Tag: msu

Deals and Discounts for Mother’s Day

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day (May 14), show the mom in your life that you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom, mother-in-law, or any maternal figure in your life. MSU benefits-eligible employees have access to many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus.

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign in or 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 20% off from 1-800 Flowers, including Fruit Bouquets!
  • Take 20% off your ReVased flower bouquet or plant purchase.
  • From You Flowers is perfect for any occasion and every sentiment. Save 25% all year!

Gifts

  • Give the gift of a great show at Wharton Center and enjoy up to 15% off through MSU Benefits Plus.
  • Find up to 75% off tech gear – such as Bluetooth speakers, headphones, cases, and more – with Tech Perks. You’ll find deep discounts on brands like Otterbox, JBL, Casemate, Kate Spade, Belkin, Skullcandy and more.
  • Gift a great getaway to the beach, theme park, or a golf excursion with up to 40% through HVN, the exclusive provider of professionally serviced apartments, homes, villas, and vacation rentals.

Food

  • Go with a gift that’s sure to be a hit and save 15% off chocolate-covered strawberries, one of the most popular gifts from Shari’s Berries.
  • Get 15% off your next order of fine chocolate from the artisanal chocolatier, Gearharts Fine Chocolates.
  • Get $15 towards popcorn and treats at Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn.

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. For questions, please contact the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.

Job of the Week: Health Care Representative

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, we are featuring a job post from MSU HCI Clinical Services for a Health Care Representative (posting 853334). MSU Health Care is the academic medical center of Michigan State University, providing exemplary care in our communities to support the research and academic missions of MSU Health Sciences. 

The Health Care Representative will work in a variety of roles that combine both direct and indirect patient care duties. They should feel comfortable.performing administrative functions for a clinic or medical office, including registering new patients and scheduling patient appointments. They will be responsible for obtaining and verifying patient insurance eligibility to ensure timely and accurate payment of service. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers website. 

The future Health Care Representative should have a high school diploma. Their working knowledge should include one year of experience in a medical office, medical clinic or mental health office. They should also have a familiarity with medical terminology and experience in scheduling, screening, and confirming appointments.

To learn more about MSU Health Care, visit healthcare.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter and apply here by April 11. 

Campus Resources to Reduce Stress

Published on by MSU Human Resources1 Comment

April is Stress Awareness Month! Everyday stress can take an immense toll on our mental health. While all of us experience stress, we all manage our stress differently. It’s essential to find ways to manage stress if we want to maintain our health and wellbeing. To help you make stress reduction a priority this month, MSU Human Resources has compiled this list of MSU campus resources: 

Activities 

  • Wellbeing Wednesdays: The WorkLife Office and Health4U are partnering to bring you Wellbeing Wednesdays. These weekly sessions are focused on wellbeing in its many forms: workplace wellbeing, mental health wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and more.  
  • Join them on April 12 for Art Therapy! Destressing sometimes means unleashing your inner child. This Wellbeing Wednesday will guide you in making some artwork. 
  • Campus Meditation Map: Beal Scholar, Anhad Viswananth, created this incredible meditation map to highlight the best spots to meditate around campus. 
  • MSU Campus Walking Tour: Taking time to be outdoors and exercise is a great way to manage stress. Health4U has provided a campus walking tour with maps of multiple walking paths throughout campus.  
  • Get Active this Spring: Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside! From sailing and stand-up paddleboarding to golf leagues and group fitness classes, there are tons of opportunities on campus and in the greater Lansing community to make exercise part of your weekly routine. Check out these opportunities and consider joining with a friend. 
  • Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot: Quality sleep is vital for our health, but it isn’t always easy to come by. This class will explore the science of sleep, the impact sleep has on overall health and wellbeing, and how to improve your sleep quality. Join this virtual webinar on April 18 to learn more.  
  • Rest with Music: The MSU School of Music, Abrams Planetarium, and Health4U invite you to take an hour out of your month to listen and simply REST WITH MUSIC. Join in-person at the planetarium or participate via Facebook live. 

Learning Resources 

  • Managing Stress and Work: This recorded Wellbeing Wednesday webinar shares tools and strategies for identifying stressors, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing stress throughout your career. 
  • Mess Makes Stress: This article will help you find ways to declutter your space, making for a less stressful environment.  
  • How to Recognize and Minimize Burnout During Uncertain Times: This recorded webinar will help you identify how burnout is affecting your work and personal life.  
  • Stress Reduction: Health4U provides different articles and resources that specifically target dealing with stress. 
  • Toolkit: Managing Stress: This resource on the Toward a Respectful Workplace website helps identify the stressors in your life and how to manage them. 
  • How to Avoid or Manage Burnout: This article will help you learn how to avoid burnout and what to do if you’re experiencing it.
     

