This weekâs job of the week is a College Alumni Coordinator (#555848) for the College of Social Science. This position is seeking an individual to plan and lead academic engagement between students, faculty and alumni.
The responsibilities for this role include concentrating on alumni relations with a focus on engagement to build advocacy for the College of Social Science, networking with other departments and colleges on campus and raising funding to support the college. Other responsibilities for this role include planning all alumni relations and development focused events, facilitating engagement opportunities with alumni to speak with students about their Spartan story and providing them with mentoring.
The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business, Communications Arts, Marketing or related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in higher education fundraising, event coordination, public speaking, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
For more details on the responsibilities of this position, and to view all our current postings, visit careers.msu.edu. Internal applicants should access postings through the Careers @ MSU tile in the EBS Portal.
Cherelyn Dunlap from the Office of Employee Relations, MSU HR.
MSU Human Resources is excited to introduce Cherelyn Dunlap, who joins our Office of Employee Relations (OER) team in a new role that will work closely with the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). This new role was created to help streamline the process and experience for employees with disabilities who are seeking accommodations to help them perform their job duties.
The OER Director Rick Fanning is thrilled to have Cherelyn on board, âWe are happy that Cherelyn has joined us in Employee Relations. She brings a great deal of knowledge and experience in the accommodation process, and I am sure that her work will be a valuable addition to MSU.â
Cherelynâs considerable work experience includes 20 years as a Labor Relations Representative and Benefits Director for the Michigan Corrections Organization and an Employee Relations Specialist for the Auto Club Group (also known as AAA). Her extensive knowledge of benefits, insurances, FMLA, Workersâ Compensation, and retirement, in addition to managing accommodation requests, makes her well-equipped to take on this new role at the university.
Along with her knowledge and skillset, Cherelyn shows a genuine enthusiasm for impacting and improving someoneâs work experience, which makes her a true asset to the MSU community. Â âAt an institution where inclusion is paramount, we must ensure that individuals with disabilities feel confident in knowing the university will strive to meet their needs. The RCPD has been diligent in providing this service thus far, and it is my desire to help find ways to continue, and improve, this important work moving forward,â says Cherelyn.
There are many different scenarios where an accommodation could improve an employeeâs work experience. Cherelyn explains, âWhen we think of an individual with a disability, we think of someone with a physical disability we can see; however, there are many individuals working with disabilities we cannot see.â For example, a person who suffers from migraine headaches may complain that their condition is brought on by the glare from their computer screen. An accommodation could be to provide the employee with a screen overlay to diminish the glare from their computer.
Other accommodations could be more advanced. People who develop arthritis in their hands can have difficulty performing any job functions that require them to type and use a computer. Manipulating the computer keys and mouse exacerbates the individualâs arthritis. An accommodation could be to provide the employee with software which allows them to use talk to text. The software learns the various programs the employee utilizes, and the employee uses a headset or handheld microphone to speak the words that should go into the spreadsheet, report, email, etc.
Cherelyn is quick to point out that every employee is unique, and the accommodation recommended is entirely based on the individualâs needs and determined on a case-by-case basis. Cherelyn and the team of professionals at the RCPD are ready to assist employees with resources that create an environment of opportunity.
Michael Hudson, RCPD Director remarks, âCherelyn arrives with extensive HR experience that will fortify inclusion efforts for people with disabilities in the workplace. RCPD will continue to welcome persons with disabilities with an ability-centered approach and innovative solutions while HR formalizes these into reasonable accommodations.â You can learn more about the RCPD in this recent MSUToday article.
What is the Process for Receiving an Accommodation?
If you believe you have a condition that could be improved by an accommodation, the following steps will help guide you through the process:
You should register with the RCPD and make a written request for an accommodation. You must also provide the RCPD with medical documentation of the disability.
The RCPD then determines whether you have a qualifying disability, as defined by the law and the university policy.
After the RCPD has determined the condition qualifies as a disability, Cherelyn will begin consulting with RCPD on the case and promptly begin the accommodation process.
MSU HR and RCPD are thrilled to have Cherelyn join the Employee Relations team and are looking forward to her contributions to MSU!
Questions? Please visit the RCPD website to learn more about how employees with disabilities can find assistance at MSU or to register your own disability with the RCPD.
Could you be saving more for your retirement? Whether youâve just started working at MSU or have been here for 30+ years, it is important that you continue to monitor and adjust how much youâre saving if you want to have a comfortable retirement.
The IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to a retirement plan each year. The IRS recently announced the retirement plan limits for 2019:
The annual employee contribution amount increased to $19,000 from $18,500 for 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
The age 50 catch-up contribution amount stayed the same and is $6,000 for 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
If you want to save as much as you can for your retirement, there is a tool in the EBS Portal called the Max Savings Contributions Calculator available to assist you. This tool automatically displays the remaining amount of retirement contributions you have available before reaching one of the limits, and the equivalent percentage of your pay to help you spread that out for the year.
To access this tool:
1. Login to the EBS Portal with your MSU NetID and password.
2. Click the My Benefits tab.
3. Click the Retirement/Health Savings Account tile.
4. Navigate to the Savings Plans screen.
5. The Max Savings Contributions Calculator screen will display. This display will automatically show the remaining amount of retirement contributions you have available (if any) before reaching the IRS limit.
6. You can adjust the percentage of your contributions to any retirement plans you participate in by clicking on the pencil icon.
7. If you want to enroll in a new plan, begin by clicking on the paper icon next to the plan and vendor of your choosing, and then enter the percentage of your new contribution.
If you are an academic year faculty or academic staff employee, or a Voluntary 403(b) Base participant age 50 and over, contact the HR Solutions Center at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu for further assistance in calculating your maximum contribution percentage.
Learn More About MSUâs Retirement Plans
The HR website contains a wealth of information about the different types of retirement plans offered, retirement investment vendors, and planning tools available.
Do you know an employee here at MSU that is pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree and still going above and beyond in their work? MSU is seeking nominations for the Ruth Jameyson âAbove and Beyondâ Award through Friday, January 18, 2019.
This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson. In recognition of Ms. Jameysonâs own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, nominees must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. The recipient will be honored at the Distinguished Staff Award Reception in May.
Learn more about the 2018 Ruth Jameyson Award Winner, Melissa Congleton:
Individuals may be nominated by any member of the university community (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, student). A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to Michigan State University in a support staff position.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 18, 2019. You can learn more about the Ruth Jameyson Award on the MSU HR website.
This weekâs job of the week is a Concert Production/Technical Manager (#554761) for the Department of Music. This position is seeking an individual to plan and implement the backstage usage and theatrical equipment for productions, performances and other events.
The responsibilities for this role include assisting with creating and maintaining the master planning calendars for theatre and production, managing conflicting needs for hall access and usage, and assisting with scheduling and oversight of support staff for hall operations. Other responsibilities for this role include coordinating movement of musical instruments and advising/assisting with the load-in and set up of productions and performances.
The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a business-related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in house management, managing large numbers of employees, operating computers, and office procedures; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For more details on the responsibilities of this position, and to view all our current postings, visit careers.msu.edu. Internal applicants should access postings through the Careers @ MSU tile in the EBS Portal.
Welcome to 2019 and your flexible spending account (FSA) funds! If you signed up for a 2019 FSA during Open Enrollment last October, youâre on your way to saving money on out-of-pocket medical and/or dependent care expenses. MSUâs FSA plan administrator is WageWorks. If this is your first time participating in an FSA, make sure you register for your online WageWorks account.
If you have a Health FSA, you can purchase a variety of products and services with pre-tax dollars â itâs like a 30% off sale on eligible expenses1. Some items you may not know about include:
Allergy medication
Bandages
Breastfeeding classes
Cough syrup
Dyslexia treatment
First-aid kits
Guide dog
Hearing aids
Humidifier/air filter
Lasik
Pain relievers
Pregnancy tests
Reading glasses
Smoking cessation drugs
Sunscreen
You can find a complete list of eligible expenses for both health and dependent care FSA funds on the WageWorks website2. To make shopping for eligible expenses easier, visit the online FSA Store for the largest selection of guaranteed FSA-eligible products. And remember, managing your WageWorks account is quick and easy with the WageWorks EZ receipts app. Youâll love the convenience of submitting claims, uploading receipts and checking account balances directly from your phone.
What if I still have funds left over from my 2018 FSA?
Not to worry â if you still have funds left over from your 2018 FSA, you have until March 15, 2019 to use these funds and until April 30, 2019 to submit receipts to substantiate these claims. Find more information on the HR website.
Questions? For more detailed information contact WageWorks at 877-924-3967 or visit the WageWorks website. For plan eligibility questions contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.
1 Assumes a combined tax rate of 30%, including FICA, state, and federal income taxes. Actual amounts may vary.
2 Some items may require a doctorâs prescription or other documentation from your doctor. Please see your account details for more information.
If you work on campus, you know how important student employees are to the success of your department and the university. Do you know a student who consistently goes above and beyond in their work? Supervisors have the chance to recognize these exemplary Spartans by nominating them for the Student Employee of the Year award by February 4, 2019.
Last yearâs winner was Emily Duddles, Learning Assistant for the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Last year’s Student Employee of the Year winner, Emily Duddles.
Eligible nominees must be:
Currently registered in an MSU degree-granting program.
Employed on student employee payroll for a minimum of three months between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2019.
Nominated by their supervisor. Only one student employee may be nominated per supervisor. Complete an online nomination form here. Note: Graduate assistants, residence hall staff and other student employees who do not fall under the jurisdiction of MSU Student Employment or the Student Employee Payroll may not be nominated for this award. They are eligible for other recognition programs.
All nominees will be honored with certificates. The MSU Student Employee winnerâs name is submitted for consideration for the State of Michigan competition. All nominees will be acknowledged at the reception on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Learn more about the award on the Department of Student Life website.
This weekâs job of the week is a Unit Human Resources Administrator I (#551670) for the Department of IT Services Communication and Training. This position is seeking an individual to support the hiring, development, and engagement of the MSU IT team.
The responsibilities for this role include administering and coordinating the hiring and recruitment processes for all professional, clerical, student and temporary/on-call employees within IT. Â Other responsibilities for this role include serving as a resource to department supervisors and a liaison to central MSU Human Resources to manage and coordinate human resource activities.
The ideal candidate would possess knowledge acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in managing human resource functions, designing and implementing training programs and human resource/labor relations management and computer applications; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For more details on the responsibilities of this position, and to view all our current postings, visit careers.msu.edu. Internal applicants should access postings through the Careers @ MSU tile in the EBS Portal.
With the new year on the horizon, now is the time to relax and recharge, spend time with your loved ones, and maybe start thinking about your career goals for 2019.
The average American spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. Thatâs 1/3 of your life or 50% of your waking hours spent in the company of your co-workers (Pryce-Jones, 2010). When you think about your work life in these terms, it makes sense that youâd include career goals as part of your New Yearâs resolutions.
What should your goals be? Research shows that people who feel more engaged and appreciated at work report feeling happier in general. These happy worker bees have a few things in common including a meaningful vision for their future, a sense of purpose, and great relationships (McKee, 2016).
Lucky for you, as a benefits-eligible MSU employee you have access to a variety of personal and professional development courses that can help you identify growth areas and build roadmaps for a more purposeful future. We recommend using some (or all!) of the following courses to help you reach your career goals and ultimately become happier at work.
Highlight of 2019 Professional Development Courses:
Chances are, you could use a little focus in your life. Between emails, text messages, phone calls, meetings, social media, family, and co-workers all demanding your attention, it can be hard to clear away the distractions and zero in on the work that needs to get done. We recommend taking the course From Distracted to Productive to learn âgame planâ ideas for getting and keeping your distractors under control.
Once youâve become more productive at work, how do you sustain those high results? You must have a significant amount of emotional resiliency as you navigate the challenges inherent in your day-to-day life. The course Sustainable High Performance teaches you how to increase your capacity for calm, creative responses to a wide variety of problems and operate from a high-quality state of mind.
And career goals would ultimately be meaningless if you didnât create them with a bit of introspection. The Everything DiSC: Behavior Styles at Work course helps you understand yourself and how you relate to other people â including your co-workers. While the Identify and Maximize Your Strengths course shows you what makes you unique and helps identify your natural talents.
Ready to Sign-Up?
Find all the current professional development courses on the HR website. Register for the courses through theEBS Portal. After you log in, click the My Career and Training tab and then click the Courses for Employees at MSU tile.
McKee, Annie. âBeing Happy at Work Matters.â Harvard Business Review, 26 Oct. 2016, hbr.org/2014/11/being-happy-at-work-matters.
Pryce-Jones, Jessica. Happiness at Work: Maximizing Your Psychological Capital for Success. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.
