Tag: Benefits

Don’t Wait to Create a Retirement Savings Plan

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We are committed to helping our employees prepare for a successful retirement by offering several retirement savings plan options, along with tools and resources to help you reach your goals.

Most benefit-eligible employees are enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10%. That’s an immediate two-for-one match of your investment for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides a great foundation, you may want to consider additional savings options. MSU also offers two additional savings accounts: the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information about these two accounts, read Your Top Questions about MSU’s Optional Retirement Plan Options.

How to Make a Retirement Savings Plan

It’s normal to have many questions when you start to plan for your retirement:

  • How early should I start planning?
  • How much do I need to save to retire comfortably?
  • Which plan(s) should I contribute to?
  • What can I do to maximize my savings?
  • Are my retirement goals attainable?

The answers will depend on your financial situation and retirement goals. We strongly encourage all MSU employees to make an appointment with their retirement vendor – Fidelity or TIAA – to discuss their options and develop a personalized savings plan. Fidelity and TIAA are financial professionals who can provide helpful strategies, tips, and actionable steps that can help you take charge of your finances.

Additionally, both Fidelity and TIAA have numerous resources – including articles, webinars, interactive tools, and more – to help you learn about saving for retirement and other financial goals.

Don’t Wait to Save: The Power of Compounding Interest

For younger MSU employees, creating a comprehensive retirement savings plan may not be a top priority. Between student loans, rent, childcare, and more, it can be difficult to set aside money for a day 30 to 40 years in the future. But the young have a huge advantage when it comes to saving money for retirement: more time. This additional time allows them to potentially benefit the most from compounding interest, which may lead to greater savings down the road.

Compounding interest basically means allowing an investment to earn money while continually reinvesting those earnings over time. The more time you have, the smaller your original investment may need to be. In the hypothetical example below, a 25-year-old starts saving $5,000 annually ($416 per month), and a 40-year-old starts saving twice as much but waits until age 40 ($833 per month).

Compounding Interest Graph

The 25-year-old ends up contributing less money over time – $200,000 versus $250,000 – but ends up with a higher balance: $798,735 versus $566,317. In other words, the 25-year-old contributes $50,000 less but ends up with $232,000 more than the 40-year-old who waited to save. As this example shows, younger investors may benefit from saving as much as possible as soon as possible.

If your retirement date is a bit closer, you can still take advantage of compounding interest. However, you may need to increase your monthly contributions to meet your retirement savings goals. Luckily, the IRS allows people who are aged 50 years or older to contribute an additional “catch-up” amount to their retirement plans each year.

As you determine your contribution amount, please note the IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to a retirement plan each year. To contribute a certain amount, such as $100 per paycheck, you can use the calculating tool to convert a dollar amount to a percentage.

Of course, remember that investment returns are not guaranteed and will fluctuate — in some years you may have gains, and in other years you may have losses. But over time, any investment with a net gain will benefit from compounding.

How to Change Your Contribution

While your contribution to the 403(b) Base account is fixed based on your income, you can adjust your contributions to the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and/or the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan at any time. To do this, login to the EBS Portal with your NetID and password. Select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the Benefit/Retirement Enrollment and Changes tile. Select Enroll/Change my Retirement/Health Savings Account Options from the dropdown menu and click Next. On the Savings Plan screen, you’ll be able to edit your contributions to the 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts. Make sure you click through all the screens and hit Save to finalize the change to your contributions.

Questions? We encourage you to reach out to Fidelity (800-642-7131) or TIAA (800-732-8353) for your retirement planning questions. Visit the HR website for additional information on the retirement plans offered by MSU.

1 Please note, that the example above is a hypothetical illustration only and is not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. The example assumes contributions are made monthly at a 6% annual effective rate, compounded monthly, and no withdrawals. Actual performance will vary with market conditions. Investing involves risk. There is no assurance that the goals will be met or that the solution or strategy will be successful. This example was developed in partnership with TIAA.

2 Certain types of employees are excluded from participating in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more details.

Job of The Week: Office Coordinator III

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Office Assistant III for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (job posting 1027077). MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, professional, and organized individual to join the Academic and Student Affairs Office. If you are interested in this fast-paced and vital role, this may be the position for you.

ComArtSci is one of the largest and most respected colleges of communication in the nation, as well as the first of its kind. It offers world-class training to students through innovation, dedication, individual strength, and collaboration, all to shape a better tomorrow.

In this position, you will serve as administrative and clerical support for the Academic and Student Affairs Office within ComArtSci. As the Office Assistant, you will support the Directors and Office Coordinator in administering, maintaining, processing, and monitoring records of approximately 4,800 undergraduate students. Additionally, you will greet students, family, and various stakeholders and support the execution of events, communication strategies, and professional development. You should have high proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Campus Solutions. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a high school diploma, three to five years of related experience in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and/or desktop publishing software, presentation software, and maintaining account ledgers. 

