Job of the Week – Editor/Graphic Designer

This week’s job of the week is an Editor/Graphic Designer (#638552) for MSU Athletics, specifically for the MSU Football Program. This position is seeking an individual to create content, promotional materials, and graphic elements that reflect the mission and image of the MSU Football Program.

The responsibilities for this role include proofreading created content, suggesting design and graphic edits, and maintaining contact with printers, editors, and clients to monitor production deadlines and budgets. Additional responsibilities for this role include maintaining proficiency in design software and word processing programs to train student employees, coordinating the purchase and maintenance of supplies and equipment, monitoring inventories, and consulting with staff members to recommend reprinting, revision, or discontinuance of publications.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in  Journalism, English, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Marketing, or related Liberal Arts program; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in reporting, writing, editing, proofing, graphic design, photography, research, public relations; experience with word processing, database, desktop publishing, web, graphics, and presentation software; 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.

Tips to Enhance Savings During America Saves Week!

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.

 

Job of the Week – Weekend Edition Reporter/Anchor

This week’s job of the week is a Weekend Edition Reporter/Anchor (#638036) for MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences, specifically for Broadcasting Services. This position is seeking a self-motivated individual with prior on-air experience.

The responsibilities for this role include writing and anchoring two formal newscasts, four casual news updates, and recording evening and overnight weather forecasts. Additional responsibilities of this role include writing and reporting news content, cultivating and pitching story ideas during daily news meetings, and engaging with the audience via social media.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Broadcasting, Communications, Journalism, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in radio production, broadcast operations, rules and regulations and interviewing; 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.

Upcoming Supervisor Professional Development Courses

As a supervisor or manager, it’s important to keep learning in order to build a successful team and keep your employees engaged. Whether you’re brand new to your leadership role or an experienced supervisor looking for resources to develop your skills, we offer a variety of classes to help you grow in your career. Stay on track with your personal and professional goals by taking one of these upcoming courses.

Fundamentals of Supervision – March 11

Supervisors are a main determinant of overall performance, retention, and morale in an organization. This session will help participants with less than three years of supervisory experience learn fundamental skills to become a successful supervisor.

Communication Strategies for Supervisors – March 12

One of the non-negotiables for successful leadership is being an effective communicator. Many leaders believe they do communicate effectively, but what most leaders do not understand about communicating with their team is that it is not just about what is said. It is about how it is said, when it is said, to whom, did the receiver understand the message in the way it was intended, and on and on. To lead successfully today, leaders must be able to persuade, inspire, listen, articulate the big picture, and create teams of people who buy into and trust the sender.

Manager as Coach – March 12

Successful managers today understand the importance of coaching in the workplace to improve productivity, loyalty, and results. Instead of telling team members what to do, or just expecting them to perform, it is important to guide, discuss and encourage – in other words, coach.  This session is geared to help leaders understand the importance of being a successful coach.

Creating an Inclusive Environment – March 17

While this course is for everyone, it’s especially important for leaders to understand how to create an inclusive working environment. First, you will work to understand and identify categories associated with the various labels we apply to ourselves and others. Second, you’ll consider the ways in which these categories apply to you and how this shapes your interactions with others. Finally, you’ll then be introduced to an exercise designed to enhance self-awareness and bridge connections.

Supervisor Strategies for Performance Planning – March 17

As a supervisor, it is important that you sufficiently prepare and work collaboratively with your employees to make the Performance Planning portion of Performance Excellence successful. In this program, you can expect to learn strategies to link university and departmental priorities to the employee’s role, clarify expectations, write effective SMART goals, identify skill gaps, create a development plan and increase engagement in the process.

Leading Change – March 31

Effective leadership is imperative in times of transition, regardless of the nature or source of the changes you’re experiencing. This session will enable you to understand the phases of change, deal with resistance, build support for change, and communicate more effectively to reduce resistance and build change adeptness in staff members.

Win a Free Amazon Echo Dot™ with Teladoc!

Would you like the chance to win a FREE Amazon Echo Dot™? Set up your Teladoc account and you could be entered to win! Teladoc is giving away a limited number of these smart speakers. MSU employees and their dependents who are currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc – an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via the web, phone, or mobile app in minutes.

Since Teladoc is already part of your MSU benefits, all you have to do is set up your account/update your medical history by Feb. 21, 2020, for your chance to win a free Amazon Echo Dot™. Note: if you are already registered but didn’t provide your medical history, simply update your history for a chance to win.

Here are three quick and easy ways to update your medical history:

  1. Download the mobile app
  2. Call Teladoc at 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362)
  3. Visit Teladoc.com and clicking “SET UP ACCOUNT”

You can use your Teladoc account throughout the year to:

  • Talk to a doctor by phone or video 24/7.
  • Get a diagnosis of your symptoms, treatment, and a prescription when needed.
  • Avoid the potentially high costs and long wait times of the ER.

To learn more about Teladoc, visit the Teladoc page on our MSU HR website.

Questions? Contact HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434. Find more information about MSU-related benefits and resources on our website hr.msu.edu.

Job of the Week – Power Plant Technician I

This week’s job of the week is a Power Plant Technician I (#636218) for MSU’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF), specifically for the IPF Power and Water department. This position is seeking a results-oriented individual with strong problem-solving skills who possesses the ability to work both independently and within a team.

The responsibilities for this role include performing routine preventative maintenance functions such as overhaul and calibration of pressure gauges, transmitters, flow meters, pressure regulating valves, fluid control valves, mechanical operators, and other associated equipment. Additional responsibilities of this role include operating test equipment such as manometers, O2 analyzers, thermometers, and voltmeters, and operating power tools such as drills, grinders, hacksaws, tubing benders, etc.

This position requires an associate’s degree in an electronics or chemistry-related program of study; experience with distributed control system; and experience with emissions monitoring equipment and regulatory reporting processes.

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.

Ways to Save: Discounts on Communication and Media Services

Have you recently thought about switching up your cellular plan or cable provider? Well, we have exciting news for you! Eligible MSU employees have access to various discounts and deals on communications and media services. Enjoy discounts on phone plans, devices, accessories, and more! Here are some ways to save:

AT&T – AT&T is proud to offer MSU employees a 17% discount on qualified mobile phone plans, as well as discounts on devices and accessories. Receive this discount and see special promotions by registering with your MSU email address here or by visiting any corporate-owned AT&T Wireless store and refer to FAN number: 2392567. Please have a valid MSU email address and proof of employment (ID card or pay stub) when visiting a store.

DISH Network – New customers receive a $75 VISA gift card* and $20/mo off their first year with five Packages under $50! Additionally, get free installation, free HD for life, and three months of the new DISH Platinum package for free! Call 866-395-9955 or click to order DISH Network. *$75 VISA gift is available for new customers only. Click or call for complete details.

HughesNet Satellite Internet – New customers receive a $50 VISA gift card* and free installation if equipment on service with internet speeds up to 5.0Mbps. Call 888-986-9887 or click here to order HughesNet today! *$50 VISA gift card is available for new customers only. Prices are subject to change without notice. Click or call for complete details.

DIRECTV – New customers receive a $75 VISA gift card* when activating the best package! For just $34.99/mo. new customers can get more than 210 channels and the new DIRECTV CINEMA featuring 400 of the newest releases plus over 6,000 shows and movies! Other qualifying packages start at $29.99/mo. Call 1-888-929-7905 or click to order DIRECTV. *$75 VISA gift card is available for new customers only. Prices are subject to change without notice. Click or call for complete details.

Sprint – Sprint offers MSU employees an 18% discount on select regularly priced Sprint Monthly Data Services. Activation fee waived for new accounts with Sprint with the Corporate ID: GVSMI_WCA_ZZZ. Visit sprint.com/save, visit a local Sprint Store (sprint.com/storelocator) or call Sprint Sales at 866-639-8354 for more information. Existing Sprint customers can register for their discount at sprint.com/verify. Proof of employment is required and will be required every two years for the discount.

