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Save for retirement during America Saves Week!

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Did you know America Saves Week is February 25 – March 2? America Saves Week is a nationally recognized time to encourage individuals and families “to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth” (America Saves, 2018). This includes saving money and planning for retirement. Both MSU’s retirement vendors, Fidelity and TIAA, offer multiple resources for America Saves Week with live webinars, courses for financial literacy and other tools.

Fidelity offers a variety of online resources, including webinars on everything from managing life, to saving and investment, to preparing for retirement. Fidelity is offering live webinars for Fidelity members during America Saves Week; if you’re not a member, you can find previous webcasts available any time at Fidelity. There are additional resources on MSU’s Fidelity microsite; some resources may require a member login. For additional questions, you can give Fidelity a call at 888-766-6813.

TIAA offers educational articles on saving, tools for goal setting, a retirement calculator, and free live webinars. If you’re feeling unsure about investing or retirement planning, TIAA can help you with online professionals. You don’t need to be a TIAA member to participate in the live webinars, simply select the “Guest Login” option on their website when signing up for a webinar. You can also give them a call at 800-842-2252.

Whether you’re looking to save for retirement now or start planning for your future, Fidelity and TIAA can help you plan with webinars, online professional help and financial literacy courses. For general questions about retirement, contact MSU HR at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434. For questions about your specific retirement plans, please contact your retirement vendor directly.

Unexpected life events happen. Long-term care insurance can help.

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Do you have a loved who needs assistance with daily routines, such as bathing or eating, due to either a physical or mental impairment? Are you prepared if this were to become a reality in your life in the future – either for yourself or a loved one? Long-term care is here to help an individual due to an injury, illness, mental deterioration or advancing age. Long-term care is not only for the elderly; it can help you when an unexpected accident or illness arises.

MSU offers long-term care insurance as an optional benefit to eligible MSU employees. If you are an eligible faculty, academic staff, executive management, or support staff member,  you are eligible. Your spouse, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandparents-in-law, adult children, and sibling (referred to as other eligible individuals (OEI) under the plan) are eligible as well.

Long-term care insurance is offered through Transamerica, and you can enroll anytime during the year through MSU Benefits Plus. Not sure what options to choose? You can consult with specialists from the Todd Benefits Group, a third-party firm specializing in long-term-care benefits, to help you select the Transamerica options that best meet your needs.

Here are some most frequently asked questions about long-term care:

How do I or one of my OEIs qualify for long-term care coverage?

First, a licensed health care practitioner needs to provide a plan of care and certify that within the last 12 months you/your OEI are unable to perform two out of six activities of daily living or have a severe cognitive impairment that requires substantial supervision, you are eligible to start receiving long-term care benefits. These activities include bathing, maintaining continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring.

How do I determine how much long-term care coverage to get?

Policies have a daily benefit amount and a lifetime benefit amount. The daily benefit amount is the amount the insurance company will reimburse you for each day of qualified care received. The lifetime benefit amount is the total amount available to cover the cost of long-term care services.

Factors to consider when deciding how much to purchase include:

  • Cost of care in your area of residence or where you plan to live in retirement
  • Other sources of income or how much you can afford to self-insure

It’s best to consult the Todd Benefits Group for assistance in deciding.

Does long-term care only include out-of-home care or in-home care?

Long-term care includes Home Care, Home Health Care, Adult Day Care and Hospice Care.

What if I wish to remain at home but still require long-term care?

a. Long-term care insurance called TransCare II includes a Cash Benefit which, once you qualify for benefits, you can choose to receive your benefit payments in an amount equal to 10 times the maximum daily benefit each month. You can use this money in any way you see fit and it gives you freedom of choice to pay a family member for care, for example.

b. The Remain at Home Benefit can further assist with challenges you may face when you wish to stay in your home. For example, this benefit can be used to pay for the following qualified long-term care services:

i. Home modification (ramps, grab bars, etc.)

ii.Caregiver training for informal caregivers (such as a family member)

iii. Therapeutic device or technology (i.e., crutches, wheelchairs, hospital-style beds)

iv. Medical Alert System (rental or purchase of systems to monitor health)

How much does it cost?

