Author: MSU Human Resources

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

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The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2025 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment in October. These include VSP vision insurance, ARAG legal insurance, and MetLife critical illness insurance.

If you’re interested in enrolling in these benefits, need to make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2025 plan year, you must do so in October. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2025 with the exact same coverage.

How to Enroll in, Change, or Cancel Voluntary Benefits

You can enroll in, change, or cancel these benefits via the MSU Benefits Plus website.

  • First Time Users: Click the link to create an account. Enter your MSU email and pick a password to get started. You will need your MSU ZPID number (use a capital “Z”) located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.
  • Existing Users: Enter your email and password and then click Log In.

How to View Current Participation

To view your current participation or deduction history, log in to the MSU Benefits Plus website, click on Benefits in the top navigation, and then Enrollments. Click on Deductions to view an itemized list of your voluntary benefit deductions. Please note the MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on products you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as vision, legal, and critical illness insurance.

Learn More about Voluntary Benefits

Please review a brief description of vision, legal, and critical illness insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits, please review the appropriate Open Enrollment guide: Support Staff Open Enrollment Guide or Faculty/Academic Staff Open Enrollment Guide.

  • VSP vision insurance can help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses for you and your family. VSP is the benefit provider, and they offer two plan options: the standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.
  • MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra cash 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 requirement. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the plan coverage and rates.
  • ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need. Network attorney fees are 100% paid in full for most covered matters. Life is full of legal situations. Some you plan for, like creating a will, and others are more unexpected—like fighting a traffic ticket. Choose between two plans for coverage that best fit the needs of you and your family. UltimateAdvisor® covers most common legal issues. UltimateAdvisor Plus™ includes more robust coverage plus additional services. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.

Questions? You can learn more about, enroll in, change, or cancel voluntary benefits on the MSU Benefits Plus website. Learn about all your benefits options on the HR website. If you have questions, consider joining an HR Site Lab. The HR Solutions Center is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

Call for Nominations: Annual Support Staff Awards

Nominate a Deserving Support Staff Employee for one of these Prestigious Awards!

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We are excited to be seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards!

All award nominations are due Friday, November 8, 2024.

Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Last year’s recipient was Meg Quine, Office Coordinator in the MSU Alumni Office. Learn more about the award on the web page, Clerical-Technical Recognition Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. Last year’s recipient was Lori Fischer, Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Learn more about the award on the web page, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award nomination form and return to Ray Gasser at gasserra@msu.edu by November 8.

Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award

This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. Criteria for selection of recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Last year’s recipients were Jesse Alvarez, Ken Beer, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Amanda Goll, and Darwin Meirndorf. Learn more about the award on the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award web page.

To nominate an employee, complete the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

We appreciate your time and effort in submitting a nomination for this year’s awards. The awards committees look forward to learning about these outstanding employees!

The MSU Benefits Fair will be on October 3 from Noon to 7 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center. The HR Site Labs will be on the following dates, times, and locations: There will be a virtual site lab on October 16, a site lab at the international center on October 22, and a site lab at the HR building on October 31.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

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With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1–31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2025 plan year. We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in your 2025 benefit options.

Mark your calendars and join us at the following events!

MSU Benefits Fair

Visit the fair to enroll in your benefits on-site or speak with MSU benefit providers and HR staff. The MSU Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only.

When:

  • Benefits Fair: Thursday, October 3 from Noon to 7:00 p.m.
  • (Updated September 30) Flu Shots: Appointments at the Fair are no longer available, but can be made for an in-pharmacy flu shot with MSU Health Care Pharmacy.

Where:

The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center Concourse. 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 16 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Virtual (see the HR Site Lab webpage for virtual link)
  • October 22 | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | International Center, 427 N. Shaw Ln, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • October 31 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Rd, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823

Learn more about the HR Site Labs on the HR website, including directions, parking information, and how to join the virtual site lab.

As always, you can find information about all things Open Enrollment on the HR website. In addition to the events above, the HR Solutions Center is available to answer your questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).

October 1 through 31: MSU Benefits Open Enrollment

Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2025: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

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

1. Determine your benefit needs.

During Open Enrollment (October 1-31), you may enroll in, change, or cancel coverage in the following benefits:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Flexible spending accounts (health or dependent care)
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Voluntary vision, legal, or critical illness 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, so review your options and take action in October.

2. Complete the spouse or other eligible individual (OEI) Affidavit.

If you want to cover a spouse or OEI on your health care plan in 2025, you MUST complete the Affidavit online through the EBS Portal every Open Enrollment period. Find instructions to complete the affidavit as part of Open Enrollment. After completing Open Enrollment in the EBS Portal you will receive a confirmation email statement. To receive the confirmation email, you must complete all the Open Enrollment prompts in the EBS Portal and then review and save your plan selections (even if you made no changes); you cannot simply answer the affidavit question and exit the portal.

