This week’s featured job is a Nurse Practitioner for the College of Human Medicine (job posting 1100444). If you are interested in caring for patients in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities within the Lansing community, this may be the role for you.
The College of Human Medicine is dedicated to educating exemplary physicians, discovering new knowledge, and providing service both at home and abroad. By providing outstanding care and promoting the inclusion and needs of all people, the College of Human Medicine fosters an environment that enhances its community. MSU Health Care Family Medicine is a practice of mainly family physicians, nurse practitioners, and staff who provide the full spectrum of primary care services for adults and children at two locations within the MSU Clinical Center.
In this position, you will be a part of a group of geriatric physicians and nurse practitioners who deliver high-quality care to older adults and many care facilities across Lansing. You will work closely with geriatricians in a team-based care model, delivering continuity of care, acute care, preventive care, and hospital discharge management. You will provide a welcoming environment for residents and students in all patient care settings.
This position requires knowledge equivalent to one to two years of post-bachelor’s degree work, such as a master’s degree in nursing, or one to three years of work experience in direct nursing care. The position also requires possession of a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse and specialty certification as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of Michigan. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the listing.Â
As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to set your professional development goals—and we’ve got exciting opportunities to help you thrive this year.
New or Updated Courses for 2026:
Spartan Excellence Learning Serieson January 27 and 28: Through a sequence of skill-building modules, participants will learn how to define problems, analyze processes, design improvements, and implement sustainable solutions. By integrating Lean methods within the broader Operational Excellence framework, the series helps create lasting practices that enhance efficiency, transparency, and the overall Spartan Experience. 
Travel Expense Report Processingon March 10: Learn the essentials of submitting accurate travel expense reports at MSU. This session will walk you through the required documentation, Concur tips, policy highlights, and best practices for timely reimbursement.
Engaging and Empowering Teamson March 11: Leaders can learn evidence-based strategies to engage and empower employees, understand employees’ perspectives, and reflect on and assess your own supervisory practices.
Mental Health First Aidon March 18: This evidence-based training that teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis and help someone who may be experiencing one.
Five Behaviors: Personal Developmenton April 16: Based on the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, this course helps individuals become better teammates. This program is for individual contributors. Using activities, videos, and discussion, participants learn the behaviors that will enable them to become better teammates.
You can find all of HR Organization and Professional Development’s courses on the HR website. This is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and plan for the year ahead. What skills do you want to build? What challenges are you ready to tackle? With so many opportunities on the horizon, we’re here to help you make 2026 your most impactful year yet!
This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant III with the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (job posting 1098373). If you are an experienced research professional with a passion for molecular biology, immunology, and translational science, and you’re interested in contributing to One Health initiatives, this may be the role for you.
The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, founded in 1966, is dedicated to discovering new therapies, understanding how toxins affect the body, and preparing the next generation of scientific and healthcare leaders. With a collaborative and innovative environment, the department drives research in drug discovery and development and offers a range of graduate and post-graduate programs that help students build successful careers in many diverse fields.
In this position, you will support ongoing studies within the laboratory with Dr. Andrea Gonzales, where you will carry out research on Th2 cytokines in atopic dermatitis across companion animals and humans. You will study neuro-immune interactions to identify molecular mechanisms underlying atopic disease in the hopes of identifying novel therapeutic targets. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the One Health concept and be a part of the growth in MSU’s drug discovery program. Find a complete list of duties in the job posting.
This position requires knowledge equivalent to a Master’s of Science in Biology, Animal Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related field, and one to three years of progressively responsible research experience. It is desired to have at least five years of laboratory experience, strong technical expertise, and familiarity with multi-species research models.
The end of the year is fast approaching! While you probably don’t need one more task on your to-do list, make sure you’ve used all your 2025 plan year benefits before the year ends.  Â
Schedule appointments for any missed annual check-ups: If you’re behind on annual check-ups or screenings—such as a wellness exam, dental cleaning, or vision exam—consider scheduling appointments before the end of the year. Â
 Be proactive in case of illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via the 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 who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Â
Note flexible spending account (FSA) deadlines for 2025 plan year funds: If you are enrolled in a health care or dependent care FSA for the 2025 plan year, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. Be sure to use 2025 plan year funds by March 15, 2026, and submit your receipts by April 30, 2026. If you miss the grace period deadline, the IRS requires you to forfeit any unused funds, so plan your remaining expenses for the coming months. View FSA information. Â
Review your retirement contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year (the 2026 limits will be shared in January). Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2025 IRS retirement contribution limits and adjusting contributions for the remainder of the year, if needed. Â
Take advantage of special employee discounts for holiday shopping: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys.
Schedule any vacation/personal PTO: Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain your health. Make sure you use all your paid time off (PTO) by planning and scheduling your time off in advance with your supervisor’s approval. This year, the full Winter Break (including Christmas and New Year’s holidays) extends from Thursday, December 25, through Friday, January 2. View the Holiday Schedule for more details.Â
Use educational assistance funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use toward professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities this year, it’s not too late to sign up for a course offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.   Â
We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan how you and your family will use your employee benefits for the rest of the year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website.  Â
This article was updated on November 26 with the 2026 IRS Contribution Limits.
