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Job of the week – Senior Purchasing Agent

Published on August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week’s job of the week is a Senior Purchasing Agent (#600044) for the Department of Purchasing. This position is seeking an individual to use extensive knowledge and expertise to execute or negotiate complex, large dollar purchases that support multiple operations, as well as to use advanced analytics to evaluate spend and activity data and determine sourcing opportunities.

The responsibilities for this role include utilizing performance measurement tools, partnering with MSU legal and risk management offices, and developing and reviewing complex RFPs, among other duties. Other responsibilities for this role include negotiating supplier contracts, managing supplier relationships and evaluates proposals. The Senior Purchasing Agent will also develop and maintain awareness of changing commodity-related business trends in the market and their impact to the university.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by a four-year college degree program in Business Administration with relevant coursework in marketing, business law, finance, public relations and computer science; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in sales, purchasing/buying and accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

For more details on the responsibilities of this position, and to view all our current postings, visit careers.msu.edu. Internal applicants should access postings through the Careers @ MSU tile in the EBS Portal.

Visit the Surplus Store for all your office or home furnishing needs!

Published on August 22, 2019August 21, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking to spruce up your office with some new furniture or decorations? Are you a new employee who just moved to the area and is looking for items to furnish your new house or apartment? Or are you helping your college student get ready to move back to campus and in need of some dorm or apartment décor? The MSU Surplus Store is your one-stop-shop. The Surplus Store has all your needs from office furniture, home furniture, electronics, textbooks, bikes to MSU gear. Wondering how the Surplus Store works?

The Surplus Store receives most of its items from the university when items are no longer needed; Surplus Store team members go out and collect items from the residential halls, offices, and lounge areas. The Surplus Store is connecting surplus operations with recycling operations on campus. They take multiple steps before throwing an item out. The first step is to try to resell the item or give it away; if it can’t be sold or given away, then they will recycle it. If the item does not sell or can’t be recycled, then it will eventually go to landfill. However, the long-term goal is to help the university get to a zero-waste policy with these actions.

Cash register at the Surplus Store
MSU Shadows Corner
Arts and crafts section

The Surplus Store is open year-round, Monday through Friday, to the public, MSU departments and employees. If you’re an MSU employee, you can purchase items with your account number. Just grab the item you’re looking for, head to the counter and give them your account number. If you purchased a large item, they also offer an on-campus delivery service to your office or department.

If you don’t have time to stop at the store, you can always look online at the MSU Surplus Store website. You can also find items on eBay from the store. Did you know that you can find textbooks at the Surplus store? Whether you’re using you’re continuing your education or have a student in your house who needs to buy their books, the Surplus Store may have what you need. You can also find textbooks available through the Surplus Store on Amazon.

If you’re looking for unique items, the Surplus Store also partners with MSU Forestry and Infrastructure Planning Facilities (IPF) to turn downed trees into products called the MSU Shadows. They have a variety of items from custom tables, wall art, diploma frames and more!

The Surplus Store has also partnered with MSU Dairy, MSU Meat Labs and MSU Horticulture Farm. You can find a variety of items from fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. By shopping at the Surplus Store, you’re supporting students and helping the university reach its goal of zero waste.

If you have a request, don’t be afraid to reach out! With over 4,000 items collected from campus each week, the Surplus Store is your one-stop-shop. Want to know more? Just visit their website at MSU Surplus Store or stop by in-person at 468 Green Way, East Lansing.

Job of the week – Training Program Developer

Published on August 16, 2019August 16, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week’s job of the week is a Tr aining Program Developer (#600097) for the Associate Provost for Academic Services, specifically for the Student Information Systems (SIS) Modernization Project. This position is seeking an individual to consult with the Office of the Registrar senior leaders, managers and staff on instructional needs for technology training, as well as designing instructional development classes, seminars, and workshops. Other responsibilities for this role include producing courseware including manuals, quick reference guides, FAQs, PowerPoint presentations and web-based materials.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by a four-year college degree program in Educational Systems development, instructional Technology Systems, Instructional Science or a related educational programs development area; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work in the design, development and presentation or instructional programs using software or tools related to the educational programs being conducted; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Welcome to the new academic year

Published on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Sharon E. Butler
Theodore H. Curry II

On behalf of Academic Human Resources and MSU Human Resources, welcome to a new academic year at Michigan State University. There is no better season than the fall to represent the season of change MSU is in. Students begin to appear on campus once more; construction signs start to disappear, and the campus begins to turn into the vibrant and beautiful fall at MSU. This fall we’re also experiencing a change in leadership, with President Stanley officially taking office as of Aug. 1.

