Author: MSU Human Resources

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Your Benefits: New Plan Year Checklist

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For benefits-eligible employees, the start of a new plan year is a great time to review all the MSU benefit options available to make sure you’re fully utilizing them throughout the year. The following list of tips and resources to consider will help you get the most out of your employee benefits:  

  1. Learn About Your New Caregiving Benefit: We recently implemented Cariloop, a new benefit that can assist with caregiving in all its many forms, whether that’s caring for children, a spouse, aging parents, and more. This benefit includes professional coaching (30 days of annual continuous support with the option to extend), caregiving tools, a trusted network of providers, and access to UrbanSitter.
  2. Schedule Wellness Check-ups: If you’re enrolled in an MSU health, dental, and/or vision plan, you’ve just entered a new plan year. Even though an annual check-up is usually recommended by doctors, many people miss out each year because they forget to schedule an appointment. Set your family up for success by scheduling an annual or wellness check-up now.  
  3. Prepare for 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.  
  4. Review Your Retirement Contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year, and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements have started, and the new Roth option is now available. Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2026 IRS retirement contribution limits and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements and adjusting contributions if needed.  
  5. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: If you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2025 and/or 2026 plan year, please note important deadlines and resources for utilizing your FSA funds.  
  6. Use Educational Assistance Funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use towards professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities, we recommend checking out courses offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.  
  7. Note Mental Health Resources: The MSU community offers a variety of mental health resources to employees and their dependents, along with the recently introduced free access to the Calm Health app.
  8. Schedule Vacation/Personal Paid Time Off (PTO): Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain mental health. Make sure you’re using all your PTO by planning for the future and scheduling your time off in advance.  
  9. Utilize Employee Discounts: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys.
  10. Review Voluntary Benefit Options: You may enroll in, change, or cancel auto, home, and pet insurance benefits at any time through the MSU Benefits Plus website.  Accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance only allow benefit changes during Open Enrollment in October.  
  11. Register for a Free Diabetes Management Program: If you or a dependent are living with diabetes, Livongo by Teladoc Health can help by providing free necessary medical supplies and optional coaching.  Employees or dependents enrolled in Medicare are not eligible (a similar program is available through Medicare).  
  12. Get a Second Medical Opinion: If you are facing a serious medical diagnosis, Teladoc Medical Experts can review your case and offer a second medical opinion from leading health care specialists. Coaching and online educational tools are also available.  Employees with mandated insurance under the Affordable Care Act are not eligible.  

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

Retirement Planning: 2026 IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits 

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It’s important that you continue to monitor and adjust how much you’re saving if you want to have a comfortable retirement, whether that’s around the corner or 30+ years from now. The IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to a retirement plan each year and recently announced the retirement plan limits for 2026.  

In addition to new contribution limits, requirements in SECURE 2.0 Act begin, and the new after-tax Roth option is now available. You can learn more on the After-Tax Roth and SECURE 2.0 Act HR webpage or the recent Q&A with HR’s retirement expert, Dan, about the SECURE Act 2.0 requirements and new Roth option.  

Review the 2026 IRS retirement contribution limits below: 

  • The contribution limits for the 403(b) Supplemental (either pre-tax and/or after-tax Roth) and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation (either pre-tax and/or after-tax Roth) accounts are $24,500 each.  
    • The combined contribution limit for the 403(b) Supplemental (combined pre-tax and after-tax Roth) options cannot exceed $24,500, and is reduced by any Voluntary 403(b) Base employee contributions. 
    • The contribution limit for the 457(b) Deferred Comp. (combined pre-tax and after-tax Roth) is separate from the 403(b) plans, so you may contribute $24,500 to both the 457(b) and 403(b) plans. 
  • Individuals aged 50-59 or 64+ can contribute an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution separately to both the 403(b) Supplemental and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts (and they can be pre-tax or after-tax Roth).  
    • Those who earned more than $150,000 in 2025 must make the 2026 catch-up contributions as after-tax Roth per the federal SECURE 2.0 Act.  
  • Individuals aged 60-63 can contribute an additional $11,250 catch-up contribution separately to the 403(b) Supplemental and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts (and they can be pre-tax or after-tax Roth).  
    • Those who earned more than $150,000 in 2025 must make the 2026 catch-up contributions as after-tax Roth per the federal SECURE 2.0 Act. 
  • Since contributions to the 403(b) Base Retirement Program can only be 5%, the limit is 5% of their eligible pay up to the IRS salary limit. 

The following chart also shares the 2026 IRS retirement plan contribution limits and the SECURE 2.0 Act requirements. 

