Author: MSU Human Resources

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Your Benefits: End-of-Year Checklist 

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The end of the year is fast approaching! While you probably don’t need one more task on your to-do list, make sure you’ve used all your 2025 plan year benefits before the year ends.   

  1. Schedule appointments for any missed annual check-ups: If you’re behind on annual check-ups or screenings—such as a wellness exam, dental cleaning, or vision exam—consider scheduling appointments before the end of the year.  
  1.  Be proactive in case of illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via the web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. A doctor can even write you a prescription if necessary. Enroll in Teladoc now so you’re prepared when illness strikes.  Available to employees and their dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan.  
  1. Note flexible spending account (FSA) deadlines for 2025 plan year funds: If you are enrolled in a health care or dependent care FSA for the 2025 plan year, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. Be sure to use 2025 plan year funds by March 15, 2026, and submit your receipts by April 30, 2026. If you miss the grace period deadline, the IRS requires you to forfeit any unused funds, so plan your remaining expenses for the coming months. View FSA information.  
  1. Review your retirement contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year (the 2026 limits will be shared in January). Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2025 IRS retirement contribution limits and adjusting contributions for the remainder of the year, if needed.  
  1. Take advantage of special employee discounts for holiday shopping: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys. 
  1. Schedule any vacation/personal PTO: Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain your health. Make sure you use all your paid time off (PTO) by planning and scheduling your time off in advance with your supervisor’s approval. This year, the full Winter Break (including Christmas and New Year’s holidays) extends from Thursday, December 25, through Friday, January 2. View the Holiday Schedule for more details. 
  1. Use educational assistance funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use toward professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities this year, it’s not too late to sign up for a course offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.    

We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan how you and your family will use your employee benefits for the rest of the year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website.   

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Roth Catch Up Requirement and New Retirement Savings Options 

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To help us learn more about SECURE 2.0 Act and its new Roth options and requirement for certain Catch-up contributions, we talked to Dan, our Retirement Plan expert. Read our Q and A and review available resources to help you determine whether the Roth Catch-up requirement applies to you, if a new Roth savings option might benefit you, and about an increased savings option for those turning 60-63 in 2026.  

What is the SECURE 2.0 Act?  

Dan: In December 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0 Act) was signed into law. The retirement legislation includes significant changes that could help strengthen the retirement system and improve Americans’ financial readiness for retirement. Among a few changes, a big one is the Roth Catch-up requirement for certain people.  

What is the Roth requirement for Catch-up contributions?  

Dan: Starting in 2026, employees turning age 50 or older who earned more than $145,000* in the previous year (2025) must make any age 50 Catch-up contributions as after-tax Roth savings.  

* FICA wages found on your Form W-2 Box 3 wages 

What are the retirement contribution requirements and options based on my age and income, according to SECURE 2.0 Act?  

Dan:  Here is a helpful chart to illustrate the new requirements and available options under SECURE 2.0 Act based on your income, age, and whether you make Catch-up contributions:  

If you:Required ActionAvailable OptionsNotes
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax 
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250***, 150% of the standard Catch-up amount) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax 
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax 
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be under age 50* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250***, 150% of the standard Catch-up amount) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be under age 50* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  

 Notes: 

*Based on the IRS 2025 limits, we are awaiting the IRS to announce the 2026 limits. Ages are based on the age you will be on December 31, 2026. 

**Based on 2025 FICA “Social Security wages” from box 3 of the 2025 MSU W-2 Form. 

***The current pre-tax contribution and the new after-tax Roth option will be subject to the 2026 IRS limits for both their regular employee contributions (currently $23,500) and the Age 50 Catch-up (currently $7,500). 
 

What are the benefits of contributing to a Roth? 

Dan: Unlike traditional pre-tax contributions to a 403(b) or 457(b) account, after-tax Roth contributions allow you to withdraw that money tax free once you retire. So, while you’re still paying taxes on your earnings now, you may enjoy a reduced tax obligation in the future.  

