Retirement Planning: 2024 IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

Published on by Megan MacGregor2 Comments

Whether your retirement is on the horizon or a faraway goal, it’s important that you continue to monitor and adjust how much you’re saving if you want to have a comfortable retirement. The IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to a retirement plan each year and recently announced the retirement plan limits for 2024:

  • The annual employee contribution amount increased from $22,500 to $23,000 for 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
  • The age 50 catch-up contribution amount remains the same at $7,500 for 403(b) and 457(b) plans.

If you want to save as much as you can for your retirement, there is a tool in the EBS Portal called the Max Savings Contributions Calculator available to assist you. This tool automatically displays the remaining amount of retirement contributions you have available before reaching one of the limits, and the equivalent percentage of your pay to help you spread that out for the year.

To access this tool:

  1. Login to the EBS Portal with your MSU NetID and password.
  2. Click the My Benefits tab at the top.
  3. Click the Benefit/Retirement tile.
  4. Select Enroll/Change my Retirement/Health Savings Account Options in the drop-down menu and then click Next in the bottom right.
  5. Navigate in the bar graph to the Savings Plans screen by clicking Next in the bottom right.
  6. The Max Savings Contributions Calculator screen will display. This display will automatically show the remaining amount of retirement contributions you have available (if any) before reaching the IRS limit.
  7. You can adjust the percentage of your contributions to any retirement plans you participate in by clicking on the pencil icon, and then choose Select to make the change.
  8. If you want to enroll in a new plan, begin by clicking on the paper icon next to the plan and vendor of your choosing, and then enter the percentage of your new contribution and choose Select to enroll.
  9. Make sure to click on Save in the bottom right to complete and save any changes/enrollments.

If you are an academic year faculty or academic staff employee, or a Voluntary 403(b) Base participant aged 50 and over, contact the HR Solutions Center at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu for further assistance in calculating your maximum contribution percentage.

Learn More About MSU’s Retirement Plans

The following articles contain more detailed information about MSU’s retirement plan options and preparing for retirement:

The HR website also contains a wealth of information about the different types of retirement plans offered, retirement investment vendors, and planning tools available.

Job of the Week: Senior Director of Development

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This week’s featured job is a Senior Director of Development for the Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education (job posting 920213). The Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education (OPUE) exists to assist donors who are interested in supporting students at all levels of education here at MSU. 

In this position, you will serve as the unit’s Chief Development Officer and as a strategic partner to the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education. You will be planning, collaborating and implementing methods of prospect identification, solicitation, and cultivation for successful solicitations of funds.

You will supervise, direct, and motivate staff by promoting excellence and measurable goals. This role will actively mentor and train staff and provide frequent opportunities for professional development. You will also recruit, train, motivate and evaluate volunteers in order to accomplish college goals and objectives.

The Senior Director will also audit internal operations to develop standardized procedures and to ensure conformity with established policy. You will assist in budget preparation and both long and short-term goals and plans to determine required resources.

You should have a Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field. Eight years of successful fundraising experience is also preferred along with demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communications.
To learn more, visit the Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Educations website. To apply for the position, please submit your resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by January 25.

Employee Discounts to Support Your 2024 Resolutions

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

Another new year means new resolutions, and MSU Benefits Plus wants to make those goals and tasks more achievable than ever. Below, you can learn more about these exclusive health, wellness, and other helpful discounts for MSU employees and start your journey to a happy new year today!

To access these discounts and more, login to MSU Benefits Plus today. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, register using your employee email address and set up an account. 

Health & Wellness

  • Noom â€“ Save 30% on a 12-month program. Use code: EBG.
  • Mindfulness.com â€“ Save 50% on a year of Mindfulness. Use code: STRESSFREE.
  • Bowflex â€“ Save up to $300 off the C6 Bike and other great discounts. Use code: EXCLUSIVE.

Travel

Education

  • Spartan Bookstore â€“ Save 10% on new and used books, clothing and more.
  • Rosetta Stone â€“ Get a lifetime subscription with unlimited languages for $149 with no renewal fee (normally $299).

Tech

  • Apple â€“ Get preferred pricing on iPhones, iMacs and more.
  • Dell â€“ Get the best pricing available on all Dell PCs, electronics and accessories.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find on-campus through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others. You can check out some of those deals through the MSU HR Website. For more information on discounts from MSU Benefits Plus, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please contact MSU Benefits Plus via email at msubenefitsplus@corestream.com or by phone at 888-758-7575.

January Events Round-Up

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Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

January 7- Museum Tour: Architecture (free): Have you ever wondered why the MSU Broad Art Museum looks the way it does? Learn more about our unique building and the Pritzker Prize-winning architect behind it through this tour led by Curatorial Research and Administrative Assistant ThaĂ­s Wenstrom. Registration for this event is encouraged.