2026 IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
Retirement PlanEligibility Criteria1Standard Contribution LimitCatch-up Contribution LimitTotal Contribution Limit for 2026
403(b) Supplemental
(contributions can be pre-tax or after-tax Roth unless noted otherwise. The standard contribution amount is reduced by any Voluntary 403(b) Base employee contribution)		Under 50Earned less than $150,000$24,500N/A$24,500
Earned more than $150,000
Age 50-59Earned less than $150,000$24,500$8,000$32,500
Earned more than $150,000You must make your catch-up contributions (up to $8,000) as after-tax Roth.$32,500
Age 60-63Earned less than $150,000$24,500$11,250$35,750
Earned more than $150,000You must make your catch-up contributions (up to $11,250) as after-tax Roth.$35,750
Age 64+Earned less than $150,000$24,500$8,000$32,500
Earned more than $150,000You must make your catch-up contributions (up to $8,000) as after-tax Roth.$32,500
457(b) Deferred Compensation
(contributions can be pre-tax or after-tax Roth unless noted otherwise)		Under 50Earned less than $150,000$24,500N/A$24,500
Earned more than $150,000
Age 50-59Earned less than $150,000$24,500$8,000$32,500
Earned more than $150,000You must make your catch-up contributions (up to $11,250) as after-tax Roth.$32,500
Age 60-63Earned less than $150,000$24,500$11,250$35,750
Earned more than $150,000You must make your catch-up contributions (up to $11,250) as after-tax Roth.$35,750
Age 64+Earned less than $150,000$24,500$8,000$32,500
Earned more than $150,000You must make your catch-up contributions (up to $8,000) as after-tax Roth. $32,500
Notes:
1. Your age in the chart above is based on the age you will be on December 31, 2026. The $150,000 limit is based on your MSU 2025 W-2 Form Box 3 Social Security wages. There are other IRS limits that may reduce the amounts of the Standard Contribution Limit. 

How to Adjust Your Savings 

If you want to save as much as possible for your retirement, a tool in the EBS Portal called the Max Savings Contributions Calculator is 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 choosing Select to make the change.  
  8. If you want to enroll in a new plan account type (including new after-tax Roth options), begin by clicking on the paper icon next to the plan type 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 â€ŻHR website  also contains a wealth of information about the different types of retirement plans offered, retirement investment vendors, and planning tools available.  You can learn more on the After-Tax Roth and SECURE 2.0 Act HR webpage or the recent Q&A with HR’s retirement expert, Dan, about the SECURE Act 2.0 requirements and new Roth option.  

New Year, New Professional Development Courses

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As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to set your professional development goals—and we’ve got exciting opportunities to help you thrive this year. 

New or Updated Courses for 2026: 

  • Spartan Excellence Learning Series on January 27 and 28: Through a sequence of skill-building modules, participants will learn how to define problems, analyze processes, design improvements, and implement sustainable solutions. By integrating Lean methods within the broader Operational Excellence framework, the series helps create lasting practices that enhance efficiency, transparency, and the overall Spartan Experience.   
  • Travel Expense Report Processing on March 10: Learn the essentials of submitting accurate travel expense reports at MSU. This session will walk you through the required documentation, Concur tips, policy highlights, and best practices for timely reimbursement. 
  • Engaging and Empowering Teams on March 11: Leaders can learn evidence-based strategies to engage and empower employees, understand employees’ perspectives, and reflect on and assess your own supervisory practices. 
  • Mental Health First Aid on March 18: This evidence-based training that teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis and help someone who may be experiencing one. 
  • Five Behaviors: Personal Development on April 16: Based on the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, this course helps individuals become better teammates. This program is for individual contributors. Using activities, videos, and discussion, participants learn the behaviors that will enable them to become better teammates. 

Upcoming Courses in January or February 

  • Crucial Influence  |  Virtual  |  January 27, 28, and 29  |  9 to 11:30 a.m. 
  • Getting Things Done  |  Virtual  |  February 10, 11, and 12 |  9 to 11:30 a.m. 

You can find all of HR Organization and Professional Development’s courses on the HR website. This is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and plan for the year ahead. What skills do you want to build? What challenges are you ready to tackle? With so many opportunities on the horizon, we’re here to help you make 2026 your most impactful year yet! 

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Feeling Stressed? Consider Your Sphere of Influence.

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Ready or not, December is almost here! When you think about the remainder of the year, how do you feel? If thoughts of work deadlines, family get-togethers, or planning for the holidays and new year ahead have you feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are practices and resources we can utilize to help us center ourselves and approach this time of year with a healthier mindset. 