3. Review important reminders for the 2025 plan year.

While there are no significant changes to your benefit plan options for the 2025 plan year, we encourage you to review important reminders on page 6 of your Open Enrollment guide.

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

  • MSU Benefits Fair: We will have an in-person benefits fair on Thursday, October 3 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions or help you enroll in your benefits on-site. 

    (Updated September 30) Flu shot appointments at the Fair are no longer available, but appointments for an in-pharmacy flu shot can be made with MSU Health Care Pharmacy.
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer site labs on October 16 (virtual), October 22 (in-person at the International Center), and October 31 (in-person at the HR building). Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment. 

5. Make your changes online before October 31.

You must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1-31 (view enrollment instructions) to change your benefit selections or cover a spouse or OEI on your benefit plans.

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 the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).

Sparty statue in the fall

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

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Christina K. Brogdon, PHR, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Christina K. Brogdon, PHR, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Dear Spartan Colleagues,

I am excited to welcome everyone to a new academic year! As we embrace a fresh start this fall, I’m reflecting on the outstanding growth we’ve experienced here in HR. We have new leaders and staff in Benefits, Compensation, Employee and Labor Relations, and Talent. This growth allows our team to enhance our services and continue providing the Spartan community with extraordinary experiences every day.

In addition to this growth, I’m proud of many accomplishments from MSU HR in the last year including enhancements that benefit the Spartan Community such as the New Leader Development Program, Modified Operations policy, a new out-of-state health care plan, and an enhanced dental plan. We are here for you!

In the upcoming year, HR will continue its transformation to Produce and Perform with new initiatives that include Total Rewards, Talent Management, a renewed focus on Employee Engagement and Experience, and Operational Excellence. I’m also looking forward to starting a new academic year under the leadership of President Guskiewicz, a Tar-Heel-turned-Spartan like me! He is a strategic and service-oriented leader who will continue moving the university upward in its mission of education, research, and outreach. I share in his excitement for what’s in front of us.

Finally, I’d like to reiterate the message from President Guskiewicz regarding civil discourse in our community. As he mentioned, we all have a role to play in building a more inclusive community. While it’s okay that we don’t all agree, we should always demonstrate empathy and intellectual humility while exercising our freedom of speech. To support our employees as they engage in respectful civil discourse, a page is available on the HR website, Civil Discourse for Employees, with answers to frequently asked questions and additional resources. Let’s go into this new academic year supporting one another and demonstrating our Spartan Will to the community and beyond.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the University, our students, and our land-grant mission. On behalf of Human Resources, I wish you a safe, healthy, and successful academic year in which you take advantage of fresh opportunities and new beginnings.

Go Green!

Christina K. Brogdon, PHR
Vice President of Human Resources

Using a laptop

Educational Assistance: Fall Reminders

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With this year’s Educational Assistance, or “Ed Assist,” support staff benefit resetting with the start of the fall semester, now’s a perfect time to refresh your Ed Assist knowledge and take advantage of this opportunity for your learning and development. Here are a few important reminders regarding this benefit.

Credit and Non-Credit Options

You may receive financial assistance for credit and non-credit courses, including training, seminars, workshops, conferences, or other educational opportunities. Use this benefit to enhance your professional skill set or help you reach Performance Excellence goals.

For non-credit courses, like professional development courses available through HR, support staff employees may have up to $900 per year to use toward course registration fees depending on their union contract. The course must be considered job-related and from an approved institution/program to receive assistance.

You may receive up to 14 credits per academic year for credit courses. Your level of financial assistance is determined by your union group, whether you’re taking a graduate or undergraduate course, and where you’re taking the course (MSU or another university). The course must be considered job-related, degree-related, or career/professional development-related.

Taxation Information for Graduate-Level, Degree-Related Coursework

When using Educational Assistance funds toward graduate-level, degree-related classes for credit, it’s important to remember and plan for IRS tax exemption rules. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provides up to $5,250 in exemption per tax (calendar) year for graduate-level, degree-related courses reimbursed/waived through employer educational assistance programs, like the one at MSU. Any amount of the benefit over $5,250 for degree-related, graduate-level courses is considered taxable income by the IRS.

If you use Ed Assist benefits for graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit over the $5,250 exemption amount, appropriate tax withholding will be made, and the amount will be added to your gross wages. If there is a tax liability, the deductions must be completed within the same calendar year. If this tax situation applies to your Ed Assist usage, you will receive a notification via email in the fall, typically around September. This notification will indicate the amount of Educational Assistance received in the calendar year, the taxable amount, and which paycheck withdrawals will occur to cover the outstanding tax liability.