Have another resource you’d like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Job of the Week: Security Operations Coordinator/Crime Analyst

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, we are featuring a job post from the Department of Police and Public Safety for a Security Operations Coordinator. The Department of Police and Public Safety enforces laws and provides public safety services in an inclusive and accessible manner through outreach, engagement and care to support the Spartan community. 

The Department of Police and Public Safety is looking for an individual to support the MSU DPPS’s Cadet Desk, which is made up of MSU students who are passionate about law enforcement and criminal justice. The Security Operations Coordinator is responsible for managing phone calls and police radio communications to support campus security operations. They will launch the campus mass notification system for emergency warnings and timely notices. They will also collaborate with Ingham County 911 dispatch on law enforcement unit dispatching related to campus safety and security. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

The future Security Operations Coordinator should have a four-year degree in intelligence analysis, criminal justice or a related field. Their working knowledge should include one to three years of experience in overseeing intelligence data collection and analysis and strategy development. 

To learn more about the Department of Police and Public Safety, visit police.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three professional references and apply here by April 11.

April Events Round-Up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

April 1 – MSU Science Festival: Print your own butterfly postcard! (free): Create a butterfly postcard with an illustration from Special Collections.

April 2 – TEDxMSU (free): Visit the Wharton Center to hear from TEDx speakers, and visit pop-up shops, participate in giveaways and much more. 

April 5 – 2023 International Awards Ceremony: Join this recognition of individuals who are solving the world’s greatest problems, making the world a better place, internationalizing the student experience, and advancing knowledge and transforming lives around the world.

April 14 – APIDA Heritage Month Community Dinner: Enjoy a community dinner honoring APIDA Heritage Month and enjoy an evening of community, food and activities. 

April 18 – Clothing Repair-A-Thon (free): Give or gain help in the Makerspace system with any of your favorite pieces that need repairing. 

Learning Opportunities

April 2 – AI Sonic Art Workshop (free): Learn how to use AI and experiment with text-to-sound technology.

April 7 – 2023 Fatherhood Forum- The Evolution of Fatherhood: The annual Fatherhood Forum is aimed toward fathers who want to enhance their greatness as parents, their loved ones and supporters. 

April 11 – Grammar Refresher: Strengthen your grammar and usage skills and present a more polished, professional image.

April 12 – Maximizing the Spartan Experience: Gain a foundational perspective related to enhanced customer service delivery.

April 13 – Post Parental Leave Employee Resource Group: Things to Consider or Plan for Before/While Returning to Work: Discuss what can be done to help you be best prepared emotionally, mentally, physically and organizationally before returning to work.

Health and Wellness

Starts April 5 – Wellbeing Wednesdays (free): The Health4U program and WorkLife Office have partnered to bring you wellbeing in its many forms. 

April 18 – Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot (free): Learn about the physiological importance of sleep and how to improve your sleep quality.

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts April 1 – Big Astronomy: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn more about a world-class observatory. 

April 1 – Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

April 1 – Pet Easter Egg Hunt: Soldan’s Pet Supplies is bringing back their Pet Easter Egg Hunt with thousands of colorful eggs on the lawn of their DeWitt location.

Starts April 2 – A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn about the evolution of dinosaurs. 

April 3 – Mother Daughter Dance: Head to Delta Township for a night of fun, music, refreshments and photos!

April 14 – Night at the Museums (free): Enjoy the MSU Museum and the Broad Art Museum with tours, art making and more.

April 25 – Sensory Friendly Spartan Concert (free): Enjoy a chamber ensemble concert designed to serve the needs of all individuals. 

Job of the Week: Executive Staff Assistant

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, we are featuring a job posting from the College of Osteopathic Medicine for an Executive Staff Assistant (posting 851727). The College of Osteopathic Medicine provides world-class, osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research in order to foster community access to patient-centered medical care.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine is seeking a team member to support the Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs. They will manage schedules and provide the best experience for students and other stakeholders. They will also assist with coordinating special events and develop and maintain the office’s social media presence. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

The future Executive Staff Assistant should be a dynamic individual with a high school diploma, but it’s preferred they have a four-year degree. Their working knowledge should include five to eight years of university work experience in maintaining account ledgers, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. They should also have experience in providing proactive support in an executive environment.

To learn more about the College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit com.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter and apply here by April 4.

Job of the Week: Museum Exhibition Trades Aide

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from University Arts and Collections for a Museum Exhibition Trades Aide (posting 850374). University Arts and Collections supports units across campus that hold significant cultural and intellectual collections that serve the research, scholarship and outreach missions of the university.