Desired qualifications include strong multitasking, communication, organizational and technological skills. The ability to work independently is preferred. Experience in an academic and student affairs office or high-volume office setting is also desired. 

Learn more about the College of Communication Arts and Sciences on their website. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by March 25.

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

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Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • Swimming: Present a valid staff or faculty ID to use one of the pools available on campus for laps or open swimming during designated pool hours.
  • Group Fitness Classes: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes with membership pricing for MSU employees.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

  • University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness in the Workplace

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No act of kindness is ever wasted. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed annually on February 17th. This day, established in 1995, was created to promote positivity, unity, and harmony across all communities and types of people. By encouraging everyone to engage in random acts of kindness throughout the workplace and in the Spartan community, we can embrace the spirit of the day and continue spreading kindness every other day too!

One small act of kindness can change the course of someone’s day. Whether you are holding the door for a stranger or congratulating your coworker on an achievement, there are so many ways to brighten someone’s day through acts of kindness. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day in the workplace and promote connection and positivity between each other: 

  • Show Recognition: To recognize a coworker for their hard work, assistance, or value, give them a shout-out during a team meeting, or send them and/or their supervisor an email to share your experience. You could also nominate a colleague for a Spartan shout-out in the InsideMSU newsletter by filling out this form. 
  • Check-in with your Co-workers: Between the increasing demands of work and home life, people are feeling more stressed than ever. Luckily, studies show there is a powerful antidote to stress: kindness. According to Forbes, “Kindness works because it helps people feel more connected with others, and it distracts them from their own problems. Happiness is significantly correlated with belonging and community—so it makes sense kindness would be a source of joy” (Forbes, 2023). Check-in with your co-workers to see how they’re doing and really listen to determine what small acts of kindness you can do to help brighten their day. Just the act of actively listening with your full attention can do wonders to show others you care and are there to help.
  • Support a New Employee: Starting a new position can be intimidating. Reach out to a new employee and offer your assistance as they navigate their new role. Your support will help them feel welcomed and more connected to the team. 
  • Celebrate Success: Whether your team has just completed a challenging project or it’s a co-worker’s work anniversary, don’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the contribution and value of each team member.  
  • Volunteer: Volunteer work is one of the best ways to promote kindness and positivity in the community. Join Spartans near and far on Give Green Day on March 11 to help current and future students. Find more volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Gardens, Office of Sustainability, MSU Center for Survivors, Office for Civil Rights, Spartans Serve, and more. Volunteering helps foster community, build social bonds, and address social challenges. 
  • Create an Inclusive Environment: Build your cultural awareness and understanding to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all employees. Learn cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills through HR’s OPD courses, elevateU online learning opportunities, and University Health and Wellbeing events and training. 

Together as Spartans, we can contribute to a better workplace and community by embracing the unity and positivity that prospers from kindness.

Job of The Week: Football Athletic Trainer

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a Football Athletic Trainer III for MSU Athletics (job posting 1022012). If you are interested in managing health care related issues for football athletes, this may be the role for you! 

MSU and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is a proud member of the Big 10 Conference sponsoring 23 varsity sports programs, including 11 men’s and 12 women’s teams. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to operating an athletic program that excels with integrity, positivity, and community. 

In this position, you will work with the team’s physician to coordinate the athletes’ health care, provide information and plans to coaches, evaluate injuries to treat, execute appropriate referrals, design rehabilitation exercises for athletes, and implement return to sport programs, among other duties. You will also be responsible for ensuring safety and preventing injuries by designing special pads and performing equipment checks, following all policies and procedures, and collaborating with Sports Performance and Nutrition personnel. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a Master’s degree in Physical Education and five to eight years of related experience in all aspects of athletic training. You will also need a certification from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Additional experience as Head Football Athletic Trainer is preferred. 

Learn more about MSU Intercollegiate Athletics here. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and should be submitted by February 25.

Job of The Week: Event Coordinator

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Project and Event Coordinator for the College of Engineering (job posting 1015740). If you are interested in event coordination, national travel, administrative support, payment and registration management, and logistical support, this may be the role for you.

The MSU College of Engineering prides itself on developing practice-ready engineers and computer scientists, solving complex transdisciplinary problems, driving economic development, and providing innovative and engaging teaching and a culturally rich and inclusive environment. With many research, educational, outreach, and engagement goals on the horizon, the College of Engineering is recognized as a leader in solving global problems and supporting students and alumni. 

In this position, you will plan and execute logistics for conferences, workshops, and seminars, collaborate with planning committees and hotels to manage travel and vendor exhibits and provide on-site support. You will arrange air travel and car rentals, process reimbursements, manage office supplies, coordinate payments for events and training, and assist with processing conference registrations and payments. You may travel up to four to eight times per year to support NCPP conferences and training programs. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business, or a related area, as well as one to three years of related and more expansive work experience in managing and planning special events. Experience in word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and presentation software is required. You should be organized, skilled at managing events, and have experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders and MSU financial systems. 

Learn more about the College of Engineering. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and three professional references, and should be submitted by February 18.