Premium rates vary depending on the coverage you select. Contact the Todd Benefits Group to determine what coverage is best for you. There’s also a Premium Calculator on their MSU website portal which allows you to review some coverage options, as well as create your own custom plan and see immediate premium quotes.

Are there any discounts available?

  • A 5% discount for all (including family members) who qualify for coverage.
  • Married/Partner* discount of 15% if only one spouse applies (if you have a spouse/partner).
  • Spousal/Partner* discount of 30% if both apply (with identical coverage) and are approved.
  • Preferred discount of 10% if you qualify medically.

*This includes OEIs.

What happens to my policy when I retire or change employment?

Coverage is provided under an individual long-term care policy, which means nothing changes if you retire or change jobs. Benefits and discounts are permanent.

What happens if I never use my long-term care policy?

In the event you do not utilize your policy, there is a return of premium to age 67. If you pass away before age 67, TransAmerica will pay a lump sum benefit to your beneficiary or estate totaling the sum of all premiums paid less the amount of any claims.

Still not sure if you or your OEIs are eligible? First, review your respective policy: Faculty & Academic Staff; Support Staff. You can also learn more about more about long-term care insurance on the HR website or request more information from Todd Benefits Group at 1-888-310-8633. Visit MSU Benefits Plus to enroll and learn about enrollment options.

Information in this blog post was provided in part by the Todd Benefits Group and Pacific Resources, MSU’s voluntary benefits administrator. 

Job of the Week – Extension 4-H Program Coordinator

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This week’s job of the week is an Extension 4-H Program Coordinator (#561501) for the MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute. This position is seeking an individual to provide leadership and oversight for the growth and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers and youth participants.

The responsibilities for this role include recruiting, selecting and training 4-H program volunteers, overseeing program promotion, and gathering and analyzing data for impact evaluation efforts, among other duties.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired by completing a four-year degree; two years’ experience in program development and management in 4-H or other youth development program; volunteer management and experience supervising volunteers or of others; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

Need an MRI, X-ray or CT scan? Save time with services right on campus.

Published on by MSU Human Resources9 Comments

Have you ever needed to get an MRI, X-ray or mammogram and had to rearrange your schedule to fit it in? In your fast-paced and busy life, convenience is key! Did you know you can get imaging services like an MRI, CT or PET scan done right here on campus? MSU Radiology offers a full range of imaging services such as bone densitometry, digital mammography, ultrasound/vascular ultrasound, X-rays and much more, with scheduling options that also match your busy life.

MSU Radiology has locations in both the Clinical Center on Service Road and the Eyde Building on Hagadorn Road, along with a range of open hours including early mornings, nights and weekends to accommodate your schedule. Most procedures require an appointment, but same day appointments are typically available, depending on your schedule. Walk-ins are welcome for X-ray services with no appointment necessary.

Along with convenience comes expert care. The radiologists at MSU Radiology are unique in that they have acquired additional training and are board-certified for specialty interpretations.

Wonder what to expect? Check out the video below on MRI services:

If you need imaging services and it’s not an emergency, ask your doctor to refer you to MSU Radiology. If you are an MSU benefits-eligible employee, you and your dependents are eligible to use your MSU health coverage at MSU Radiology for imaging services with no change in your copay. You’ll need a written order from your doctor, which they can access on the Radiology website, and your health insurance card with a form of identification.

You’ll be in and out quickly with low wait times and convenient parking in both locations. You can park in Lot 100 directly in front of the Clinical Center; while this is a paid lot, customers are given parking validation when they leave the office, so there is no cost to park in this lot. You can also park in employee-designated parking in Lots 91 or 92 across the street. Parking at the Eyde Building is located on both sides of the building.

