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October Events Round-Up

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Spooky Season has officially arrived on campus! If you and your family are looking for fun fall activities, you’re in the right place. Check out these upcoming events for you and your family. Use the links below to learn more and register where required.

Campus Events

October 3 – Family Day: MEMORY at the MSU Broad Art Museum: Bring the whole family to the MSU Broad Art Museum for a day of free creativity and fun! Family Day: MEMORY invites visitors to explore the museum through hands-on activities and artmaking. It’s a great opportunity to spend a full day on campus and make memories of your own.

October 9-10 – Homecoming: It’s time to Go Green and celebrate Homecoming at Michigan State University! Bring your family to campus to enjoy Homecoming activities and soak up the Spartan spirit. Be sure to check the Homecoming schedule for the latest events happening throughout the weekend.

October 27-Nov.1 – The Notebook at the Wharton Center: Looking for a night out this fall? The Broadway touring production ofThe Notebook is coming to the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall October 27-November 1. Based on the bestselling novel that inspired the beloved film, this musical tells the story of Allie and Noah and their enduring love. With multiple evening and matinee performances throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities to catch this touring Broadway production right here in East Lansing. Visit the Wharton Center to learn more and purchase tickets.

Ongoing – MSU Athletics: Looking for something fun to do with the family? Cheer on the Spartans! Football season is underway, softball and baseball seasons are finishing up, and basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, golf, and cross country are just getting started, making fall a great time to catch a game on campus. Check out the MSU Athletics calendar for upcoming games and events throughout the season. Tickets are required for most events.

Learning Opportunities

Looking to learn something new or build your professional skills this fall? Check out these upcoming opportunities. Visit the MSU Human Resources Organization and Professional Development team to view more courses. Register through the EBS Portal using the “Courses for Employees at MSU” tile and leverage your ED Assist benefit!  MSU HR Professional Development course page to learn more and register.

October 7-8 – Spartan Excellence Learning Series: This in-person learning series takes place from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day at the MSU HR Building. Participants will explore continuous improvement and develop skills they can apply to improve processes and strengthen accountability.

October 8 – Five Behaviors: Personal Development: This in-person course takes place from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the MSU HR Building. Through activities, videos and discussion, participants will learn how to become better teammates and build stronger team relationships.  

October 14-15 – Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: This in-person two-day course takes place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day at the MSU HR Building. Participants will learn skills for navigating conversations where emotions are strong, opinions vary and the stakes are high, while building mutual respect and finding common ground.

Greater Lansing Family-Friendly Events

Find many fall-themed, family-friendly events happening in the Greater Lansing Area in October and all year long at Lansing.org, where you’ll find festivals, live music events, holiday activities, and more.

October 3 — Williamstown Township’s 5th Annual Harvest Festival: This annual event offers free fall fun, including hayrides, live music, pumpkin decorating, nature activities, a petting zoo, pony cart rides and more. Bring your family to this event that never fails to put smiles on families’ faces every year.

October 3 — Grand Ledge Fall Festival: Head over to Jaycee Park, where this festival will immerse you into the fall spirit. This festival offers crafts and vendors for activities like pottery, woodwork, and candles. Enjoy free pumpkins for kids, a fall photo booth, a pony ride, a petting zoo, food trucks, and re-enactors and live art demonstrations. Enjoy a night with your family at this fall extravaganza where there is something for everyone.

October 4 — Heritage Festival at the Meridian Historical Village: Step back in time at the Meridian Historical Village during the Heritage Festival! This family-friendly event is a great way to experience local history while enjoying a day of activities and entertainment.

October 22-27 —  29th and Final East Lansing Film Festival: Movie lovers can celebrate the 29th and final East Lansing Film Festival! The festival features a variety of films and allows the community to enjoy movies from filmmakers near and far.

October 24-25 — Fenner’s Annual Apple Butter Festival: Get into the fall spirit at Fenner Nature Center’s Annual Apple Butter Festival! Enjoy this seasonal tradition with your family while taking in the sights, smells, and activities that make fall in Michigan so special.

