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. 

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

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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?

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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

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

October 6 – HR 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 19 – MSU 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 31 – HR Site Lab: Ask MSU HR questions about your benefit options for the 2023 plan year and receive help with enrollment.

Learning Opportunities

October 1 – 37th 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 11 – Book 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 23 – Halloween Open House with ArachnoBROADia (free): The Bug House will be open for all for this afternoon of buggy Halloween fun.

sparty statue in fall

2023 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Call for Nominations!

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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

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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.