Two people sitting across from each other at a table having a conversation.

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

When you think of upskilling — learning new skills — at work, what comes to mind? Perhaps learning new software or working toward a certification or degree. There’s no question that many in-demand skills are technical in nature, but there’s also a critical need for what are sometimes described as “soft” skills, particularly strong emotional intelligence (EI).

EI allows us to build and maintain relationships and influence others — important skills no matter your position and area of work — and research has found people with greater EI tend to be more innovative and have higher job satisfaction than those with lower EI. Utilizing emotional intelligence in the workplace can enhance decision-making and social interactions and improve your ability to cope with change and stress.

The good news is that, like technical skills, soft skills such as EI can also be learned and improved.

Emotional Intelligence: What It Is

To strengthen your emotional intelligence, it’s important to know what it entails. Most definitions of EI include the following components:

  1. Perception and expression of emotion — Noticing your own emotions and picking up on the emotions of others, as well as the ability to distinguish between discrete emotions.
  2. Using emotion to facilitate thought — How you incorporate emotions into your thinking processes and understand when and how emotions can be helpful for reasoning processes.
  3. Understanding and analyzing emotions —The capacity to decode emotions, make sense of their meaning, and understand how they relate to each other and change over time.
  4. Reflective regulation of emotion —An openness to all emotions and the ability to regulate your own emotions and the emotions of others to facilitate growth and insight.

Measuring Your Emotional Intelligence Skills

Do you find you relate to either of these statements?

“I want to improve my EI skills, but don’t know where to start.”

“I already have strong emotional intelligence skills. This isn’t an area I need to work on.”

As with any skill, we all have varying levels of aptitude for EI and may feel overwhelmed about where to begin.

One interesting study found that 95% of participants gave themselves high marks in self-awareness. However, using more empirical measures of self-awareness, the study found that only 10-15% of the cohort demonstrated true self-awareness. Consider the following characteristics typical of people with higher and lower EI skillsets as one way to better gauge your skillset:

Potential indicators of higher EI:

  • Understanding the links between your emotions and how you behave
  • Remaining calm and composed during stressful situations
  • Ability to influence others toward a common goal
  • Handling difficult people with tact and diplomacy

Potential indicators of lower EI:

  • Often feeling misunderstood
  • Getting upset easily
  • Becoming overwhelmed by emotions
  • Having problems being assertive

It’s important to note that these potential indicators can also stem from other causes and vary significantly depending on the day and situation.

Learning and Developing Emotional Intelligence

As few as ten hours of EI training (i.e., lectures, role-playing, group discussions, and readings) can significantly improve people’s ability to identify and manage their emotions, and these benefits are sustained six months later.

No matter your current EI skillset, it may be helpful to try the following exercises:

  1. Notice how you respond to people — Are you judgmental or biased in your assessments of others?
  2. Practice humility — Being humble about your achievements means you can acknowledge your successes without needing to shout about them.
  3. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and vulnerabilities, and consider opportunities for development. Even though it might make you cringe, it’s helpful to get others’ viewpoints on your emotional intelligence. Ask people how they think you handle tricky situations and respond to the emotions of others.
  4. Think about how you deal with stressful events — Do you seek to blame others? Can you keep your emotions in check?
  5. Take responsibility for your actions and apologize when necessary.
  6. Consider how your choices can affect others — Try to imagine how they might feel before you do something that could affect them.

Interested in further increasing your EI skills? Check out the resources below to get you started.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

elevateU Featured Topic: Emotional Intelligence | Short videos, self-paced online courses, and more

Everything DiSC: Agile EQ | Instructor-led offering from HR Organization and Professional Development | Wednesday, September 23

Sources

https://www.ottawa.edu/online-and-evening/blog/october-2020/the-importance-of-emotional-intelligence-in-the-wo

https://positivepsychology.com/emotional-intelligence-eq

https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-improve-your-emotional-intelligence

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Your Top Questions About MSU’s Optional Retirement Plans

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Whether this is your first job out of school or you’ve been working for 40+ years, it’s important to make sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to prepare for your eventual retirement. Most benefit-eligible employees* are aware of and enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program (BRP) offered by MSU, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10% – an immediate two-for-one match of your investment – for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides an excellent foundation for your retirement savings, most employees will eventually want to consider additional savings options for their retirement.