October 24 —  Michigan Ave. Fall Festival: Head to Michigan Avenue on Lansing’s East Side for an afternoon of fall fun! This community festival offers an opportunity for families to enjoy seasonal activities, local businesses, and everything that makes the Greater Lansing community special. October 24 — Chili Cookoff: Warm up with a bowl of chili at this fall favorite! The Chili Cookoff is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food and spend time with friends and family while celebrating the season.

job of the week featuring a building systems efficiency supervisor and in the background a Spartan Helmet fade and the beaumont tower in the fall

Job of the Week: Building Systems Efficiency Supervisor

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This week’s featured job is a Building Systems Efficiency Supervisor/Building Performance Analyst IV/S for the Infrastructure Planning and Facilities team (1169520). If you have strong leadership skills, experience with building systems, and an interest in energy efficiency and project management, this may be the job for you.

The Building Efficiency Supervisor position offers a work schedule between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some duties may be remote-friendly, if agreed upon with the supervisor.

In this position, you will oversee the Building Systems Efficiency Team within Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, manage complex multi-craft projects, and provide technical support related to HVAC controls and other energy systems. You will also work with campus partners, utility teams, research teams, industry partners, and external contractors to plan and manage projects. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in mechanical, electrical, HVAC/energy, or applied engineering. Candidates should also have more than eight years of related and progressively responsible experience in operations and maintenance of high-performance buildings, energy analysis/modeling, and operations and facilities management. A valid vehicle operator’s license is also required. Find a complete list of required qualifications in the job posting. Learn more about Infrastructure Planning and Facilities here. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Application requires a cover letter and resume/CV and should be submitted by October 13, 2026.

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This Benefit can Help You Save Money on Common Household Expenses

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As you review your benefit options for the coming year during Open Enrollment (October 1 to 31), consider whether a flexible spending account (FSA) makes sense for your family. We all spend money on medical expenses such as prescription and office visit copays, dental work, and over-the-counter items like bandages. And many families spend thousands of dollars each year on child or adult day care. 

If you are looking for ways to save money on caregiving costs or medical care expenses, enrolling in an FSA is a sound strategy. An FSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses, such as child care or health care costs like copays. In fact, using FSA funds for these types of expenses can save you an average of 30%!1  

MSU offers benefits-eligible employees the option to enroll in two types of FSAs: Dependent Care FSA and Health Care FSA. You can enroll in one or both FSA plan types. You will manage your FSA directly with MSU’s plan provider, HealthEquity.  

Should I enroll in both FSA types?  

Good question! The answer depends on what you and your family need. Make sure you know the eligible expenses each FSA plan allows you to use your pre-tax money on before you enroll in one or both plans.  

Dependent Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:  

Health Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:  

Before You Enroll 

When you enroll, you’ll decide how much money you’d like to contribute to the FSA. This money will be deducted from your paycheck (pre-tax) and divided over each pay period throughout the plan year.  

Here are the contribution limits for the 2027 plan year: 

  • Dependent Care FSA: A household may contribute up to $7,500. If you and your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) both have a Dependent Care FSA, combined household contributions cannot exceed $7,500 at MSU or another employer. 
  • Health Care FSA: An individual may contribute up to $3,400. If both you and your spouse/OEI have a Health Care FSA, you each may contribute up to $3,400. 

Before you enroll, make sure you take some time to understand each plan and estimate how much you are likely to spend on eligible expenses throughout the plan year. We encourage you to plan conservatively; Due to IRS requirements, any unused funds left in your account at the end of the plan year grace period (March 15, 2028) will be forfeited. Learn more about FSAs – including fund availability, reimbursement options, grace period deadlines, and eligible expenses – on the HR FSA webpage.  

Please Note: Due to IRS regulations, you are unable to participate or have a balance in a Health Care FSA if you enroll in the Health Savings Account offered with the Consumer Driven Health Plan. 