We’re very excited to have President Stanley leading the university, and we look forward to learning more about his vision for MSU in the days and months ahead. Your work and leadership are vital components of this new chapter in MSU’s story. Thank you for all you do for our students – whether it’s behind the scenes or face-to-face. Not all of you may interact with students on a regular basis, but each of you contributes to their success through the work you do every day.

Human Resources is here to help support you as you go about this important work. The HR Solutions Center is your main point of contact for questions regarding benefits or employment. This team is dedicated to customer service as their number one priority. You can reach them via phone, email, or in-person at 110 Nisbet Building.

You also can share feedback with Sharon at hrmail@msu.edu or Terry at ahr@msu.edu.

If you are a new faculty or academic staff member, we look forward to seeing you at Faculty Orientation on August 20.

Thank you for all you contribute to the continuing success of MSU and accept our best wishes for a successful academic year.

Sincerely,

Sharon E. Butler
Associate Vice President of MSU Human Resources

Theodore H. Curry II
Associate Provost & Associate Vice President for Academic Human Resources

Job of the week – Chief of Staff

Published on August 9, 2019August 9, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week’s job of the week is a Chief of Staff (#598922) for the College of Education. This position is seeking an individual who will be responsible for financial, human resources, and technology operations for the College of Education.

The responsibilities for this role include assisting in directing and implementing policies, procedures, and programs of the human resource function for academic and non-academic employees. Other responsibilities for this role include managing external and internal financial data requests, working with colleagues in other academic colleges and administrative offices across the university and supervising facilities and classroom managers. The Chief of Staff will report to the Dean of the College of Education.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by a four-year college degree program in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Management or related field; five to eight related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in financial management and analysis, personnel management, and computer systems use and development; effective interpersonal skills, as well as experience with supervising professional and support staff; experience working with faculty required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Give your children a healthy start for back to school with VSP Vision

Published on August 8, 2019August 8, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

August is National Eye Exam Month! As you’re getting ready for back to school, don’t forget to schedule annual eye exams for your kids. Are you an MSU benefit-eligible employee? Are you enrolled in VSP Vision Care for 2019? Then you have access to coverage for everything from the annual eye exam to new prescription glasses. Make sure your family starts the new school year right with a healthy vision!

According to VSP Vision studies show that 84% of parents agree that regular eye exams help their kids in school, but they often wait until their child complains to make an eye doctor appointment. Getting an eye exam before school starts can help your child start the school year off right.

And while you might be soaking up those last moments of summer, keep this in mind: your eyes can get sunburned. After being in the sun all summer long your eyes can get damaged from the sun. The best way to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses while outside. An eye exam can see if your eyes were damaged by the sun and consider the next steps to take care of them.

Whether or not you’ve already used your coverage for your annual eye exam or prescription, you can start planning ahead for next year. MSU Benefits Open Enrollment starts October 1, which makes now a great time to start thinking about what you might need for vision insurance next year and make sure you pick the plan that’s right for your family’s needs. VSP Vision Care offers two different plans – standard and premium. You can check out the benefits of both plans here. Note: Information is currently based on the 2019 plan year; check back in October for updated information for 2020.

For more information on VSP Vision Care, visit MSU Benefits Plus.

Tips for using your MSU benefits to support breastfeeding

Published on August 6, 2019July 19, 2023 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you or someone in your household expecting and planning to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding, or interested in breastfeeding in the future? As you explore questions about breastfeeding, think about what your health insurance might cover. If you’re a benefit-eligible MSU employee, MSU HR put together some tips and reminders to help.

MSU’s employee plans all cover breastfeeding supplies to some extent – that’s Community Blue, Blue Care Network (BCN) and the Consumer Driven Health Plan with the Health Savings Account. The one exception to this is if you have BCN and are trying to get equipment from a provider who doesn’t have a contract with BCN, you’ll have to cover that yourself.

Steps to get breastfeeding supplies

In health care lingo, breastfeeding supplies are part of what’s referred to as “Durable Medical Equipment.” Typically, breastfeeding supplies include the pump package, so the pump and whatever typically comes with it (breast milk storage bags, bottles, nipples, etc.). What comes with the kit depends on which brand is offered. How do you know?

Step One: Contact your health care provider and ask for the name and contact info for a durable medical equipment provider located near you. In addition to a store you can visit in-person, sometimes you can get the contact info for a mail order service.

Step Two: Contact the durable medical equipment provider to find out which brand(s) they carry. Many providers only carry one brand, so this may help you decide where you want to go to get your pump.

Step Three: Get a prescription. For breastfeeding supplies? You got it! You can ask your OB-GYN or physician to write this prescription. They can even fax it right to the equipment provider you’ve selected or you can take it in-person.