Your Benefits: New Year Checklist

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For benefits-eligible employees, the start of a new year is a great time to review all the MSU benefit options available to make sure you’re fully utilizing them throughout the year. The following list of tips and resources to consider will help you get the most out of your employee benefits:  

  1. Schedule Wellness Check-ups: If you’re enrolled in an MSU health, dental, and/or vision plan, you’ve just entered a new plan year. Even though an annual check-up is usually recommended by doctors, many people miss out each year because they forget to schedule an appointment. Set your family up for success by scheduling any annual or wellness check-ups now.  
  2. Prepare for Illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. A doctor can even write you a prescription if necessary. Enroll in Teladoc now so you’re prepared when illness strikes.  Available to employees and their dependents that are enrolled in an MSU health plan.  
  3. Review Retirement Contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year. Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2025 IRS retirement contribution limits and adjusting contributions if needed.  
  4. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: If you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2024 and/or 2025 plan year, please note important deadlines and resources for utilizing your FSA funds.  
  5. Use Educational Assistance Funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use towards professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities, we recommend checking out courses offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.  
  6. Note Mental Health Resources: The MSU community offers a variety of mental health resources to employees and their dependents.  
  7. Schedule Vacation/Personal PTO: Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain mental health. Make sure you’re using all your PTO by planning out and scheduling your time off in advance.  
  8. Employee Discounts: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys. Additional discounts can be found on the MSU Human Resources website.  
  9. Voluntary Benefit Options: You may enroll in, change, or cancel auto, home, and pet insurance benefits at any time through the MSU Benefits Plus website.  Legal, critical illness, and vision insurance only allow benefit changes during Open Enrollment in October.  
  10. Register for a Free Diabetes Management Program: If you or a dependent are living with diabetes, Livongo by Teladoc Health can help by providing free necessary medical supplies and optional coaching.  Employees or dependents enrolled in Medicare are not eligible.  
  11. Get a Second Medical Opinion: If you are facing a serious medical diagnosis, Teladoc Medical Experts can review your case and offer a second medical opinion from leading health care specialists. Coaching and online educational tools are also available.  Employees with mandated insurance under the ACA are not eligible.  

We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan out how you and your family will use your employee benefits this year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website. 

Job of The Week: Career Services Coordinator

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Career Services Coordinator for the Student Development and Leadership Department’s Career Services Network (job posting 1013039). If you are interested in providing career advising to students and recent alumni from all areas of campus, this may be the role for you.

Career Services Network’s mission is to lead MSU in providing valued career resources and connections that empower students and allow them to grow professionally. The Career Services Network helps students and recent alumni (within 2 years of graduation) declare their major, explore career fields and industries, apply for part-time jobs and internships, prepare for interviews, and more through one-on-one virtual and in-person advising sessions.

In this position, you will support the development of early-stage career planning and education through tabling events, programs, presentations, and resource development. You will provide career advising to Spartans and administer career assessments in individual and group settings utilizing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory, and Focus 2. Additionally, you will partner with colleagues across campus to deliver joint programming including general and career exposure workshops, and provide referrals to specific college career staff as students progress in their career paths. The Career Services Coordinator will promote the Career Services Network at large-scale events, including orientation and admissions, and connect students and alumni with staff and administrators for further resources.

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field, as well as one to three years of related work experience with university students in an advising role or human resources. You should have excellent communication and customer service skills and the ability to build relationships with other units and departments at MSU. You should be willing to take initiative and function as a team player with a common goal in this role. 


Learn more about the Career Services Network here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the MSU Careers website for more information. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and professional references, and should be submitted by January 28.

Job of the Week: Executive Assistant and Administrative Coordinator for MSU Human Resources

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Come work with us! This week, we are featuring a job posting as an Executive Assistant and Administration Coordinator for the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at MSU Human Resources (job posting 1002586). If you are looking to make a true difference in the day-to-day lives of MSU employees and serve as a critical resource for the Vice President and MSU Human Resources, this may be the role for you.

At MSU Human Resources, our mission is to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, support, and services for the MSU community. We have a firm commitment to serve the university with thoughtfulness and professionalism. The person in this position will support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in every aspect and responsibility associated with the job.

In this position, you will manage an extremely active calendar of appointments and ensure the Vice President’s schedule is followed and respected. You will create win-win situations for effective time management, implement improvements to enhance operations, arrange complex and detailed travel plans, and coordinate hiring, onboarding, and other HR duties for the Vice President and other HR executives. Additionally, you will oversee departmental parking, badge access, key distribution, and space allocation requests. View the job listing for a more complete list of job duties.

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. You should have a comprehensive customer service background, with significant experience in providing administrative support. Experience in maintaining account ledgers, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation and editing software is desired. You will thrive in this role if you have proficiency in Microsoft editing software, strong organizational and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to maintain relationships in the workplace, commitment to the organization’s mission and values, and the ability to handle confidential information.. 

Learn more about MSU Human Resources Here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by December 3rd.