Job of the Week: Video and Content Manager/Videotape Producer/Director I

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for a Video and Content Manager (posting 817667). The College of Communication Arts and Sciences offers world-class training from faculty through innovation, dedication, individual strength and collaboration to students who continue to impress with notable accomplishments.

The Video and Content Manager is responsible for working with the Marketing and Communications team to identify and shape visual communications for the college, based on ongoing needs and overarching strategy. They will work with the MarCom team to strategize video opportunities for multiple platforms. They will also film and edit creative and engaging photos and videos. For a list of all responsibilities, click here

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in communication, broadcast media, new media design, digital media arts and technology or a related field. They should have one to three years of experience in photography, videography and web editing. They should also have strong knowledge of HTML, CSS and Adobe Photoshop with the ability to modify existing code as needed. 

To learn more about the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, visit comartsci.msu.edu. To apply for this position, submit a resume, cover letter, evidence of video creation skills with a link to an online portfolio of past work and apply here by October 11.

What is legal insurance and do you need it?

During Open Enrollment in October, eligible employees have the option to choose their benefit options for the upcoming year. While you’re probably aware you need to review your health and dental coverage, don’t forget to add legal insurance to your list of options to consider. Eligible employees may only enroll in, change or cancel ARAG legal insurance coverage during Open Enrollment in October.

Voluntary legal insurance through ARAG will pay for 100% of in-network attorney fees for covered matters. They also offer guidance and advice on a variety of legal situations. Review the following information to determine if legal insurance is right for you and your family. ARAG offers two types of legal insurance plans to MSU employees: UltimateAdvisor and UltimateAdviser Plus. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to find out what each plan covers and monthly premium costs.

Important Milestones

When you think of important milestones – marriage, childbirth/adoption, buying a house, moving – legal assistance may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is these important events usually require help from a legal professional. If you anticipate any of these events happening in the upcoming year, consider whether legal insurance may help. Some common uses include:

  • Wills: create a will naming a beneficiary of property and assets, executor of your estate, and guardian of your dependents or minor children.
  • Sale or Purchase of a Home: transfer property from one owner to another.
  • Trusts: set up a trust to protect assets and reduce taxes, name a trustee to manage it, and name beneficiaries to receive the assets.

The Unexpected

While it’s hard to plan for the following situations, consider if having legal coverage just in case is worth the peace of mind. Some common uses include:

  • Divorce: resolve an uncontested divorce where the couple agrees on the terms or a contested divorce where the couple disagrees, and the court must hear from both parties to make decisions based on law.
  • Traffic Troubles: defend a traffic violation such as a speeding ticket.
  • Family Law: create, change, or enforce alimony and child custody, support, and visitation agreements.
  • Identity Theft: access to identity theft materials and monitoring services to help protect you from identity theft and restore your identity if it is stolen.
  • Property Protection: resolve issues such as neighbor disputes, disputes with your landlord, or real estate, contract, or financing issues.

A Note to Current Members

If you’re currently enrolled in legal insurance, please note monthly costs for the 2023 plan year have increased. View new plan premiums on the MSU Benefits Plus website to determine if you’d like to continue your coverage (your coverage will continue unless canceled during Open Enrollment).

How to Enroll

Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to enroll in coverage during the upcoming Open Enrollment period (October 1-31). For questions or help with enrollment, contact the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.

October Events Round-up

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more. 

Events on Campus

October 1 Family Day: Innovate Through Play (free): Bring the family for hands-on, interactive fun at MSU Museum. This month, they are making playful sculpture blocks.

October 2 National Geographic Live: Bring the family together at the Wharton Center for a night filled with dinosaurs. 

October 4University Archives pop-up: Exploring scrapbooks (free): Explore MSU scrapbooks from the 1800s to the early 2000s. 

October 6HR Site Lab: Ask MSU HR questions about your benefit options for the 2023 plan year and receive help with enrollment.

October 14 MSU Homecoming Parade (free): Wear your green and white to celebrate MSU homecoming in the streets of downtown East Lansing. 

October 19MSU Benefits Fair: Learn more about your benefit options for the 2023 plan year and receive help with enrollment.

October 26 Chocolate-Making: Learn from 4H MSU Extension Specialist, Dixie Sandborn, the history of chocolate and sample chocolate refreshments.  

October 31HR Site Lab: Ask MSU HR questions about your benefit options for the 2023 plan year and receive help with enrollment.

Learning Opportunities

October 137th Annual Powwow of Love: Join the MSU North American Indigenous Student Organization in their first in-person powwow since 2020. Free for MSU students, $5 for public.

October 11Book Design Workshop using MS Word (free): Learn how to print a book with MSU Library staff. This course will cover file requirements for printing, book design basics and more.

October 11 Mitigating Bias in Hiring (free): Learn best practices for reducing potential bias in the screening and interview process.

October 26 Wellbeing Wednesdays: Busting the Myth of Work-Life Balance: Learn strategies and tactics to help manage your work and personal responsibilities. 

Health and Wellness

Starts October 4 Chair Yoga (free): Join this live class to learn strengthening and stretching practices you can do from your desk.  

October 19 Women’s Networking Association: All Things Women’s Health – Women’s Nutrition: Hear from Health4U nutritionist, Abbey Richey, about the varying factors of women’s nutrition.

Family-Friendly Activities

October 1 Sensory Friendly Hours: Visit the Impression5 Science Center for their sensory friendly hours.

October 10 –  MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House.

October 23Halloween Open House with ArachnoBROADia (free): The Bug House will be open for all for this afternoon of buggy Halloween fun.

2023 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Call for Nominations!

Remarkable, dedicated and hardworking are just some of the words used to describe the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Recipients. The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award is presented annually to six university support staff members, hand-selected by the Selection Committee from nominations received by the recipients’ colleagues.

The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. His strong and innovative leadership played a pivotal role in MSU’s growth and development as the nation’s premier land grant institution.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 award and the nomination form and accompanying materials are due October 28, 2022. Selection criteria for recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Please review the nomination form and the HR website for further details. Do not notify the nominee before or after submitting your nomination. The nomination form, supervisor approval and accompanying materials are due October 28, 2022. Contact MSU Human Resources with any questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu.

Job of the Week: Secretary III

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration for a Secretary (posting 816197). The EVPA Office is committed to being the recognized leader for outstanding service delivery and continuous improvement. 

The Secretary is responsible for document preparation, data entry and initiating financial eDocs. They will serve as back-up to the Executive Assistant for EVPA, Office of the Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer as needed. They will also assist with new hire onboarding to include technology needs, office supplies, phones, etc. For a list of all responsibilities, click here.

The ideal candidate should have a high school education. They should have three to five years of experience in maintaining accounting ledgers, word processing, spreadsheet, database and desktop publishing software. They should also have knowledge of University policies, procedures and administrative systems.

To learn more about the EVPA Office, visit evpa.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume and cover letter and apply here by October 4.

New and In-Person Fall Professional Development Courses

With the contagious energy from students starting a new year of learning and the Educational Assistance benefit resetting with the fall semester, now is a perfect time to consider your professional goals and how you can work toward achieving them. HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department is excited to offer a variety of new and in-person programs this semester to support your learning and development.

Registration is now available in the EBS Portal for both in-person classes and virtual courses to provide expanded options and best meet your learning needs and preferences.* View all current in-person and virtual OPD programming on HR’s website and learn about highlighted courses below.

New Fall Courses

Facilitating Process Improvement | Tuesday, October 18, AND Thursday, October 20 | In Person

Strengths Based Leadership | Wednesday, October 26 | In Person

Mitigating Bias in Hiring | Tuesday, October 11 | Virtual

Crucial Conversations for Accountability | Wednesday, November 2, AND Thursday, November 3 | In Person

Additional In-Person Courses

All in-person OPD programming will be held in East Lansing.

Communication

Grammar Refresher | Wednesday, October 19

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue | Wednesday, November 16, AND Thursday, November 17

Conflict Management and Non-Escalation  | Tuesday, December 6, AND Wednesday, December 7

Management

Building Cohesive Teams | Wednesday, October 12

Performance Management for Hybrid Teams | Tuesday, December 6

Managing and Leading Across Locations | Tuesday, December 13

Personal Development

Creating and Sustaining a Positive Workplace  | Wednesday, October 12

Ready, Set, Change | Thursday, November 17

Identify and Maximize Your Strengths  | Tuesday, December 13

Register for OPD courses in the EBS Portal today! Questions? Contact Organization and Professional Development at prodev@hr.msu.edu.

Sources

Image by jannoon028 on Freepik

Job of the Week: Program/Office Assistant III

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting from the College of Education for a Program Assistant (posting 812328). The College of Education has established a reputation for excellence and visionary thinking in its efforts to improve teaching and learning across our nation and world, particularly within the contexts of urban and global education.