In addition to the BRP, eligible employees also have the option of enrolling in two additional retirement programs: the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Enrollment in one or both optional programs can help employees meet their retirement savings goals, making it easier for them to transition to retirement.

New in 2026: SECURE 2.0 Act and After-Tax Roth Option

Earlier this year, MSU’s retirement plans were enhanced in alignment with the federal SECURE 2.0 Act to include a new requirement and an option for Catch-up contributions as well as a new After-tax Roth Contribution option for all eligible employees. Learn more on the HR webpage, After-Tax Roth and SECURE 2.0 Act.

Answers to Top Questions about Optional Retirement Plans

We’ve compiled a list of the top questions we receive as employees think about enrolling in these optional plans:

  • Q: Is there a minimum contribution amount required for one of the optional plans? What about a maximum amount?

    A: Employees may elect any percentage contribution, as all contributions are based on a percentage of eligible pay. For example, 1.50% would be an acceptable contribution election. Employees wishing to contribute a certain amount, such as $100 per paycheck, can use the calculator to convert a dollar amount to a percentage.

    Maximum contribution amounts are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. Information on current IRS limits, including Age 50 Catch-up contributions, can be reviewed at Maximizing Your Retirement Plan Contributions.

  • Q: Does contributing a small amount, such as $25 a month, make a difference in the long run?

    A: We encourage employees to work with their financial advisors or retirement vendors for assistance in deciding how much more to contribute. You may be surprised how a small contribution over a long time can impact your retirement account balance, and you may want to take advantage of compounding earnings as you save for retirement.

  • Q: What are the main differences between the 403(b) Supplemental and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan?

    A: Generally, the differences are when an individual can access the funds and the loan provisions. Also, the 403(b) Supplemental contributions must be added to the Voluntary 403(b) Base contributions when calculating the IRS maximum contributions, whereas the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan has a separate IRS maximum limit. A more detailed comparison of the two different optional accounts can be found in the Retirement Plans Comparison chart.

  • Q: Can I enroll in an optional retirement plan account at any time?

    A: Yes, retirement plan elections can be made at any time. This includes beginning or canceling enrollment, increasing or decreasing contribution percentages, and changing vendors. Depending on payroll schedules and deadlines, there may be a delay when contributions start or stop. For more detailed information, please visit the HR website at Enroll or Make Changes to Retirement Plans.

For more information about available retirement plans from MSU, please review the retirement resources on the HR website and the MSU Retirement Plans Enrollment Guide. Find instructions to enroll in these optional retirement plans at any time throughout the year. Please contact the HR Solutions Center with any questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

*Note: 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. 

On the right, there's the Sparty Statue with the view looking up at an angle. To the left, there's the JOTW details for the Communications Manager II for Eli Broad College of Business, applications due July 14.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager II

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is a Communications Manager II for the Eli Broad College of Business (job posting 1144268). If you are interested in developing strategic communications, creating engaging content, and helping elevate the college’s reputation through storytelling and media relations, this may be the role for you.

The Eli Broad College of Business proudly develops global business leaders through collaboration, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement. Guided by its vision, Broad Spartans work hard, work smart, and work together to positively transform organizations and society.

In this position, you will develop and execute strategic communications plans that align with the college’s priorities while increasing visibility, engagement, and reputation. Responsibilities include creating and managing content for the college’s newsroom, newsletters, social media channels, and external media outlets, leading public relations initiatives, coordinating communications campaigns, and supporting content management and communication platforms. You will also collaborate with University Communications, University Advancement, and the MSU Alumni Office, maintain vendor relationships, manage projects and workflows, ensure compliance with university branding and accessibility standards, and supervise student employees. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires a degree in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field, along with three to five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, or a related area. Preferred qualifications include experience with social media platforms and management tools, WordPress, AP style, project management software such as Asana, strong interpersonal and communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to lead projects from concept to completion. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the Eli Broad College of Business. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications should be submitted by July 21.

An open book in front of a large stack of books.

A Middle Manager’s Book Review: “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhou

Published on by Chelsey FetherLeave a comment

This is a series where I, a middle manager who happens to be an avid reader, review leadership books to share what I learned and whether I think they’re worth the read.

