Job of the Week: Museum Exhibition Trades Aide

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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

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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

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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

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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.

March Events Round-Up

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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

Starts March 5 – ANR Week (free): Join the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and MSU for Agriculture and Natural Resources Week and learn more about one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. 

March 14 – Make & Sustain: Upcycled Planters (free): Decoupage your container with colorful paper provided from MSU Surplus and plant a seed from the Seed Library.

March 19 – SpARTan Wellness: PLAY WITH CLAY (free): Visit the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to roll, stretch, carve and stamp clay creations.  

March 27 – Composition Reading with Imani Winds (free): Enjoy music from the members of Imani Winds, as they perform works penned by MSU student composers.

March 31 – 2023 MSU Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Commemoration: Join this event to honor this year’s theme: Remembering and Progressing our Roots. Hear from the keynote speaker and President of United Farm Workers, Teresa Romero.

Learning Opportunities

Starts March 3 – Intentional Parenting – Building a More Meaningful Connection with our Kids (free): This course will help parents explore how to connect with their children through open and honest communication.

Starts March 10 – 15th Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference: This year’s conference aims to acknowledge and honor the history in the field of Muslim mental health, highlight and share current insights and wisdom and set sights on the future of the field of Muslim Mental Health.

March 22 – 2023 MSU Women’s Advisory Committee for Support Staff Spring Forum: Building Bridges of Spartan Connections: This forum will focus on Building Bridges of Spartan Connections with a keynote address by HR’s very own Christina K. Brogdon, PHR, MSU’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.

March 22 – Photo Book Workshop using Microsoft Word (free): Learn how to use Microsoft Word to design a photo book you can print at MSU Libraries Publishing Services.

Health and Wellness

March 2 – Responding to the Tragic Events at MSU (free): In response to the tragic events that occurred at MSU, the WorkLife Office has prepared a training that will discuss the different ways in which we respond to trauma.

Starts March 7 – MSU Grief and Loss Support Group (free): This open conversation with MSU community members will help those dealing with grief. 

March 7 – Ergonomic Best Practices for Workstation Comfort and Safety (free): This Zoom session will explore the basics of ergonomics, injury prevention, how to set up your workstation, standing desk use and stretches/exercises to help reduce the risk of work-related pain.

March 13 – Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot (free): Explore the benefits of maintaining good “sleep hygiene” and learn how to improve your sleep quality. 

March 16 – Lansing River Walk Trail (free): Join the International Employee Resource Group, in person, for a scenic Spring walk through the Lansing River Trail!

March 23 – Laughing is the Best Medicine (free): Join the Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group to learn more about caregiving with laughter, mindfulness and explore the social, emotional and physical benefits of laughter.

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts March 3 – Imagine the Moon: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to explore how the moon has inspired human creativity. 

March 4 – Family Day: JOIN (free): Join the MSU Broad Art Museum for their monthly family day. For this month’s theme, come together to deliver a message.

Starts March 5 – In My Backyard: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for an exciting show from children’s entertainer, Fred Penner.

March 13 – Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

March 21 – Crazy Sock Day: Make Your Own Socks! (free): Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by creating and wearing crazy mismatching socks. 

March 23 – Homeschool Day: Art Field Trip! (free): Connect with other homeschoolers at this day of making, looking and learning designed just for you and your family! All ages are welcome. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Happy National Clean Out Your Computer Day!

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It’s National Clean Out Your Computer Day, so we wanted to share some tips and tricks for cleaning out your computer. Whether you work remotely or in-person, it’s easy to let your computer organization get away from you. Organization is one of the key components of maintaining a productive workspace, so let’s start with your computer!

Delete unused apps and programs

Don’t let apps and programs you don’t use anymore take up space. Clear out any of these unused items to streamline your computer usage.

Clear up your storage

Find what abandoned projects are using up your storage. You can do this by accessing your settings and checking your storage space. Clear out any files or projects that are no longer of use to you.

Utilize Spartan365 for cloud and virtual storage

Utilizing OneDrive, available through Spartan365, can help reduce clutter by saving files on the cloud. Spartan Drive offers users a simple way to store, sync and share files with other people and devices. Spartan365 is available for students, faculty, researchers, and staff.

Clean the outside of your computer

While it’s important to organize the contents of your computer, it’s just as important to clean the computer itself. Your computer collects dust which can delay the cooling process. Give your computer the quick polishing that it deserves!

For more information about how to clean your computer, click here.

Job of the Week: MSU Extension HNI Fiscal Officer

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from MSU Extension for a Health and Nutrition Institute (HNI) Fiscal Officer (posting 844547). MSU Extension aims to be part of community conversations, maintain positive environments, and foster inclusivity. The HNI empowers Michiganders to lead healthier lives through education about nutrition, safe food practices, physical activity, mental health, and more.  Learn more about MSU Extension. 

The HNI Fiscal Officer will oversee the operations of a large department, program or functional unit. They will manage the fiscal and administrative activities of a complex budget from various sources of funds including externally funded grants, operating accounts and self-supporting activity. They will also oversee internal and external financial accounts and controls and provide oversight for all HNI accounts. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

The future HNI Fiscal Officer should be a self-starter with a four-year degree in a business-related field. Their working knowledge should include five to eight years of experience in office procedures and administration. They should also have strong oral and written communication skills.

To learn more about MSU Extension, visit www.canr.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, four professional references and apply here by February 28.

FSA Deadline Reminder for 2022 Funds

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Do you still have funds left over from your 2022 flexible spending account (FSA)? If you signed up for a health care FSA, dependent care FSA or both in 2022 and still have funds remaining in your account, you have a grace period in 2023 to use these funds.

The grace period gives you time to purchase new products or services before you forfeit unused 2022 funds. Don’t lose your money! Take note of the following important deadlines:

  • March 15, 2023: this is the last day you can incur qualified expenses on your 2022 FSA plan.
  • April 30, 2023: this is the last day you can submit your claims to HealthEquity/WageWorks, MSU’s FSA plan administrator. You can do this via your HealthEquity/WageWorks account or the WageWorks EZ receipts app.

The IRS requires you to forfeit any unused 2022 funds after the deadline, so be sure to spend your money and submit claims.

If you have a Dependent Care FSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as child or elder daycare, preschool, and before/after school programs. Find a complete list of eligible dependent care expenses here.

If you have a Health Care FSA, you can purchase a variety of products and services with pre-tax dollars. Find a complete list of eligible health care expenses here. If you need ideas for what to use your health care FSA funds on, check out the FSA store. 

Questions? Please contact HealthEquity/WageWorks directly at 877-924-3967 or visit the HealthEquity/WageWorks website to learn more about how to use your leftover 2022 funds before the deadline. You can learn more about FSAs on the HR website.

Tips and Benefit Resources for Heart Health

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to a number of conditions including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems, results in one death every 34 seconds (CDC, 2022).

It’s important to note that cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “High rates of obesity and high blood pressure among younger people (ages 35–64) are putting them at risk for heart disease earlier in life. Nearly half of Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking” (CDC, 2021).

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy:

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed.
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. It’s important to schedule your annual visit so your doctor can check these numbers, along with other important health metrics.
    • Use Livongo by Teladoc Health for Diabetes Management. MSU employees and their dependents enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Livongo, a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all free for MSU employees and their eligible dependents. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up.
  • Evaluate Your Diet. Eating foods that are high in salt, sugar, saturated, and/or trans fats can cause high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
    • Eat a Plant-Forward (Plant-Based) Diet. Make sure the majority of your calories come from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts (American Heart Association, 2022). If you must eat dairy and/or meat, look for low-fat, lean, and unprocessed options. The AHA recommends a list of the best plant-based sources of protein and offers insight on protein and heart health.
    • Beware Unexpected Sources of Sodium. The top ten sources of sodium in the American diet include some unexpected items, including bread, sandwiches, cold cuts, poultry, cheese, and egg dishes (CDC, 2022).
  • Get Regular Physical Activity. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week – that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
    • This comprehensive fitness assessment for MSU employees will help you determine your current level of fitness. Based on your unique results, a SPARTANfit staff member will work with you to establish a tailored 3-month goal-oriented fitness and wellness plan.
    • A functional movement screen consists of seven movement assessments designed to identify areas of imbalances and asymmetries by testing your mobility and stability. A certified professional will lead you through the assessment and then provide you with corrective exercises to implement.  
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA, 2023). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking.

Sources:

American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. www.heart.org. (2022, July 28). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults   

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? – american heart association. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 14). Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 12). About heart disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, January 26). Heart disease: It can happen at any age. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/any_age.htm 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 23). About Sodium. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/salt/food.htm  

How does plant-forward (plant-based) eating benefit your health? www.heart.org. (2022, October 10). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-does-plant-forward-eating-benefit-your-health 

Smoking both traditional and e-cigarettes may carry same heart risks as Cigarettes alone. www.heart.org. (2023, January 24). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/06/smoking-both-traditional-and-e-cigarettes-may-carry-same-heart-risks-as-cigarettes-alone  What is cardiovascular disease? www.heart.org. (2022, May 4). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from

Job of the Week: Systems Engineering Team Manager/Information Technologist II

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from Information Technology Services and the Division of Student Life and Engagement for a Systems Engineering Team Manager (posting 843322). Information Technology Services provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial and policy initiatives affecting IT across MSU. The Division of Student Life and Engagement engages students in active learning, ensures students are prepared for leadership roles and enhances educational environments. 

The Division of Student Life and Engagement (SLE) IT team, Digital Strategies and Services (DSS), partners with units in the SLE to coordinate technology strategy that aligns unit needs with campus, divisional and individual solutions. The Systems Engineering Team Manager will report to the Director of SLE Digital Services and Strategies. They are responsible for supervising and coaching four full time direct reports. They will also coordinate activities and communications to respond to incidents such as website failures, network outages, power interruptions, etc. that impact SLE technology. Find a list of all responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

The future Systems Engineering Team Manager should have supervisory experience with a four-year degree. Their working knowledge should include the ability to isolate, analyze, describe and resolve complex issues. They should also have experience with vendor management.

To learn more about Information Technology Services, visit tech.msu.edu. To learn more about the Division of Student Life and Engagement, visit sle.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three professional references and apply here by February 14.