Month: October 2022

Job of the Week: Junior Analyst/Information Technology Professional

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from Information Technology services for a Junior Analyst (posting 820942). MSU IT provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial and policy initiatives affecting IT across MSU. MSU IT and departmental IT staff offer technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.

The Junior Analyst will join a team that provides the primary leadership and technology support for IT across the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in a shared services model. The Junior Analyst is the front-line of the College and acts as a peer leader to improve processes, coordinate and direct work of peers within the team, triage incoming customer requests and handle customer escalations. They will work with university stakeholders to design, purchase, configure and distribute assets to meet business objectives. For a list of all responsibilities, click here.

IT’s future Junior Analyst is a highly self-motivated individual committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, with an Associates degree in computer technology or information systems. Their work knowledge should include computer networking, firewalls, switches and wireless technology. They also need strong customer service and written and oral communication skills.

To learn more about Information Technology services, visit tech.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three professional references and apply here by November 8.

MSU Resources for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Written with support from HR Accommodations Specialist, Julie DeGraw, PhD

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which raises awareness around disability employment issues and celebrates the many contributions of workers with disabilities. In observance of NDEAM, we put together this helpful list of resources for awareness of employee disability workplace accommodations.

The theme for NDEAM 2022 is Disability: Part of the Equity Equation, which celebrates the essential role individuals with disabilities play in the workplace. “Disability is and always has been part of the rich diversity of our nation, and, by extension, our workforce,” says the Office of Disability Employment Policy. “During NDEAM, we celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, past and present. We also commit to ensuring all workers, including workers with disabilities, have equal opportunity to gain skills and put them to work in inclusive, supportive workplaces going forward.”

We all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce where every person is recognized for their abilities – every day of every month. Although many impacts are not physically visible, it doesn’t mean they do not exist. 

MSU is a leader in cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus environment, and we are constantly striving to improve our efforts to meet the needs of persons with disabilities by being more flexible, understanding, inclusive and supportive of those with different abilities.

Resources for Employee Disability Workplace Accommodation Awareness

  1. Are you looking for more information about the types of disability workplace accommodations you can request or more information on your disability in general? You might want to check out the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN allows you to look up suggestions for workplace accommodations by disability, limitation, work-related function, topic or accommodation. Please note: Not all accommodations listed on JAN may be deemed reasonable as it depends on the essential duties of your individual position.
  2. Did you know you have access to discounts on hearing aids? MSU employees and retirees may qualify for discounted hearing aids through partnerships between some MSU benefit providers and TruHearing®. Additional funding can also be provided by our partner organization Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Please contact Accommodation Specialist, Julie DeGraw for more information.
  3. Technology can be a great resource for employees in addressing the impacts of their disability. Some resources are offered for free at MSU without even having to complete the registration process (e.g., screen reader software that reads text aloud)! See the full range of resources at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) Assistive Technology page.
  4. Employees with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can find a wealth of information and resources through ADDitude. Read the ADDitude magazine, view webinars, download eBooks and more!

If you are interested in requesting disability workplace accommodations at MSU, begin the process by registering with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). 

All medical records and diagnoses are kept confidential from supervisors and units. Undergraduate and graduate employees can also qualify for workplace accommodations. If you need more information or help going through the process, please contact Accommodation Specialist, Julie DeGraw at degrawju@msu.edu or 517-884-0799.

For more information on National Disability Employment Awareness Month please visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s website.

Job of the Week: Office Coordinator II

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from the College of Social Science for an Office Coordinator (posting 821914). The College of Social Science gives students the opportunity to conduct world-class research, engage in service learning, take classes all around the globe and test out the job market with an internship.

The Office Coordinator will report to the College of Social Science Chief of Staff in the Office of the Dean. They will interact with department administrators and leadership throughout the college on behalf of the Dean’s Office on inventory and capital asset management. They will also maintain health and safety standards in compliance with the University. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The future Office Coordinator should have an Associate’s degree. Their work knowledge and experience should include secretarial and administrative tasks, data entry and payroll processing. They also need experience in word processing, calendar management and presentation software.

To learn more about the College of Social Science, visit socialscience.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three letters of reference and apply here by October 25.

Person holding a sign that says, "Hello my pronouns are..."

Today is International Pronouns Day!

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This article was written by the EVPA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Today is International Pronouns Day. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with people around us, and often times personal pronouns are assigned to people based upon our own biases or assumptions of a person’s gender, gender identity and gender expression. It’s important we use the correct words, as one way, to respectfully talk about and reference one another.

What is International Pronouns Day?

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises our awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple, intersecting identities. For more information, you can visit https://pronounsday.org.

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?

  • Speak and write in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender, or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes
  • Share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people
  • Don’t make assumptions; ask people to share their pronouns
  • Always use the pronouns that a person asks you to use
  • Include your pronouns in your email signature or other communications
  • Complete the Quest: Building Capacity for LGBTQA+ Inclusion online education program

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?

  • A workgroup charged by Melissa Woo, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Information Officer, and Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, made recommendations to update how data systems at the enterprise level gather information on names and pronouns.
  • This month, a committee is being convened to implement the enterprise changes requiring gender, sexual identity and pronouns fields to offer multiple and inclusive options.
  • MSU encourages all employees to indicate their gender pronouns, if desired, on email signatures and other written communication. 

Are there resources to explore this further?

The EVPA Office of DEI is committed to collectively advancing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and envisions all to engage in meaningful contributions that bridge across differences and demonstrate cultural competence. We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).