How to Enroll  

Please review these two FSA plan options and enroll – or re-enroll – in an FSA during the Open Enrollment period in October. If you’re currently enrolled in an FSA for the 2026 plan year, you must re-enroll if you’d like to continue participating in an FSA for the 2027 plan year. Find instructions for how to enroll in an FSA as part of Open Enrollment here.   

Questions? HR staff will be available at the MSU Benefits Fair and the HR Site Labs throughout October. You may also visit the HealthEquity website or call HealthEquity at 877-924-3967. MSU Human Resources is available at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434). 

1Example for illustration only. Actual savings vary. The figure is based on average tax rates, including state, federal and FICA taxes. Source: (n.d.). Open Enrollment Center. HealthEquity. Retrieved August 18, 2026, from https://www.healthequity.com/learn. 

Job of the Week: Office Coordinator II

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This week’s featured job is an Office Coordinator II for the College of Engineering (1166648).  If you are highly organized, comfortable learning new systems and technology tools, and committed to accuracy, this may be the job for you.

The Office Coordinator II position offers a possible hybrid work schedule between 8 and 5. This role combines strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities accurately.

In this position, you will work with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering within the College of Engineering to provide administrative and operational support for undergraduate programs, coordinate departmental events and activities, assist with day-to-day office functions, and perform other duties as assigned. As an Office Coordinator II, you will leverage technology and university systems to support departmental operations. You will also need to demonstrate initiative by identifying information gaps, seeking needed information, and determining when additional details are required to complete a task effectively. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge that is equivalent to two to three years in college, technical school, or a related field. One to three years of extensive experience in a professional office setting, performing secretarial tasks, word processing, publishing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You should also have experience with university systems, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures in routine situations. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the College of Engineering here. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter and resume/CV and should be submitted by September 29, 2026.

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Online Tools and Resources to Support Your career Development and Wellbeing

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In honor of Online Learning Day on September 15, we’d like to share the tools and resources available to support the career development and well-being of MSU staff and faculty. The following resources and departments offer virtual learning opportunities, allowing you to learn new skills at a time, place, or pace convenient to you. Your continued dedication to lifelong learning will help MSU achieve its strategic priorities and create “a best-in-class workplace culture and a welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.”

Online Learning Opportunities

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD): Build skills through instructor-led courses on communication, customer service, leadership, personal development, and more. Many OPD courses are available virtually and taught by knowledgeable, supportive instructors.

elevateU Online Training Platform: Are you curious about artificial intelligence? Would you like to improve your project management skills or become a more effective communicator? Whether you learn best by reading books, watching videos, engaging with interactive exercises, or participating in a live virtual learning environment, the topics available are extensive. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, we can’t recommend this free resource highly enough as a convenient way to support your growth and development.

SpartansLearn: The MSU community’s go-to resource for technology training! Want to learn how to remove duplicates in Excel, coordinate a meeting time in Outlook for multiple participants, or make your PowerPoint presentations stand out? MSU IT offers micro-learning videos, recorded courses, and more to help you learn at your own pace, along with instructor-led virtual classes.  

MSU University Health and Wellbeing: Find services, programs, and initiatives designed to support your professional success, health, and wellbeing. Be sure to check out their virtual events and webinars, such as Desk Decompress, Mindfulness and Meditation, and Spartan Resilience programs.

Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development (OFASD): OFASD works with all faculty, academic staff, and academic administrators as they join the university, establish professional trajectories, and grow in their careers at MSU. Find information and resources for orientations, leadership development, teaching and learning events, and more.

While many of the above resources are free for the Spartan community, as a reminder, educational assistance funds are available to help cover course fees. Did we miss any resources? Let us know in the comments below, and Happy Online Learning Day!

Job of the Week graphic for WKAR Senior Director of Content and Education

Job of the Week: WKAR Senior Director of Content and Education

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This week’s featured job is for a WKAR Senior Director of Content and Education/Broadcasting Service Manager, Content Creation Engineer for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (1166834). If you have great leadership skills and experience coordinating projects and collaborating with multiple teams, this may be the job for you.

The WKAR Senior Director of Content and Education offers a hybrid work style with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. This role combines creativity and strategy to adapt content to a variety of target audiences.

In this position, you will oversee the development and execution of a wide range of projects to ensure they meet all required standards. As a Senior Director of Content and Education, you will collaborate with MSU faculty to connect WKAR’s work with the university’s public-service mission. You will also partner with Development and Communications on grants, donor engagement, and other revenue-generating efforts and oversee the execution and fulfilment of content-related funding commitments. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge that is equivalent to completing a four-year degree program in a communication or media production-related field. Five to eight years of experience leading or participating in content strategy development is also required. You should also have extensive experience in electronic media production, multiplatform content development, audience growth, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences here. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter and resume/CV and should be submitted by September 22, 2026.

HR staff helping MSU employees during a previous Benefits Fair.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

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With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1 to 31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2027 plan year.   

Mark your calendars and join us at the following events! We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in your 2027 benefit options.  

MSU Benefits Fair  

Visit the fair to enroll in your benefits on-site or speak with MSU benefit providers and HR staff. 

When:  

  • Benefits Fair: October 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  
  • Flu Shots: The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will provide flu shots by appointment only.  

Where:  

The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Learn more about the MSU Benefits Fair on the HR website, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information, and participating providers.  
 

HR Site Labs  

MSU HR will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits at the following site labs. 

When and Where:  

  • October 9 | 9 a.m. to Noon | Virtual 
  • October 12 | 7 to 10 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In-person 
    International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lan-sing, MI 48824 
  • October 20 | 2 to 5 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 27 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55 (Ground Floor), East Lansing, MI 48824 
  • October 30 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Rd, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823 

Learn more about the HR Site Labs on the HR website, including directions, parking information, and how to join the virtual site lab.  

As always, you can find information about all things Open Enrollment on the HR website. In addition to the events above, MSU Human Resources is available to answer your questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).  

Clipboard listing a Open Enrollment to-do list, including choosing benefits for your family, reviewing updates and reminders, visiting the MSU Benefits Fair, and making any changes by October 31.

Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2027: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

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October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2027 plan year between October 1 and 31, 2026.  
 

STEP 1: Determine your benefit needs.  

During Open Enrollment, you may enroll in, change, or cancel coverage in the following benefits:  

  • Health  
  • Dental  
  • Flexible spending accounts (health or dependent care)  
  • Health savings account  
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance  
  • Voluntary accident, critical illness, legal, or vision insurance.  

Carefully review your Open Enrollment guide and choose the best benefit plans for your family. You may not change the above benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period unless you have a qualifying life event, so please review your options and take action in October.  
 

STEP 2: Review important updates and reminders for the 2027 plan year.  

We encourage you to review all important updates and reminders.  Learn more about the highlighted updates below on page 6 of your  Open Enrollment guide.   

Important Highlights: 

  • As a reminder, you no longer need to complete the spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) to continue coverage for your spouse/OEI. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2027 without any action.  
    • However, the spouse/OEI premium threshold requirement still applies. To enroll your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) in MSU coverage, your spouse/OEI must enroll in coverage through their own current or former employer (e.g., a retiree health plan), if the annual premium cost for single-person coverage is $1,850 or less. You may still cover your spouse/OEI on your MSU health coverage as a secondary plan. Please review the  Open Enrollment FAQs  for more information about. If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold does not apply. 
  • Please note the minor change to access the Open Enrollment application within the EBS portal. Review Open Enrollment Instructions for more information. 

STEP 3: Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab.  

  • MSU Benefits Fair: Join us on Thursday, October 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits on-site. Flu shot appointments are available by appointment only. Find a link to make a flu shot appointment.   
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer in-person and virtual site labs throughout October. Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment.   
     

STEP 4: Make your changes online before October 31.  

You must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31 (view enrollment instructions) to change your benefit selections.  

We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate Open Enrollment guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information from our providers.  

Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to attend the  MSU Benefits Fair or an  HR Site Lab to ask questions. You may also contact MSU Human Resources at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll free: 800-353-4434). 

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September is Self-Improvement Month

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This September, make yourself a priority and celebrate Self-Improvement Month! From learning something new to maximizing your strengths to focusing on your physical or emotional well-being, there are endless ways to grow. Celebrate this month and the months ahead by exploring these MSU resources. 

Breathe In, Branch Out – Explore MSU’s Campus

Explore our beautiful campus or take a stroll through the East Lansing area. Walking is great exercise, but it can also improve your mental and emotional well-being. Opportunities include: 

Sign Up for a Professional Development Course

  • Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Tap into your unique talents and complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Learn more about your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and how they apply to your role in the workplace. This workshop will take place on September 24. 
  • The Power of Habit: Learn how habits are created and how to replace undesirable habits with productive ones. You will learn how to spot your habit loop, turn bad days into good data, and create habits that get the results you want. This virtual course will be held on October 27. 
  • Breaking Free From Stress:  This four-part series explores how becoming aware of your own thoughts can bring your personal and work life together. Become a wise leader of your personal and work life, move beyond anxiety and depression, stay steady in difficult times, embrace change, and more in this series.
  • Strengths-Based Leadership Course: Looking to maximize your strengths and become a more supportive leader? Join HR’s Organization and Professional Development team on Thursday, October 29 to learn new ways to manage more effectively, meet your goals, and improve your team’s success. 
  • Find books, videos, courses, and more on elevateU, a free online learning resource for MSU employees.
  • MSU IT Educational Technology offers a variety of valuable resources and technology training for the MSU community.

Desk Decompress

Join University Health and Well-being on Mondays for full-body and Thursdays for upper-body Desk Decompress. From now through December 17th, take a few minutes to join one of these sessions to stretch and strengthen your neck, spine, wrists, and shoulders, all from the comfort of your own desk! 

Mindfulness and Meditation Resources

Join University Health and Well-being on September 9 for Mindful STATE Day, an opportunity to develop or strengthen your mindfulness practices around some of MSU’s beloved landmarks. Whether you drop in during a midday break, access a webinar from your desk, or participate in a full movement session, you can invest in your well-being for the new academic year. 

Spartan Resilience Courses

From September through December, University Health and Well-being is offering various virtual Spartan Resilience courses at no cost and open to anyone! These courses invite you to build your own framework for resilience, recognize elements of burnout and stress cycles, understand shame, and build resilience skills overall. 

Job of the Week graphic for Senior Compensation Specialist

Job of the Week: Senior Compensation Specialist

Published on by Anna LaydenLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is for a Senior Compensation Specialist/ Senior Human Resources Professional I for MSU Human Resources (1164474). If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have experience resolving complex situations, collaborating, and paying close attention to detail, this may be the job for you.

The Senior Compensation Specialist/Senior Human Resources Professional I allows a hybrid work schedule. You will serve as a knowledgeable HR resource who is skilled at partnering with leaders and HR professionals. This role interprets complex compensation concepts, recommendations, and decisions to varied audiences.  

In this position, you will conduct position reviews, desk audits, and analyze survey results and market data to determine percentile positioning. As a Senior Compensation Specialist/Senior Human Resources Professional I, you will join a dedicated group of HR professionals, partner with leaders on meaningful workforce initiatives, and help shape programs that support thousands of employees. You’ll also work closely with department leaders and HR partners to gather information and develop well-supported classification recommendations. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources administration, business statistics, or a related field. Three to five years of work experience is required in a related field or experience in compensation and job classification administration. You should also have experience conducting compensation assessments, benchmarking positions, and analyzing and interpreting market data. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about MSU Human Resources here. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter and resume/CV and should be submitted by September 15, 2026.