At Michigan State University (MSU), a public research institution and a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and AAU, the College of Arts & Letters has been working since 2016 to improve the academic environment for VITAL faculty and academic specialist staff (FAS). The college has created greater job security and stability through a focus on full-time positions, clear guidelines for VITAL FAS hiring processes, and longer contracts, in addition to increasing equity in salary and compensation, the College has developed intentional career pathways that include clear promotion policies, flexible work arrangements, and recognition through awards.