Learn more information about MSU Radiology, see a full list of the services they offer or make an appointment at 517-353-5053.

photo of a book open on a desk with library stacks in the background.

Assistance for Professional or Educational Development

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As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you have access to a variety of unique benefits and resources to help you and your family succeed, including Educational Assistance and Course Fee Courtesy. These benefits offer financial assistance toward your professional development or the educational development of your spouse and/or dependents after you’ve worked at MSU for a certain amount of time.

MSU HR receives a lot of questions about the differences between Educational Assistance and Course Fee Courtesy. We hope this article will help clarify the differences between the two benefits and encourage you to take advantage of them.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Who’s eligible to receive this benefit?
The Educational Assistance benefit is available to MSU support staff after working at MSU for an equivalent of 12 full-time service months. If you work less than full-time, the benefit is pro-rated based on your employment percentage.

Note: A similar program, The Professional Development Support Program, is available for Academic Specialists. 

What does the benefit include?
You may receive financial assistance for both credit and non-credit courses, which may include trainings, seminars, workshops, conferences or other educational opportunities. Use this benefit to enhance your professional skillset or help you reach Performance Excellence goals.

For non-credit courses, like professional development courses available through HR, support staff employees have up to $800 per year to use towards course registration fees. This money does not roll over to the next year, so be sure to take advantage of this benefit every academic year. The course must be considered job-related and from an approved institution/program to receive assistance.

For credit courses, you can receive up to 14 credits per academic year. Your financial assistance level is determined by your union group, the type of course you’re taking (graduate or undergraduate), 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.

MORE INFO: Find detailed information about Educational Assistance – including how to apply – on the HR website.

COURSE FEE COURTESY

Who’s eligible to receive this benefit?
The Course Fee Courtesy benefit is available to your dependents or spouse. Regular support staff become eligible for this benefit after the equivalent of 60 full-time service months, which is equal to working at MSU full-time for 5 years. Faculty and academic staff become eligible based on their appointment; fixed-term faculty/academic staff are eligible after 60 full-time service months; continuing/tenure employees are automatically eligible; full-time Health Programs (HP) faculty become eligible upon the commencement of the first additional HP appointment.

What does it include?
This includes a Michigan resident undergraduate tuition rate reduction of 50% for your dependent(s) and/or spouse who attend MSU. So, if you have children and/or a spouse who are planning on attending MSU, you could save 50% off their undergraduate tuition rate. This benefit is only valid for a student’s first bachelor’s degree and through the semester in which the 120th credit is attempted.

MORE INFO: Find detailed information about Course Fee Courtesy – including how to apply – on the HR website.

Have further questions about Educational Assistance or Course Fee Courtesy? Contact HR’s Organization and Professional Development department at prodev@hr.msu.edu, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Job of the Week – Communications Manager I

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This week’s job of the week is a Communications Manager I (#559535) for Lyman Briggs College. This position is seeking an individual to work collaboratively across the organization to develop content that conveys the college’s reputation and visibility on a national and international level.

The responsibilities for this role include developing communications plans to meet the needs of the college and using social media to drive support and engagement. Other responsibilities for this role include gathering support from alumni and donors through advocacy and managing media relations to cultivate, create and gain local media placement.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Professional Writing, or a related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

Begin a tobacco and nicotine free lifestyle with the MSU Breathe Easy Program

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Have you struggled in the past trying to stop using tobacco and nicotine products? Have you heard about MSU Breathe Easy program? MSU Health4U created Breathe Easy, a free tobacco and nicotine cessation program.

As an MSU employee (or benefit-eligible dependent) who is currently using tobacco, begin your next step to quit with Breathe Easy. Breathe Easy offers fall and spring support sessions for employees and/or their benefit-eligible dependents looking to stop using tobacco or nicotine products. The next available session will begin Wednesday, Feb. 20 and will run every Wednesday until May 8. This program offers behavior support, medical evaluation and the choice of medication to quit. (You also have the option to quit without using medication.)

The project was very helpful to me. I have tried quitting on my own in the past and with various quit drugs. Time after time I went back. the difference with the program was I learned why I continued to smoke and what to do to improve my chances to quit for good. The program was instrumental in my understanding of the smoking cessation process.

You can register for the upcoming session at 517-353-2596 or by emailing health4u@msu.edu. Find more information on this program at MSU’s Health4U website or visit Linton Hall, Room 113.

Job of the Week – Executive Secretary II

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This week’s Job of the Week is an Executive Secretary II (#559066) to the James Madison College Assistant Dean. The college is seeing an individual to work as a resourceful liaison between the Dean, students and faculty and to serve as the initial contact and overall support person for the academic services office.

The responsibilities for this role include working directly with students and assisting with other academic support issues. The Executive Secretary will provide an efficient and timely flow of information to and between faculty, staff, students and alumni. Other responsibilities for this role include assisting faculty to obtain course descriptions, schedule changes and addressing other faculty concerns.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired through a high school education; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive university work experience in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software; editing and composing correspondence, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

Courses in February to Improve Workplace Communication

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

Being able to communicate effectively with your co-workers is key to a successful and engaged workplace. When you can share your ideas openly and understand your co-workers’ views in return, you’re more likely to feel happier at work. Yet, oftentimes there are certain barriers that can make communication difficult, like personality or work style differences. If you have a better understanding of your own work and personality styles – and can identify different styles in others – you can start to bridge any gaps of misunderstanding and ultimately communicate more effectively.

We have a variety of courses available in February for MSU employees related to improving communication:

Everything DiSC: Behavior Styles at Work
Have you ever had a co-worker or boss who you could not even begin to understand? Even when you ask them questions, you’re still unsure what they need or want. Most of us have felt this way at one time or another. The course EverythingDiSC: Behavior Styles at Work is designed to help you understand yourself and other people better by giving you an understanding of different behavioral work styles.

Before the course, you will take a simple online assessment to learn your DiSC style, which is your unique work behavior style. During the class, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your style relates to others and tools to help you connect better with co-workers whose priorities and preferences differ from yours.

Honing Your Emotional Intelligence
The essence of emotional intelligence (also known as EQ or EI) is our ability to identify and manage our own emotions and to identify emotions in others. In today’s high-stress, multi-tasking workplace, having a high EQ can lead to better stress management, stronger relationships with better communication and increased job satisfaction. The Honing Your Emotional Intelligence course will show you tools to master the principles found within EQ. Specifically, this course will focus on:

  • Why EQ is an essential competency in today’s work world.
  • How to fully engage the four fundamental areas of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management.
  • How to increase your EQ.
  • Why EQ has a direct impact on job satisfaction and performance excellence.

Thriving Through Change
Change is inevitable and being able to communicate effectively through change will help ease the transition process. This course will define what change is and help you understand the stages and reactions to change. Learn techniques and strategies to help you cope with stress and manage the process successfully.

Ready to Register?
To register, login to the EBS Portal and click on the My Career and Training tab, then the Courses for Employees at MSU tile. Find a complete list of available OPD courses on the HR website.

Job of the Week – RHS Planner/Inspector/Analyst

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This week’s job of the week is an RHS Planner/Inspector/Analyst #557966 for Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) in the Planning and Projects Office. This position is seeking an individual to serve as a liaison between the department and Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) to oversee both capital and major projects, as well as day-to-day facilities projects.

The responsibilities for this role include handling day-to-day needs of IPF projects and managing installation schedules of flooring and products. Other responsibilities for this role include managing budgets, schedules, and coordinating the reduction of hazardous materials with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired in the first two or three years of college, technical or vocational school with an associate degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in construction, industrial design, project management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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