Verizon – Verizon Wireless offers MSU employees discounts on plans and equipment. For more details please visit the Verizon website for MSU employees through MSU Benefits Plus.

Looking for additional deals for MSU employees? Don’t forget to check the MSU Benefits Plus website for discounts and deals on many services such as hotels, vacation packages, electronics, sporting events, and more. Discover more deals here.

For more information on communication and media Services discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Accomplish Your 2020 Goals with Help from MSU HR

We’re officially one month into the new year! Have you made resolutions that are becoming more difficult to keep each day? If so, don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, 80% of New Year’s resolutions begin to fizzle out by February (Psychology Today, 2018). Here at MSU HR, we want to encourage you to keep going by identifying resources right at your disposal to make keeping your resolutions a bit easier.

Work/ Professional Life:

We often have work or career-related goals that may include enhancing leadership skills, improving communication, increasing knowledge, etc. Discover resources offered through MSU to support you in your professional development:

  • Attend Organization and Professional Development (OPD) courses to enhance your leadership skills and aid in career development. Find a variety of OPD courses offered here.
  • If you’re a support staff employee, be sure to use your Educational Assistance funds for career development opportunities such as OPD courses, attending conferences, and so much more. Learn more about your Ed Assist benefit here.

Health:

It might come as no surprise that the most common (and most commonly broken) New Year’s resolutions are centered around health and wellness (Time Magazine, 2012). Below are benefits and resources you can utilize as an eligible MSU employee to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  • Take a trip to your doctor and stay up-to-date on your health! Get your annual physicals, eye exams, and check-ups.
  • Check out MSU Health4U courses! From learning how to cook quick and healthy meals, to participating in active stretching, MSU Health4U offers a variety of health and wellness programs. Click here to discover more.
  • Utilize discounts at local gyms offered through MSU Benefits Plus. Receive 5-20% off at various locations including LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness along with regional chains, local gyms, and specialty studios. Log into MSU Benefits Plus to discover ways to save!
  • Prioritize your mental health! MSU employees and their adult dependents who are currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to behavioral health services offered through Teladoc. Find support and receive 24/7 access to a healthcare professional conveniently online. Find more information on Teladoc and how to use it here.

Money and Savings:

Money is another common resolution topic amongst Americans. Saving money is often linked to less stress because it allows you to be more prepared for changes in life and may give you the flexibility to spend your money on your own terms (Refresh Financial, 2019). Learn more about MSU benefits that promote financially responsible habits:

  • If you enrolled in a flexible spending account for this year, utilize those funds for eligible expenses such as band-aids, shoe insoles, and aspirin! Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) help you save money by allowing you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses. Participants save an average of 30% on eligible expenses. Discover various items you can use your FSA funds at the FSA Store. You can also learn more about FSAs on our website here.
  • Put more towards retirement! Consider taking advantage of compounding retirement savings that will end up saving you more in the long run. Learn how compounding works and discover various retirement plans here.

Sticking to New Year’s resolutions may not be easy, but with these tips, we hope that you continue to see your goals as possible. Questions? Contact HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434. Find more information about MSU-related benefits and resources on our website hr.msu.edu.

Job of the Week – Residential & Hospitality Services Assistant

This week’s job of the week is an RHS Services Assistant II (#635676) for MSU’s Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS), specifically for Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS). This position is seeking an organized individual to provide clerical support to the Housing Assignments Office and the Residential Dining Services areas of the RHS division.

The responsibilities for this role include assigning residence hall rooms to students, processing change of room requests, and maintaining room and board records of student accounts. Additional responsibilities of this role include professionally answering and responding to electronic messages in a timely manner, and providing exceptional service to students, parents, family members, and guests consistent with Delivering Outstanding Spartan Experiences.

The ideal candidate would possess knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through a high school education; one to three years of related and progressively more expansive work experience in typing, filing and reconciling accounts and using word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing and/or presentation software; may require experience using Student Information System; or 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.