Job of the Week: Director of Benefits

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This week, MSU Human Resources is excited to feature an opening within our Executive Management team, the Director of Benefits (posting 818366). MSU Human Resources supports university strategic imperatives by anticipating and meeting the needs of a changing community through high-quality, innovative services designed to advance student success and cutting-edge research. The Benefits team within HR administers the extensive employee benefits package at MSU.

The Director of Benefits will join a dynamic leadership team committed to collaboration, inclusion, excellence, transformation, and care. The University’s biggest investment and most important asset is the exceptionally talented faculty and staff at the core of the Spartan community. MSU Human Resources is at the heart of it, providing strategic people solutions for the MSU community.

The Director of Benefits supervises the Assistant Director of Benefits, Retirement Program Manager, and Benefits Accounting and Budgeting Manager and will provide leadership over policies, activities, and strategic planning for student, retiree and employee benefits. They will partner with key campus stakeholders and coalitions to help provide cost-effective benefits coverage while enhancing access and wellness opportunities. For a list of duties and responsibilities, click here.

HR’s future Director of Benefits is a strong team leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a bachelor’s degree, preferably an advanced degree, in business or a related field. Their work knowledge and work experience should include benefits management, federal, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements related to benefits administration. They also need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, technical database aptitude, and the ability to interpret and communicate data.

To learn more about Human Resources, visit hr.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume and cover letter and apply here. Application review begins October 31, and the posting will remain open until filled.

World Mental Health Day

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Mental health is one of the most important aspects of your overall well being. It can be difficult to focus on work when one’s mental health isn’t taken care of. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are some resources you can use at MSU and in your personal life. 

MSU Resources

Off-Campus Resources

  • Lansing resources
    • The City of Lansing offers a variety of mental health resources including Online Behavioral Health Screening and a directory of local therapists
  • Community Mental Health Authority
    • The CMHA of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham provides services to increase access to care, support people in crisis and provide treatment for those with the most serious and complex behavioral health needs regardless of their insurance coverage.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  
    • The Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The Lifeline recently changed to 988 for a shorter and easier to remember resource

Your mental health matters and MSU resources and benefits are available to get you—or keep you—on the path to a healthy body and healthy mind.

Job of the Week: Financial Services Coordinator/Administrative Business Professional

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from International Studies and Programs for a Financial Services Coordinator (posting 818845). International Studies and Programs (ISP) leverages international partnerships with scientists and practitioners from academia, the government, private sector and strategically chosen research and development organizations to create new knowledge and explore innovative and practical solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

The Financial Services Coordinator oversees program budget setting which includes developing, approving and maintaining program budget templates in alignment with faculty remuneration protocols, education abroad standard rates, etc. They will ensure timely posting of program fees to student accounts. They will oversee program enrollment numbers and ensure all students stay enrolled or are approved to decrease their credit load. They are responsible for communicating with EA leadership, the ISP Dean’s Office and colleges around campus to share clear and concise annual comprehensive program budget reconciliations. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in Accounting, Finance or a business related field. They should have three to five years of experience in financial statement and report preparation, general ledger accounting and spreadsheet software. They should also have working knowledge of MSU’s Enterprise Business Systems.

To learn more about International Studies and Programs, visit isp.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, letter of interest and apply here by October 18.

Reminder: enroll in, change or cancel vision, legal and critical illness insurance during Open Enrollment

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The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you’re reviewing your benefit options for the 2023 plan year, please note some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment in October. These include VSP vision insurance, ARAG legal insurance, and MetLife critical illness insurance.

If you’re interested in enrolling in these benefits, need to make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2023 plan year, you must do so in October. If you’re currently enrolled and you do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2023 with the exact same coverage.

How to Enroll in, Change or Cancel Voluntary Benefits

You can enroll in, change or cancel these benefits via the MSU Benefits Plus website. Find a guide to help you enroll at msubenefitsplus.com/faq.

  • First-Time Users: Enter your MSU email, click Get Started, and fill out the form. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about and enroll in various programs. You will need your MSU ZPID number, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal. Use a capital “Z” when putting in your ZPID number.
  • Existing Users: Enter your email address and click Get Started, then enter your password and click Log In.

How to View Current Participation

To view your current participation or deduction history, log in to the MSU Benefits Plus website and click on the My Benefits tab at the top of the page to view a summary of your enrollment elections. Click on My Deductions to view an itemized list of your voluntary benefit deductions. Please note the My Benefits section only provides participation status on products you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website—such as vision, legal and critical illness insurance.

Learn More about Voluntary Benefits

Please review a brief description of vision, legal and critical illness insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits, please review the appropriate Open Enrollment guide: Support Staff Open Enrollment Guide or Faculty/Academic Staff Open Enrollment Guide.

VSP Vision Insurance can help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses for you and your family. VSP is the benefit provider, and they offer two plan options: the standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.

MetLife Critical Illness Insurance gives you extra cash in the event you or covered family members experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered through MetLife with no evidence of insurability requirement. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the plan coverage and rates.

ARAG Legal Insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Life is full of legal situations. Some you plan for, like creating a will, and others are more unexpected—like fighting a traffic ticket. Choose between two plans for coverage that best fit the needs of you and your family. UltimateAdvisor® covers most common legal issues. UltimateAdvisor Plus™ includes more robust coverage plus additional services. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.

Questions? You can learn more about, enroll in, change or cancel voluntary benefits on the MSU Benefits Plus website. Learn about all your benefits options on the  HR website. If you have questions, consider participating in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. Additionally, the HR Solutions Center is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.Â