Tag: Benefits

Job of the Week: International Business Center Assistant Director

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This week’s featured job is an International Business Center Assistant Director position through the Eli Broad College of Business (posting 885237). The Eli Broad College of Business works to create and disseminate knowledge through collaboration and develop global transformational leaders who positively impact organizations and society. 

This position will serve the College of Business by coordinating promotional activities, organizing programs for faculty/students and developing the Unit’s budget with the University’s General Fund budget. The future International Business Center Assistant Director will also provide work direction to staff along with discussing contractual matters with external agencies/businesses.

The Assistant Director should have knowledge equivalent to a 4-year business degree or in a related field. Three to five years of related experience is also preferred for the position. 

To learn more about the Eli Broad College of Business, visit their website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, letter of application and at least three professional references on the MSU Careers Website by August 29. 

Job of the Week: Benefits Customer Service Supervisor / Senior Human Resources Professional I/S

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, our featured job is a Benefits Customer Service Supervisor position through MSU Human Resources (posting 874010). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel and support services for the MSU Community. 

This position will serve Human Resources by providing timely customer service, answering questions from staff, students and retirees regarding benefits along with testing and rolling out new programs. The future Benefits Customer Service Representative will also coordinate outreach events, supervise the recruitment and hiring process in alignment with MSU’s HR’s Core Values. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers Website. 

The future Benefits Customer Service Supervisor should have a four-year degree in Human Resources or a related field, several years of high-performance experience working in a benefits-related position and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

To learn more about MSU Human Resources, visit https://hr.msu.edu/. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter on the MSU Careers Website by June 27. 

Spring Break Discounts

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Contrary to the weather in Michigan, Spring Break for many area schools is quickly approaching. Before finalizing your plans, review your exclusive employee discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to determine if any may be useful to your family.

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in or sign up for a free account.

  • First Time Users: Enter your MSU email, click Get Started and fill out the form. 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 you email address and click Get Started, then enter your password and click Log In.

Travel

National Car Rental: Enjoy up to 20% off your reservation rate when booking through our exclusive link. Discount automatically applied with the link. 

Tickets at Work: Go someplace new in 2023 with up to 60% off exclusive hotel rates at top destinations worldwide. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: As an MSU employee, you will save up to 20% off at over 8,000 participating hotels worldwide.

Universal Orlando Resort: Save on multi-day ticket packages to Universal Studios Orlando when you book through our exclusive link! 

Entertainment

Premium Seats USA: Save 10% on ticket purchases to professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, auto racing, wrestling and more when you use promo code CORESTREAM. 

AMC Theaters: Save over 40% on E-Tickets at AMC Theatres. AMC Theatres® movie ticket products are good at any AMC Theatres®, AMC® Loews, AMC Showplace, Cineplex® Odeon, Magic Johnson and Star Theatres, excluding Canadian theaters. 

Tiqets: Save over 40% on Museums worldwide. Access top museums across the country and around the world! Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!

Restaurant.com: Get $25 Restaurant gift certificates for only $5 when you buy through our exclusive link! 

Find these savings as well as many other discounts by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. The MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions at 888-758-7575.

Your Benefits: New Year Checklist

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

For benefit-eligible employees, the start of a new year is a great time to review all the 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 2023 IRS retirement contribution limits and make adjustments if needed.
  4. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: if you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2022 and/or 2023 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. Save Caregiver Resources: the MSU WorkLife Office has an extensive list of resources for caregivers. Bookmark this page so you’re prepared when you need it.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Register for 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.
  12. 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 these benefit options on the HR website.

Hands with three gifts

Don’t Forget Your MSU Discounts this Holiday Season!

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you during the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and enter your MSU email, click Get Started and then enter your password. First-time users will need to enter their email, click Get Started, and fill out the form. You will need your MSU ZPID number for the form, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Bombas: new users get 20% off their first order.
  • CanvasWorld: turn photos into art with 25% off plus free shipping.
  • Chordify: 60% discount on a Chordify Premium yearly subscription to access unlimited songs to learn for guitar, piano, or ukulele.
  • Dell: save up to 30% on select PCs.
  • Garmin: 20% discount on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: save up to 35% on small appliances with free delivery over $499.
  • Harry and David: 20% off your order.
  • HP: up to 52% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: 40% off your first month’s subscription.
  • Lenovo: laptops start under $400 with savings on top tech up to 70% off.
  • Sam’s Club: save over 55% on a new club membership.
  • Scott’s Cheap Flights: 50% off a premium membership.
  • Tickets At Work: save on movie tickets at dozens of participating theater chains.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find on-campus through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others.

For more information on 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.

Job of the Week: Director of Benefits

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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.

MSU Benefits Plus

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

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

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. 

People collaborating on a printed document

What is legal insurance and do you need it?

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

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.

Calendar indicating benefits fair October 19 from noon to seven pm.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

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.