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Take advantage of MSU employee discounts

Published on July 19, 2016 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Munn Ice Arena is one of several places on campus where you can find a discount

One of the benefits of working at MSU is taking advantage of its employee discounts. From on-campus shopping to MSU sporting events to additional insurance options, you can’t go wrong with these savings.

MSU Benefits Plus

MSU Benefits Plus is available to benefits-eligible MSU employees. It gives employees the option to enroll in several voluntary employee-paid benefits programs, in addition to online shopping discounts. Register with your ZPID to view your options.

On-campus discounts

Athletics: Every MSU employee is a Spartan fan by default. Employees can purchase football, men’s basketball and ice hockey season tickets at discounted prices or a Go Green card for $50 that grants entry to women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, softball and baseball.
Dining Plans: Enjoy the delicious meals at MSU’s dining halls with these discount plans.
MSU Department of Theatre: Check out a student theater production at 10–17 percent discounts on all Main Stage performances
Spartan Bookstore: The bookstore offers new and used textbooks, clothing and souvenirs, academic supplies, software and electronics and more. A 10 percent discount is offered on textbooks, trade books and medical books and a 15 percent discount is offered on all regular-priced clothing.
MSU Forest Akers Golf Course: The golf course offers two 18-hole championship layouts, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and two full-service golf shops with a full complement of services. Employees with MSU ID card receive reduced rates.
MSU Munn Ice Arena: The ice facility provides a public skating schedule during the year. Employees receive discounted rates with valid MSU ID.
University Stores: MSU employees can purchase a variety of items that the University utilizes including diapers, batteries, and office supplies. Prices are competitive.

Find more on-campus services and local discounts for auto, home, clothing, travel and more.

Plan ahead at Getting To and Through Retirement Workshop

Published on July 12, 2016 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The earlier you start planning for retirement, the better. But learning how to save smartly can be a challenge. Join retirement vendor TIAA on Wednesday, July 20, for an exploration of the key areas that bring you to and through your retirement and maximize your retirement potential. The workshop is free and one hour long.

Two session times will be offered:
Wednesday, July 20
MSU Union, Lake Huron Room
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. OR 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Congratulations to the “Square Up Your Savings” Winners!

Published on June 16, 2016 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Congratulations to the three winners of the “Square Up Your Savings” challenge in April! MSU Human Resources and TIAA, one of our retirement vendors, partnered to bring this fun and educational opportunity to the MSU community as part of Financial Literacy Month.

A total of 749 participants completed 10 missions centered on savings education. When a mission was completed, players earned a square to place on a campus map where they thought virtual hidden savings might be located. Players were then entered into a drawing to win one of three iPad minis.

This year’s winners were:

Danielle_sm2 — Danielle Ferguson, Veterinarian with Animal Care Program

Pearl_sm2 — Pearl Wong, Collection Coordinator with the MSU Museum

Sharon_sm1 — Sharon Ruggles, Academic Program Coordinator with Geography Environment Spatial Sciences

Thank you to TIAA for sponsoring this challenge! We hope everyone who participated enjoyed the new, more interactive format.

MSU offers support for smoking cessation

Published on January 6, 2016 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The benefits of quitting smoking have been made very clear throughout the last few years. In addition to the numerous health improvements, such as a return to regular breathing patterns and a decrease in the risk of heart disease and many forms of cancer, quitters also enjoy saved money, a better sense of smell and taste, more freedom with time and scheduling, and much more. However, knowledge is rarely enough to end an addiction. Many smokers find the task of quitting daunting, or even impossible.

Eligible faculty and staff at MSU don’t have to go through the process alone. The Breathe Easy Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Program offers behavioral support and, if desired, medication, to aid the quitting process. The next information session is Wednesday, January 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in 247 Olin Health Center. Attending the information session does not obligate attendees to enroll in the program. To register, call 517-353-2596 or email health4u@msu.edu.

The program is absolutely free. MSU faculty, staff, graduate student employees, retirees, and their adult benefits-eligible family members are eligible to participate in this program.

Sometimes the first step is the most difficult. The team at Breathe Easy can guide you along the rest of the way to quitting. Listen to the testimonials from real graduates of this program:

Reminder: Benefits Open Enrollment ends October 31

Published on October 27, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Benefits_OE_Masthead_purple_web — Enjoy Halloween knowing you have completed Open Enrollment!

You have had the month of October to look over and sign up for benefits options. Benefits Open Enrollment ends Saturday, October 31. You will not be able to change most plan options for the 2016 after this date.

To complete Open Enrollment, log in to the EBS Portal. Read all you need to know about Open Enrollment in our 2016 guide, which includes cost of benefits, coverage summaries, new and important information this year and details about the various plans and benefits options offered through MSU.

If you have not enrolled, now is the time! Many important decisions about health insurance, dental insurance, flexible spending accounts and much more need to be made before October 31. It’s also important that you complete the Health Care Affidavit to ensure 2016 coverage for your spouse or Other Eligible Individual.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the HR Solutions Center. This team is prepared to help faculty and staff during the Open Enrollment period. Email your questions to SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or call 517-353-4434. Computer help is available through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day in the Nisbet Building.

National Retirement Security Week

Published on October 21, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Man standing at laptop computer with paper documents — It’s estimated that retired households spend about 80% of what working households spend. Photo courtesy of TIAA-CREF.

Retirement may be late in the future, but the time to save for it is now. This week, formerly known as National Save for Retirement Week, is an important reminder to assess your savings progress. Are you where you should be?

Retirement vendor TIAA-CREF has prepared a checklist that details all of the important tasks you can complete this week to help secure your retirement.

Planning for retirement involves making a variety of important decisions early on about investment options, portfolio assets, amount of monthly contributions, beneficiaries and much more. Making the right decisions now will determine your security and comfort during retirement.

Both Fidelity and TIAA-CREF offer online resources, retirement savings plans and advising sessions.

Benefits Open Enrollment is a time of planning for 2016, but it can also be an opportunity to look forward to your future and consider your options for retirement. Establish some peace of mind during National Retirement Security Week by completing the checklist and securing your future!

Reminder: Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs occur Oct. 20–22

Published on October 20, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

After several weeks of Open Enrollment, MSU faculty, staff and retirees should be familiar with the plans and options available to them. The Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs are here to help with MSU Human Resources and vendor representatives available to answer questions.

The following are the dates and times of the Benefits Fairs:

October 20, noon to 6 p.m.

October 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 22, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

While at the fair, eligible employees and retirees can receive a free flu shot. Find out more here.

You can also take some time to relax in a free 10-minute chair massage. Read about the times these are offered, which vendors are attending the fair and directions and parking information here.

Sign up for benefits during Open Enrollment

Published on October 6, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Benefits Open Enrollment for MSU staff and faculty is going on now!

Sign up for health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and other benefits offered through MSU before Saturday, October 31, 2015. This annual month-long enrollment period is crucial in determining your benefits coverage for the 2016 year.

Read all you need to know about Open Enrollment in our 2016 guide, which includes cost of benefits, coverage summaries, new and important information this year and details about the various plans and benefits options offered through MSU.

Remember to attend the Benefits Fairs October 20-22 at Breslin Center to talk to vendors and MSU Human Resources Benefits staff members.

Open Enrollment is completed online through the Employee Self Service option in Enterprise Business System for health, dental, life and flexible spending accounts. Find detailed enrollment instructions in the Open Enrollment guide.

MSU Benefits Open Enrollment begins October 1

Published on September 8, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

It’s that time of year again!

Open Enrollment graphic element — The plans selected in October will go into effect in January.

Mark your calendars for MSU Benefits Open Enrollment, which runs October 1–31. The Benefits Open Enrollment period allows eligible MSU faculty and staff to change their desired benefits plans, such as health, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and voluntary MSU Benefits Plus programs.

Benefits Fairs will take place at the Breslin Center on October 20 from noon to 6 p.m., October 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and October 22 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. They feature Open Enrollment sign-up assistance and health, dental, retirement, life, flexible spending account and MSU Benefits Plus vendors. Some other MSU units will be in attendance, such as the Clinical Center, which will offer flu shots again this year.

Now is a good time to re-evaluate your benefits needs to prepare for the October enrollment period. Find more information and resources relating to Benefits Open Enrollment here.

Visit Olin Health Center for a full range of services

Published on July 29, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Olin Health Center doesn’t only serve students. Faculty and staff can take advantage of the conveniently located center for a wide array of services. The spouse and children of an employee or retiree are also eligible for these services.

Olin Health Center on a summer day — Olin Health Center often schedules same-day services by appointment.

Here are some of the services available to employees:

LIFE:Rx

Have you ever wondered how fit you are? Schedule a LIFE:Rx appointment to receive a comprehensive fitness evaluation, wellness assessment and individualized lifestyle and exercise prescription.Continue Reading… Visit Olin Health Center for a full range of services