Note: This tax liability, dictated by the IRS, applies ONLY to any Ed Assist benefit usage over the $5,250 limit when applied to graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit. For example, if you received $6,250 in eligible Ed Assist benefits in a year, you would only be taxed on the $1,000 over the exemption limit and owe a percentage of that $1,000 as your tax liability.

Find detailed information about Educational Assistance – including how to apply – on the HR website. Contact Organization and Professional Development at avphr.hrdmail@msu.edu with questions.

Associate Director of Development: Basic details of the Job of the Week article posting, noted in the article

Job of the Week: Associate Director of Development, College of Communication Arts and Sciences

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting from University Advancement as an Associate Director of Development for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (posting 966376). From their headquarters in Spartan Stadium Tower to our fundraising offices across campus and regions across the United States, University Advancement is working to build lasting relationships with alumni, friends and donors who care about MSU as much as they do. 

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences is vibrant and eclectic, examining communication from neurons to nations. Their smart, passionate people and collaborative culture empower the opportunity to create an extraordinary impact on how they communicate and connect for a better, more inspired world.

This remote-friendly role includes the possibility of travel while identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding alumni and friends of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. The ideal individual for this role is a dedicated, collaborative, enthusiastic, creative, and results-oriented fundraiser who thinks and acts strategically. 

As Associate Director of Development for ComArtSci, you will manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major donor prospects, focusing efforts on prospects whose philanthropy capacity is $100,000 to maximize the fundraising potential on behalf of the university. You will travel as needed to engage with donors and secure major gift solicitations, playing a pivotal role in cultivating and soliciting major donor prospects for MSU’s upcoming capital campaign. As a member of the ComArtSci Advancement team, you’ll assist the Senior Director of Development in planning for the capital campaign, which includes developing funding priorities, identifying and cultivating leadership gifts and recruiting volunteers.

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a four-year degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Business and three to five years of experience in public relations, volunteer administration, fundraising, or marketing. It is also helpful to have a collaborative team-oriented work style, experience in public speaking and excellent interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication. 

Learn more about University Advancement at advancement.msu.edu and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at comartsci.msu.edu. If interested in this role, apply with your resume and cover letter at careers.msu.edu by August 15.

Sparty at the awards ceremony having fun with attendees

Congratulations to the Service and Retirement Recognition Program Award Recipients!

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The MSU Service and Retirement Recognition Award recognizes support staff employees celebrating a 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45th work anniversary or a retirement falling between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

On May 13, we recognized over 600 employees celebrating long-term work anniversaries and retirements during an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center. Our university’s development and growth have been, in large part, due to the contributions made by its staff members, particularly those who have chosen to remain in the service of the university. This occasion was dedicated to those who have served the university through the years of its greatest development. It is a tribute to those who have found satisfaction in helping others and creating an impact for a better world.

  • service and retirement recipients sitting at large round tables during the awards reception. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service.
    MSU service and retirement award recipients and their colleagues, friends, and families during the ceremony. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service to the university.
  • service and retirement recipients sitting at large round tables during the awards reception. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service.
    MSU service and retirement award recipients and their colleagues, friends, and families during the ceremony. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service to the university.
  • Christina K. Brogdon, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, speaking behind a podium on stage during the awards ceremony.
    Christina K. Brogdon, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, addresses the award recipients during the ceremony.
  • Thomas Glasmacher, Interim Executive Vice President for Administrative Services, standing behind a podium on stage. He is speaking during the awards ceremony.
    Thomas Glasmacher, Interim Executive Vice President for Administrative Services, addresses the award recipients during the ceremony.
  • Scott Pohl is standing behind a podium on stage with Jody Knol standing behind and to his right. They are from WKAR and announced award recipient names during the ceremony.
    Scott Pohl (left) and Jody Knol from WKAR announced award recipient names during the ceremony.
  • Sparty standing on stage behind the podium pretending to give a speech during the ceremony.
    Sparty thanks award recipients during the ceremony.
  • A group of award recipients sit at a table during the reception. Sparty is sitting next to them and pointing to the camera.
    Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
  • Sparty is giving an award recipient a handshake during the reception.
    Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
  • Sparty is sitting between a couple of award recipients during the reception and pretending to drink out of a glass.
    Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
  • Sparty standing behind a group of award recipients as they take a photo during the reception.
    Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
  • Sparty is dancing in front of a group of musicians.
    Sparty dancing to the live jazz band during the reception.

Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina K. Brogdon, and Interim Executive Vice President for Administration, Thomas Glasmacher, acknowledged award recipients and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. Please review this year’s awards program and watch a recording of the event below.

The university thanks these awardees for their talent, passion, loyalty, and contribution to our shared purpose. If you see a colleague’s name in this year’s awards program, be sure to congratulate them!

All photo credit: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts