Category: News Flash

This category is for general news and announcements.

Tips to Enhance Savings During America Saves Week!

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Today marks the start of America Saves Week, taking place February 24-29, 2020. America Saves Week is a nationally recognized time to encourage individuals and families “to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth” (America Saves, 2018). Saving money is much easier said than done, so MSU’s retirement vendors TIAA and Fidelity have provided tips and tools to make saving for retirement and (life in general) a bit easier.

  • Save just 1% more. If you’re already saving, that’s great! But, did you know that increasing your 401(k) savings by just 1% can cause your savings to grow exponentially? Try the Power of Small Amounts tool by Fidelity to see how a small increase can have big effects on your savings.
  • Utilize a financial goal planner. Reveal your personal financial path in just three steps:

1. Map your income and expenses.

2. Write down each of your goals.

3. Match each goal to a time frame.       

4. Find an in-depth financial goal planner from TIAA here.

  • Try an online webinar. Both Fidelity and TIAA offer a variety of online resources. Fidelity hosts 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 on the Fidelity website. TIAA offers educational articles on saving, tools for goal setting, a retirement calculator, and free live webinars. 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.
  • Try to follow the 50/30/20 rule. Allow 50% of your income to go towards necessities, 30% towards discretionary items, and 20% towards savings. Click here to learn more about monthly savings plans and the 50/30/20 rule from TIAA.

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 planners.

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.

 

Now Accepting Nominations for 2020 Ruth Jameyson Award

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Do you know an MSU employee pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree while continuing to go above and beyond in their work and studies? MSU is currently seeking nominations for the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award through Friday, January 17, 2020.

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, nominees must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. The recipient will be honored at the Distinguished Staff Award Reception in May.

Learn more about the 2019 Ruth Jameyson Award winner, Shelby Gomboski:

Individuals may be nominated by any member of the university community (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, student). A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to MSU in a support staff position.

Learn more about the nomination process, and find the nomination form on the MSU HR website. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 17, 2020.

Nominate a deserving colleague for the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award

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Do you work alongside someone who exemplifies overall excellence in their job and contributions to the MSU community? Give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award! This annual award is presented to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee.

For over 40 years, 253 recipients have been honored and YOU now have the opportunity to nominate someone for one of the most prestigious awards granted to employees at Michigan State University!

Nomination forms are due on October 17, 2019. Click here to learn more about the award.

Watch the videos below to learn more about the 2019 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winners:

Visit the Surplus Store for all your office or home furnishing needs!

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Are you looking to spruce up your office with some new furniture or decorations? Are you a new employee who just moved to the area and is looking for items to furnish your new house or apartment? Or are you helping your college student get ready to move back to campus and in need of some dorm or apartment dĂ©cor?  The MSU Surplus Store is your one-stop-shop. The Surplus Store has all your needs from office furniture, home furniture, electronics, textbooks, bikes to MSU gear. Wondering how the Surplus Store works?

The Surplus Store receives most of its items from the university when items are no longer needed; Surplus Store team members go out and collect items from the residential halls, offices, and lounge areas. The Surplus Store is connecting surplus operations with recycling operations on campus. They take multiple steps before throwing an item out. The first step is to try to resell the item or give it away; if it can’t be sold or given away, then they will recycle it. If the item does not sell or can’t be recycled, then it will eventually go to landfill. However, the long-term goal is to help the university get to a zero-waste policy with these actions.

  • Cash Register at the Surplus Store with the quote "reuse: to use again, whether for same purpose or re-appropriated for another".
    Cash register at the Surplus Store
  • MSU Shadows corner with wood art, wall decor and degree frames.
    MSU Shadows Corner
  • Arts and Craft section at the Surplus Store with signs, art pieces and decor.
    Arts and crafts section

The Surplus Store is open year-round, Monday through Friday, to the public, MSU departments and employees. If you’re an MSU employee, you can purchase items with your account number. Just grab the item you’re looking for, head to the counter and give them your account number. If you purchased a large item, they also offer an on-campus delivery service to your office or department.

If you don’t have time to stop at the store, you can always look online at the MSU Surplus Store website. You can also find items on eBay from the store. Did you know that you can find textbooks at the Surplus store? Whether you’re using you’re continuing your education or have a student in your house who needs to buy their books, the Surplus Store may have what you need. You can also find textbooks available through the Surplus Store on Amazon.

If you’re looking for unique items, the Surplus Store also partners with MSU Forestry and Infrastructure Planning Facilities (IPF) to turn downed trees into products called the MSU Shadows. They have a variety of items from custom tables, wall art, diploma frames and more!

The Surplus Store has also partnered with MSU Dairy, MSU Meat Labs and MSU Horticulture Farm. You can find a variety of items from fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. By shopping at the Surplus Store, you’re supporting students and helping the university reach its goal of zero waste.

If you have a request, don’t be afraid to reach out! With over 4,000 items collected from campus each week, the Surplus Store is your one-stop-shop. Want to know more? Just visit their website at MSU Surplus Store or stop by in-person at 468 Green Way, East Lansing.