As I started drafting this blog, I was prepared to write about why The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo wasn’t really for me. But after reflecting on the book, I realized there were several valuable insights worth sharing. Coincidentally, most of those takeaways came from the first 100 pages.

The book is described as a guide to building trust, navigating uncertainty, and understanding what separates great managers from average ones. While it covers a broad range of management topics, three ideas stood out to me and have already started shaping how I think about leading my team.

Everything Goes Back to the People

This chapter resonated with me because I’m part of a small team of four. Although we work mostly remotely, we’ve built strong relationships and a high level of trust. Reading this section made me realize, however, that I’ve been making an important assumption.

We rarely stop to define what “great work” looks like for our team and our individual work.

Having a strong team doesn’t eliminate the need for clear expectations. In fact, it makes those conversations even more important. Moving forward, I will incorporate discussions about what success looks like into our one-on-one meetings and performance planning conversations. I want everyone to understand not only what they’re expected to do, but also how they can excel in their work.

Trust Is Built Through Honest Conversations

One of the book’s strongest messages is that trust is the foundation of effective leadership. A specific piece of advice that stood out to me was to “strive for all your one-on-one meetings to feel a little awkward.”

At first, that idea felt counterintuitive. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The conversations that create trust often involve difficult feedback, coaching, or acknowledging our own mistakes. Those moments can be uncomfortable, but they’re also where growth happens.

Zhuo encourages managers to “strive to be human, not a boss.” That’s an approach I try to take with my team. When I make a mistake or recognize that I could have handled something differently, I talk about it openly and share what I’ve learned. My team doesn’t expect perfection, but they do deserve a leader who is committed to continuous improvement.

Invest Time in Helping Your Team Succeed

The book also reinforced feedback I recently received from my own supervisor: make one-on-one meetings more intentional and consider setting an agenda.

Historically, my one-on-ones have followed a familiar pattern. We spend a few minutes catching up personally, discussing current projects, and talking about any support that’s needed. While that approach works, Zhuo suggests adding more structure to ensure important topics don’t get overlooked.

Her framework includes discussing priorities, aligning on what “great” looks like, exchanging feedback, and reflecting on what’s working and what isn’t. I especially appreciate the emphasis on two-way feedback.

Too often, conversations about expectations and performance are reserved for annual reviews when they should be happening throughout the year. If we expect great work year-round, we need to provide guidance and feedback year-round as well.

I also believe effective leadership requires regularly asking team members how I’m doing and what they need from me to be successful. After all, my success as a leader is measured by how well I support theirs.

As a result of reading this book, I’ll be making a few changes to how I approach one-on-one meetings and feedback conversations. Sometimes a small adjustment in how we communicate can make a meaningful difference in how we lead.

Was it worth the read? Yes.

Even though most of my takeaways were found early in the book, I still think it was worth the read overall. Since much of Zhou’s management experience comes from working in tech startups and I work here at MSU, I didn’t think that every chapter was applicable to my role. However, the advice I did find helpful was timely and useful and will have a positive impact on my team.

Borrow this book or recommend my next one!

Is there a leadership book you want me to read and then write about? Or do you want to borrow this book from me? Let me know! Email me at fetherch@msu.edu.

Thanks for reading!

Unplugged: Turn Off Notifications and Turn Up the Summer Fun!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

As we reach the heat of the summer, there is no better time to take a vacation or staycation. Taking time away from work has many health benefits including improving your connection to yourself and loved ones and resetting from or avoiding burnout.

The Benefits of Taking a Vacation

Vacationing and taking time away from your job promotes a long, healthy life and has tremendous benefits to your mind. Taking a break from routine in fun and different ways can have the same benefits as consistent meditation exercises and help you build connections with not only your loved ones but yourself, too. In addition, taking a vacation has been scientifically proven to boost brain power. Taking time off from learning, working and gaining new information every day allows your brain to consolidate existing knowledge, resulting in improved learning after vacation.

The benefits go beyond just your mind — they affect your body too. Through reduced stress, vacations can improve heart health and decrease the chances of metabolic diseases or conditions. Vacation time also improves sleep as poor sleep habits can be broken when sleeping in a new place. Coming home after vacation feels like sleeping in another new place, allowing those improved habits to continue.

Using vacation time is one of the best ways to reset from or avoid burnout. Learning the signs and how to work toward health is a positive way to promote workplace well-being.

