Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2023: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period (October 1-31) is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2023 plan year between October 1-31, 2022.

1. Determine your benefit needs

During Open Enrollment (October 1-31), you may enroll in, change or cancel coverage in the following benefits:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Flexible spending accounts (health and/or dependent care)
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Some voluntary benefits, including vision, legal and critical illness insurance

Make sure you review the Open Enrollment guide carefully and choose the best benefit plans for your family.

2. Complete the spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) affidavit

If you want to cover a spouse/OEI on your benefits plan, you MUST complete the affidavit online through the EBS Portal every year. Find instructions to complete the affidavit as part of Open Enrollment.

3. Review notable information for the 2023 plan year

Notable information for the 2023 plan year includes:

  • Monthly premiums for voluntary legal insurance through ARAG have increased for the 2023 plan year. Visit MSUBenefitsPlus.comto view updated rates. Find instructions to enroll, change or cancel coverage in the Open Enrollment guide.
  • Many MSU employees are now working in a remote or hybrid situation. If this includes you, please review the important guidance on health care and dental plan options in the Open Enrollment guide (see page 5) prior to enrolling in a plan.

Find all notable information on page 5 of the Open Enrollment guide.

4. Make your changes online before October 31

If you want to make changes to your benefit selections and/or cover a spouse/OEI on your benefit plans, you must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1-31 (view enrollment instructions).

5. Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair and HR Site Labs or use the online benefit provider resources

Please Note: events are subject to change at any time. Please review the most updated details on the HR website prior to attending.

  • MSU Benefits Fair: We will be having an in-person benefits fair on October 19 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help you enroll in your benefits on-site. The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will be offering flu shots during the fair by appointment only. The appointment calendar (managed by MSU Health Care Pharmacy) will close when all appointments are filled or 48 hours prior to the event.  Learn more about the fair and how to make an appointment for the flu shot.
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer site labs on October 6 (in-person and virtual) and October 31 (in-person). Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment. Learn how to participate in a site lab on the HR website.

We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate benefits guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information.

Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to get in touch via phone or email. Limited in-person help will be available by appointment only. Please call or email the HR Solutions Center at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu to make an appointment or ask a question.

Job of the Week: Research Assistant III/S

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the College of Human Medicine for a Research Assistant (posting 811728). The College of Human Medicine is committed to educating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge and providing service at home and abroad.

The Research Assistant is responsible for coordinating the NIMH-funded ROSE Scale-up Study. This study will assess the effectiveness of the ROSE postpartum depression prevention intervention. They will coordinate and manage daily operations, activities and all phases of research. They will also supervise four research assistants and coordinate their recruitment and follow up duties. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

Interested applicants should have a Master’s degree in the specific field of research employment. They should have one to three years of experience in research methodologies, writing reports, supervision, software and data interpretation. They may also need special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment. 

To learn more about the College of Human Medicine, visit humanmedicine.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, a Diversion, Equity and Inclusion statement and apply here by September 20.

Self-Improvement Month

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September is Self-Improvement Month! Self-improvement can be related to many things, whether it’s learning something new, maximizing a strength or focusing on your physical or emotional wellbeing. Celebrate this month by taking some time for yourself, growing and using these MSU resources to help get you started.

Creating and Sustaining a Positive Workplace

Take advantage of this personal development course in October. The Creating and Sustaining a Positive Workplace course will help you break the seven habits of negativity and other secrets of getting along. For more information, click here. 

Take a Walk Around MSU

Utilize our beautiful campus or take a stroll through the East Lansing area. Taking a walk is great exercise, but can also improve your mental and emotional well-being.

TIAA Webinar: Strategies for Staying on Track

The WorkLife Office is hosting a webinar to help you stay on track of your financial goals. This opportunity will give you tips on how to have a solid financial future even after you’ve stopped working. For more information, click here. 

Identify and Maximize Your Strengths

This course will teach you how to benefit most from your strengths based on your CliftonStrengths Assessment. The assessment identifies your natural patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, so that you can discover what makes you exceptional and maximize your potential. For more information, click here. 

Spartan Clothing Swap

Work on your self-improvement by cleaning out your closet, helping the planet and giving back to others in the community. The Surplus Store and Recycling Center are hosting a clothing swap where you can swap your clothes in good condition with others and keep them out of the waste stream. For more information, click here. 