Welcome to the new academic year

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  • Head shot of Sharon Butler
    Sharon E. Butler
  • Terry Curry
    Theodore H. Curry II

On behalf of Academic Human Resources and MSU Human Resources, welcome to a new academic year at Michigan State University. There is no better season than the fall to represent the season of change MSU is in. Students begin to appear on campus once more; construction signs start to disappear, and the campus begins to turn into the vibrant and beautiful fall at MSU. This fall we’re also experiencing a change in leadership, with President Stanley officially taking office as of Aug. 1.

We’re very excited to have President Stanley leading the university, and we look forward to learning more about his vision for MSU in the days and months ahead. Your work and leadership are vital components of this new chapter in MSU’s story. Thank you for all you do for our students – whether it’s behind the scenes or face-to-face. Not all of you may interact with students on a regular basis, but each of you contributes to their success through the work you do every day.

Human Resources is here to help support you as you go about this important work. The HR Solutions Center is your main point of contact for questions regarding benefits or employment. This team is dedicated to customer service as their number one priority. You can reach them via phone, email, or in-person at 110 Nisbet Building.

You also can share feedback with Sharon at hrmail@msu.edu or Terry at ahr@msu.edu.

If you are a new faculty or academic staff member, we look forward to seeing you at Faculty Orientation on August 20.

Thank you for all you contribute to the continuing success of MSU and accept our best wishes for a successful academic year.

Sincerely,

Sharon E. Butler
Associate Vice President of MSU Human Resources

Theodore H. Curry II
Associate Provost & Associate Vice President for Academic Human Resources

Get your department involved with the Spartan Project SEARCH Program!

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The MSU Dairy Store is one of the most popular places on campus, whether you’re visiting campus for the first time or taking a walk on your lunch break – everyone stops by to get their favorite scoop of ice cream. The Dairy Store has not only been a place for students and families to come, but it has also been a part of a special and unique program on campus that focuses on students with disabilities.

The Spartan Project SEARCH Program aims to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program helps students build skills in communication, customer service and working with others, among various other skills. The program offers employment opportunities with different departments on campus through internship opportunities. Students in the program work with a mentor to help with their time at the job sites and transiting after graduation.  One of the smiling faces you may meet at the Dairy Store is a Spartan Project SEARCH Program graduate.

Spartan Project SEARCH graduate Cash helping a male customer at the counter in the MSU Dairy Store.
Spartan Project SEARCH graduate, Cash.

Cash Verhil has been part of the Spartan Project SEARCH Program for the last year. Cash works at the Dairy Store part-time and a restaurant in Lansing. The Spartan Project SEARCH Program has helped him gain skills in feeling more confident in interacting with people. According to Cash, the biggest takeaways from his work at the Dairy Store have been “gaining independence, being responsible and customer service.” This fall, Cash will be a student at Lansing Community College and hopes to transfer to MSU to study Human Resources or Economics.

“Cash has always been willing to help and do whatever task is necessary,” commented Brekelle Wiedenmannott, Dairy Store Manager. This program has helped Cash’s personal journey and equipped him with skills he can apply to his other job.

The program not only helps students gain job skills, but it is also beneficial for the departments that employ them. “With hiring from the program, you’re able to see how far the student has come,” said Wiedenmannott. Wiedenmannott has been able to watch Cash’s progress and enjoys having him as part of the team.

The Spartan Project SEARCH Program has internship sites throughout campus from the College of Communications Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the Dairy Store and more. This program not only brings skills for employment but confidence as well for the students. Cash’s mentor, Johnny Wenzel, has worked with the program for the last two years. “Seeing how [the interns] are growing and learning new skills are the highlights of my day,” commented Wenzel.

The number one goal from the program is having the interns find employment after they graduate. The program hopes to have more departments get involved as internship sites for their students. If you’re interested in getting your department involved in the program, mentoring or learning more about internship possibilities, visit the Spartan Project SEARCH website for information. And next time you’re at the Dairy Store, say hi to Cash and get a scoop of his favorite ice cream – the Sesquicentennial Swirl.

Source Newsletters – March 2018

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

In case you missed it, here are the March 2018 Source newsletters.

There is a Source Newsletter for Support Staff and a Source Newsletter for Faculty, Academic Staff and Executive Management.

You can find older editions of the newsletter on the HR website.

