Category: Fun & Resources

Learn about fun and/or interesting things to do around MSU or interesting bits of MSU trivia.

Refresh and Declutter with These Spring Cleaning Discounts

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

Leaves are budding, flowers are blooming, and the winter mess you’ve been putting off cleaning needs to go! Lucky for you, Spartan employees can receive exclusive discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to help you declutter and freshen up your space.

Truly Free

Get up to 70% off Truly Free products by using the code SAFERHOME30. Truly Free’s non-toxic and family-safe cleaning products utilize refillable and reusable packaging, which empowers families to protect themselves from harm and reduce their environmental footprint.

Angi

Enjoy exclusive access to Angi’s pre-priced home services. Use the promo code CORESTREAM to get 12% off your first booking for all pre-priced services, including home, yard, and gutter cleaning, handyperson services, appliance repair, and more.

Handy 

Get your first 3-hour home cleaning for $39 by signing up and using code CSPOT39. Handy is the leading platform for connecting individuals looking for household services with top-quality, pre-screened independent service professionals.

1-800-GOT-JUNK?

Clear out clutter and save $40 with code CS40.1-800-GOT-JUNK? is America’s most trusted name in junk removal. From a couple of items to a full home clear out, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? teams are standing by to make your junk disappear. 

Showroom Shine 

Show your MSU ID to receive your 20% off any Showroom Shine service at their car wash and detail center. With Showroom Shine located across from MSU, you can get your car detailed while at work or washed afterward. 

Check out MSU Benefits Plus for even more exclusive MSU employee discounts on gifts, travel, entertainment, and everything in between. For questions, please get in touch with the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.

Mother’s Day Deals and Discounts

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day (May 11), show the mom in your life that you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift or experience – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom, mother-in-law, or any maternal figure in your life.

MSU benefits-eligible employees can access many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus. To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.

Flowers 

  • ReVased: Take 20% off any ReVased flower bouquet or plant purchase with code CORESTREAM20. 
  • 1-800-Flowers: Save 20% on fresh, high-quality flowers using code CSTREAM.  
  • RoseFarmers: Save 35% on luxury long-stem roses.  

Gifts 

  • Gardyn: Get a gift with the new Gardyn 4.0 indoor gardening system using code EATGREENS.  
  • Bombas: Save 20% off your purchase using code CORESTREAM20.  
  • Gamefly: For the first three months, you can get $14 off your monthly subscription and access to the full game library. 
  • Nobull: 20% off training shoes and apparel using code CORESTREAM20.  

Food 

  • GiftTree: Save 10% on most gifts and gift baskets using code MSU10. 
  • Wolferman’s: Save 20% on specialty breakfast foods and unique bakery treats with code CSTREAM. 
  • Harry and David: Save 20% on the finest gourmet foods and fresh fruit gifts with code CSTREAM. 

Experiences 

  • W. K. Kellogg Biological Station: Free admission to the bird sanctuary for moms on Sunday, May 11! Spring flowers and trees are in bloom, and migration season is underway. 

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. For questions, please get in touch with the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575. 

May Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

If you and your family are looking for events in May, you have come to the right place! May holds many opportunities on campus and in the Greater Lansing area. Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if necessary. 

Campus Events

May 3 – Family Day: RESEARCH: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Investigate art materials as playful research and see what different things art materials can do, inspired by the MSU students in the 2025 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition. 

May 8 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Spring Ephemerals:  Join Arboretum and Invasive Species Coordinator Carolyn Miller for a garden walk to enjoy the spring ephemerals in their floral display and maybe even spot some birds on the way! 

May 10 – Museum Tour: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden  Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens, Maeve Bassett, to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection.

May 19—Rest With Music: Music can heal, calm, and regenerate our mind, body, and spirit. Hosted by Health Promotion and Engagement, Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music, live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres. Visit the website for available dates and times.

May 28 – Beal Footprints Walking Tour Series: Join Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum for lunchtime guided tours beginning at the Beal Pond. May’s tour is “Plant identification for everyone” by Director Alan Prather.

May 21 to June 1 – Hamilton: A revolutionary story of passion, ambition, and the dawn of a new nation, Hamilton is coming to the Wharton Center. Visit the Wharton Center website to read more about the musical and check out dates and ticket pricing. 

Greater Lansing Area Events

May 2—Teens and Adults with Disabilities Social Night: Teens and adults with disabilities can visit the Valley Farms Community Center for an evening of dancing, refreshments, and friends—old and new!  