To help us learn more about SECURE 2.0 Act and its new Roth options and requirement for certain Catch-up contributions, we talked to Dan, our Retirement Plan expert. Read our Q and A and review available resources to help you determine whether the Roth Catch-up requirement applies to you, if a new Roth savings option might benefit you, and about an increased savings option for those turning 60-63 in 2026.
What is the SECURE 2.0 Act?
Dan: In December 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0 Act) was signed into law. The retirement legislation includes significant changes that could help strengthen the retirement system and improve Americans’ financial readiness for retirement. Among a few changes, a big one is the Roth Catch-up requirement for certain people.
What is the Roth requirement for Catch-up contributions?
Dan: Starting in 2026, employees turning age 50 or older who earned more than $150,000* in the previous year (2025) must make any age 50 Catch-up contributions as after-tax Roth savings. Â
* FICA wages found on your Form W-2 Box 3 wages
What are the retirement contribution requirements and options based on my age and income, according to SECURE 2.0 Act?
Dan: Here is a helpful chart to illustrate the new requirements and available options under SECURE 2.0 Act based on your income, age, and whether you make Catch-up contributions:
If you:
Required Action
Available Options
Notes
Earn more than $150,000* AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026
Any Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions
Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax
Earn more than $150,000* AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026
Any Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250*) MUST be after-tax Roth contributionsÂ
Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax
Earn more than $150,000* AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026
Any Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions
Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax
Earn more than $150,000* AND will be under age 50* in 2026
No required action
Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Earn LESS than $150,000* AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026
No required action
Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Earn LESS than $150,000* AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026
No required action
Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250*) as either pre-tax or after-tax RothÂ
Earn LESS than $150,000* AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026
No required action
Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $8,000*) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Earn LESS than $150,000* AND will be under age 50* in 2026
No required action
Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth
Notes:
*Based on the IRS 2026 limits. Ages are based on the age you will be on December 31, 2026.
**Based on 2025 FICA “Social Security wages” from box 3 of the 2025 MSU W-2 Form.
***The current pre-tax contribution and the new after-tax Roth option will be subject to the 2026 IRS limits for both their regular employee contributions (currently $24,500) and the Age 50 Catch-up (currently $8,000).
What are the benefits of contributing to a Roth?
Dan: Unlike traditional pre-tax contributions to a 403(b) or 457(b) account, after-tax Roth contributions allow you to withdraw that money tax free once you retire. So, while you’re still paying taxes on your earnings now, you may enjoy a reduced tax obligation in the future.
Are there downsides to a Roth contribution?
Dan: A couple of considerations include the tax implications and timing requirements. First, Roth contributions are withheld after your taxes are deducted, meaning you will pay more in tax with each paycheck and receive less take home pay. Second, you must wait at least five years after your first after-tax Roth contribution and you must be at least 59 ½ years old to make a tax-free withdrawal.
I am not required to make after-tax contributions, but I’m interested in the opportunity. What do I do?
Dan: Beginning in January, you can log into the EBS Portal and make changes to your 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts to move your current pre-tax contributions to the new after-tax Roth option. The 403(b) Base account will remain available only for pre-tax contributions.
I’m turning 60-63 in 2026, and I heard about a new retirement savings option for Catch-up contributions. What’s that?
Dan: If you make Catch-up contributions and you’re turning 60-63 anytime in the calendar year, MSU now offers a new option that allows your Catch-up amount to be higher than the regular Age 50 Catch-up amount. Once you reach the standard contribution limit in your MSU 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts, you can save up to $11,250 instead of the regular $8,000 limit for Age 50 Catch-up.
Where do I find more information about SECURE 2.0 Act, Roth and MSU’s Retirement Plans?
This week’s featured job is a Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant (Library Assistant IV) for MSU Libraries (job posting 1092720). If you are a detail-oriented professional interested in managing projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible resources while investigating new AI-powered solutions, this may be the position for you.
The Libraries are at the center of academic life at Michigan State University, where they provide expertise, collections, and infrastructure for discovery and creation. The Libraries foster connections that support and drive research, teaching, and learning in local and global communities surrounding MSU. The Digital Initiatives Division serves as the administrative home to eight units and centers. Learn more about the MSU Digital Initiatives Division here.
As the Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant, you will manage projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible digital resources. You will operate planetary, flatbed, and slide scanners, including handling rare and fragile materials with preservation care. Additionally, you will produce accessible PDFs and alternative formats using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, ABBYY FineReader, and more. You will test and apply AI tools for alt-text, tagging, and document structuring, and create training materials that meet MSU Libraries’ highest standards of accessibility. Find a complete list of job duties and responsibilities.
This position requires a degree (or equivalent knowledge) and one to three years of recent experience in an academic library setting. You should have a strong understanding of digital accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508, PDF/UA, etc.), be comfortable with image editing software, and have the ability to manage multiple projects at a time. You should have strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a passion for exploring and using AI tools to succeed in this role.Â
To learn more about MSU Libraries, visit the MSU Libraries Website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and three references and should be submitted by November 18.