Before Going on Vacation

To take full advantage of these benefits, you should consider fully unplugging from work — those emails and phone calls won’t go anywhere.

Before you head to the airport or hit the road, set up automatic email replies with your out-of-office details including when you will be back, who to contact in the meantime, and how to contact you in case of an emergency. If you use a shared calendar with your team, add your out-of-office dates as early as possible and notify your team verbally and/or by email. If you have ongoing projects, consider asking a coworker, supervisor, or team member to check up on them while you are away and plan to share updates when you return. If possible, leave work-related things at home or at the office to prevent the temptation to focus on work. Finally, prepare for the day you return from work before you leave by keeping your schedule as clear as you reasonably can on your first day back.

Returning from Vacation

Returning to work can often be stressful and sometimes undo the rest you achieved on vacation. To avoid getting immediately burned out, take time to ease back into your work routine. Try to avoid scheduling several meetings on your first day back and try not to set or meet big deadlines during your first week back in the office. The more time you spend away, the more time you should give yourself to get back to your normal work pace and routine.

In addition to easing into your normal work routine, it’s important to unplug from work at the end of each day. It’s easy to get burned out if you are mentally on the clock 24/7, answering emails and catching up during nights and weekends. You can use Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Google Calendar and other work team services to set out-of-office messages at the end of your workday. Finally, avoid stress by taking the necessary steps to be productive and engaged as shared in this earlier post about avoiding and reducing burnout.

All these tips and more are available through these links:

Job of The Week: Executive Secretary II

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is an Executive Secretary II for the College of Human Medicine (job posting 1142812). If you are interested in providing high-level administrative support, coordinating academic programs, and collaborating with faculty and healthcare partners across the state, this may be the role for you.

The College of Human Medicine is dedicated to educating exemplary physicians, discovering new knowledge, and providing service both at home and abroad. By providing outstanding care and promoting the inclusion and needs of all people, the College of Human Medicine fosters an environment that enhances its community.

In this position, you will provide executive-level administrative support to multiple department chairs, manage calendars and meetings, coordinate travel, prepare correspondence and reports, and track important action items. You will also coordinate specialty-specific medical student electives across eight community campuses by creating student schedules, preparing letters of recommendation, approving off-campus electives, and submitting grades. Additional responsibilities include serving as a liaison between Henry Ford Health, College of Human Medicine Human Resources, faculty, staff, and students, coordinating faculty appointments and annual reviews, processing invoices and contracts, and organizing faculty meetings, committee meetings, and executive events. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires a high school education or equivalent and five to eight years of related work experience. Preferred qualifications include experience working in a laboratory environment with safety and security measures, a collaborative approach, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Find a complete list of required and preferred qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the College of Human Medicine. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by July 7.

July Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

July is here, and summer is heating up! If you and your family are looking for activities to make the most of this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Check out these upcoming events for you and your family, and use the links below to learn more and register where required.

Campus Events

Wednesdays in July – MSU Summer Carillon Concert Series: Bring a picnic, chair, or blanket to Beaumont Tower to experience musical talent in one of the most beautiful locations on MSU’s campus! This series is open to the public, and will go through the first week of August.

Most Wednesdays in July –  Move in the Garden:  Need a midday recharge? This free outdoor movement program combines stretching, strengthening, flow, and relaxation movements to support overall mobility. Classes meet in the Beal Botanical Garden, and you can meet your instructor by the pond. Class will not be held on July 1, 2026.

July 5, 12, 19 and 26 – Abrams Planetarium Family Show: Under the Weather: Visit the Abrams Planetarium this July to join The Zula Patrol on an adventure through space as they collect weather samples and search for their missing friend, Gorga, and learn fascinating facts about weather on Earth and beyond! 

July 9 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Botany by Bethany: Join Head Horticulturalist and avid plant lover, Bethany Troy to learn about her favorite plants at Beal, covering her tips and tricks of the trade for healthy vibrant plants. 

July 11 – Chill Out with Art: If you are looking for a fun and relaxing summer event, come to the MSU Broad Art Museum for their “Chill Out with Art” event. Come explore exhibitions, explore your artistic side, and celebrate art, food, and community.