Here are the headlines at a glance for this month’s Source:

Support Staff:

  • Business Inclusion Supplier Exposource-ss
  • Spring Forum: Achieve Growth! Personal Branding, Professional Development and Networking
  • Manage Your WageWorks Account Anytime, Anywhere
  • Equal Pay Day: Raising Awareness
  • Register for Financial Workshops in April
  • Work Smart Salary Negotiation for Women
  • Retirement Plan Fee Credits for Legacy Accounts
  • Nominations for the Simmons Chivukula Award for Academic Leadership
  • New I-9 Scam: What to Watch For
  • Enhancement to Equifax I-9 Management

Faculty/Academic Staff:

  • Business Inclusion Supplier Exposource-fas
  • Groups & Teams in the Classroom: Maintaining an Inclusive Learning Environment
  • Equal Pay Day: Raising Awareness
  • Manage You WageWorks Account Anytime, Anywhere
  • Register for Financial Workshops in April
  • Retirement Plan Fee Credits for Legacy Accounts
  • Nominations for the Simmons Chivukula Award for Academic Leadership
  • Nominations for Excellence Award in Interdisciplinary Scholarship
  • Changes to Criminal Background Check Policy
  • New I-9 Scam: What to Watch For

 

Student of the Year 2018 Nominations

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Reliable, professional and self-starting are some of the words that describe exemplary student employees here at MSU. As supervisors, mentors and teachers to these outstanding Spartans, you have the power to recognize these individuals in the best way possible. Nominate a student employee for the Student Employee of the Year Award! The MSU Student Employee of the Year Recognition Program is sponsored by The Division of Student Affairs and Services, Department of Student Life.

Last year’s winner was Zachary Perez, an operations intern for the Eat at State ON-THE-GO Food Truck. At his award ceremony Perez said “Getting into Culinary Services and helping in the test kitchen led me on a path to truly be successful. It really helped me advance into a career and line up a full-time position for post-graduation.”

Student Employee of the Year 2017_Perez
Zachary Perez, Student Employee of the Year 2017

Eligible nominees must be:

  • Currently registered in an MSU degree-granting program.
  • Employed on student employee payroll for a minimum of three months between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018.
  • Nominated by their supervisor. only one student employee may be nominated per supervisor.
    Note: Graduate assistants, residence hall staff and other student employees who do not fall under the jurisdiction of MSU Student Employment or the Student Employee Payroll may not be nominated for this award. They are eligible for other recognition programs. Complete an online nomination forms here.

All nominees will be honored with certificates. The MSU Student Employee winner’s name is submitted for consideration for the State of Michigan competition. All nominees will be acknowledged at the reception on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Learn more about the award on the Student Life website.

Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award Nominations are Open

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MSU is seeking nominations for the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award.  This award recognizes support staff members who are pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree while also performing “Above and Beyond” in the scope of their duties at MSU. Ruth Jameyson was a loyal individual with an unparalleled Spartan Spirit. She was employed at MSU for 31 years before her retirement in 1969. During her time at MSU, Ms. Jameyson served as the secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938-1941 and President John A. Hannah from 1941-1969.

The annual Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” 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. A stipend of $2,500 will accompany the award and may be used as determined appropriate by the recipient. The recipient will be honored at the Distinguished Staff Award reception in May.

Last year’s winner was Grace Morris. Morris works for MSU Libraries as an Imaging/Digitization Specialist. She was hired in 2005 as a student and at the time of her nomination, was going to library school to get her master’s degree. Watch her video here

Individuals may be nominated by any member of the university community (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, student).

A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to Michigan State University in a support staff position, must be enrolled and attending a post-baccalaureate degree program at Michigan State University or elsewhere.

Nominations will be evaluated for achievement in the following areas:

  • Excellence in overall job performance going “Above and Beyond” what is expected
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and working relationships within MSU’s diverse community
  • Contributions to the department that lead to efficiency, effectiveness or other improvements
  • Contribution to the University (committees, outreach, projects or other efforts)
  • Concern for students in or out of the classroom
  • Successful progress toward degree completion

To nominate an outstanding Spartan by Friday, January 26, visit: https://hr.msu.edu/recognition/support-staff/ruth-jameyson-award.html

WageWorks and FSA

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Welcome to 2018 and to WageWorks – MSU’s new Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan administrator.  You should have already received your new health care card in the mail, so make sure to register for your online account if you haven’t already.

Uneasy about learning to navigate a new system? WageWorks has made it easy! Check out the following video on using your new online account.

Do you still have reimbursement requests for 2017 monies? Not to worry. You can continue to submit claim forms to our previous FSA administrator, CONEXIS, for 2017 funds through your online CONEXIS account at https://www.wageworks.com/conexis/. Keep in mind that you’ll see the WageWorks logo going forward since they officially acquired CONEXIS, but this is the correct login to access your 2017 FSA information. Important note: You cannot use your 2018 funds for 2017 claims.

If you participated in the 2017 Health FSA with CONEXIS, and still have remaining 2017 funds, DO NOT throw away your CONEXIS card. CONEXIS allows you to use these remaining funds through March 15, 2018.

If you have not received your WageWorks debit card, or if you need to obtain additional cards, please contact WageWorks at 877-924-3967. Dependent Care FSA accounts do not have debit cards.

WageWorks also offers a mobile app for submitting receipts and reimbursements. Download it from the Play Store or App Store by searching for “EZ Receipts.” Contact MSU HR Solutions Center with questions at 517-353-4434 or visit the MSU HR website for further information.