As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings to help you make the most of 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, 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 of socks and apparel. Use code CORE20 at checkout.
Chordify: 60% discount on a Chordify Premium yearly subscription to access chords and lyrics to more than 36 million songs.
Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code SAVE20 at checkout.
Dell: exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
Disney Parks: save up to $35 off Disneyland gate prices.
Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
GE Appliance Store: save up to 43% on select appliances with free delivery over $399.
Great Wolf Lodge: save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
Hexclad Cookware: 10% off hybrid pan sets, chef’s knives, and more. Use code CORE.
Verizon: special discounts on qualifying mobile device plans and select accessories.
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.
As the weather gets colder and holidays are fast approaching, check out the following opportunities on campus or in the Greater Lansing area. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.
Starts December 1 – Lansing Holiday Light Show: Enjoy dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family.
Starts December 2 – Season of Light: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn how familiar traditions have an astronomical connection.
Starts December 4 – George and Oatmeal Save Santa: Celebrate the winter season at the Abrams Planetarium with this fun show.
December 10 – Cocoa and Collection (free): Bring the whole family to the MSU Broad Art Museum to warm up with hot cocoa and art-making activities inspired by wintery works of art.
December 11 – Holiday Pops: Seasons Greetings: Listen to American Idol finalist, LaKisha Jones, sing your favorite holiday tunes and traditional carols.
Starts December 1 – Michigan Made Holiday Art Exhibition: Showcasing established and emerging artists, enjoy holiday shopping and opportunities to support makers in the local economy.
December 3 – Holiday Art/Craft/Farmers Market: Enjoy the annual South Lansing holiday market featuring holiday gifts from a variety of vendors.
Learning Opportunities
Starts December 6 – MSU Grief and Loss Support Group (free): Learn about available resources and connect with other grieving community members every Tuesday.
Starts December 8 – Deepening Your Essential Skills (free): Connect with others in the MSU community to ask questions and raise topics.
December 13 – Family Employee Resource Group: Safe Infant Sleep (free): Learn how to create a safe sleep environment for your infant(s) from the Infant Safe Sleep Program Coordinator, Colleen Nelson.
December 21 – Explorations in Eating (free): Learn from an MSU Health4U registered dietician for a conversation about nutrition.
This holiday season, MSU Human Resources is sharing our holiday traditions with you. Get into the holiday spirit with family memories, matching pajamas, yummy recipes and more, all from our wonderful HR team members!
Feel free to leave your traditions, recipes, and more in the comments to start a conversation with staff from all over MSU!
Jordan Skjaerlund — HRIT
Favorite tradition: “My husband and I celebrate Advent from December 1 – December 24. Each day we exchange a small gift and take a picture together with the gifts each person got.”
Jeff Brodie — Benefits
Favorite tradition: “FOOD FOOD FOOD (but I have to limit carbs because of the dastardly Diabetes). Staying home on a snowy day. Seeing friends when they are available!”
A happy memory: “As a child/teenager I remember glorious Thanksgiving dinners. As a child I remember the grandparents and my aunt/uncle bringing in laundry baskets of toys (this was the 1960’s when most folks did not have a lot of money).”
Sheila Chorey — The Leave of Absence Team
Favorite tradition: “In the past, our family would select a country to research for our Christmas celebration. We would use the opportunity to try new recipes and be creative with decorations.”
Some happy memories: “For our French Christmas, we made French onion soup and duck l’orange and hung a banner that said ‘vive la france.’ When we celebrated German style, the men wore lederhosen. My favorite was the Scottish Christmas. The house was decorated in plaid, and attire consisted of kilts and plaid. It is a fun way to get everyone involved, and have the kids do a little research.”
Debbie Hafke — HRIT
Favorite tradition: “We bake sugar cookies and decorate them on Christmas Eve every year. Even though the kids are teenagers, they still leave two of the cookies out for Santa, too!”
The Hafke family baking and decorating their favorite sugar cookies for the holidays!
Danielle Hook — Organization and Professional Development (OPD)
Favorite tradition (plans): “Our son will be 18 months old this Christmas so we are most excited about starting new traditions this year!”
Sharri Margraves — OPD
Favorite tradition: “Personally, I always do the Playmakers Holiday Classic 5k and hope to not freeze to death! I cannot convince anyone else in my house to do this with me for some reason…but bundling up in festive attire makes for a good time on campus. My aunt and I both do this and then go out for breakfast.”
Sharri and her aunt preparing to run the Playmaker’s Holiday 5K!