July 22 – Beal Footprints: Marvelous Malvaceae (Mallows): Meet at the garden pond and join Beal Head Horticulturist, Bethany Troy, on a tour of plants in the mallow family. Learn about care, uses, and how to identify plants in this diverse and surprising plant family. 

Learning Opportunities 

Fridays in July – Spartan Legacies Retirement Transition Program: Starting July 10, MSU’s free virtual Spartan Legacies retirement transition program will be offered every Friday through August 14. Led by Dr. Darryl Steele, the six-week discussion series helps employees and recent retirees navigate the emotional, social, and practical aspects of retirement. Questions can be directed to eap@msu.edu.

Available in July – SPARTANfit Summer Deal: SPARTANfit is celebrating summer with a limited time offer for MSU faculty, staff, and their partners. From June 1 to July 31, these Spartans can receive a Comprehensive Fitness Assessment for only $20 (50% off). These supportive assessments offer a snapshot of one’s physical health through resting and exercising tests, personalized fitness profiles, and support with goal setting. Book your fitness assessment in Microsoft Bookings no later than July 31 to score this deal. 

July 7 – Investing for Beginners: Start Your Wealth Journey:  Starting your career can be both very exciting and overwhelming. In this webinar, you will learn what to look for in job-related benefits packages, how short-term spending plans support long-term goals, the importance of building an emergency fund, and more. 

July 9 – Quarterly Economic and Market Update: Hear from TIAA’s experts in the Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the markets and economy that are impacting investors. 

July 9 – Managing Meetings: This in-person course is designed to help you plan and lead more effective, professional meetings in today’s fast-paced workplace. Here, you will learn how to reduce unproductive meetings, improve coordination and follow-through, and strengthen team productivity and engagement. 

July 9 – Fidelity Webinar: Making Early Retirement a Reality: Join the Insights from Fidelity Wealth Management team on July 9 to explore the key financial, social, and emotional aspects of early retirement. Learn how to evaluate your savings, plan for healthcare before Medicare, prepare for unexpected life changes, and build a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

July 16 – Fidelity Webinar: Starting Small: How To Start Investing for the Price of a Coffee: Discover simple ways to start investing with just a few dollars. Learn about Fidelity account options, beginner-friendly investment strategies, and tools that can help you research investments and place trades as you build your portfolio.

July 22 – Steps to help secure your income in retirement: A mid career check-in: Take stock of where you are at this critical checkpoint and use retirement-saving strategies to better balance competing financial priorities. 

July 22 – Introduction to Process Mapping: This course introduces the fundamentals of process improvement, helping learners build the knowledge and confidence to get started. Participants will learn key terminology, process mapping basics, best practices for success, and how to create a process map.

July 23 – Promapp, Interactive Process Creation: This course builds on the foundations of process mapping, helping learners create and manage processes in Nintex Promapp. Participants will also learn process standards and writing best practices for developing clear, consistent, and engaging documentation. 

July 29 and 30 – Spartan Excellence Learning Series: This two day series equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to improve processes, strengthen accountability, and build a culture of continuous improvement. Grounded in the principles of Operational Excellence, the program emphasizes aligning improvements with MSU’s mission, values, and the 2030 Strategic Plan.  

July 30 – Grammar Refresher: This in-person course is here to help you improve your grammar and usage skills to communicate more clearly and professionally. Here, you will learn how to avoid common errors, use pronouns and verb forms correctly, and apply punctuation with confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

July 7 and 8 – Zoo Days at Potter Park: Don’t miss this special Zoo Days promotion at Potter Park Zoo, where admission is just $2 and parking is free for visitors from any county. Enjoy animal encounters, family-friendly character meet-and-greets, hands-on activities, and more while making summer memories with your family and friends.

July 10, 17, and 24 – Family Art Studio Days at the Broad Art Museum: Family Art Studio is a free drop-in art experience held every Friday this summer, inviting families to create, explore, and experiment together. Enjoy hands-on art stations and creative activities in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Greater Lansing Area Events 

Wednesdays in June – Meridian Township Summer Concert Series: Soak in the warm summer nights and visit Marketplace on the Green for the Meridian Township Summer Concert Series! Visit the website to see who is playing and when, every Wednesday in July. 