The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2026 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31, including:
Prudential accident insurance (NEW—Learn more below)
MetLife critical illness insurance
ARAG legal insurance
VSP vision insurance
If you want to enroll in, make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2026 plan year, you must do so by October 31. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2026 with the exact same coverage.
Voluntary Benefits Overview
Please review a brief description of accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits—such as plan summary brochures—review the HR webpage about voluntary benefits.
NEW for 2026: Prudential accident insurance pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experiences a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. Use this money for anything you need while recovering, such as expenses not covered by your health care plan or lost income. Coverage is available with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement.Â
MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra money 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 (EOI) requirement. Additional coverage options for $40,000 and $50,000 will be available starting in 2026.
ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. ARAG excludes most pre-existing legal issues and business-related matters, which are defined as any legal matter that is initiated before the effective date of coverage. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Choose between two plan options. Plan enhancements will be available starting in 2026.
VSP vision insurance offers two plan options for you and your family to save money on eye care and glasses. There is a standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice.
How to Access Voluntary Benefits
To access voluntary benefits through MSU Benefits Plus, log in to the EBS portal, select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the MSU Benefits Plus tile.
Please note: If you’ve already registered, you’ll be prompted to create an account using single sign-on (SSO) the first time you log in on or after July 23, 2025. Review the information on the screen and click Create Account to begin. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about, review premiums, and enroll in the various programs.
How to View Current Participationor Deduction History
After you access the MSU Benefits Plus website (see instructions above), click on Benefits in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the dropdown menu to view your current participation or deduction history.
The MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on the voluntary benefits you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as accident, auto/home, critical illness, legal, pet, and vision insurance.
As you review your benefit options for the coming year during Open Enrollment (October 1 to 31), consider whether a flexible spending account (FSA) makes sense for your family. We all spend money on medical expenses such as prescription and office visit copays, dental work, and over-the-counter items like bandages. And many families spend thousands of dollars each year on child or adult care.
If you are looking for ways to save money on caregiving costs and/or medical care expenses, enrolling in an FSA is a sound strategy. An FSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses, such as child care or health care costs like copays. In fact, using FSA funds for these types of expenses can save you an average of 30%!1 
MSU offers benefits-eligible employees the option to enroll in two types of FSAs: Dependent Care FSA and/or Health Care FSA. You can enroll in one or both FSA plan types. You will manage your FSA directly with MSU’s plan provider, HealthEquity. 
Should I enroll in both FSA types? 
Good question! The answer depends on what you and your family need. Make sure you know the eligible expenses each FSA plan allows you to use your pre-tax money on before you enroll in one or both plans. 
When you enroll, you’ll decide how much money you’d like to contribute to the FSA. This money will be deducted from your paycheck (pre-tax) and divided over each pay period throughout the plan year. 
Here are the contribution limits for the 2026 plan year:
Dependent Care FSA: A household may contribute up to $7,500. If you and your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) both have a Dependent Care FSA, combined household contributions cannot exceed $7,500 at MSU or another employer.
Health Care FSA: An individual may contribute up to $3,300. If both you and your spouse/OEI have a Health Care FSA, you each may contribute up to $3,300.
Before you enroll, make sure you take some time to understand each plan and estimate how much you are likely to spend on eligible expenses throughout the plan year. We encourage you to plan conservatively; Due to IRS requirements, any unused funds left in your account at the end of the plan year will be forfeited. Learn more about FSAs – including fund availability, reimbursement options, grace period deadlines, and eligible expenses – on the HR FSA webpage. 
Please review these two FSA plan options and enroll – or re-enroll – in an FSA during the Open Enrollment period in October. If you’re currently enrolled in an FSA for the 2025 plan year, you must re-enroll if you’d like to continue participating in an FSA for the 2026 plan year. Find instructions for how to enroll in an FSA as part of Open Enrollment here.  
Questions? HR staff will be available at the MSU Benefits Fair and the HR Site Labs throughout October. You may also visit the HealthEquity website or call HealthEquity at 877-924-3967. MSU Human Resources is available at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).
1Example for illustration only. Actual savings vary. The figure is based on average tax rates, including state, federal and FICA taxes. Source: (n.d.). Open Enrollment Center. HealthEquity. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.healthequity.com/learn.
With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1 to 31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2026 plan year.
Mark your calendars and join us at the following events! We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in your 2026 benefit options.
MSU Benefits Fair
Visit the fair to enroll in your benefits on-site or speak with MSU benefit providers and HR staff.
When:
Benefits Fair: October 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Â
Flu Shots: The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5 p.m. by appointment only.Â
Where:Â The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center. Learn more about the MSU Benefits Fair on the HR website, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information, and participating providers.Â
HR Site Labs
MSU HR will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits at the following site labs.
When and Where:
October 8  | 9 a.m. to Noon | VirtualÂ
October 10  | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55, East Lansing, MI 48824Â
October 13  | 2 to 5 p.m. | VirtualÂ
October 17  | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In-person International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824Â
October 23  | 7 to 10 p.m. | VirtualÂ
October 31  | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Road, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823Â