Chris Hanna — Metrics and Data Analytics
Favorite tradition: “Cutting our Christmas tree down on Friday after Thanksgiving. The family is always geared up to do it. However once we get out there it becomes a challenge to make a decision. Everyone has their own opinion of what tree to get. When you think you have found ‘The Tree’ and point it out. You hear from the others: that’s too short or too tall, or too skinny or too fat. Or someone says ‘are you kidding me, that’s the ugliest tree I’ve ever seen, Charlie Brown wouldn’t even want that one.’ But eventually we always find a tree that we enjoy through the holiday season.”
A happy memory: “Cutting our tree down Friday after Thanksgiving started our first year of marriage. We cut down a modest size tree, brought it home, set it up and realized we didn’t have nearly enough ornaments. So I got up early the next morning and decorated it with vacuum cleaner attachments from a shop vac and regular house vac. which were colored gray and light blue (as opposed to generally being black). I thought it was pretty clever and creative. Kathy (my wife) did not… Hence we went ornament shopping.”
Donna Duck — Academic Operations
Favorite traditions: “Going to cut down our Christmas tree with the family. Favorite movie – The Santa Clause movies and Polar Express. Family matching pajamas!”
A happy memory: “I had done matching pajamas one year as a one time thing. The following year, when my son found out that I didn’t have new pajamas he was very upset with me. So, what did I do? Some last minute shopping of course. I was able to find some pajamas at the last minute and saved our new tradition. We have done it every year since!”
The Duck family in matching pajamas in front of their freshly cut and decorated Christmas tree!
Happy Holidays to the entire MSU family! We are wishing you a season full of friends, family, and delicious sugar cookies!
Are you looking for more ways to save money this holiday season? If you have a health care FSA for the 2021 plan year with funds still available, you can save an average of 30% by using pre-tax dollars on eligible expenses. While you still have some time to use 2021 FSA funds in the new year, it’s a good idea to think about your expenses now so you can maximize how you’ll spend any remaining balance.
Consider the following ways your FSA could benefit you and your family this holiday season. Whether you’d like to reduce holiday stress or prepare for New Year’s resolutions, your health care FSA can help. All items listed below are from the FSA Store, which means you can shop worry-free knowing everything is automatically an eligible expense.
Reduce Stress, Improve Health and Wellness: Many people experience a significant amount of stress during the winter months trying to juggle work, family and holiday plans. This Home Health and Wellness top ten list offers products to help during the workday, such as blue light glasses, tension headache relief or heating pads and neck wraps. Other helpful items include this acupressure mat, a hot/cold therapy relaxation mask, and lavender-scented comfort wrap.
Bounce Back this Virus Season: While we’re all aware of the COVID-19 virus, flu/cold season is here as well. Prepare for viruses so you and your family can bounce back quickly. Find personal protective equipment, as well as virus preparedness products such as thermometers, at-home COVID-19 tests, and over-the-counter medicines.
Before you place an order, be sure to check out the FSA Store’s monthly coupons and promo codes for additional savings. If you have any questions about your FSA, please contact MSU’s benefit provider HealthEquity/Wageworks directly at 877-924-3967. You can learn more about FSAs on the HR website.
As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you find the perfect holiday gifts. Through MSU Benefits Plus, you can find discounts and special offers on products such as electronics, toys and more!
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-in using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, you’ll need to sign-up using your ZPID number to access the discounts.
The following are a few of the deals you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:
Apple – Enjoy employee pricing on most Apple products such as select iPhones, AirPods, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more when you shop through this exclusive link.
Amish Furniture Company – Receive a 10% discount on all purchases using coupon code EDU10% during check out (may request proof of MSU affiliation).
Best Buy – Save 20% on select cell phone accessories including OtterBox, LieProof, Mophie, Speck, Kate Spade NY, Under Armour, and more when you use promo code 20percentoff at checkout.
Calm – Get 57% off* the #1 app for meditation and sleep through this link.
HP Gaming Gear – The HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) offers HP consumer products at discounts typically up to 10% – 50% off starting prices through this exclusive link.
Kiwi Crate – Inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, and save 35% off your first month’s box when you use this exclusive link!
Magazine Advantage – get up to 90% off the most popular magazines offering titles such as People, Better Homes & Gardens, Entertainment Weekly, Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living & more! Buy for yourself or send as a gift through this exclusive link.
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. You can check out some of those deals at MSU HR Website.
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.
As the colder weather sets in and the holidays approach, take note of the following opportunities on campus or in the surrounding area for you and your family. Please note: the events below are subject to change at any time. Please confirm event details, safety policies, etc. directly with each event listed.
Family/Kid Friendly
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – MSU Abrams Planetarium Family Shows: In November, check out Violent Universe: Catastrophes of the Cosmos and The Little Star That Could. They also offer sensory friendly shows on the third Sunday of the month.
Nov. 6 – Family Day: Perspective: Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. See all upcoming events at the MSU Broad Art Museum here.
Nov. 19 – Silver Bells in the City: Millions of lights. Thousands of people. One very special guest. Lansing’s premiere holiday event.
Starts Nov. 20 – Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo: Tour grounds with friends and family as thousands of lights and decorations transform the zoo into a holiday spectacle.
Nov. 21 – CADL-Downtown Branch Sensory Friendly Movies: Join in on the 3rd Sunday of the month for sensory-friendly family-friendly movies when we turn the lights up and turn the sound down. Feel free to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Snacks provided.
Holiday Shopping
Nov. 4 – Dec. 23 (every Thursday, Friday and Saturday) – Michigan Made Holiday Art Exhibition: Showcasing established and emerging artists, enjoy holiday shopping and opportunities to support makers in the local economy.
Nov. 5 – 2021 MSU Houseplant & Succulent Sale: All sales from this fundraiser help support the gardens, including funding for garden maintenance, educational programming, and support for our undergraduate student employees.
Nov. 5 – Arts Night Out: Shops host a special sale, exhibits, arts and crafts demo, live performances.
Second Friday of the Month – Second Friday Shop Hop in Old Town: Hop around to multiple participating businesses for specials, make and takes, pop up shops, local artist, and more.
Music
Nov. 2 – MSU Percussion Ensemble: Presenting a range of contemporary works performed by members of MSU’s percussion ensemble.
Nov. 3 – Whose Live Anyway? 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions.
Nov. 14 – Print Club!: Print Club! is a LGBTQ+ affirming social club founded by Lansing artist Randi Richards (they/them/she/her) dedicated to making space for those that love ink to work together, share, and build skills without financial barriers.
Personal/Professional Development Opportunities
Nov. 3 – Introduction to Process Mapping: Learn how to define key process improvement terminology, identify common elements of process maps, reduce barriers to success, and create a process map. If you take this course, consider taking the follow-up Promapp, Interactive Process Creation course on Dec. 1.
Dec. 1 (register by Nov. 17) – The Power of Habit: Based on “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg, in this course you will learn how habits are created and how to replace undesirable habits with productive ones.
Dec. 9 – Building Cohesive Teams: Explore strategies to increase team cohesiveness and establish positive day-to-day interactions to enhance communication, build team awareness and cultivate trustworthiness in the work culture.
Nov. 20 – Silver Bells 5K: Participants will be able to run/walk the 5K marked course in downtown Lansing or from home virtually.
Nov. 25 – Lansing Turkey Trot (in-person or virtual): Proceeds from the race go to support High School and Middle School Cross Country and Track programs, and Youth Running Clubs through the Michigan Running Foundation grant program.
Do you have an event you’d like us to consider including in a future article? Please email HR.CommunicationsList@campusad.msu.edu with the details.
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether it’s your dad, husband, father-in-law or any other important guy in your life, make sure to take advantage of these Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus.
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge or in the EBS Portal).
Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:
Sports:
Forest Akers Golf Course – MSU employees with a valid MSU ID card receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
Premium Seats USA – Get 10% off sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout!
Fan’s Edge – Get 10% off and free shipping on your fix of MSU gear as well as licensed NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL merchandise at Fan’s Edge! Use code FENCAA09 at checkout.
Technology:
HP – Save between 10% and 50% using the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP), which offers HP’s consumer products at a discounted rate!
Apple – MSU employees qualify for preferred pricing on all of Apple’s latest products. This includes employee pricing and ratings and reviews on accessories and software. Order from the online Apple EPP store and identify yourself as a Corestream member when purchasing!
Shopping and Entertainment:
AMC Theaters – MSU employees can save over 30% on E-tickets at AMC Theaters and all associated theaters including AMC Loews, AMC Showplace, Cineplex, Odeon, Magic Johnson and Star Theaters!
Sam’s Club – MSU employees can save up to 40% on Sam’s Club memberships when you purchase from Tickets at Work! 1-Year Standard Memberships are $24.88 (normally $45) and 1-Year Premium Memberships are $89.88 (normally $100).
Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Father’s Day.
This Mother’s Day show the mom in your life that you appreciate them – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom or mother-in-law – with a thoughtful gift. MSU benefits eligible employees have access to a variety of discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus.
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.
Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:
Flowers:
Rose Farmers is committed to providing luxury roses for every special occasion. Get 35% off luxury long stem roses delivered from the farm to your doorstep.
Want to send a bouquet of fresh flowers? Enjoy 25% off from Florists.com
Visit the customized From You Flowers site to save 25% off flowers and gifts.
Gifts:
Enjoy 20% off your first box at Geek Fuel. This pop culture merchandise subscription service aims to share the memories that bring us back to the movies, tv shows, toys, and events that shaped us all growing up.
Receive a 10% discount from Mother’s Family Rings on all Mother’s jewelry, pendants, bracelets and more. You will also receive free overnight shipping.
For a limited time, you can enjoy 10% off New York Times best sellers at eBooks.com.
Turn photos into art with 25% off at Canvas World, plus free shipping!
Food:
Find the perfect fruit and cookie assortment with Harry & David. Harry & David offers a variety of treats like a tower of treats, cookie box, truffle sets and more! Get 20% your final purchase today.
Satisfy her sweet tooth with an order from David’s Cookies. Save 20% on all regular price orders.
Save 20% on your chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate covered fruit order from Shari’s Berries.
For a healthier gift option, save 20% on your Fruit Bouquets order.
Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign-up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.
Although this year’s holiday celebrations will no doubt look different than usual, there are still ways to make it feel special, whether your loved ones are together or apart. As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you find the perfect holiday gifts this year thanks to MSU Benefits Plus. Through MSU Benefits Plus, you can find discounts and special offers on products such as electronics, footwear and more!
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-in using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, you’ll need to sign-up using your ZPID number to access the discounts.
Check out some of the deals you can find through MSU Benefits Plus below:
Apple – Enjoy employee pricing on most Apple products such as select iPhones, AirPods, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more when you shop through this exclusive link.
Foot Locker – Save $20 off $120+ at Foot Locker by using the code PARNOV20 at checkout.
HP – With the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) employees can save up to 70% during HP’s holiday and Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale! Your EPP discount can also be combined with other sales promotions.
Otterbox – Get 10% off your order plus free shipping when you use the promo code OTTER10 at checkout.
1800Baskets – Save 20% on seasonal gift baskets as well as any order from all of the 1800Flowers brands including when you use the promo code CSTREAM at checkout.
BMW – Through the BMW Group Corporate Sales Program, eligible employees can earn attractive incentives when leasing, financing or purchasing a new BMW or MINI. Earn up to $3,000 on a new BMW and $500 on a new MINI. When redeeming the Corporate Sales Program certificate, employees must type in the CSP Account # NEPP3703 to identify the provider first then type in your employer’s name in the Company Name field.
Sennheiser – Get 30% off Sennheiser’s headphones and headsets when you shop through this exclusive link.
BarkBox – Get your first BarkBox for only $15 when you shop through this exclusive link.
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. You can check out some of those deals at MSU HR Website.
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.
Are you looking for deals and discounts on gifts for the holiday season? As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus. Here you can find discounts and special offers on a variety of products such as electronics, entertainment and more!
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-in by clicking on the Log In link in the top right corner of the page. First time users will need to sign up for an account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge or you can find the number in EBS). Use a capital “Z” when putting in your ZPID number.
Check out some of the deals you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:
Apple – Enjoy employee pricing on your favorite Apple products when you shop the exclusive store. Discounts automatically applied with the link. Take advantage of this deal!
Cirque du Soleil – Find special offers on various shows across the country including cities like Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and many more! Get more information and find automatically applied discounts here.
Dell – Discover great deals and discounts on Dell electronics. There’s something here for everyone!
Disneyland – In need of a vacation? Save on multi-day tickets at Disneyland Resort in California! Discounts are automatically applied through this link.
Perfume Emporium – Take $10 off when you spend $40 or more on your favorite fragrances at the official Perfume Emporium website. Use code CD1972 at checkout to redeem your offer!
Premium Seats USA – Concerts, Sporting Events, Theater Tickets, and more! Save 10% with code CORESTREAM on great seats and exclusive VIP packages to live entertainment and sporting events throughout the country. From concerts of all sizes to professional and college sports to Broadway and beyond, you’ll find tickets to thousands of events at Premium Seats USA! Take a look at some upcoming events on the Premium Seats USA website.
Hotels.com – Are you traveling during the holiday season? Spoil your special person with a night in the city. Save an ADDITIONAL 8% off most bookings at hotels.com with code CORESTREAM8. Find your destination at Hotels.com.
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. You can check out some of those deals at MSU HR Website.
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.