Various Dates in July – Lansing Lugnuts Home Game: Head to Jackson Field and “Go Nuts” cheering on the Lansing Lugnuts, where every game brings a fun and lively atmosphere. There’s always something exciting happening at the ballpark for fans of all ages.

July 3 – City of Lansing Fourth of July Parade: Visit Downtown Lansing for a day of Independence Day festivities featuring the Independence Day Parade, Concert on the Capitol Steps, Block Party at Lugnuts Stadium, and a patriotic concert at Adado Riverfront Park. The celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.

July 10, 11, & 12 – Capital City Comic Con: Capital City Comic Con is a three-day celebration of comics, collectibles, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture. Join fellow fans in downtown Lansing for panels, family activities, special events, and more.

Recurring Tuesdays – DeWitt Farmers Market: The 2026 Downtown DeWitt Farmer’s Market is being held every Tuesday until October! Here you will find  the freshest produce, locally farmed meats, fresh eggs, delicious baked goods, and locally produced foods. 

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. 

Saturdays in July – Meridian Farmers’Market: The summer schedule is here for the Meridian Farmers Market! Stop by every Saturday this month for farm-fresh ingredients, specialty foods, handmade crafts and more.

Recurring Wednesdays – The Allen Farmer’s Market: Visit the Allen Farmers Market in Lansing for seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, pasture raised eggs, dry beans, fresh, delectable cheeses, hot and ready-to-eat foods, local meat and fish and fun activities. 

Looking to cool off from the hot July sun? Check out these nearby swimming pools and lakes to dive into summer! 

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Your Mid-Year Benefits Wellness Check-Up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

National Insurance Awareness Day (June 28) encourages us to review our insurance options to make sure we’re enrolled in the best plans for our families. As an MSU employee, you have a variety of benefit options available to you beyond just health care and dental plans. While many of these benefits allow you to enroll in or make changes at any time, several require you to sign up, change, or cancel enrollment during the Open Enrollment period in October. If you’re interested in a benefit but unable to sign up right away, review the plan options and make a list of changes you’d like to make so you’re prepared for the upcoming Open Enrollment period in October.

Benefits without an Enrollment Period

The following benefits are available to enroll in, change, or cancel at any time. You’ll find a brief description of each benefit below, and you can click on the benefit name for more details and information on how to enroll/register.

  • Auto: Find special pricing on insurance for your vehicle through Farmers GroupSelect or Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Educational Assistance: Support staff have access to educational assistance funds to help cover the costs of credit and non-credit professional development opportunities.
  • Home: Find special pricing on insurance for your home through Farmers GroupSelect or Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Livongo by Teladoc Health: Employees and their dependents enrolled in an MSU health plan can receive diabetes management supplies and coaching at no cost.
  • Pet: Find special pricing on pet insurance through Nationwide.
  • Teladoc Health Telemedicine: An online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app. Use Teladoc to get help for a range of conditions, including cold/flu, bronchitis, allergies, pink eye, dermatology, and more.
  • Teladoc Medical Experts: Get medical advice from leading medical experts. Whether you need medical questions answered, a diagnosis double-checked, help deciding on a treatment plan, or guidance about a surgery, Teladoc Medical Experts can help.
  • TruHearing: Some benefit providers offer discounts on hearing aids. Please contact the providers directly to learn more about the discounts they offer.

Benefits with an Enrollment Period

The following benefit options have an enrollment period. This means you can only enroll in, change, or cancel the benefit during Open Enrollment in October each year. We encourage you to review the plans you’re currently enrolled in, along with the options available, and make a plan to make any necessary changes this October. Please note that updates for the 2027 plan year will be shared this September before Open Enrollment in October:

  • Critical Illness: MetLife gives you extra cash in the event you or a covered family member experiences a covered illness.
  • Dental: Various plans are available based on your employee type. We encourage you to check which dentists are available in your area before enrolling in a new plan.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): There are two FSA options available for employees – Dependent Care FSA and Health Care FSA. Be sure you know the difference before you enroll.
  • Health Care (including prescription): Various plans are available based on your employee type and work location.
  • Legal: ARAG currently offers plan options to help cover a wide range of legal needs.
  • Life/Accident Insurance: Several types of life insurance are available for you to enroll in, along with voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance.
  • Vision: Two plan options are available through VSP for vision care.