Are there downsides to a Roth contribution?  

Dan: A couple of considerations include the tax implications and timing requirements. First, Roth contributions are withheld after your taxes are deducted, meaning you will pay more in tax with each paycheck and receive less take home pay. Second, you must wait at least five years after your first after-tax Roth contribution and you must be at least 59 ½ years old to make a tax-free withdrawal.  

I am not required to make after-tax contributions, but I’m interested in the opportunity. What do I do?  

Dan: Beginning in January, you can log into the EBS Portal and make changes to your 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts to move your current pre-tax contributions to the new after-tax Roth option. The 403(b) Base account will remain available only for pre-tax contributions.  

I’m turning 60-63 in 2026, and I heard about a new retirement savings option for Catch-up contributions. What’s that?  

Dan: If you make Catch-up contributions and you’re turning 60-63 anytime in the calendar year, MSU will begin offering a new option that allows your Catch-up amount to be 150% of the regular Age 50 Catch-up amount.  

Once you reach the regular employee contribution limit in your MSU 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts, you can add even more to your Catch-up contributions. Based on 2025 IRS limits, you could save $11,250 instead of the regular $7,500 limit for Age 50 Catch-up. The 2026 IRS limits will be announced soon.  

Where do I find more information about SECURE 2.0 Act, Roth and MSU’s Retirement Plans?  

Information about the MSU retirement plans is available on the HR webpage, Available Retirement Plans. 

Details about switching to after-tax Roth contributions in the MSU retirement plans will be available in January. 

Resources: SECURE 2.0 Act and Roth options 

Fidelity: 

TIAA: 

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Don’t Forget Your MSU Employee Discounts this Holiday Season!

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As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you can access various discounts and savings to help you make the most of the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in with your MSU NetID and password.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: Save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Baloo: Save 20% off eco-conscious products made for rest and renewal. Use code CORESTREAM.
  • Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code CROCS20 at checkout.
  • Dell: Exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
  • Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: 30% or more off MSRP on select appliances. Use code COREEXT21.
  • Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
  • Harry and David: 20% off your order. Use code CSTREAM.
  • HP: Up to 40% off computers and accessories.
  • PremiumSeatsUSA.com: Save 10% with promo code CORESTREAM.
  • Restaurants.com: 40% off orders of $25 or more. Use code CORESTREAM40.
  • Rosetta Stone: Get a Lifetime Subscription with Unlimited Languages for $149 (normally $299).
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on top museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and more.
  • Wharton Center: Save 10-15% on select performances.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find around the university through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others. For more information on discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

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International Pronouns Day

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This article was written in partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact. 

We celebrated International Pronouns Day this month! Using the correct pronouns respects each other’s identity and fosters inclusivity. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with one another in and out of the workplace, and often they are assigned based on preconceived perceptions. By educating about personal pronouns, we promote understanding and celebrate everyone’s intersecting identities. 

What is International Pronouns Day?  

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises the MSU community’s awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple identities. As we explore the significance of this day, learn about how MSU is implementing changes to promote inclusivity to create a beneficial environment for all.

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?  

  • Be mindful of all sex, social gender, or gender identities and avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes.  
  • Voluntarily share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people or during meetings.  
  • Practice using a person’s pronouns when speaking or writing about them. 
  • You can include pronouns in your email signature or other digital communications.  

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have and with resources you may need! The center provides educational programs and resources to make MSU a more inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center’s educational resources.  

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?  

At MSU, we are committed to ensuring your identity is accurately represented and respected throughout our campus community, while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact, along with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, has launched the self-service MySpartanIdentity Portal, allowing MSU community members to voluntarily manage their chosen identity information in compliance with university policies. 

Are there resources to explore this further?  

  • Learn more about pronouns, FAQs, and additional resources  
  • Glossary of definitions for gender and sexuality terms  
  • Resources for faculty, staff, and TAs.  

We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity). 

Three signs: Don't Give Up, You are not alone, You matter

Happy World Mental Health Day!