Consider Your Sphere of Influence 

We all know that allowing worry to grow uninhibited can lead to negative consequences, be it with our health, work performance, or relationships. So, why do we allow our minds to spend so much time in a state of worry?  In a previous blog post, Jennie Schaeffer, Director of MSU Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, discussed how worry can seem very active — spending time in that mindset can feel like you are working on something productive — but in reality, you are burning through energy that could be better spent. 

When you notice yourself worrying about what might happen, stop and ask yourself, “What can I do about it now?” One way to visualize this is the Sphere of Influence. 

Three circles on top of each other. The inner circle is labeled "control," the middle circle is labeled "possible influence, but no control," and the outer circle is labeled "no control."

Within the Sphere, there are three areas: 

  • No Control: If there is absolutely nothing you can do to change or influence a situation, you can only assess whether you can learn from it, then let it go and refocus on something else. This would apply to things like the weather, supply chain issues this season, or flight cancellations. To reduce feelings of worry and improve your well-being, spend minimal time and energy regarding any matters that fall within this area of the sphere. 
  • Possible Influence but No Control: If there is a step you can take that may influence an outcome, person, or situation, determine what action you can take to maximize that influence, follow through, and then let it go. Resist the temptation to convince yourself that worrying about it means it is within your control. 
  • Control: If the issue you are wrestling with is completely within your control, then you have control over your decisions, attitude, and behavior. What action can you take that you’ve been putting off? What self-care practice can you initiate to support your well-being? When you practice shifting your focus and attention to what is within your control rather than allowing what is out of your control to consume your time and thoughts, feelings of helplessness and overwhelm decrease significantly. 

Make Yourself a Priority 

When asked why we don’t make our well-being a higher priority, the most common answer is: not enough time. Although we can’t add more hours to the day (No Control area of the Sphere of Influence), we can take actionable steps to better manage our time and carve out space to improve our overall wellness (Control area of the sphere). 

Here are a few ideas to help you focus your energy on areas you can control when it comes to your well-being this time of year. 

  • Schedule Downtime: Block downtime off on your Outlook calendar like you would for a meeting or other work engagement. 
  • Set Positive Boundaries: Check out the following articles as a starting point: 
  • Be Selective: Most of us have an extraordinary number of demands placed on us, and this time of year often brings even more. Before you commit to anything additional, give yourself a little time to consider: Do I really need to do this right now? 
  • Get Back to the Basics: Consider your current relationship with sleep, physical activity, and eating. What are one or two simple steps you could take to improve your physical health? Even something as small as not having your cell phone next to your bed at night or scheduling short blocks of time on your calendar to stretch at your desk can have a tremendous impact. Ensuring your basic physical needs are met helps ensure a solid foundation for all aspects of your well-being. 

Utilize Your Resources 

One major goal within MSU’s strategic plan is to support the “career development and well-being of staff and faculty at MSU, focusing on creating a best-in-class workplace culture and welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.” From one-on-one counseling to self-paced learning opportunities, many resources are available to you as an MSU employee to improve your well-being and take care of yourself this year and beyond. Recommendations to get you started are listed below, along with contact information for specialists at MSU who can provide extra support. 

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): 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: These webinars transform counseling-based skill-building into accessible media formats. These offerings integrate resilience education into the everyday living, learning, and working spaces of the Spartan community.
  • 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.

elevateU Online Learning Platform: Free, self-paced resources including short videos, online courses, and books around a wide variety of topics. Highlighted topics include: 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) Courses: Instructor-led courses offered by the friendly and knowledgeable OPD team. Course dates and times are updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back soon for updated course dates/times! Highlighted courses include (new dates/times coming soon):

Opening Image Credit: Centre for Aging Better Age-Positive Image Library. 

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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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This article was updated on November 26 with the 2026 IRS Contribution Limits.

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 $150,000* 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 $150,000* AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) 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 $150,000* AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250*) 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 $150,000* AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) 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 $150,000* 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 $150,000* AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $150,000* AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250*) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $150,000* AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $150,000* 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 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 $24,500) and the Age 50 Catch-up (currently $8,000). 
 

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 now offers a new option that allows your Catch-up amount to be higher than the regular Age 50 Catch-up amount. Once you reach the standard contribution limit in your MSU 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts, you can save up to $11,250 instead of the regular $8,000 limit for Age 50 Catch-up.

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. You can also learn more on the After-Tax Roth and SECURE 2.0 Act HR webpage. 

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 employee discounts 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 voluntary benefits 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!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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.