Other tips:

If you have a pump you’ve used before, your health insurance isn’t going to cover getting the replacement parts. Replacement parts are eligible expenses under a flexible spending account (FSA) (see more info below). If your pump no longer works, most health insurance providers will cover a new breast pump kit after a certain period (example: BCN covers a new pump after 24 months).
Cleaning supplies for the pump or pump parts are not covered.
Extra bags, bottles, nipples, etc. are not covered, only those that already come with the pump.

Other resources

MSU does offer some additional resources related to breastfeeding you may find helpful.

Guidelines on Federal Laws – Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and Providing Urgent Maternal Protection (PUMP) Act

In June 2023, two new federal laws when into effect protecting pregnant and breastfeeding employees. According to the PUMP Act, MSU employees are entitled to a place to pump at work, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public. The university has provided guidance on each of these laws, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protection (PUMP) Act.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

The health care FSA through WageWorks can be used for some breastfeeding expenses including breast pumps, pump supplies and breastfeeding classes. Even though you’re still picking up the cost of these expenses, by using the health care FSA, the money is pre-tax, which means you’re saving an average of 30%. Make it even easier by using the FSA Store online at fsastore.com for everything from baby monitors to nursing pads and baby thermometers. Learn more about FSAs on the HR website.

Life changes

Chances are if you’re thinking about breastfeeding, you’re planning on a life change or have already experienced one. Don’t forget these steps for making changes to your benefits.

WorkLife Office

The MSU WorkLife Office is a great breastfeeding resource for employees. They offer classes, support, a breastfeeding room location map, and more. Check out these resources on the WorkLife website.

Growing a family comes with a lot to plan for, and breastfeeding can be at the top of that list. Hopefully, these tips and hints can help you and your family navigate through that journey a little easier.

Start your back to school shopping with MSU Benefits Plus!

Published on August 5, 2019August 5, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Have you started your back to school shopping for you and your family? Don’t worry, MSU Benefits Plus has you covered! All benefits-eligible MSU faculty and staff have access to a variety of discounts and savings with MSU Benefits Plus through Corestream. At MSU Benefits Plus you’ll find discounts and special offers on a variety of items for back to school from computers, laptops, shoes and clothing!

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Apple

Enjoy employee pricing on most Apple products when you shop through their exclusive link! Save on select iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more! Use this link to receive your employee discount.

Dell

MSU faculty and staff can enjoy exclusive savings of up to 30% on select systems when you shop through Dell EPP link! Shop Laptops, 2-in-1s, gaming PCs, accessories and more.

HP

The HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) offers HP consumer products at discounts typically up to 10% off starting prices. You can also take advantage of instant rebates, coupons and HP Home & Home Office sales promotions that combine with your EPP discount – for a typical savings of 20-30% off. Find your next printer for your college student’s dorm or your home office here!

Target

Whether you’re looking for school supplies or want to add something extra to your office, Target is your place to go! Take $5 off any item priced $50 or more at Target online! Discount automatically applied to cart with the link. Some exclusions apply.

Learning Care Group

Save 10% on childcare at all Learning Care Group schools including La Petite Academy, Childtime Learning Centers, Tutor Time, The Children’s Courtyard, Montessori Unlimited, Everbrook Academy, Creative Kids Learning Center, and Pathways Learning Academy.

To redeem this discount, identify yourself as MSU faculty or staff to at your preferred Learning Care Group school at the Learning Care Group website.

Foot Locker

Get 15% off orders of $75 at Foot Locker with code LKS18H3M at checkout. Offer valid online only. Some exclusions apply! Get your next pair of shoes here.

Shoes.com

Save 20% off sitewide plus get free shipping with code SHOESDOTCOM at checkout! Visit Shoe.com to use your discount.

Aѐropostale

If you’re looking for uniforms Aѐropostale is your place. Save an extra 15% off 5+ uniform items and get free shipping with code UNIFORM at checkout! Visit Aѐropostale website to find your perfect fit.

For more information on employee discounts, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Job of the week – Facilities Coordinator

Published on August 2, 2019August 2, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week’s job of the week is a Facilities Coordinator (#597441) for the MSU Detroit Center. This position is seeking an individual to manage and oversee the building operations and services for the MSU Detroit Center building.

The responsibilities for this role include assisting in planning, developing, implementing and monitoring the annual building operating budget. Other responsibilities for this role include communicating with university units to resolve problems, updating procedures and coordinating maintenance and improvements.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired by completing a four year college degree program in Facilities Management, Business Management, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in facilities management and building operations and support, including phones, audio/visual technology, furniture systems, and office equipment; experience with accounting and financial analysis; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

For more details on the responsibilities of this position, and to view all our current postings, visit careers.msu.e du. Internal applicants should access postings through the Careers @ MSU tile in the EBS portal.