Mother and daughter spending time together

Planning the next chapter: Helping young adults choose their path

Published on by Anna LaydenLeave a comment

If you have a high school senior, you’re likely heading into one of your busiest years as a parent.

They’re juggling big decisions about college, trades, work, or a gap year alongside big moments like senior photos, prom, and graduation. Meanwhile, you may be wondering which path is right for them, how you’ll afford it, and whether an important deadline could slip through the cracks.

Your Cariloop benefit gives you access to a Coach who can help your family sort through the decisions and details of planning for life after high school.

MSU’s Cariloop benefit includes 30 days of personalized support from licensed coaches (with a paid option to extend beyond 30 days). The included 30 days of support are renewed annually on a calendar year basis.

A Cariloop Coach can help you:

  • Explore the options: Research colleges, trades, and other paths, and talk through the questions that come with helping a young adult decide what’s next.
  • Understand the cost: Explore financial aid options, complete the FAFSA, and use Find Care to locate scholarships and tutors.
  • Keep the process moving: Organize admissions requirements, application timelines, exam dates, and key deadlines.

Ready to learn more?

You can also join Cariloop’s October 29 Coffee Talk, Planning the next chapter: Helping young adults choose their path if you’d like to learn more about how Cariloop can help before requesting personalized support.

If you have questions about your Cariloop benefit, visit the HR website or leave a comment below.

a pair of eye glasses with a vision exam chart in the background.

Remember to Review Voluntary Benefits During October

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The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2027 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31, including:  

  • Accident insurance
  • Critical illness insurance 
  • Legal insurance 
  • Vision insurance 

If you want to enroll in, make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2027 plan year, you must do so by October 31. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2027 with the exact same coverage.

Voluntary Benefits Overview 

Please review a brief description of accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits—such as plan summary brochures—review the HR webpage about voluntary benefits. 

  • Accident Insurance: Prudential (the plan provider)pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experience a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. Use this money for anything you need while recovering, such as expenses not covered by your health care plan or lost income. Coverage is available with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. 
  • Critical Illness Insurance: MetLife (the plan provider) gives you extra money in the event you or a covered family member experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered with no EOI requirement.
  • Legal Insurance: ARAG (the plan provider) makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. Coverage excludes most pre-existing legal issues and business-related matters, which are defined as any legal matter that is initiated before the effective date of coverage. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Choose between two plan options. 
  • Vision Insurance: VSP (the plan provider) offers two plan options for you and your family to save money on eye care and glasses. There is a standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. 

Access Voluntary Benefits and View Current Participation or Deduction History 

Visit the MSU Benefit Plus website and select Get Started to login using your MSU NetID. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about, review premiums, and enroll in the various programs.

After you access the MSU Benefit Plus website, click on Enrollments in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the page to view your current participation or deduction history.  

The MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on the voluntary benefits you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as accident, auto/home, critical illness, legal, pet, and vision insurance. 

Questions?  Learn about all voluntary benefits options on the HR website. If you have questions, consider participating in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. MSU Human Resources is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).  

Campus in the fall

Job of the Week: Associate Director of Content Creation

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This week’s featured job is an Associate Director of Content for the MSU University Advancement (UA) Marketing and Communications team (1171633). If you have experience leading editorial planning, storytelling, and content strategy, this may be the job for you.  

In this position, you will oversee editorial tasks, manage story pipelines, write and develop priority content, direct editorial assignments and resources, and serve as editor for Spartan magazine, alumni eNews, and other primary UA publications. You will ensure that stories move from ideas to polished execution while guiding staff and student writers with strong editorial judgment, consistent voice, and high standards. This role works closely with the Director of Content, project management, and other UA Marketing and Communications functions. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.  

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or a related field. Candidates should also have three to five years of related experience in public and media relations, public production, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services. Along with demonstrating excellence in professional writing and storytelling, strong knowledge of AP style, understanding of integrated marketing and communications practices, and experience working in higher education are required. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about MSU University Advancement on their website. 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 29, 2026.

Students by river

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 9, 12, 14, 20, 27, and 30 – HR Site Labs: Please join MSU Human Resources staff to receive help with Open Enrollment.

October 22 – MSU Benefits Fair: MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and help employees and retirees enroll in or change their benefits on-site at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. 

October 27-Nov.1 – The Notebook at the Wharton Center: Looking for a night out this fall? The Broadway touring production of The 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.

October 14 and 28 – Build Your Momentum (Oct. 14) and Own Your Peak Earning Years (Oct. 28): MSU’s retirement vendor, Fidelity, is offering two Women Talk Money webinars in October. In Build Your Momentum, join Olympic Bronze Medalist and Team USA Rugby Athlete Ilona Maher, to discuss building money habits and laying the groundwork for your goals. In Own Your Peak Earning Years, join Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress, producer, and director, Mariska Hargitay and Fidelity’s Ryan Viktorin and Alexandra Roca. Hear their perspectives on pursuing your career and money goals, even when it feels like you’re being pulled in every direction.

October 29 – Helping Young Adults Choose their Path: Life after high school brings a new set of big decisions. Join this webinar to learn how your MSU Cariloop benefit offers straightforward, practical guidance to help you support your young adults as they explore their options—whether college, trades, work, or a gap year—and make informed, confident choices about their next steps.

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

Published on by Anna LaydenLeave a comment

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.

Adult doing school work from home

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

Published on by Anna LaydenLeave a comment

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).