May 17 – The Best of Lansing Festival: Celebrate the best of the best of downtown Lansing! This free event transforms Lansing into a playground of people of all ages coming together for huge inflatable obstacle courses on the Capitol Lawn, over 100 vendors featuring Lansing’s finest creations, and showcasing the Lansing City Pulse’s Top of the Town winners. 

May 17 and 18—East Lansing Art Festival: Visit the East Lansing Art Festival to celebrate its 62-year tradition of bringing high-quality art to the streets of East Lansing. Immerse yourself in the art, creativity, and culture of the Greater Lansing area community.  

May 22 – Thursday Night Live! Mason Outdoor Concert Series: “Thursday Night Live!” is a summer series of free musical entertainment hosted by the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce to bring various musical experiences and the community together. All ages are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to sprawl on the lawn and enjoy free entertainment with crafts, concessions, and more available. 

Family-Friendly Events

May 11 and 21—Impression 5’s Sensory Friendly Hours: You and your family can visit the Impression 5 Science Center’s select exhibits, which have been altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a small group capacity, pop-up activities, and maps designated for these select areas.

May 29 – The Spongebob Musical: Visit the Riverwalk Theatre in Lansing to see The Spongebob Musical – a cartoonish romp by Kyle Jarrow and Tina Landau. 

Select Dates in May – Lansing Lugnuts Home Game: Cheer on your local Lansing Lugnuts at a home game this season at Jackson Field! 

Recurring Fridays and Saturdays – Toddler Time at Launch Lansing: Visit Launch Lansing Trampoline Park during select times to enjoy children’s music, visits from Joey the kangaroo, and a special toddler section with your little ones. 

Learning Opportunities

May 1 – Conflict Management:  Learn how to resolve conflict, de-escalate situations, and manage crises in the workplace. This training will help you apply these tactics to real-life situations. 

May 6—Grammar Refresher: This virtual workshop will strengthen your grammar and usage skills and help you present a more professional image in the workplace. 

May 7 – Webinar – How Can I Afford College for my Kids or Grandkids? Hosted by TIAA, register for this webinar for helpful insights into how to make the best decisions when saving for a child’s future education. Learn why saving for college is essential, how to get started, how to avoid debt, and more. 

May 8—Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Part 2 Unlock the Full 34: In this series, you will learn to identify personal talents through the CliftonStrengths Full 34 Report, evaluate how these talents impact work relationships and performance, and determine how to develop further natural talents through the given tools. 

May 8, 15, 22, and 29 – Breaking Free from Stress: This four-part virtual series explores how awareness of your thoughts can bring your personal and work life together. Become a wise leader of your personal and work life, move beyond anxiety and depression, stay steady in difficult times, embrace change, and more in this webinar. 

May 13 – Records Management and Retention at MSU: Learn the rules, regulations, and strategies to help manage university records. 

May 14, 21, and 28—Setting Healthy Boundaries: This webinar teaches signs to know when it is time to set a boundary, the different types of boundaries we need to set, how to manage negative emotions that may come up when discussing boundaries, and more. 

May 15 – Webinar: Financial Wellness and Mental Health:  Learn the relationship between mental and financial well-being in this webinar hosted by the TIAA. Gather insights on how financial problems can impact mental health, how mental health impacts decision making, the importance of developing a personal wellness plan, and resources that are available to help. 

May 28 – Maximize Your Concur Travel Skills: Recommended for new-to MSU employees, this course teaches how to understand the Concur systems, create a travel request, book travel, reconcile travel expenses, and more. 

May 29 – Mandatory Reporting Obligations for RVSM: MSU’s Prevention Outreach and Education (POE) presenters will review the University’s  Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy and employee expectations under the policy. This training will also provide attendees with practices and support for those affected by RVSM. 

Celebrate Earth Day at MSU!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Earth Day is April 22 – a perfect reminder that every day is a chance to show our planet some love! While there are many eco-friendly things we weave into our daily lives already, Earth Day is a great opportunity to promote sustainability. Whether you’re working remotely or commuting into the office, take a look at these tips and resources to go green:

Use the MSU Recycling Center: The MSU Recycling Center always leads the charge for reusable materials at MSU. The center is open seven days a week for drop-off of materials. These materials can be anything and everything, including books, cardboard, glass, plastics, and more! Read the Public Drop-off Recycling Center Guide to find their hours and what and how to drop things off. 