The Program Assistant is responsible for interacting with applicants, current students, faculty, staff and administrators to provide information and guidance through a variety of communication channels. They will oversee the application and admissions process and maintain program data. They will also support administrative processes for multiple programs including Graduate Certificates and Masters. For a list of all responsibilities, click here

The ideal candidate should have a high school education and a knowledge of technical and medical terminology. They should also have three to five years of experience in word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or desktop publishing software. 

To learn more about the College of Education, visit education.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a cover letter, resume, three professional references and apply here by September 27.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

With MSU’s Benefit Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1–31, 2022), we put together this helpful list of events to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Mark your calendars, get answers to your questions and sign up for your 2023 benefits this October.

MSU Benefits Fair

The MSU Benefits Fair will be in-person this year. If you have questions about your benefits options for the 2023 plan year, consider visiting the fair and speaking with benefits providers as well as MSU Human Resources staff. Get answers to all your benefits-related questions, enroll in your benefits on-site, and even get a flu shot (by appointment only)!

When:

  • Wednesday, October 19 from Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Where:

The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center Concourse. Fair attendees should use Parking Lot 63.

Breslin Center
627 S Harrison Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824

Learn More: Find more details on the HR website about the MSU Benefits Fair, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information and participating providers.

In-Person HR Site Labs

Take advantage of two separate in-person HR Site Labs in October. MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits.

Note for MSU Retirees: a Humana representative will also be available at the HR Site Labs to answer any questions specific to your benefits.

When:

  • Thursday, October 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, October 31 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:

HR Site Labs will be held in Room 125 of the HR building.

1407 S. Harrison Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823

Virtual HR Site Lab

Along with the two in-person HR Site Labs, there is also a virtual option in October.

Note for MSU Retirees: a Humana representative will also be available at the HR Site Labs to answer any questions specific to your benefits.

When:

  • Thursday, October 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:

Join the Virtual Site Lab via Zoom at https://msu.zoom.us/j/94557444554.

As always, you can find more information on all things Open Enrollment on the HR website. And if you’re unable to attend any of the events listed, never fear. The HR Solutions Center is available to answer your questions by phone (517-353-4434) or by email at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu. In-person assistance is available by appointment. Please note: The HR Building is not available for drop-ins.

Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2023: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period (October 1-31) is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2023 plan year between October 1-31, 2022.

1. Determine your benefit needs

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

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Flexible spending accounts (health and/or dependent care)
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Some voluntary benefits, including vision, legal and critical illness insurance

Make sure you review the Open Enrollment guide carefully and choose the best benefit plans for your family.

2. Complete the spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) affidavit

If you want to cover a spouse/OEI on your benefits plan, you MUST complete the affidavit online through the EBS Portal every year. Find instructions to complete the affidavit as part of Open Enrollment.

3. Review notable information for the 2023 plan year

Notable information for the 2023 plan year includes:

  • Monthly premiums for voluntary legal insurance through ARAG have increased for the 2023 plan year. Visit MSUBenefitsPlus.comto view updated rates. Find instructions to enroll, change or cancel coverage in the Open Enrollment guide.
  • Many MSU employees are now working in a remote or hybrid situation. If this includes you, please review the important guidance on health care and dental plan options in the Open Enrollment guide (see page 5) prior to enrolling in a plan.

Find all notable information on page 5 of the Open Enrollment guide.

4. Make your changes online before October 31

If you want to make changes to your benefit selections and/or cover a spouse/OEI on your benefit plans, you must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1-31 (view enrollment instructions).

5. Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair and HR Site Labs or use the online benefit provider resources

Please Note: events are subject to change at any time. Please review the most updated details on the HR website prior to attending.

  • MSU Benefits Fair: We will be having an in-person benefits fair on October 19 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help you enroll in your benefits on-site. The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will be offering flu shots during the fair by appointment only. The appointment calendar (managed by MSU Health Care Pharmacy) will close when all appointments are filled or 48 hours prior to the event.  Learn more about the fair and how to make an appointment for the flu shot.
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer site labs on October 6 (in-person and virtual) and October 31 (in-person). Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment. Learn how to participate in a site lab on the HR website.

We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate benefits guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information.

Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to get in touch via phone or email. Limited in-person help will be available by appointment only. Please call or email the HR Solutions Center at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu to make an appointment or ask a question.