This temporary position provides support for a variety of skilled trade areas. They are responsible for helping prepare exhibition spaces by doing minor repairs, cleaning and managing display components. They will set up and troubleshoot AV equipment and other technology. They will also assist students with the proper handling, presentation and shipping of artwork. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

The future Museum Exhibition Trades Aide should be a solutions-oriented problem solver with a four-year degree in studio art or museum studies. Their working knowledge should include two to three years of experience as an art handler in a museum, gallery or foundation. They should also have basic carpentry and fabrication skills.

To learn more about University Arts and Collections, visit broadmuseum.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three references and apply here by May 31.

Put Mental Health First Now and Beyond

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

In light of recent events, it’s important to reflect on how you prioritize your mental health, how you talk about it with your supervisors and how supervisors can  support the mental health of their teams. Emphasize rest and recognition, learn about your self-care preferences and learn how to utilize the resources available to you.

Make sure you’re aware of this list of support resources available to MSU employees to help move through this moment:

Why We Prioritize

Mental health should be treated and discussed the same as physical health because they are often connected but rarely given equal priority. To break that cycle, make it a part of your everyday habits and conversations.

Other reasons to prioritize mental health include:

  • Having a demanding job makes it easy to put work over mental and physical health, but it is not worth it in the long run as this can lead to burnout.
  • In a time of mostly online interactions, some of the natural in-person social interactions that are missing can inadvertently lower well-being.
  • Therapy is still stigmatized, and seeking out expert help for your mental health helps release that thinking.

Self-Care Ideas

Becoming burnt out at work is easier than you might think, and the best way to heal from or prevent burnout is to form healthy self-care habits. Engaging in self-care in the simplest terms is making sure that as you prioritize work, you also prioritize adequate sleep, nutrition, meaningful connection, and exercise. Other suggestions for self-care include:

  • Unplug when social media and news get overwhelming.
  • Treat yourself with compassion no matter how you respond to burnout.
  • Enjoy the little things like a walk outside or some cuddles with your pet. 
  • If you’re on campus and looking for a nice spot to rest, check out this incredible Campus Meditation Map created by Beal Scholar student Anhad Viswanath.
  • Close your laptop at the end of the workday and do your best not to open it again until the morning.
  • Seek out help from an expert rather than solely relying on yourself or your team for mental health related answers.

Start the Conversation with Your Team

You don’t have to be the supervisor on your team to start a discussion around mental health. Use empathy to address situations regarding mental health and give your coworkers space to speak openly about their experience. If you aren’t sure how to start the conversation, use the MSU resources linked below and ease into it.

If you are a supervisor, here are four ways you can show appreciation for your team in support of their mental well-being:

  1. Show sincere interest in the needs, hopes, and dreams of other people.
  2. Watch for signs of burnout in yourself and others and consider registering for the WorkLife Office training How to Recognize and Minimize Burnout.
  3. Demonstrate a willingness to help others and refer to appropriate resources.
  4. Lead with compassion to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.

MSU recognizes the value of its employees and to show appreciation for the important work we all do, several departments, including the WorkLife Office, provide a variety of resources to support our well-being: 

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.

America Saves Week 2023

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week is America Saves Week, an annual event that encourages you to learn and plan for increased savings, lower debt, investing and preparing for retirement. This year’s focus is on financial confidence. America Saves Week defines financial confidence as, “the intersection of building a savings habit, knowing what resources you have available to support your financial stability, and taking advantage of those resources as needed.” 

You can do all this using resources provided to employees by the university and our benefits partners. Both of MSU’s retirement partners, Fidelity and TIAA, offer tips and tricks, courses for financial literacy, and other resources. Through America Saves Week, you also have access to planning tools for managing financial emergencies.

Fidelity Resources

Fidelity provides many resources to MSU employees that can help you learn how to save better and prioritize your financial confidence. You can access your Fidelity account here to get started. Interested in learning the specifics about Fidelity’s rainy day investment and savings plans? Visit their Netbenefits site. Other tools and calculators provided by Fidelity to their MSU members can be found here.

TIAA Resources

If you feel dissatisfied about your current financial situation, TIAA wants to remind you that you are not alone. Read the 2023 TIAA Personal Finance Index and learn that it’s not just you. Some ways to start building financial resiliency with TIAA include contributing to your retirement savings, paying down debt, and growing an emergency fund. According to a survey conducted by TIAA, having more in retirement savings is a top contributor to financial resiliency. Visit the EBS portal to learn more about your contribution options.

Schedule a Virtual Consultation with Fidelity or TIAA

Both Fidelity and TIAA offer virtual appointments with financial consultants. Be sure to set up an appointment to get your questions answered for no additional cost. Set up your Fidelity consulting appointment here or set up your TIAA consulting appointment here.

For general questions about retirement, contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or (517) 353-4434 or visit the HR website. For questions about your specific financial plans, contact your vendor.