January 12 – 19 – MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration (registration required for some events): Join in on some or all of the MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration events happening this week, including a MLK commemorative march at Beaumont Tower, community unity dinner, film series, coffee and conversations, and more! Find all event details on the MLK Calendar of Events webpage.

January 16-21- Mamma Mia!: The Wharton Center will be hosting “Mamma Mia!” in the Great Hall from January 16-21. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

January 5-28- Abrams Planetarium Public Feature Show: Experience the Aurora Borealis through Abrams Planetarium immersive show. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 4:00 pm. Tickets are available on the Abrams Planetarium website. 

Family-Friendly Activities

January 3- Lego Palooza at the Grand Ledge Area District Library (free): Come get creative with LEGO Bricks at the library! Each child will get a tray of LEGO Bricks and the challenge is to build their most fantastic creation from just those bricks! 

January 5- Double Clutch Karaoke (free): Karaoke is headed to High Caliber! Every Friday night from 7-11 PM you, your friends, or coworkers can come out and sing. Enjoy this new, totally free activity at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment located in the Meridian Mall.

January 6- Family Day: LIFT (free): First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

Learning Opportunities

January 17- Family Employee Resource Group (free): Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth: Join the WorkLife Office for a webinar aimed at parents, caregivers, educators, and allies who want to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. Led by parents and experts in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ kids and teens.

January 18- Craft Meet Up (free): Join the Makerspace on the third Thursday of the month to take a break and create with others. Bring your own crafts or use our supplies! Knitting, collaging, perler beads and more! Registration for this free event is recommended. 

January 24- WorkLife Office Seminar: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The WorkLife Office is hosting a virtual seminar with Tim Spedoske, the Director of Campus Health Services to learn tips on how to feel less alone and how to better your mental/physical health. Registration for this event is required. 

Health and Wellness

January 8- The Healing Power of Guided Energy: Guided imagery is a form of directed day-dreaming that relaxes the mind and engages the senses in the physical and emotional healing process. Register for this free class here. 

January 9- Chair Yoga: Spring (free): MSU Health4U is jumpstarting the new year with chair yoga classes beginning on January 9. Chair yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga while seated or standing with the help of a chair. Join this class via Zoom on Tuesdays from 11:15-11:45. 

January 22- Rest With Music (free): Join Monte Pride and Health4U to enjoy this series of live musical performances to help you relax during your busy workday. Registration for this free event is recommended.

Job of the Week: Outreach Specialist

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This week’s featured job is an outreach and student engagement specialist for Student Success and Retention in the College of Nursing (CON) (posting 904981). The Michigan State University College of Nursing has trained the next generations of nurses since its founding as the Department of Nursing Education in 1950. The CON believes in the power of research, practice, and education to affect lasting change and to improve health outcomes in our communities through recruiting top faculty, staff, and students and continuously staying at the forefront of changes in the profession.

In this position, you will coordinate, implement, and facilitate outreach initiatives and programming to promote student retention and success within the College of Nursing by collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance and assist with advancing the CON’s student success and retention goals.

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities should include one to three years of experience in program development, project management, or recruitment while working with culturally diverse individuals and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You should be able to provide high-quality customer service, confidently handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and prioritize activities to meet deadlines with limited supervision. You should have a track record of working collaboratively and constructively with people at multiple levels and with diverse perspectives to build consensus across various divisions of a complex organization.

The outreach and student engagement specialist should have a master’s degree in student affairs, education, or social work. Desired qualifications also include teaching experiences with students, evidence of commitment to professional development, and the ability to work effectively as a diverse team member.

To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, DEI statement, and a contact list of three professional references to the MSU Careers website.  

Job of the Week: Mechanical Design Engineer

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This week’s featured job is a Mechanical Design Engineer for the Facility of Rare Isotope Beams (job posting 919115). The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is a scientific user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy where researchers from all career stages come together to make new discoveries. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry.

In this position, you will produce and document effective design solutions by creating CAD designs and use 2-D and 3-D models produced by designers and engineers to create detailed drawings (includes the extensive use of GD&T). You will also assist the project leader and subject matter experts in reviewing design layouts, budgets, testing, and project documentation for construction. Your responsibilities will include other duties assigned within the scopes of this job classification. 

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities should include mechanical engineering expertise, communication, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with a team. You should have a general knowledge of CAD and be proficient in Solidworks and ADEPT. 

The Mechanical Design Engineer should have a bachelor’s degree in Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics. Desired qualifications for this role also include one year of experience with CAD/CAE, Solidworks and work experience in fabrication techniques, cryogenic systems, and/or electronics. 

