff, students, and community and highlights the university’s employee support. MSU units and departments will have events aimed towards kids aged eight to sixteen, but all ages are welcome. Be sure to sign up and confirm your participation here. 

April 25 – Arbor Day: Infrastructure Planning & Facilities and Landscape Services welcomes you as our guest to support the promise of keeping MSU green for future Spartan generations. Join the MSU Landscapers installing native plant material along the riverbank, creating a new pollinator garden on April 25th, 2025, at Noon along the banks of the Red Cedar River between Kellogg Ramp and Jenison Field House in lot 67 for the annual Arbor Day planting. 

Learning Opportunities

Recurring Tuesdays – Grief and Loss Support Sessions: If you are a part of the Spartan community and have experienced the loss of a loved one, pet, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or other, we invite you to join us for an online MSU grief and loss support session. Via Zoom, learn some skills and strategies to help you move through your grief process with more ease. 

April 1, 8, 15, and 22 – Navigating Hard Times with Empathy and Self-Compassion: This Zoom session is here to help give you tips and tricks to show up for your coworkers with love and compassion in tough times. Learn what high-quality self-care can look like and how self-compassion can help our healing process. 

April 9 – 12 – 18th Annual Muslim Studies Program Conference:  Join the MSU Broad Art Museum, the MSU Muslim Studies Program, and the Association for Modern + Contemporary Art of the Arab World, Iran, and Turkey (AMCA) to learn more about solidarity and Arab American art histories at this three-day online webinar. 

April 10 and 24 – Deepening Your Essential Skills:  If you have completed a course by Spartan Resilience Education, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. Here, you can ask questions, raise topics, and build community with your peers. 

April 11 – Teaching and Learning with ADHD: Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the College of Natural Science, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation, this seminar teaches strategies for addressing the unique challenges of ADHD in academia.

April 16 and 17 – Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: This course teaches techniques that allow you to learn how to understand different opinions, find mutual respect, and work openly through disagreements. You will also learn ways to help foster inclusivity, psychological safety, and inclusion in this two-day course. 

April 22 – Building Cohesive Teams: Learn methods crucial to building collaboration within a team and skills for influencing team performance at HR’s Building Cohesive Teams course. Discover strategies to establish positive day-to-day collaboration and team awareness and cultivate trustworthiness in the workplace. 

April 24 – Strategic Planning: Learn how to move from ideas to actions in the workplace and gain a foundational base for implementing strategic planning in a unit in this workshop.  

April 29 – Introduction to Gender, Names, and Pronouns:  Check out this course to learn more about how to practice gender inclusivity with students and staff at MSU. 

Greater Lansing Area Events

Throughout April – MSU Science Festival: Let your curiosity take flight at the 13th annual MSU Science Festival! Visit the official website to view the 200 plus events that will be held!

April 1, 2, 5, and 6 – Puppy Yoga: Join Canines for Change for an adorable Puppy Yoga session the first week of April! Support the mission to train service and facility dogs, connect with adorable puppies and move your body.

April 5 and 19 –  Contra and Square Dance: All dances are taught, and no partner is needed at the Contra and Square Dance class. Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have a good time! Stop by for a quick and fun dance lesson!

Family-Friendly Events

April 11 – Sensory-Friendly Night at Harris Nature Center: Harris Nature Center invites families and those with sensory processing needs to a special after-hours evening event. Friendly staff will have the building open and exhibits altered to reduce sounds and lighting. The center will also provide a quiet room and have sensory kits on hand. 

April 19 – Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Lawn and Bunny Hop on the Square: Join Downtown Lansing for the 61st Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Lawn and the Bunny Hop on the Square. From events like Egg Scramble to collecting candy and dancing, there is something for the whole family. Street parking is free in Downtown Lansing on Saturdays, and local businesses will be open and have a variety of deals and promotions during the event. 

April 19 – Butterfly Day: Come visit the Indoor 4-H Children’s Garden to celebrate another beautiful season of “Butterflies in the Garden.” Here, you will discover the incredible butterfly life-cycle, create butterfly gardens to take home, and more. 

April 27 – Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience: Visit Grewal Hall for a Swiftie party like no other! Immerse yourself in the world of Taylor Swift with live music, photo opportunities, and more for all ages. 

Farmers Markets

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. 

Every Other Saturday – Meridian Farmers Market: Visit the Meridian Farmers Market inside the Meridian Mall! The market vendors offer farm, food, and crafts, and a majority of the products sold are locally grown or made.

Job of The Week: Assistant Director of Development for the Wharton Center

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Assistant Director of Development/Development Officer I at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts (job posting 1009295). If you have a passion for the arts, success in fundraising, and are interested in making philanthropic connections, this may be the role for you. 

The Wharton Center for Performing Arts, celebrating its 42nd season, was founded with the intent to enrich the lives of Michigan residents through art, music, and entertainment. The Wharton Center engages the community through dynamic programming, outreach, and education, and has a mission of making life more meaningful through experiencing performing arts. 

In this position, you will focus on significant contact with prospects whose philanthropic capacity is between $10,000 and $100,000 and more. Additionally, you will manage a portfolio of 80 major donor prospects and average 12 to 15 strategic contacts per month. Your position will help result in greater engagement and movement toward major gift solicitation at an expected rate of 2 to 3 solicitations per month. You will work in coordination with University Advancement and tend to the needs of the Wharton Center verbally and in writing to better facilitate giving, enhance cross-collaboration amongst departments at Wharton Center and within Michigan State University, and maintain accurate donor/prospect records in the Ascend system. As Assistant Director, you will act as a public goodwill ambassador for MSU and the Wharton Center, prepare annual fundraising goals, and attend workshops and seminars to enhance professional development. Find a complete list of job duties on the MSU Careers website.

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Business, and one to three years of related work experience in professional fundraising, higher education fundraising, marketing, or similar. 

Desired qualifications include a strong ability to work collaboratively and individually, a demonstrated track record of financial development, excellent written and verbal skills, and strong interpersonal skills. You should also be available to manage some travel and work some nights and weekends as performance and donor schedules change throughout the events season. 

Learn more about the Wharton Center for Performing Arts here. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by April 21.

Unlock Your Professional Potential with MSU Development Resources  

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Your Professional Growth Starts Here 

At MSU, we are committed to supporting your professional development through a wide range of learning and professional development opportunities. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, build new skills, or stay up to date with industry trends, our office and partners offer a variety of resources to help you succeed. 

New and Featured Course Announcements 

  • MSU Ethics Certificate (On-Demand in ElevateU): The MSU Ethics Institute is proud to announce the availability of a new on-demand learning certificate program, hosted on the ElevateU platform. The MSU Ethics Certificate Program equips Spartans with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical challenges in our professional roles. Participants will explore core ethical concepts, approaches to ethical reasoning, and how to align personal values with professional conduct.
  • Spartan Experience Relaunch: Coming this spring is a refreshed and redesigned Spartan Experience learning program. The Spartan Experience program is designed to foster a culture of excellence by prioritizing customer satisfaction and maintaining a strong service mindset. Additional details will be published on the HR website and included in our monthly newsletter as they become available. 
  • New Lunch & Learn: Making the Most of Your Professional Development: Join us for a session focused on making the most of professional growth opportunities at MSU. Topics include an overview of Educational and Tuition Assistance, elevateU, and Organization and Professional Development courses. Registration is available in the EBS Portal.  
    • Thursday, April 24, Virtual, Noon to 1:00 p.m. 
    • Tuesday, June 3, Virtual, Noon to 1:00 p.m. 
  • Mandatory Reporting Obligations for RVSM: Provided by the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department (POE), presenters will review the university’s Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy, including an overview of prohibited conduct under the RVSM policy.  
    • Thursday, March 27, Virtual, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. 
    • Monday, April 21, Virtual, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. 
    • Thursday, May 29, In-person, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. 
  • Trauma-Informed Leadership: Join the Trauma Services Training Network to learn the definitions of trauma, its signs and symptoms, and the ways that trauma may manifest in the workplace. Review the principles of trauma-informed practices, with an emphasis on approaches for leadership, including practical, trauma-informed strategies for supervisors managing difficult situations. 
    • Thursday, June 12, Virtual, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. 

Explore Our Professional Development Resources 

ElevateU Recommendations 

How to Access elevateU 

Access elevateU via this direct link or via the EBS Portal using the directions below.  

  1. Log in to the EBS Portal with your MSU NetID and password. 
  2. Click on My Career and Training in the top navigation. 
  3. Click on the elevateU tile to open the application in a new window. 

Mobile App Version: Additionally, elevateU is available on your mobile device with the Percipio App. After you download the app, type elevateU into the field and log in with your MSU NetID and password. 

Additional Learning Resources 

Looking for more ways to grow? Many MSU partner offices provide specialized training and development programs. Check out their offerings here: 

Take charge of your professional growth today! Visit the HR website to explore all available learning opportunities. 

Article written by HR’s Organization and Professional Development Team.

Opening Image by FreePik.

Don’t Wait to Create a Retirement Savings Plan

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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 employees 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 to convert 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 with a net gain will benefit 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 from participating in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more details.

Job of The Week: Office Coordinator III

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Office Assistant III for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (job posting 1027077). MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, professional, and organized individual to join the Academic and Student Affairs Office. If you are interested in this fast-paced and vital role, this may be the position for you.

ComArtSci is one of the largest and most respected colleges of communication in the nation, as well as the first of its kind. It offers world-class training to students through innovation, dedication, individual strength, and collaboration, all to shape a better tomorrow.

In this position, you will serve as administrative and clerical support for the Academic and Student Affairs Office within ComArtSci. As the Office Assistant, you will support the Directors and Office Coordinator in administering, maintaining, processing, and monitoring records of approximately 4,800 undergraduate students. Additionally, you will greet students, family, and various stakeholders and support the execution of events, communication strategies, and professional development. You should have high proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Campus Solutions. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a high school diploma, three to five years of related experience in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and/or desktop publishing software, presentation software, and maintaining account ledgers. 

Desired qualifications include strong multitasking, communication, organizational and technological skills. The ability to work independently is preferred. Experience in an academic and student affairs office or high-volume office setting is also desired. 

Learn more about the College of Communication Arts and Sciences on their website. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by March 25.

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • Swimming: Present a valid staff or faculty ID to use one of the pools available on campus for laps or open swimming during designated pool hours.
  • Group Fitness Classes: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes with membership pricing for MSU employees.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

  • University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.