Please visit the HR website to learn more about all the benefit options available to you. For questions about enrollment and eligibility, please contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

The Sparty Statue on campus.

Congratulations to the 2026 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Recipients!

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The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award honors six MSU support staff members annually. Colleagues submit nominations of individuals who demonstrate the qualities of Jack Breslin, who served MSU as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate, personifying the “Spartan Spirit.”

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Dana Applebee, Lisa Laughman, Murtaza Lokhandwala, Jamie Lynn Marks, Katie Pease, and Mark Rokita! These recipients display excellence in their job performance, a supportive attitude, and significant contributions to MSU. On May 12, they were honored at an awards ceremony at the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center along with recipients of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition awards.

Dana Applebee

Research Administrator and Fiscal Officer, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health

Dana stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside university President Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.

Dana Applebee is widely regarded as the steady force behind the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health’s remarkable growth. Colleagues describe her as a trusted partner whose financial expertise, calm leadership, and deep empathy allow complex research portfolios to thrive. One nominator shared that Dana ‘quietly clears roadblocks, anticipates needs before they arise, and helps teams move forward with confidence.’ Others emphasized that the department ‘runs better because of Dana,’ noting her ability to see both the big picture and the smallest details while supporting faculty, staff, and community partners with integrity and care.

Watch Dana’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Lisa Laughman

Training Program Developer IV, University Health and Wellbeing

Lisa stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside university President Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.

Lisa Laughman has transformed Spartan Resilience Education at MSU through visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Spartan community. She is credited with building scalable, trauma-informed programs that support emotional wellbeing across campus. A colleague noted that Lisa ‘creates spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered,’ while another highlighted her leadership during times of crisis, emphasizing that she helped Spartans ‘process grief, manage stress, and rebuild a sense of community when it was needed most.’

Watch Lisa’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Murtaza Lokhandwala

Assistant Director, IT Services, MSU Human Resources

Murtaza, posing in front of the Spartan Experience sign, is smiling during his interview following his surprise reveal.

With more than two decades of service, Murtaza Lokhandwala has shaped critical HR and payroll systems that support employees across MSU. Nominators consistently highlighted his ability to pair deep technical expertise with humility and care, describing him as the person who ‘makes things possible where most would not.’ His leadership on large-scale system migrations and his commitment to mentoring others reflect a quiet but transformational impact on the university.

Watch Murtaza’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Jamie Lynn Marks

Administrative Business Professional, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Jamie Lynn stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside committee chair Ray Gasser and university President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Jamie Lynn Marks is described as a trusted expert, advocate, and problem solver whose initiative consistently exceeds expectations. Colleagues shared that she ‘leads by example’ and is often the first call for complex HR or facilities challenges. One letter emphasized that she is ‘among the top staff members I have worked with in over 30 years,’ praising her judgment, confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to improving systems for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students.

Watch Jamie’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Katie Pease

Senior Business Operations Manager, Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Katie stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside committee chair Ray Gasser and university President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Katie Pease is widely viewed as the glue that holds FRIB together, particularly during high-stakes federal reviews and executive engagements. Nominators praised her professionalism, strategic coordination, and ability to unite people across the laboratory. One colleague described her as the ‘quiet force who elevates the work of others,’ while another noted that external reviewers routinely single out FRIB’s review process as among the best in the DOE system due to Katie’s leadership.

Watch Katie’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Mark Rokita

Operations Supervisor II, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities

Mark stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside committee chair Ray Gasser and university President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Mark Rokita is known across campus for his ‘start with yes’ approach and his exceptional leadership of the IPF Set-Up Crew. Colleagues consistently highlighted his reliability, responsiveness, and ability to deliver under pressure. One nominator shared that ‘we would not be able to accomplish most of what we do without Mark,’ while another called him ‘a pillar of excellence at MSU’ whose leadership and customer-first mindset make IPF shine.

Watch Mark’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Congratulations again to all award recipients! Learn more about the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff award on the HR webpage, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award, where you can also view the event program and a recording of the full event.