Join the Waste Warriors: The Surplus Store & Recycling Center’s Waste Warriors program cultivates waste reduction and the utilization of waste as a resource by training and empowering the MSU community to promote these practices among their peers. By becoming a Waste Warrior, you join a group of like-minded staff and faculty from across campus who each pledge to be part of the solution that will lead MSU down the path to zero waste.

Meridian Township Spring Recycling Day: On April 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., stop by the Meridian Mall to safely recycle your unwanted items at the Meridian Township Farmers’ Market. Visit the Meridian Township website to see what items are accepted. 

Shop at the MSU Surplus Store: The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center rethinks the way the MSU Community disposes of its used materials. Our innovative program allows us to reduce the amount of university material that goes to landfills, keeping MSU green. Shop from a variety of items, including books, electronics, furniture, office equipment, vehicles, and more. Additionally, check out the Community Reuse Program to drop off a wide variety of items for reuse and recycling.

Join MSU Arbor Day: On April 25 at noon, join the MSU Landscapers installing native plant material along the riverbank, creating a new pollinator garden. Volunteer along the banks of the Red Cedar River between Kellogg Ramp and Jenison Field House in lot 67 for the annual Arbor Day planting. Free trees from the campus nursery will be given away to the first 100 volunteers who attend.

Pack Up, Pitch In: The Student Life and Engagement Sustainability Office is looking for volunteers to help collect and pack non-perishable foods from the residence halls during move-in and move-out weeks. These efforts will directly benefit the MSU Food Bank, MSU Safe Place, and the sustainability of the MSU community. 

Deep Rooted Tour Series: Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens, Maeve Bassett, to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection.

Volunteer at the Beal Botanical Garden: Volunteer opportunities with the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum span far beyond Earth Day. Explore gardening, training opportunities, and ambassadorships to help benefit the campus and our Earth. 

Use MSU Bikes on Campus: MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service, which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day through their Department Fleet Services.

Limit Car Use: While there is no getting around long commutes, take any opportunity to walk or use MSU Bikes or CATA buses to limit emissions from your vehicle. No destination in mind? Explore these campus walking maps to find your new favorite trail!

How else can we get involved? 

While Earth Day is just one day out of the year, it can serve as a reminder to jumpstart your sustainability efforts and connection with our planet. Go Green!

5 Financial Goals to Consider with Help from Fidelity and TIAA

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

As a benefits-eligible employee, you may know about the generous retirement savings programs and resources MSU offers to help set you up for a successful retirement. However, MSU’s retirement plan vendors, Fidelity and TIAA, can help you with more than just retirement planning. Whatever your financial goals – such as funding a big purchase, paying down debt, or creating a sustainable budget – Fidelity and TIAA can help you create a plan to achieve them. 

Fidelity and TIAA are financial professionals who can provide strategies and advice to help you take charge of your finances. Review the goals below and then contact your vendor using the following information. 

1. Create a Budget: Many people only have a vague understanding of their spending habits or financial situation. Between trying to comprehend financial jargon, figuring out your goals, and understanding how to balance debt, saving, and investing, it’s no wonder people often bury their heads in the sand. Luckily, Fidelity and TIAA have tools, resources, and advice to help us make a plan and stay on track. 
More Information: 

2. Build an Emergency Fund: Setting aside money for an emergency – such as unemployment, surprise medical or vet bills, or unplanned home repairs – is a key element of basic financial planning and often the first step advisors will recommend. According to TIAA, “it’s good to maintain an emergency fund that would cover three to six months of living expenses” (Waltenberger, 2024). These living expenses include the things you absolutely must pay for each month, such as food, housing, utilities, child care, health care, transportation, debt payments, or similar. 
 
The latest report released by the Federal Reserve found that 37% of adults would not be able to afford a $400 emergency expense (2024, Federal Reserve), which means they would have to use credit cards, personal loans, early retirement withdrawals, or ask family/friends for assistance. Saving towards an emergency fund – even if it’s only a small amount each month – can help you build a safety net to keep you out of debt. 
More Information: 

3. Pay Down Debt: The average American owes $105,056 in debt across mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, and personal loans (Experian, 2024). While it’s important to note that having debt isn’t necessarily bad – a mortgage loan, for instance, can help you build wealth and eventually own a home – having too much debt or high-interest debt can lead to financial stress. Fidelity clarifies, “Good debt is generally considered any debt that may help you increase your net worth or generate future income. Importantly, it typically has a low interest or annual percentage rate (APR), which experts say is normally under 6%” (Fidelity, 2023). 
 
