Last week, I let you know that our plan is to finish the fall semester and start the spring semester as planned. Classes will resume for two weeks after Thanksgiving, the spring semester will begin Jan. 11, and holidays and spring break will continue as scheduled.
Even so, it is important for each of us to be mindful of the increase in COVID-19 in our community.
The university has partnered with federal, state and local leaders to mitigate spread of the virus. We are working with the state to increase COVID-19 testing in our community. We have also partnered to make cold storage at JVIC and in other campus facilities available for storing COVID-19 vaccine when it is distributed.
It is important that each of us stay diligent in our individual efforts as well. Wear a mask. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with hand sanitizer. Maintain at least six feet of distance from others. Limit your travel and exposure to others, particularly as we encounter the holidays.
Get flu shot by Dec. 1
As winter weather approaches, public health officials expect the spread of COVID-19 to remain strong. Doctors and hospitals are busy handling the virus and have less capacity to address other community health issues.
This makes it more important than ever that each of us get vaccinated for the flu. For this reason, the university is incentivizing faculty and staff by allowing them to save $30 per month on health insurance premiums by getting the flu shot by Dec. 1.
Free flu vaccinations are available through Magers Health and Wellness Center and at various locations throughout the Springfield, West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses. If you have not already received your flu shot, I encourage you to schedule your vaccination today.
Complete Open Enrollment by Dec. 1
Dec. 1 also marks the end of our annual Open Enrollment period for employment benefits.
Open Enrollment is the period where employees can review, elect, decline or make changes to their benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Once elections or changes have been made, no changes can be made during the year unless they are due to a qualifying, life changing event (e.g. marriage, divorce, birth, etc.).
This year’s benefit options are similar to the slate of options available last year.
Minor changes include an increase in rates for dependent life insurance and the availability of MO ABLE, a new benefit that allows individuals with disabilities (and their qualified family members) to save for expenses that can be used to help maintain their health, independence and quality of life.
You can find more information about Open Enrollment and the various benefit options available to you online.
To begin your Open Enrollment:
- Login to My Missouri State
- Click on Profile
- Locate the box labeled Employment Details and click on Online Benefits Enrollment
Dec. 1 also marks the deadline to enroll in the university’s cafeteria plan. Additional details can be found online.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!