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October 10th is World Mental Health Day! While mental health is one of the foundations of health and well-being, it can often fall low on our list of priorities. The World Mental Health Organization declared this day as an opportunity for all to talk about their own mental health and what needs to be done to make mental health care more accessible.

Good mental health is vital to our overall well-being. Yet, one in eight people globally is living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, well-being, livelihood, and how they connect with others. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.

Work should never get in the way of maintaining good mental health; however, a busy schedule may make resources appear inaccessible. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are some resources you can use at MSU and in your personal life.

MSU Resources

University Health and Wellbeing: Supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
  • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
  • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work! 
  • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
  • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
  • MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services: If you’re looking for resources to support students, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides comprehensive mental health support to MSU students through counseling and psychiatric care.

Teladoc: Benefits eligible faculty, staff and their dependents currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc – an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. Teladoc’s services extend to behavioral health (anxiety, depression, grief counseling, etc.) for eligible individuals over the age of 18.

Local Resources

24-Hour Crisis Services (Walk-In and Mobile):  The City of East Lansing provides walk-in or mobile crisis counseling and mental health assistance around the clock.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Behavioral Health Services: Sparrow Hospital offers psychiatric and behavioral health services, including holistic care in an external environment and art, music and yoga therapy. 

You and your mental health matter, so join us in celebrating World Mental Health Day by taking charge of your mental health with these resources and more. MSU resources and benefits are available to keep you on the path to a healthy body and mind. Learn more about World Mental Health Day on the World Health Organization website.

Enroll in these voluntary benefits between October 1 and 31: Accident (new for 2026), Critical Illness, Legal, Vision. MSU Spartan Helmet.

Reminder: Enroll in, change, or cancel accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance during October 

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The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2026 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:  

  • Prudential accident insurance (NEW—Learn more below)  
  • MetLife critical illness insurance 
  • ARAG legal insurance 
  • VSP 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 2026 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 2026 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. 

  • NEW for 2026: Prudential accident insurance pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experiences 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. 
  • MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra money in the event you or covered family members 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 through MetLife with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. Additional coverage options for $40,000 and $50,000 will be available starting in 2026.
  • ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. ARAG 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. Plan enhancements will be available starting in 2026. 
  • VSP vision insurance 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. 

How to Access Voluntary Benefits 

To access voluntary benefits through MSU Benefits Plus, log in to the EBS portal, select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the MSU Benefits Plus tile.  

Please note: If you’ve already registered, you’ll be prompted to create an account using single sign-on (SSO) the first time you log in on or after July 23, 2025. Review the information on the screen and click Create Account to begin.  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. 

How to View Current Participation or Deduction History 

After you access the MSU Benefits Plus website (see instructions above), click on Benefits in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the dropdown menu 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).  

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Online Tools and Resources to Support Your Career Development and Wellbeing

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In honor of Online Learning Day on September 15, we’d like to share the tools and resources available to support the career development and wellbeing of staff and faculty at MSU. 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): Find a variety of instructor-led classes on communication, customer service, leadership, personal development, and much more! Many OPD courses are offered in a virtual format and led by our friendly and knowledgeable OPD 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 microlearning 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 any course fees. Did we miss any resources? Let us know in the comments below, and Happy Online Learning Day!

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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 2026 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 2026 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 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Flu Shots: The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5 p.m. by appointment only. 

Where: 
The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the 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 8  | 9 a.m. to Noon | Virtual 
  • October 10  | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55, East Lansing, MI 48824 
  • October 13  | 2 to 5 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 17  | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In-person 
    International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824 
  • October 23  | 7 to 10 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 31  | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Road, 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). 

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Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2026: Your Open Enrollment Checklist 

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October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2026 plan year between October 1 and 31, 2025. 

STEP 1: Determine your benefit needs. 

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

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

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

STEP 2: Please review the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care coverage. 