If you’re only able to make the minimum payment on your credit card, have trouble paying your monthly bills, or have debt payments that are more than 35% of your gross income, you may need help managing your debt (TIAA, 2024). Luckily, TIAA and Fidelity have actionable steps to help you move in the right direction. Review the resources below for advice on managing debt and contact your vendor directly to receive personal financial advice. 
More Information: 

4. Maximize Your Retirement Investment: Most benefit-eligible employees1 are enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10%. That’s an immediate two-for-one match of your investment for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides a great foundation for your retirement savings, you may eventually want to consider additional options. It’s important to note that the IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to their retirement savings accounts each year. However, many people may discover there is a lot of room before their current contributions reach that limit. Fidelity and TIAA can help you determine what your retirement contributions should be to help you reach your personal retirement goals – whether that date is 30 years in the future or just around the corner. 
More Information: 

5. Plan Your Estate: According to TIAA, “Pondering your incapacity or mortality, and what might happen to your loved ones when you are no longer with them, can be tough to face. It’s what keeps most people from starting the estate planning process” (TIAA, 2024). Despite the challenging nature of the topic, creating a solid plan can give you and your family peace of mind and the confidence that your wishes will be carried out as desired. 
More Information: 

Questions? We encourage you to reach out to Fidelity  (800-642-7131) or TIAA  (800-732-8353) with your financial or retirement planning questions. 

1 Certain types of employees are excluded from participating in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more details.  

Sources: 

Five Essential Estate planning questions to ask. TIAA. (n.d.-a). https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/retirement-planning-and-beyond/important-estate-planning-questions 

Good debt vs bad debt. Fidelity. (2024, February 14). https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/good-debt-vs-bad-debt Horymski, C. (2024, March 22). Experian study: Average U.S. consumer debt and statistics. Experian. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/research/consumer-debt-study/ 

How to make a financial plan. Fidelity. (2024, February 21). https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/how-to-make-a-financial-plan-video 

Report on the economic well-being of U.S. households in 2023 – May 2024. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2024, May). https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2024-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2023-executive-summary.htm  

Tips for managing and reducing your debt. TIAA. (n.d.). https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/personal-finance-101/debt-consolidation 

Waltenberger, A. (n.d.). 5 must-have financial goals. TIAA. https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/personal-finance-101/5-must-have-financial-goals 

Opening photo by Freepik.

photo of the Livongo diabetes welcome kit, which includes a glucose monitor, case, strips, and other medical tools.

Don’t Forget Your Optional MSU Benefits and Resources 

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MSU is committed to offering valuable benefits to support you and your family. You’re probably aware of MSU’s health and dental care benefit options as a benefits-eligible employee. However, on top of those, you can access a range of optional benefits we’d like to remind you about. 

Beyond meeting your health and dental care needs, these optional benefits can help you save money on needed products and services. We realize keeping track of all these different resources can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve created the following recap to jog your memory with links to more detailed information to learn more. 

This graphic provides a quick summary of these optional benefits (view a PDF version).

An infographic displaying the following optional benefits available to MSU employees: 1. Teladoc: speak to a licensed medical professional by web, phone, or app. If needed a prescription can be sent anywhere in the U.S. No co-pay for employees enrolled in BCV, BlueCard, or Community Blue. CDHP enrollees pay the full amount until the deductible is met. 2. Livongo by Teladoc: A free diabetes management program for benefits-eligible employees, their spouse/other eligible individual, and dependents. 3. Teladoc Medical Experts: Expert medical advice for informed medical decisions. Get help to make the right choice with confidence. 4. Voluntary Benefits: options include pet, vision, home, auto, legal, critical illness, along with discounts. 5. On-campus/local services: Find imaging services, such as MRI, X-ray, and more- along with prescription delivery within 30 miles of campus.

Optional benefit programs available: 

  • Teladoc: Virtually speak with a doctor 24/7 via web, phone, or mobile app. They can even write you a prescription if necessary. Employees have described Teladoc as “a game changer” (read employee experiences here). If you haven’t already, we recommend you sign up for Teladoc now so you’re prepared. 
  • Livongo: This diabetes management program provides free supplies delivered right to your door whenever you need them and support with optional virtual coaching. Save time and money on needed supplies. Learn more about Livongo on the HR website. 
  • Teladoc Medical Experts: Get medical advice from experts on your specific medical condition and feel empowered to make the best choice possible for your care. Whether you need medical questions answered, a diagnosis double-checked, help deciding on a treatment plan, or guidance about surgery, Teladoc Medical Experts can help. Learn more about the services Teladoc Medical Experts offers. 
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts: Find insurance offerings such as vision, legal, pet, home/auto, and critical illness (some have enrollment periods) through MSU Benefits Plus. Additionally, you will find MSU Campus Discounts and a variety of other discounts on everything from electronics to home goods, meal delivery services, travel, and much more. 
  • On-Campus/Local Services:

You might not always need or think of these resources, but keeping them tucked away can make it easier and more cost-effective to manage your family’s health. As always, if you have any questions about these benefits options, please visit the HR website to learn more or contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • Swimming: Present a valid staff or faculty ID to use one of the pools available on campus for laps or open swimming during designated pool hours.
  • Group Fitness Classes: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes with membership pricing for MSU employees.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

  • University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.

Don’t Miss Out on These Exclusive Spring Break Discounts!

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

Spring Break for many area schools is quickly approaching. Before finalizing your plans, review your exclusive employee discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to determine if any may be useful to your family.

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in or sign up for a free account.

Travel

National Car Rental: Enjoy up to 20% off your reservation rate when booking through our exclusive link. Discount automatically applied with the link. 

Tickets at Work: Go somewhere new in 2024 with up to 60% off exclusive hotel rates at top destinations worldwide. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% off the best available rooms at participating hotels worldwide.

Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% off year-round by using code CORESTREAM when booking.

Entertainment

Premium Seats USA: Save 10% on ticket purchases to professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, auto racing, wrestling and more when you use promo code CORESTREAM. 

Tiqets: Save over 40% on museums, zoos, aquariums and more worldwide. Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!

Restaurant.com: Get 20% off all certificates. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites or enjoy quality takeout meals. 

Find these savings as well as many other discounts by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. The MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions at 888-758-7575.

Campus Deals

Wharton: Discounts are given to Wharton Center subscribers and occasional 10-15% discounts on select performances are given to MSU employees.

Munn Ice Arena: Save on public skating during spring break. Employees receive discounted rates with valid MSU ID.

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center: Thinking about a staycation? MSU Employees can receive special hotel accommodation rates when making reservations. A valid MSU employee ID may be required at check-in.

Five people working together at a conference table.

Fostering Excellence: Continuous Learning and Educational Assistance for MSU Support Staff

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Written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR Organization and Professional Development

Michigan State University stands as a beacon of educational excellence, not only for its students but also for its dedicated support staff. At the heart of MSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth and development is the twin approach of continuous learning and educational assistance benefits tailored for support staff.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, and MSU recognizes its transformative power. For support staff, engaging in ongoing education and using it on the job brings many benefits to the individual and helps create a dynamic and adaptable workforce that contributes significantly to the university’s success.

  • Career Development: Continuous learning helps open doors to career advancement opportunities. MSU support staff have access to many professional development opportunities, from workshops to specialized training sessions, allowing us to enhance our skills in preparation for future positions. According to Gallup, 41% of employees consider career development a very important aspect of job satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Job Performance: Staying current with industry trends and best practices is essential for optimal job performance. MSU’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, directly impacting their ability to excel in their roles and contribute to the university’s operational excellence. Individuals can chart their path using educational assistance or elevateU, the free on-demand source for technical and essential skill development and certification prep.
  • Increased Engagement: 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager, according to Gallup. Continuous learning fosters a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction with a person’s job, and while resources are always slim—supporting continuous learning is essential for supervisors. Staff who feel supported in their educational pursuits are more likely to experience higher engagement, leading to a positive work environment and a deepened commitment to MSU’s mission. Gallup finds that engaged employees have 78% less absenteeism, 63% less safety accidents, and a 10% increase in customer loyalty.
  • Adaptability to Change: Adaptability is a key attribute in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Continuous learning instills resilience and the ability to navigate change effectively. Those empowered to participate in ongoing education will be well-positioned to embrace new challenges and contribute to the university’s culture of innovation.

Educational Assistance Programs at MSU

MSU exemplifies its commitment to the educational journey of support staff through robust educational assistance programs designed to remove financial barriers to learning. Educational assistance benefits and eligibility are governed by an employee’s respective collective bargaining unit agreement. Non-union employees and Academic Specialists also have educational benefits available to them.

Educational assistance benefits are available to help achieve educational and career development goals. There are two different aspects of educational assistance: non-credit courses and credit courses.