To learn more, visit the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by January 2.   

Relaunch: New Leader Development Series

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We are thrilled to introduce the latest iteration of our New Leader Development Series, designed to empower and inspire leaders at every stage of their journey. This refreshed program brings you a strategic blend of targeted skill development, strategic thinking and leadership mastery, ensuring that you are equipped with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic work environments.

What’s in Store?

Visit our website for a detailed overview of the program including schedule information, learning tracks, and application details.

Whether you’re a supervisor, manager, or leader, there’s a tailored experience waiting for you.

How to Get Involved:

  • Registration Application: Opens Friday, December 15 at Noon and will close Friday, January 5, at 5:00 p.m.
  • Explore the Program: Dive into the details on our website.
  • Contact Us: Have questions or need more information? Contact our office at prodev@hr.msu.edu – we’re here to help.

This is your chance to elevate your leadership journey. Join us for the New Leader Development Series and unlock the potential for leadership excellence.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Additional Upcoming Learning Opportunities

Job of the Week: MSU Police Outreach Ambassador

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This week’s featured job is an Outreach Ambassador for the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety (job posting 916438). The Department of Police and Public Safety makes an active effort to maintain an environment where all people on campus feel respected, protected and heard. 

In this position, you will assist in resolving student/non-student conflicts by providing information and coaching while also developing relationships with local landlords/property managers and the MSU community. You will compile and present data and statistical reports to the MSU community along with facilitate educational workshops that promote effective decision-making, good neighboring, risk management, and neighborhood expectations. 

Collaboration with various university departments and stakeholders across campus is key to create a holistic experience for MSU students and assist with crisis management. This position will also require you to develop agendas, set dates, and coordinate speakers for educational tours and programs. The department is looking for someone to provide new and innovative solutions while living the values of the department: honor, integrity, and leadership.

The Outreach Ambassador should have knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a degree in Social Science, Psychology, or a related field. You should also have one to three years of related work in student affairs programs, program planning, and/or training and development of programs.

To learn more, visit the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety website. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the MSU Careers website by December 19. 

Human Resources' Sherri Reese and Amy Holda selected for TIAA Emerging Leaders Network.

From Christina, VP of HR: Congratulations Sherri Reese and Amy Holda – Selected for TIAA Emerging Leaders Network

Published on by MSU Human Resources1 Comment

Two of our Human Resources stars – Sherri Reese, Ph.D., Director of Talent, and Amy Holda, an MLRHR, Interim Director of Employee Relations – are embarking upon an extraordinary leadership adventure.

Sherri and Amy have secured spots in the esteemed TIAA Emerging Leaders Network Program and are thrilled to receive such high praise and nomination from HR leadership. This career-defining journey was carefully curated by Chief Human Resources Officers from some of TIAA’s largest institutional partners; here, only the cream of talent prepares themselves to embark upon new horizons and larger roles.

Sherri and Amy, among a cohort of peers from institutions nationwide, will be expanding their professional networks while diving deep into HR’s latest offerings and perfecting their leadership acumen. MSU has made waves in HR leadership. Their success stands as evidence that our university remains dedicated to thought leadership and strategic partnership in HR; not just on an internal level but regionally and nationally too.

Let’s show our support for Sherri and Amy by offering Spartan cheers. Please join me in honoring their incredible achievement.

Sherri and Amy: Here’s to all of us, MSU, and reaching new heights together!

With Spartan Pride,
Christina

Christina K. Brogdon, PHR (she/her/hers)
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Michigan State University

Job of the Week: Director of Labor and Employee Relations

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This week’s featured job is a Director of Employee and Labor Relations for MSU Human Resources (job posting 914781). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel and support services for the MSU Community. 

In this position you will be reporting to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer while spearheading employee and labor relations initiatives by introducing, executing, and overseeing practices that fortify positive working relationships between the University and its workforce. You will also offer expert advice on employee and labor-related concerns, queries, and grievances along with serving as the university’s chief negotiator of collective bargaining agreements.

You will lead a team of eight staff and will be expected to continue to develop this group and provide professional growth opportunities. This position requires you to ensure strict adherence to state and federal labor laws during all bargaining activities, liaising closely with the Office of General Counsel when needed and overseeing critical employee relations.

MSU Human Resources is looking for a candidate who possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a related field. You should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and communicate data to relevant stakeholders and have expert knowledge of and experience with laws and regulations in higher education, including but not limited to FLSA, ADA, EEO, Title IV, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, Clery Act, and FERPA.

To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter on the MSU Careers website by December 11.