To enroll your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) in MSU coverage, your spouse/OEI must enroll in coverage through their own current or former employer (e.g., a retiree health plan), if applicable, if the annual employee/retiree premium cost for single-person coverage is $1,850 or less. You may still cover your spouse/OEI on your MSU health coverage as a secondary plan.  

If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold does not apply.

New for the 2026 Plan Year: Although the premium threshold for a spouse/OEI to be enrolled in MSU health care coverage remains in effect, the affidavit you are accustomed to submitting via the EBS Portal each year is no longer required to enroll in or continue their coverage. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health care plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2026 without any action.  

Please review the  Open Enrollment FAQs  for more information about this update. 

STEP 3: Review important updates and reminders for the 2026 plan year. 

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

  • Please review Step 2 above for information about the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care coverage. If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold requirement does not apply.
  • Increase to Some Health Care Copays and Deductibles: For the Blue Care Network (BCN) and BlueCard Out-of-State plans, the annual deductible will increase. Copays for doctor’s office and urgent care visits will increase for BCN, BlueCard Out-of-State, and Community Blue PPO plans. There are no changes to health care costs for the Consumer Driven Health Plan.  
  • Increase to Some Prescription Copays: Prescription copays will increase for all medications except preferred drugs. 
  • Introducing a New Accident Insurance Option: Accident insurance through Prudential is a new voluntary benefit option that pays you a lump sum after a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. You may only enroll in accident insurance in October during the Open Enrollment period unless you experience a QLE. 
  • Introducing a New Pet Discount Plan: In addition to the existing pet insurance option offered through Nationwide, we are pleased to provide a new pet discount plan. Pet Benefit Solutions offers instant savings on pet prescriptions, products, and in-house medical services at any network vet, as well as additional benefits. 

Other updates include new flexible spending account (FSA) contribution limits, increased premiums for employee life insurance and the voluntary vision premium plan, new coverage options for voluntary critical illness insurance, and plan enhancements for voluntary legal insurance. Please review all updates and reminders in your Open Enrollment guide. 

STEP 4: Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. 

  • MSU Benefits Fair: Join us on Tuesday, October 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits on-site. Flu shot appointments are available by appointment only from Noon to 5 p.m. Find a link to make a flu shot appointment.  
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer in-person and virtual site labs throughout October. Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment.  

STEP 5: Make your changes online before October 31. 

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

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

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

Aerial view of MSU campus in the fall, featuring Beaumont Tower at the center.

From the Interim AVP of HR: Welcome to a New Academic Year!

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Dear Spartan Colleagues,

As the fall semester begins, I want to take a moment to welcome you and thank you. The start of a new academic year is always a time of renewed purpose and energy—and this year, that sense of renewal feels especially important.

The past several months have been especially challenging for all of us. The financial adjustments shared by President Guskiewicz have deeply impacted many across our community. In HR, we recognize the weight of these changes and the emotions they carry. I want to acknowledge the care, compassion, and professionalism so many of you have shown as we navigated this difficult period together.

At the same time, this moment gives us space to look ahead—with optimism and determination—to how we continue supporting one another moving forward. At MSU Human Resources, our focus remains on creating an exceptional employee experience and a strong, supportive workplace culture.

In that spirit, I’m proud to share several recent milestones:

  • Our Tuition Assistance Benefit has been enhanced to offer access upon hire and expanded credit coverage, helping employees—and their families—pursue full undergraduate degrees with fewer barriers.
  • We’ve also relaunched the Spartan Experience program, empowering more employees to create service-centered interactions that reflect MSU’s mission, vision and values.
  • Finally, we reached a new agreement with the Coalition of Labor Organizations, reinforcing our commitment to competitive, meaningful benefits and the vital partnership between HR and our union leaders.

These efforts are just a few examples of how we continue working to make MSU a place where people feel supported and inspired to grow.

Thank you for all you do to make our campus community stronger—through challenging times and promising new beginnings. I wish you a smooth and fulfilling start to the semester.

Go Green!

Donna Donovan, J.D.
Interim Associate Vice President
MSU Human Resources