  • Non-Credit Courses: Eligible employees can take programs offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development or IT Services, non-credit programs, seminars, and conferences. Most staff employee groups have $800 or $900 available annually for non-credit programs. APA members can utilize this amount to pay for credit classes.
  • Credit courses: Eligible employees can take courses at MSU or a non-MSU accredited institution, provided it is located in the state of Michigan. MSU courses are eligible for and processed as a tuition waiver, while non-MSU courses are processed as a reimbursement. Institutions that are considered to be primarily online only (such as the University of Phoenix) or institutions that are not Michigan-based are ineligible.

Please review the Educational Assistance webpages and Educational Assistance Eligibility by Employee Group summary for more details about Educational Assistance programs, eligibility, and the available benefit coverage. For questions, contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

References

Gallup. (2024, November 18), “How to improve employee engagement in the workplace.” Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx

Juyumaya, J., Torres-Ochoa, C. and Rojas, G. (2024), “Boosting job performance: the impact of autonomy, engagement and age”, Revista de GestĂŁo, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 397-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/REGE-09-2023-0108

Tips and Benefits Resources for Heart Health

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to several conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems, results in one death every 33 seconds (CDC, 2024). 

It’s important to note that cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2022, about 1 out of every 5 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults younger than 65 years old” (CDC, 2024).

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy: 

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed.
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize them. It’s important to schedule your yearly visit so your doctor can check these numbers and other important health metrics. If you’re enrolled in an MSU health plan, you can learn more about your plan and find links to find a provider on the HR website. 
    • Use Livongo by Teladoc Health for Diabetes Management.  Livongo is a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all FREE for MSU employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up. 
  • Support Your Mental Health: According to the American Heart Association, “Increasing evidence shows that biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues may also influence heart disease” (AHA, 2023). These chemical changes can predispose people to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. Utilize these resources to support your mental health:
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating foods high in salt, sugar, saturated, and/or trans fats can cause high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
    • Eat a Plant-Forward (Plant-Based) Diet. Make sure the majority of your calories come from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts/seeds (American Heart Association, 2025). If you must eat dairy and/or meat, look for low-fat, lean, and unprocessed options. The AHA recommends a list of the best plant-based sources of protein and offers insight into protein and heart health. 
    • Beware Unexpected Sources of Sodium. The top ten sources of sodium in the American diet include some unexpected items, including bread, sandwiches, cold cuts, pizza, rice, and soups (CDC, 2024). 
    • Food and Nutrition Counseling for MSU Employees. MSU University Health and Wellbeing offers one-on-one counseling and additional resources  to promote a non-diet approach that uses an eating competence model and a weight-inclusive approach to support health. 
  • Get Regular Physical Activity: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week – that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA, 2023). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking.

Sources: 

American Heart Association (2022, May 6). Smoking both traditional and e-cigarettes may carry same heart risks as Cigarettes alone. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/06/smoking-both-traditional-and-e-cigarettes-may-carry-same-heart-risks-as-cigarettes-alone

American Heart Association (2023, December 20). How does plant-forward (plant-based) eating benefit your health? Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-does-plant-forward-eating-benefit-your-health

American Heart Association (2024, January 10). What is cardiovascular disease? Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease

American Heart Association (2024, January 19). American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf

CDC. “About Sodium and Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025 www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

CDC. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025, www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 6). About Sodium. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/salt/food.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 15). Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

Michigan State University. “Functional Movement Screening.” Functional Movement Screening | Health Promotion & Engagement | Michigan State University, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025. healthpromotion.msu.edu/fitness/functionalmovement/index.html

Michigan State University. “Bike Commuter Resources.” MSU Bikes Blog, 8 Nov. 2024, msubikes.wordpress.com/commuter-benefits/

Michigan State University. “Cessation Resources.” Cessation | Tobacco & Smoke Free MSU | Michigan State University, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025, tobaccofree.msu.edu/cessation/index.html

Michigan State University. “Comprehensive Fitness Assessment.” Comprehensive Fitness Assessment | Health Promotion & Engagement | Michigan State University, healthpromotion.msu.edu/fitness/assessment/index.html. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025. https://healthpromotion.msu.edu/fitness/assessment/index.html

Michigan State University. “Spartan Wellness Training.” Spartan Wellness Training | Recreational Sports and Fitness Services | Michigan State University, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

https://recsports.msu.edu/fitness/wellness.htmlMSU Human Resources. “Happy World Mental Health Day!” SourceLive, 10 October 2024, https://sourcelive.hr.msu.edu/?p=18488