• Mercy Biometrics Springfield Campus: Schedule October 27
• Mercy Biometrics Springfield Campus: Schedule October 28
• Prefer Magers? Appointments may be limited. Don’t Delay- Schedule through the Magers MyHealth Patient Portal.

Wellness Incentive: Complete Your Activities

Remember, you can earn a $30 monthly medical premium incentive for 2027 by completing two of the three qualifying wellness activities:

• Complete the wellness incentive course.
• Receive a flu shot.
• Complete a biometric screening.

Employees who complete their Flu vaccinations and/or biometric screening by a provider outside of Magers health (including those completed on site with Mercy), must report the appropriate documentation to Magers and have their medical record updated to receive credit. Email supporting documentation to MagersMedicalRecords@MissouriState.edu. The wellness incentive course will launch next week. You will receive an assignment through My Learning Connection to make the course easy to access. Although the course is not required as a separate training requirement, completing it is one of the qualifying activities for the 2027 wellness incentive.

On-Site Benefits Fairs This Week

Have questions about your benefits? Join us at an upcoming on-site Health and Benefits Fair to explore resources and connect with benefit representatives.

• Wednesday: Springfield, Wednesday, October 28
• Thursday: West Plains,Thursday, October 29

Stop by, ask questions, and get ready for Open Enrollment.

Virtual Benefits Fair Launches Next Week

Our Virtual Benefits Fair will launch next week! Watch your email for details and the link to explore benefit information and resources at your convenience.

Whether you want to review your options or learn more about a particular benefit, the virtual fair is another convenient way to prepare for your 2027 elections.

Open Enrollment Begins November 1

Open Enrollment runs November 1 through December 1, with benefit elections taking effect January 1, 2027.

Use these resources to prepare for your elections:

• Open Enrollment FAQs
• 2027 Benefits Notice

Reminder: Cafeteria Plan (Flexible Spending) Requires a Separate Election

Planning to participate in the Cafeteria Plan, which includes flexible spending accounts (FSAs)? You must enroll separately each year to participate. Your FSA election does not automatically renew, and it is separate from your regular benefits Open Enrollment elections.

Be sure to review the Cafeteria Plan information and complete your FSA enrollment if you want to participate in 2027.

• Cafeteria Plan Enrollment Information and Guide
• Cafeteria Plan Enrollment Site

Take advantage of this week’s opportunities, watch your email for upcoming announcements, and remind your coworkers to do the same. A little preparation now can help make Open Enrollment easier.

Don’t let the dates pass you by. Grab a biometric appointment, tell a friend, and get ready for Open Enrollment!

The post Grab the Last Biometric Appointments This Week! appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

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Featured Communication workshops this fall:

Communication Basics – LEAD Yourself

Every problem in the workplace may not stem from poor communication—but poor communication is the root of enough problems that it’s worth talking about! What, exactly, is communication? What is the difference between verbal and nonverbal communication, and why is nonverbal communication so important? What can go wrong when two people attempt to communicate? What can you do to be a more effective communicator?  These topics will be the focus of this informative workshop.

Register Now

Date: Thursday, Nov 5, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Pummill 202
Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Effective Listening – LEAD Yourself

Research says that by listening effectively, you can increase others’ trust in you, reduce conflict, better understand how to motivate others, and inspire a higher level of commitment in the people you manage. In fact, good listeners have deeper, stronger, and better relationships at work, at home, and with friends. This two-hour workshop will explain why listening is important, help you figure out what type of listener you are, and teach you the necessary skills to become a more effective listener. Join us for this information packed workshop!

Register Now

Date: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Pummill 203
Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Remaining OTD workshops this fall:

Public Affairs Mission: What Does It Mean? Can You Relate? – LEAD Yourself

• Thu, Oct 29; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Pummill 202
• Facilitator: Stacey Trewatha-Bach

Microsoft Power BI: Excel to Business Intelligence – LEAD Yourself -New Workshop!

• Fri, Oct 30; 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Glass 331
• Facilitator: Karen Eisman

MSU LEAD ON – Bear Financials: Practical Budgeting for Leaders

• Tue, Nov 3; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Pummill 202
• Facilitator: Dawn McIntyre

Communication Basics – LEAD Yourself

• Thu, Nov 5; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Pummill 202
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Effective Listening – LEAD Yourself

• Wed, Nov 18; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Pummill 203
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

MSU Spotlight: Telecom Invoicing – LEAD Yourself

• Thu, Nov 19; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Telecom Center Training Room 152 (Blair Shannon)
• Facilitator: Angie Cockrum

Sponsored by Organizational and Talent Development

To register for LEAD Yourself courses click on the registration buttons above.

MyMissouriState > Learning and Development Card > My Learning Connection.

Please contact HRLearning@missouristate.edu with questions.

The post Strengthen Communication, Strengthen Impact appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

Support the MSU United Way Campaign and help make our community a better place for all. The 2026 Campaign ends October 30, 2026.  There is still time to GIVE.

Giving is easy with a monthly payroll deduction or a one-time online gift.

Get the chance to win free or reserved campus parking for a year!
Designate your gift to any nonprofit you choose.

Go to: www.missouristate.edu/UnitedWayCampaign

The post Bears Unite! YOU Can Help Us Support the MSU United Way Campaign appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

Schedule your flu vaccination and biometric screening now to avoid missing the opportunity to earn a $30 monthly medical premium discount ($360 annually) for 2027. Appointment availability is limited, so take action today!

Schedule Your Flu Shot

Magers is hosting flu vaccination clinics this week, they are already available through the portal. Check the Magers MyHealth Patient Portal to schedule.

If you receive your vaccination from an outside provider, submit documentation  with the subject line “flu Shot” to MagersMedicalRecords@MissouriState.edu.

Schedule Your Biometric Screening

Only 4 appointments remain on October 27 and 20 appointments remain on October 28! Mercy screenings are available from 7–9:45 a.m. in PSU Room 308 on the Springfield campus.

• Mercy Biometrics Springfield Campus: Schedule October 27
• Mercy Biometrics Springfield Campus: Schedule October 28
• Prefer Magers? Schedule through the Magers MyHealth Patient Portal.

Screenings must include lipid panel and A1C results. If you completed screening outside Magers, including when provided onsite by Mercy, submit documentation to MagersMedicalRecords@MissouriState.edu with subject line “biometric screening”. If you already completed lab work at Magers, check your patient portal to verify your status.

Earn a $360 Annual Premium Discount

Mo State Health Plan participants can earn a $30 monthly premium reduction by completing at least two of these three activities:

• Flu shot
• Biometric screening
• Wellness course (Available in November via Mylearningconnection).

For employee-only coverage, the incentive reduces monthly premiums to $24 for the Base Plan or $89 for the Buy-Up Plan.

Upcoming Benefit and Wellness Fairs

• Springfield: Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., PSU Grand Ballroom. View details.
• West Plains: Thursday, October 29, with opportunities for on-site biometric screenings and flu shots. Schedule through the Magers Patient Portal.

Don’t wait! Open Enrollment runs November 1–December 1. Complete your wellness activities and take advantage of the opportunity to save on your 2027 medical premiums.

The post 💰 Don’t Miss Your $360 Wellness Incentive appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

Planning for future education expenses? Eligible Mo State employees may qualify for a $50 matching opportunity when opening and funding a qualifying MOST 529 account, subject to program requirements.

Join us November 3 for an informational session to learn how the plan works and how to get started.

What Is a MOST 529 Plan?

A MOST 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals and families save for future education expenses. Earnings can grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified expenses, such as eligible tuition, fees, books, and other approved education costs.

More Flexibility for Your Savings

Did you know unused 529 savings may offer options beyond education?

Under certain conditions, eligible unused 529 funds may be rolled over to a Roth IRA for retirement savings. IRS requirements apply, including account holding periods, annual contribution limits, and lifetime rollover limits.

Register for the November 3 Session

Learn more about education savings, the $50 matching opportunity, eligibility requirements, and options for your future.

Register Here

Please review the employee flyer for complete matching eligibility requirements.

The post 💰 Get a $50 Match! Explore the MOST 529 Education Savings Plan appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

Time is running out to complete your wellness activities for the 2027 Wellness Incentive. Mercy biometric screening appointments are filling quickly, with only 11 appointments remaining on October 27 and 27 appointments on October 28. 

Don’t wait until the remaining appointments are gone!

Schedule Your Biometric Screening

Mercy biometric screenings will be held in PSU Room 308 on the Springfield campus, from 7–9:45 a.m.

• Schedule your October 27 screening
• Schedule your October 28 screening
• Schedule through the Magers MyHealth Patient Portal

Already completed lab work at Magers? You may have already met the biometric requirement. Magers has sent notifications to employees whose records show the requirement is complete.

If you completed your screening outside Magers, you must submit your results to MagersMedicalRecords@MissouriState.edu with the subject line Biometric Screening. Your results must include both lipid panel and A1C results.

Don’t Miss the Benefit And Wellness Fairs.

Springfield Benefit and Wellness Fair

Wednesday, October 28 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
PSU Grand Ballroom

Explore employee benefits and wellness resources, meet vendors, and participate in activities. View fair details.

West Plains Benefit and Wellness Fair

Thursday, October 29

The West Plains campus fair will include opportunities for on-site biometric screenings and flu shots. Take advantage of this opportunity to complete wellness activities and learn more about your employee benefits. Schedule appointments through Magers patient portal.

Earn a $360 Health Premium Discount With the Wellness Incentive

Employees enrolled in the Mo State Health Plan can earn a $30 monthly medical premium reduction by completing at least two of these three activities:

• Flu shot: Receive a flu shot; Schedule at Magers Health and Wellness Center though the Patient Portal, or when received by an outside provider, submit outside documentation to MagersMedicalRecords@MissouriState.edu .
• Biometric screening: Complete a Biometric screening. Appointments available at Magers or through an available Mercy on-site screening opportunity. Screenings completed by a provider other than Magers (including Mercy onsite appointments), employees must submit documentation to MagersMedicalRecords@MissouriState.edu to receive credit.
• Wellness course: Complete the assigned course in November.

You do not need to complete all three activities, although all 3 are highly encouraged. Completing two qualifies you for the full incentive of $360 annually.

For employee-only coverage, the incentive reduces the monthly premium to:

• Base Plan: $24 per month, down from $54.
• Buy-Up Plan: $89 per month, down from $119.

Review the 2027 Health Plan Premium Rates and Open Enrollment details for more information.

Verify Your Wellness Activities

Check your Magers MyHealth Patient Portal to verify that your biometric screening results and flu shot have been recorded.

As a courtesy, Human Resources generally sends a confirmation email near the close of Open Enrollment to employees who have met the wellness incentive requirements, based on the information available to HR.

If you completed your flu vaccination or biometric screening outside Magers, remember to submit your results so they can be added to your record.

Take action now. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through December 1, and biometric screening appointments are limited. Schedule your screening, verify your records, and make the most of the opportunity to reduce your 2027 medical premiums.

The post Act Now: Limited Biometric Screening Appointments Remain October 27–28 appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

Support the MSU United Way Campaign and help make our community a better place for all. Giving is easy with a monthly payroll deduction or a one-time online gift.

Get the chance to win free or reserved campus parking for a year!
Designate your gift to any nonprofit you choose.

Go to: www.missouristate.edu/UnitedWayCampaign

The post Bears Unite! Support the MSU United Way Campaign appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

The post Supervisory Toolkit – A Valuable Resource Designed Specifically for Supervisors appeared first on Human Resources Blog.

Public Affairs Mission: What Does It Mean? Can you Relate? – LEAD Yourself

With the renewed emphasis on public affairs in the university’s strategic plan, it’s important that you to learn how to connect our mission to your role and how to put it into action. Explore the history of the public affairs mission of the University and how to become a more engaged Citizen Bear by modeling the three pillars of the public affairs mission. As the university is educating students to become global scholars, it is imperative that employees can communicate, interconnect, and promote the meaning of public affairs to students and the community. Join us for this fun and informative workshop!

Other LEAD Yourself workshops this fall:

MSU Spotlight: Bear Financials Argos Reports – LEAD Yourself

• Tue, Oct 13; 2:00 PM – 4:00 AM, Pummill 202
• Facilitator: Dawn McIntyre

MSU Spotlight: Bear Financials Forms – LEAD Yourself

• Tue, Oct 20; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Pummill 202
• Facilitator: Dawn McIntyre

Microsoft Power BI: Excel to Business Intelligence – LEAD Yourself

• Fri, Oct 30; 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Glass 331
• Facilitator: Karen Eisman

Communication Basics – LEAD Yourself

• Thu, Nov 5; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Pummill 202
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Effective Listening – LEAD Yourself

• Wed, Nov 18; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Pummill 203
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

MSU Spotlight: Telecom Invoicing – LEAD Yourself

• Thu, Nov 19; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Telecom Center Training Room 152 (Blair Shannon)
• Facilitator: Angie Cockrum

Sponsored by Organizational and Talent Development

To register for LEAD Yourself courses click on the registration buttons above.

MyMissouriState > Learning and Development Card > My Learning Connection.

Please contact HRLearning@missouristate.edu with questions.

The post Our Public Affairs Mission Workshop Helps You Grow as a Citizen Bear appeared first on Human Resources Blog.