Wellbeing Wednesdays: Supporting Each Other Through the Next New Normal

The WorkLife Office and Health4U have partnered to bring you Wellbeing Wednesdays. This informal webinar will focus on how we can support each other during continued change and the importance of self-care. For more information, click here. 

Ready, Set, Change!

This personal development course will demonstrate how organizational change can result in better outcomes. Join this November to improve and take charge of your organizational environment. For more information, click here. 

Strings Sing: 2022 Music and the Garden Series

Take in the natural beauty of the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden, relax, and enjoy some chamber music and jazz at the 2022 Music and the Garden Series. For more information, click here. 

Women’s Networking Association: All Things Women’s Health – Understanding and Taking Care of Your Body

The Women’s Networking Association will host this webinar to teach women how to best take care of and listen to their bodies. For more information, click here. 

The Power of Habit™

This personal development course will teach you how to replace undesirable habits with productive ones. Join us in October, and kick those bad habits for good! For more information, click here.  

Share your favorite self-improvement tips and comment below!

Job of the Week: Human Resources Manager

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the Office of Research and Innovation for a Human Resources Manager (810356). The Office of Research and Innovation administers research funding, ensures research integrity for both students and faculty, provides grant support services, fosters collaboration, licenses university inventions and oversees regulatory compliance to support MSU’s research and creative activity. 

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the administrative activities of a large complex administrative unit. They will ensure that leadership is informed in a timely manner of all critical issues that require their attention and decision-making. They will also plan, monitor and revise onboarding of new hire employees. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

Interested applicants should have a four-year degree in Human Resources or a related field. They should have three to five years of experience in accounting, management, budget preparation and database system analysis and maintenance. They should also have experience working in an educational environment.

To learn more about the Office of Research and Innovation, visit research.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a cover letter, resume and three professional references and apply here by September 14.

Photograph of a sheet of paper spread out on a table, with two hands over the paper. One hand holds a red pencil. The paper shows a hand-drawn process map with rectangles, circles and arrows.

OPD Course Spotlight — Continuous Process Improvement Series

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“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” – Mark Twain

Picture this: Your department is functioning smoothly, with greater efficiency and productivity, utilizing clear, easy-to-understand frameworks for ongoing processes with easily transferrable knowledge and expertise. This type of work environment isn’t just a pipe dream. In fact, it’s part of MSU’s strategic plan, which sets forth the following action item:

Establish processes to systematically identify and remove barriers to success and reduce work inefficiencies to improve the experience of working at MSU.
(MSU 2030 Strategic Plan: Goal 2, Objective 1, Strategy/Action 6)

Continuous Process Improvement is an area of growing importance, as new and emerging leaders recognize process as foundational to the success of individuals, teams and organizations. Continuous improvement can range from simple changes in the day-to-day workings of your team to large-scale procedural shifts across the entire university. In all cases, you need the right instruments to achieve success and keep it going.

Continuous Process Improvement Learning Series

A variety of programs are available to assist you and your team in developing a culture of process excellence, with Fall 2022 sessions currently open for registration in EBS. The courses below typically provide the maximum benefit when taken as a series, although taking only a few of the classes is also an option, depending on your learning needs.

  1. Process Mapping 101 – Getting Started | elevateU e-learning course, 20 minutes
    • Define key process improvement terminology.
    • Identify common process maps and their differences.
  2. Introduction to Process Mapping | Instructor-led training
    • Define key process improvement terminology.
    • Identify common elements of process maps.
    • Reduce barriers to success by adopting best practices.
    • Create a process map.
    • Begin work on individual work-related processes using the resources provided.
  3. Promapp, Interactive Process Creation | Instructor-led training
    (requires completion of a prerequisite course, Introduction to Process Mapping)
    • Create processes in the Nintex Promapp system and use key features.
    • Utilize best writing practices and process standards to create engaging and consistent processes.
  4. Writing Policies and Procedures | Instructor-led training
    • Draft policies and procedures in clear terms that can be understood by all.
    • Discover strategies and methods for creating easy-to-understand resources.
  5. New Course! Facilitating Process Improvement | Instructor-led training
    • Identify leading process improvement frameworks and their appropriate applications.
    • Apply the RAPID methodology and supporting project documents to design a process improvement initiative.
    • Evaluate process effectiveness and identify common sources of waste
    • Adopt facilitation best practices in the management of process improvement initiatives.

Check out a preview of what you can expect from the Introduction to Process Mapping class to get a feel for the types of tools and strategies you’ll gain:

Ready to Learn More?

Register for upcoming courses in the Continuous Process Improvement Learning Series in the EBS Portal by selecting the Courses for Employees at MSU tile under My Career and Training. A list of recommended self-directed learning resources is below to get you started, and OPD can be reached at prodev@hr.msu.edu with any questions.

RECOMMENDED ELEVATEU RESOURCES

elevateU Courses

elevateU Microlearning – Videos

Sources

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

September Events Round-Up

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Are you looking for activities for you and your family this 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

Starts September 1 – Meet Your Campus Art Museum (free): Come check out the exhibitions and make a custom tote bag at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum On September 1 and 2.

September 1 – Wharton Welcomes featuring Charlie Burg (free): Celebrate the new school year at the Wharton Center with an evening of alternative/funk music, ice cream, games and more.

September 9 – Opening Reception for 1.5° Celsius Exhibition (free): Visit the MSU Museum for the opening reception of the new exhibit that addresses climate issues.

September 17: Garden Day 2022: These workshops at the Plant and Soil Sciences Building will teach you more about plants.

Learning Opportunities

September 13 – Family Employee Resource Group: Children with Special Needs (free): A panel of local experts will answer your questions about children with special needs and share resources in this Zoom webinar.

September 14 – ERGO 100: Intro to Ergonomics (free): Join this Zoom course and learn about common ergonomic stressors in the workplace.

September 17 – Diving Into Math with Emmy Noether (free): Enjoy this play at the FRIB Laboratory to celebrate one of the most influential mathematicians.

September 22 – International Employee Resource Group: Welcome Session (free): Join this Zoom webinar to connect on issues related to our international community.

Health and Wellness

September 9 – Spartan Clothing Swap (free): Ready to clean out your closet? Bring your unwanted clothes to the Surplus Store and Recycling Center and exchange clothes with someone else.

September 17 – Lansing Walk4CMT (free): Bring the whole family for a day of walking and fundraising for a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth. 

Family-Friendly Activities

September 1 –  Sensory Friendly Hours: Visit the Impression5 Science Center for their sensory-friendly hours.

September 3 – Family Day: Power of Story (free): Enjoy Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum. There will be hands-on, interactive activities throughout the museum.

September 12 – MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House.

September 30 – East Lansing Welcomes the World (free): Enjoy this event for International students and families to meet the community and enjoy children’s activities, food, a photo booth and more.

Job of the Week: Payroll Assistant II

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from MSU Finance for a Payroll Assistant (805810). The MSU Finance department monitors the financial health of the university and provides analysis and formulation of strategies to deal with these issues. 

The Payroll Assistant is responsible for the processes and maintenance of all functions of the Academic Salary, Non-Academic Salary and hourly payrolls to meet payroll goals according to University policies and procedures. They will monitor and review reports for accuracy and timeliness and verify payroll information. They will also communicate with Human Resources and University departments to exchange information needed to resolve problems and meet deadlines. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The ideal candidate should have an Associates degree in a business related field. They should have three to five years of experience in monitoring payroll issues. They should also have experience in spreadsheet and word processing software.

To learn more about the MSU Financial department, visit finance.msu.edu. To apply for this position, submit an application here by September 6.

Three people sit at a conference table in an office, having a conversation. Two people have their backs to us, another is the focus of the photo and is sitting in front of a laptop with large pieces of paper containing notes hanging on the glass wall behind them

Leadership Blog Series: Ready to Lead

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Written by Sharri Margraves, Director for HR Organization and Professional Development

How did you know you were ready to lead? What inspired you to take that first step? What is your mission as a leader? Who helped you see you could be a leader and who helped you along that path? I’m curious about the journey that brought you where you are now as a leader, and where you want to go in the future.

In my case, I didn’t think about any of this when I first started in a leadership role. My first job out of college was as an APSA level 10 supervisor at MSU, and I was just happy to have a position in my field. So, armed with my dietetics degree, off I went into “institutional food service” as a personnel supervisor. Thankfully, I was able to attend a six-week training program before being assigned to my permanent spot.

The joke was on me because I was sent to that training unit just a few days before the start of the fall semester. Let’s just say that I decided to immediately start looking for another job! In that first year, the colleague who made my job bearable quit, another experienced colleague was experiencing a personal crisis, and our supervisor was demeaning and unethical. Then, one day I came into work, and the supervisor’s office was cleaned out—something was about to change.

Senior leaders began coming to the unit daily, and an interim leader was assigned. I took on new job responsibilities and challenges. The climate we operated in was hectic and unsettling, but I found a groove. I encountered many challenges the first year but was seen by others as a leader. I certainly made mistakes and missteps all along the way (I still do), but I was given a chance and found people who cared and were willing to help me learn. My experience showed me the rewards of being kind and helpful to new people. I was also given the gift of recognizing lousy leadership and the impact it can have.

Throughout my career as a leader at MSU, I’ve made it a point to take on stretch assignments and do all I can to continue to grow—public speaking was particularly hard. I figured if I kept growing, I would be able to help others be successful too.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Encouraging and empowering others will help our needed leadership talent grow. Always be on the lookout for talent—hire people better than you and model positive leadership by refining their gifts and talents. Find others that need a chance and the grace to grow into the leaders we need, whether they are individual contributors or supervisors.

Leadership Resources from OPD

MSU offers and continues to develop resources to support leaders and managers at all stages of their professional journeys. HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) launched the New Leader Development Series in January 2021, designed to give new leaders a survey of different topics related to both leading and supervising/management. More than 70 people will be making the connection with this fall’s cohort. Although this next series is full, consider the January 2023 cohort for you or members of your team.

OPD is also excited to announce a new leadership workshop and the return of a re-engineered course that’s been extremely helpful to MSU leaders: Strengths Based Leadership and Crucial Conversations for Accountability (previously titled Crucial Accountability), both available for registration in EBS for fall dates. Check out the recent HR post Learning and Development Resources for Supervisors for additional courses and other resources to help you grow and advance on your leadership path.

Are there resources not currently offered by MSU that you feel would be useful to your growth as a leader? What support would help you feel ready to lead? I’m interested in your story and what could make a difference in growing MSU’s leaders. Feel free to comment below or contact me directly at margrave@msu.edu.

Sources

Photo by Christina Morillo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-woman-having-a-meeting-1181626/

Happy Honeybee Day!

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It’s Honeybee Day! To celebrate these buzzing beauties, do your part in taking care of them. The College of Natural Science has outlined what you can do to help the bees in the Michigan Pollinator Initiative.

The Michigan Pollinator Initiative aids MSU in furthering the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. The strategic plan highlights MSU’s goal to achieve stewardship and sustainability. Here’s a few tips you can use to help our honeybees and be a good steward of resources, pursuing initiatives in a manner that ensures MSU’s long-term sustainability and success.. 

Remove Bees Safely

If you discover bees on your property that are disruptive, work with a local beekeeper to see if they can be saved.

Plant for Pollinators

Add more flowering plants to your home garden or lawn. To learn more about this process, click here.

Advocate

Understanding policies and advocating for pollinators is a great way to support the bees. To do this, you can find your representatives or learn more about the legislative process.

To learn about the Michigan Pollinator Initiative and find out more about what you can do, click here. To learn more about the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan, visit strategicplan.msu.edu.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager II

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from University Arts and Collections for a Communications Manager (805914). The University Collections and Arts initiatives supports units across campus including the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, the MSU Museum, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and more.

The Communications Manager is responsible for assisting in the development of a communications strategy that creates a visible presence for the arts at MSU. They will create a new media and public relations campaign that raises awareness of the arts as a key component of MSU’s educational, research and placemaking activities. For a list of all responsibilities, click here.

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations or a related field. They should have three to five years of experience in public and media relations. They should also have experience in communications and project management.

For more information about University Arts and Collections, click here. To apply for this position, prepare a resume and cover letter and apply here by September 6.