  • Award recipient Katie Pease posing with friends before the event starts.
  • Guests at the event around a table laughing and talking.
    Guests at the event around a table laughing and talking.
  • Award selection committee member Joe Rivera stands at the podium and looks over for a quick picture.
    Award selection committee member Joe Rivera stands at the podium and looks over for a quick picture.
  • Honorees and selection committee members seated together and turned toward the video screen to enjoy a surprise reveal video.
    Honorees and selection committee members seated together and turned toward the video screen to enjoy a surprise reveal video.
  • Mark Rokita's guests cheer him on.
    Mark Rokita’s guests cheer him on.
  • Lisa poses for a selfie with her friends and certificate.
    Lisa poses for a selfie with her friends and certificate.

All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto

All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts

Stephanie Six, 2026 recipient of the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award, poses with university President Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.

Congratulations to Stephanie Six, the 2026 Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award Recipient!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Congratulations to Stephanie Six, this year’s recipient of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award! This award honors a support staff employee who goes “above and beyond” in the job at MSU while pursuing a graduate degree concurrent with their employment.

Stephanie Six is the Administrative Business Professional for Global Health Studies and Global Health Institute within the College of Osteopathic Medicine and has worked at MSU for more than 15 years. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University.

You can watch the moment Stephanie discovered she was this year’s award recipient on YouTube.

Colleagues consistently describe Stephanie as a trusted leader with a ‘can do’ attitude who combines deep institutional knowledge with empathy, professionalism, and humor. She was instrumental in launching the MS in Global Health in record time, developing policies, procedures, and systems that ensured both academic rigor and an inclusive, student-centered experience. One nominator noted that she managed the work of several positions during the program’s early growth, always ‘with enthusiasm and grace.’

Stephanie’s commitment to going above and beyond is reflected not only in her work but in her personal pursuit of excellence. While working full-time, she is completing a doctoral degree in Educational Technology, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and directly applying what she learns to strengthen online teaching, assessment, and accessibility practices within her unit. Faculty credit her with helping them navigate learning technologies, improve course design, and ensure equitable learning environments for diverse students.

Above all, Stephanie is deeply committed to students. She developed and leads orientation and onboarding supports for adult and online learners, meets individually with students to connect them to resources, and consistently advocates for inclusive and trauma-informed practices. Even while managing significant personal health challenges, she continues to take on additional responsibilities and ensure students and colleagues feel supported and valued. As one colleague shared, Stephanie ‘approaches all of her work with excellence, patience, and genuine care.’

The Awards Ceremony

On May 12, Stephanie was honored at an awards ceremony at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center that also included the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards. Ray Gasser, committee chair, acknowledged Stephanie’s hard work and achievements during the ceremony. A recording of the whole event is available below or on YouTube.

  • In the event space at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Stephanie Six, 2026 recipient of the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award, hugs a colleague.
    In the event space at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Stephanie Six, 2026 recipient of the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award, hugs a colleague.
  • At the podium, Stephanie gives her remarks accepting the 2026 Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.
    At the podium, Stephanie gives her remarks accepting the 2026 Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.
  • Stephanie poses with her certificate and university President, Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.
    Stephanie poses with her certificate and university President, Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.
  • Stephanie's table at the awards event, featuring her plaque and personal items.
    Stephanie’s table at the awards event, featuring her plaque and personal items.
  • Stephanie poses with colleagues and her certificate at the awards event photo booth.
    Stephanie poses with colleagues and her certificate at the awards event photo booth.
  • Stephanie in the photo booth at the awards event.
    Stephanie in the photo booth at the awards event.

We’d also like to thank the selection committee members for this award: Chairperson Ray Gasser, Nancy Craig, Shelby Gombosi, Tammi Harmon, Mike Rice, and Joan Smith. We greatly appreciate your time and effort!

About the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award

The annual Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected to support the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere, concurrent with their employment at MSU.

Ms. Ruth Jameyson, who died in 2007 at the age of 100 years served as secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938 to 1941 and secretary/administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah from 1941 to 1969. She served as both greeter and gatekeeper to the numerous students, faculty, and staff seeking to meet Dr. Hannah, as well as dignitaries from around the globe. Ms. Jameyson accepted roles and responsibilities far beyond her formal job description. Having arrived in Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Coe College, Iowa, Ms. Jameyson pursued a master’s in economics at MSU while working full-time. Learn more on the HR web page, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.

This award has been created and funded by friends of Ruth Jameyson: Barbara Sawyer-Koch, MSU trustee emerita, and Donald F. Koch, MSU professor emeritus.

All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto

All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts