Campus Resources to Help Reduce Stress

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

April is Stress Awareness Month! Daily stress has the ability to take an enormous toll on our mental/physical health. Managing our stress levels is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and well-being. MSU has a multitude of different resources to help reduce your stress:

Activities

  • Campus Meditation Map: Beal Scholar, Anhad Viswananth, created this incredible meditation map to highlight the best spots to meditate around campus. 
  • Live Music and Connection: University Health and Wellbeing invites you to join them on April 25, 26, and 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. to take a break, connect with the community, and enjoy time in the beautiful spaces across MSU. Bring your lunch, relax with colleagues, and enjoy live music from local artists.
  • Staying Active: Watch your stress dissolve as you become more active this spring. Warmer weather is on its way and it’s the perfect time to get outside and run, kayak, walk, or swim. Join a biking group in the Greater Lansing area or an MSU Recreation group fitness class to stay motivated. 
  • Walking at MSU: There are many things to see and do on MSU’s 2,100 acre campus. Follow these various MSU campus walking tours to make the most of our beautiful campus. 

Learning Resources

  • Taking Time Away from Work: Taking time away from work, in the forms of breaks, vacation time, or strengthening boundaries around employees’ workdays, is important. View these resources to learn more about balancing your time and work schedule. 
  • The Importance of Decluttering: Check out this article from the WorkLife Office to learn more about how mess causes stress and the importance of decluttering your space and mind. 
  • Stress Reduction: MSU Health4U has plenty of resources to help you reduce your stress levels. Learn more in their Stress Reduction series of articles. 
  • Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential short-term counseling and referral service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, graduate assistants, retirees, and their insurance-eligible dependents who are located within the state of Michigan. Classes and resources to help reduce stress are updated on the EAP website often.
  • Avoiding Burnout: This article will help you learn how to avoid burnout and what to do if you’re experiencing it.

Stress can look different for each individual so be sure to take care of yourself using these resources and beyond. Have another resource you’d like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Job of the Week: Web Content Manager

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is a Web Content Manager for the Eli Broad College of Business (job posting 939708). The Eli Broad College of Business works to create and disseminate knowledge through collaboration and develop global transformational leaders who positively impact organizations and society. 

In this position, you will oversee projects and platforms that allow the college to communicate via its website and related digital mediums. This position plays a key role in creating and maintaining the college’s digital strategy, balancing the maintenance of existing digital communication platforms while improving the user experience and anticipating future needs. You will also maintain vendor relationships, provide project management, assist in creating appropriate processes and workflows, ensure compliance with university accessibility and branding standards, provide documentation and training needs, and ensure support and customer service are available to platform users. 

You will collaborate with college leadership, marketing and communications staff, and key stakeholders to align actions with MSU and Broad College’s vision and mission. You will regularly review the college’s digital presence and recommend viable best practices to ensure a positive user experience. You will assist with planning and anticipating budget requirements for web platforms and services. You will also attend related MSU meetings such as Web Dev CAFÉ, University Communicators Network (UCN), Digital Accessibility Liaisons, etc. 

You will maintain and enhance digital platforms including WordPress, by identifying needs and working with vendors to meet those needs. You will maintain a relationship with Squiz and ensure proper configuration and use of Funnelback search. You will ensure compliance with MSU branding standards via collaboration with University Communications. You will ensure appropriate infrastructure and metrics are in place for monitoring effectiveness of digital efforts including use of Google Analytics. 

You will manage the website creation process, responding to needs for new websites and web-based resources while enforcing website and content lifecycles, archiving content and websites that are no longer needed. You will manage email lists for newsletters and send them via iModules (Broad Weekly, alumni newsletter, etc). You will also manage product task backlogs and prioritize processing them. 

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or a related field and three to five years of related work experience. Desired qualifications also include demonstrated experience with content management systems such as WordPress, Imodules, Mailchimp, or other email CRM systems, Google Ad Words and Analytics. Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills with knowledge of AP style is desired. 

To learn more, visit the Eli Broad College of Business website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the MSU Careers website by April 23, 2024. 

woman reviewing paperwork with a calculator.

5 Financial Goals to Consider with Help from Fidelity and TIAA

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

As a benefits-eligible employee, you may be aware of the generous retirement savings programs and resources MSU offers to help set you up for a successful retirement. However, MSU’s retirement plan vendors, Fidelity and TIAA, can help you with more than just retirement planning. Whatever your financial goals may be – such as funding a big purchase, paying down debt, or creating a sustainable budget – Fidelity and TIAA can help you create a plan to achieve them.

Fidelity and TIAA are financial professionals who can provide strategies and advice to help you take charge of your finances. Review the goals below and then reach out to your vendor using the following contact information.

Everyone can benefit from having a clear financial plan. Yet, many people need clarity on their goals or the strategies necessary to make them happen. If you’re not sure where to start, the following financial goals with resources from TIAA and Fidelity are recommended for all individuals at any stage of life:

  1. Create a Budget: Many people only have a vague understanding of their spending habits or financial situation. Between trying to comprehend financial jargon, figuring out your money goals, and understanding how to balance debt, saving, and investing, it’s no wonder people often choose to bury their heads in the sand. Luckily, Fidelity and TIAA have tools, resources, and advice to help us make a plan and stay on track.
    More Information:
  2. Build an Emergency Fund: Setting aside money for an emergency – such as unemployment, surprise medical or vet bills, or unplanned home repairs – is a key element of basic financial planning and often the first step advisors will recommend. According to TIAA, “it’s good to maintain an emergency fund that would cover three to six months of living expenses” (Waltenberger, 2024). These living expenses include the things you absolutely must pay for each month, such as food, housing, utilities, child care, health care, transportation, debt payments, or similar.

    The latest report released by the Federal Reserve found that 37% of adults would not be able to afford a $400 emergency expense (2022, Federal Reserve), which means they would have to use credit cards, personal loans, early retirement withdrawals, or ask family/friends for assistance. Saving towards an emergency fund – even if it’s only a small amount each month – can help you build a safety net that can keep you out of debt.
    More Information:
  3. Pay Down Debt: The average American owes $104,215 in debt across mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, and personal loans (Experian, 2024). While it’s important to note that having debt isn’t necessarily bad – a mortgage loan, for instance, can help you build wealth and eventually own a home – having too much debt or high-interest debt can lead to serious financial stress. Fidelity clarifies, “Good debt is generally considered any debt that may help you increase your net worth or generate future income. Importantly, it typically has a low interest or annual percentage rate (APR), which experts say is normally under 6%” (Fidelity, 2023).

    If you’re only able to make the minimum payment on your credit card, have trouble paying your monthly bills, or have debt payments that are more than 35% of your gross income, you may need help managing your debt (TIAA, 2024). Luckily, TIAA and Fidelity have actionable steps to help you move in the right direction. Review the resources below for advice on managing debt and reach out to your vendor directly to receive personal financial advice.
    More Information:
  4. Maximize Your Retirement Investment: Most benefit-eligible employees1 are enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10%. That’s an immediate two-for-one match of your investment for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides a great foundation for your retirement savings, you may eventually want to consider additional options. It’s important to note the IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to their retirement savings accounts each year. However, many people may discover there is a lot of room before their current contributions reach that limit. Fidelity and TIAA can help you determine what your retirement contributions should be to help you reach your personal retirement goals – whether that date is 30 years in the future or just around the corner.
    More Information:




  5. Plan Your Estate: According to TIAA, “Pondering your incapacity or mortality, and what might happen to your loved ones when you are no longer with them, can be tough to face. It’s what keeps most people from starting the estate planning process” (TIAA, 2024). Despite the challenging nature of the topic, creating a solid plan can give you and your family peace of mind and the confidence that your wishes will be carried out as desired.
    More Information:

Questions? We encourage you to reach out to Fidelity (800-642-7131) or TIAA (800-732-8353) with your financial or retirement planning questions.

1 Certain types of employees are excluded to participate in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more detail. 

Sources:

Five Essential Estate planning questions to ask. TIAA. (n.d.-a). https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/retirement-planning-and-beyond/important-estate-planning-questions

Good debt vs bad debt. Fidelity. (2023, October 9). https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/good-debt-vs-bad-debt Horymski, C. (2024, March 22). Experian study: Average U.S. consumer debt and statistics. Experian. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/research/consumer-debt-study/

How to make a financial plan. Fidelity. (2024, February 21). https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/how-to-make-a-financial-plan-video

 Report on the economic well-being of U.S. households in 2022 – May 2023. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2023, May 22). https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2023-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2022-executive-summary.htm

Tips for managing and reducing your debt. TIAA. (n.d.). https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/personal-finance-101/debt-consolidation

Waltenberger, A. (n.d.). 5 must-have financial goals. TIAA. https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/personal-finance-101/5-must-have-financial-goals

Job of the Week: Student Life and Engagement Chief Financial Officer

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is a Chief Financial Officer for the Division of Student Life and Engagement (job posting 938618). Comprised of the office of the senior vice president and six departments, Student Life and Engagement (SLE) touches nearly every aspect of the Michigan State University campus by providing support and services to MSU students, the campus community, and guests.

The SLE Chief Financial Officer will provide oversight for budgeting, general accounting, and financial reporting for the Division of Student Life and Engagement while assuring financial internal controls are in place to ensure adherence with GAAP and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and university policies and procedures. This will include oversight of the two BFS units responsible for operational and financial analysis. You will participate in strategic and organizational planning, including formulation of goals and objectives for the division, as well as making recommendations for major business decisions. In this role, you will establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls for multiple business operations with a $272 million dollar budget.

You will be responsible for the planning and maintenance of all financial reserves and will plan, review, direct, and advise division financial liquidity and cash flow requirements. You will also participate in the annual room and board rate setting and approval with MSU Administration and the Board of Trustees. 

In this position, you will be responsible for developing, overseeing, and maintaining appropriate internal controls and conducting process reviews as needed as well as assisting with all staff development. You will interact with management throughout SLE and MSU and explain policies/answer questions pertaining to divisional finances. You will also interact with the Board of Trustees and may be asked to represent SLE at Board meetings. You will oversee third level management in a large, centralized unit and aid units throughout SLE as it relates to financial analysis. 

The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field, along with three to five years of related experience in education, government, or industry experience in planning, finance, budgeting processes, and budget development/analysis of audit/financial compliance standards. Desired qualifications also include certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation, or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation. 

To learn more, visit the Division of Student Life and Engagement website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the MSU Careers website by May 2, 2024. 

5 Ways to Engage with Your Performance Evaluation Beyond an Annual Review

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Part of MSU’s appeal as a residential, land-grant institution is our vast array of programs, specializations, and priorities — not just for students, but for staff and faculty. This diversity makes us great, and it also requires a need for case-by-case definitions of success and achievement from unit to unit, and from person to person. 

One way to ensure you, your supervisor, and the university are recognizing and recording your efforts is to tell your story through the Performance Excellence (PE) process. When many of us in non-supervisory, support staff roles discuss PE at MSU, we’re thinking of a supervisor-led annual review. In reality, PE encompasses an ongoing cycle of: 

  1. Performance Planning — Goal Setting and Development Planning 
  2. Continuous Feedback, Coaching, and Development 
  3. Annual Review — Collaborative Meeting with Employee and Supervisor Contributions 

Below are suggestions for ways to engage as an employee in the PE process and tell your story with confidence. 

1) Set SMART, HARD Goals and Find Ways to Measure Them 

On one hand, we know each employee’s experience and accomplishments extend well beyond quantitative data and one review each year. On the other hand, we also know that specific measurements — especially those backed by accurate, numerical data — are a powerful and widely accepted way to determine success. 

One way to ensure the full picture of your story is told during the PE process is to take the lead when it comes to your own goal setting and measurement. Setting SMART, HARD goals is a great place to start. Consider the following: 

  • Your personal goals 
  • The goals of your department/unit goals 
  • Organization-wide goals/university strategic plan 

Goals are not something that should be determined solely by a supervisor and then assigned and evaluated once a year during your review discussion or performance planning session. Generating and adapting goals throughout the year is a collaborative process and one way you can contribute toward the narrative of your achievements. 

Read related article: When SMART Meets HARD: Setting Goals that Matter 

2) Track and Document Your Accomplishments 

Setting and measuring goals is a great place to start, but tracking and documenting your progress toward these goals is key. Block off some time on your calendar to regularly check results, generate data and document your progress in a way that makes the most sense for you and your role. You know your work, efforts, and accomplishments better than anyone else, which makes you the ideal person to collect and report this information. 

Read related article: What’s Your Plan? Six Steps to Align Your Goals with What’s Important to You 

3) Schedule Regular Check-ins 

In this environment of rapid change, it’s more important than ever to regularly check in with your supervisor to discuss progress, review and reevaluate goals, and receive feedback. Regular, continuous coaching allows an opportunity for you to reconnect to your unit’s and the university’s mission and ensure your goals continue to be aligned with this larger vision and objectives. 

As a university, we are working to shift the perception of PE from one yearly review to a wider focus on ongoing coaching, feedback, and goal setting. There’s no need to wait for your supervisor to schedule a meeting for you to touch base on these topics. You have the option of reaching out to your supervisor and setting up check-ins on a schedule that works for both of you. Even a brief 15-minute check-in can go a long way toward staying on track with goals and sharing the story of your work. 

TIPS 

  • Go to these meetings prepared, with the documented progress and accomplishments mentioned above. 
  • Bring questions to help guide the conversation and make the time as useful as possible for both you and your supervisor. 

4) Contribute Toward Your Review 

Did you know that, as support staff, you have the opportunity to contribute toward all your PE discussions and submit documentation to include along with your official review forms? 

Review documentation that is imaged and kept on file with central HR includes your reviews (annual, probationary, and interim) and performance improvement plans. You have the option to include a self-review and/or other statements along with your documents on file. On an ongoing basis, this may be a summary that features the data you’ve been tracking throughout the year to share specific achievements and outcomes. 

TIPS 

  • Keep it brief. Unless documenting extraordinary circumstances, a 1–2-page document will be impactful and share the story of your performance. Due to system storage limitations, submitting a large quantity of documents with your review could possibly lead to some documents being excluded from imaging. 
  • Reference any additional documents on the official PE forms. Include a statement within the “Employee’s comments” section of the Annual Review to “See attached ______” (e.g., self-review, list of achievements) and indicate the number of additional documents. This helps central HR know an employee wishes for those documents to be imaged alongside their review. 

5) Utilize Your Resources 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department offers online PE resources and documents geared toward both employees  and supervisors that can help guide and support you in all components of the PE process. OPD is in the process of reworking this online content for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and usefulness for all support staff, and we look forward to sharing these changes with you later this year. 

Additional, recommended resources are listed below. Your MAU’s HR representative, central HR and OPD, and your union representatives are all available to work with you and help you share your story should you need specific guidance or assistance at any point during the PE cycle. 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES 

Deals and Discounts for Mother’s Day

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day (May 12), show the mom in your life that you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom, mother-in-law, or any maternal figure in your life. MSU benefits-eligible employees have access to many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus.

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign in or sign-up for a free account using your MSU email address.

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Flowers

  • 1-800 Flowers: Use code CSTREAM to enjoy 20% off from 1-800 Flowers, including Fruit Bouquets!
  • ReVased: Use code CORESTREAM20 to take 20% off your ReVased flower bouquet or plant purchase.
  • FTD: Save 25% on flowers and gifts from FTD.

Gifts

  • Bonheur Jewelry: Use code CS30% to receive 30% off sustainable jewelry.
  • Tech Perks: Save up to 75% on Bluetooth speakers, headphones, phone cases, and more by using code CORESTREAM.
  • Apple: Get preferred employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more!
  • Tickets at Work: Save up to 60% on hotels, travel, and events through Tickets at Work!
  • Baloo: Use code CORESTREAM to receive 20% off weighted blankets, bedding, and more!

Food

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. For questions, please contact the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.

Job of the Week: Executive Secretary for the Office of Principal Gifts

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is an Executive Secretary for the Office of Principal Gifts in University Advancement (job posting 936100). University Advancement works to promote MSU’s excellence and enrich its future by building a culture of engagement and philanthropy. The Office of Principal Gifts provides creative and visionary leadership in the coordination of fundraising endeavors at the multi-million dollar level and across university-wide programs.

The Office of Principal Gifts is seeking an organized, strategic-thinking, and experienced professional who is able to work to a high degree of accuracy while under pressure. You should have excellent communication and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to establish and manage multiple high-level relationships with complex, multifaceted organizations successfully and simultaneously.

In this position, you will coordinate, schedule, and confirm internal and external meetings and appointments for the Office of Principal Gifts staff, among other duties. Given the nature of the meetings and the high level of individuals involved, the scheduling of these meetings is complex; most include multiple attendees who also maintain complex schedules. You will also coordinate meeting logistics and assist with presentations, reports, and communications.

Other job duties include developing and managing a centralized electronic-filing system and distributing reports to individuals. You will also assist with fiscal officer responsibilities, including coordinating annual budgets with the Executive Director while forecasting/monitoring team member reports. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired through a bachelor’s degree or high school education along with five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in maintaining account ledgers, word processing, editing, desktop publishing, composing correspondence, taking dictation, spreadsheet, database and/or presentation software is required.

To learn more, visit the University Advancement website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by April 18, 2024. 

Don’t Forget Your Optional MSU Benefits and Resources 

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

MSU is committed to offering valuable benefits to support you and your family. As a benefits-eligible employee, you’re probably aware of MSU’s health and dental care benefit options. However, on top of those, you have access to a range of optional benefits we’d like to remind you about as well. 

Beyond meeting your healthcare needs, these optional benefits can help you save money on needed products and services. We realize keeping track of all these different resources can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve created the following recap to jog your memory with links to more detailed information to learn more. 

This graphic provides a quick summary of these optional benefits (view a PDF version): 

Infographic that shows optional MSU benefits and resources including Teladoc, Teladoc Medical Experts, Livongo, voluntary benefits, and on-campus/local services.

Optional benefit programs available: 

  • Teledoc: Virtually speak with a doctor 24/7 via web, phone, or mobile app. They can even write you a prescription if necessary. Employees have described Teladoc as “a game changer” (read employee experiences here). If you haven’t already, we recommend you sign up for Teladoc now, so you’re prepared when you need it. 
  • Livongo: This diabetes management program provides free supplies delivered right to your door whenever you need it and support with optional virtual coaching. Save time and money on needed supplies. Learn more about Livongo on the HR website. 
  • Teladoc Medical Experts: Get medical advice from experts on your specific medical condition and feel empowered to make the best choice possible for your care. Whether you need medical questions answered, a diagnosis double-checked, help deciding on a treatment plan or guidance about surgery, Teladoc Medical Experts can help. Learn more about the services Teladoc Medical Experts offers. 
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts: Find insurance offerings such as vision, legal, pet, home/auto, and critical illness (some have enrollment periods) through MSU Benefits Plus. Additionally, there are a variety of discounts on everything from electronics, home goods, meal delivery services, travel, and much more. 
  • On-Campus/Local Services: Save time by getting your X-rays done right on-campus at MSU Health Care Imaging Services (designate the Eyde Building). MSU Health Care at McLaren Greater Lansing Breast Imaging Center offers diagnostic imaging such as mammography, diagnostic ultrasound, and bone density tests. MSU Health Care at McLaren Outpatient Imaging Department in the Izzo Family Medical Center offers MRI, CT, PET/CT, Ultrasound, Dexa and X-ray for all your imaging needs in one location. You can also have the MSU Health Care Pharmacy deliver your prescriptions directly to your home if you live within 30 miles of campus (on-campus delivery is available for free). MSU Health Care Pharmacy has an on-campus location you can visit and offers a variety of services to help you manage your prescriptions. 

You might not always need or think of these resources but keeping them tucked away can make it easier and more cost-effective to manage your family’s health. As always, if you have any questions about these benefits options, please visit the HR website to learn more or contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434. 

April Events Round-Up

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more

Campus Events

April 1- Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Series: Join Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., for a conversation with Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, Ph.D., dean of Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, and the Carlos Montezuma Professor of Education and Social Policy, for a talk on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Registration for this free event is required. 

April 1 – 30 – MSU Earth Month Events: Join an action-packed month ahead this April to celebrate Earth Month with plenty of opportunities to Be Spartan Green!

April 5- Red Cedar Cleanup: MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities is hosting the Red Cedar River Clean-up.   This event will start at The Rock and will be open to all faculty, staff, students, and community members.

April 2-14- Moulin Rouge! The Musical at The Wharton Center: Moulin Rouge! The Musical will be at The Wharton Center from April 2-14. Purchase tickets to the show on The Wharton Center website. 

April 14 – Spring Showcase: Lights, CTRL, Action: MSU’s CTRL+A will host its annual spring showcase event on CTRL+A’s birthday in the MSU Union Ballroom. Six years ago, on April 11, CTRL+A officially became an MSU Registered Student Organization. Come join and see showcase performances to celebrate the organization.

April 19- Spartan Upcycle Friday: Drop in and explore creative reuse and upcycling by repurposing materials sourced through the MSU Surplus Store & Recycling Center. 

April 20- MSU Football Spring Showcase (free): Michigan State Athletics will welcome fans to Spartan Stadium on Saturday, April 20 to get a first glimpse at head coach Jonathan Smith and the 2024 Spartans when it hosts the Spring Showcase at 2 p.m. 

April 22-25- Wellbeing Break in the Garden (free): Reset and relax in the Beal Botanical Garden at noon for a week of wellbeing activities. 

Family-Friendly Activities

April 10-20- Capital City Film Festival: The Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) celebrates artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community. The annual festival showcases an eclectic mix of independent films, live music, interactive media, and more in Michigan’s capital city. Passes and tickets to showings are available on the CCFF website. 

April 13- Earth Bash: Join us for a family-friendly event focused on reducing waste by practicing the principles of a circular economy. Tour the recycling center and vermicompost hoop house. Get creative with Spartan Upcycle. Freecycle clothing and books. 

April 11 – Take Your Child to Work Day: MSU employees are encouraged to
bring their child, or a special child in their life, to celebrate the many career, educational and entertainment events we offer right here at MSU! This annual event highlights the university’s support for its employees, their families, and all MSU community members. MSU Units and Departments will host tours and activities geared towards kids ages 8-17 and younger ages are welcome. MSU employees will be able to participate by bringing their child to their workplace and attending the activities and tours being hosted by MSU units all across campus. Registration is encouraged. 

April 17- East Lansing Public Library: Michigan Mussels with US Fish and Wildlife (free): Join US Fish & Wildlife Service Imperiled Species Coordinators Finn and Julia for this fun, interactive, and educational program all about Michigan’s mussels. Registration for this event is required as space is limited. 

Health and Wellness

April 4 and 18- Deepening Your Essential Skills (free): This webinar is an opportunity for people who have completed any course offered by Spartan Resilience Education to continue their learning, ask questions, raise topics, and build community with other learners from across the MSU community. Registration for this free event is required. 

April 15- Rest With Music: Enjoy this free event at Abrams Planetarium with live musical performances to help you relax during your busy workday. Registration is recommended. 

April 20- Earth Day Extravaganza at Fenner Nature Center (free): At the Earth Day Extravaganza, you can sign up for the morning shift (9 to 11 a.m.) or the afternoon shift (12:30 to 3 p.m.,) or both. During your shift, you can select a conservation or stewardship activity like picking up trail trash, pulling invasive species, maintaining trails, or participating in updating the Playscape and working in the pollinator garden.

April 2,9,16, 23, and 30: Chair Yoga: Chair Yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga to be done seated, or while standing and using the chair for support. Stretching, reaching, bending, and breathing – and no mat required! 

Learning Opportunities

April 5- Fatherhood Forum (free): The Fatherhood Forum is for fathers who want to enhance their greatness as parents, their loved ones and supporters. Enjoy breakout sessions exploring fatherhood, child development, healthy parenting, self-care, and more. Registration for this free event is recommended. 

April 9- The Power of Habit: Habits are predictors of long-term performance, but we struggle to manage our habits and achieve the outcomes we want. In this course you will learn how habits are created and how to replace undesirable habits with productive ones. You will learn how to spot your habit loop, turn bad days into good data, and create habits that get the results you want.

April 9- Managing Meetings: Use this program to better plan, lead, and follow through on your meetings and enhance team productivity, coordination, and cohesion.

April 10, 17, 24- Breaking Free from Stress: This course will help you become aware of how your own thought world operates to bring you your personal reality of your work and personal life.  

April 11- Beal Botanical Garden: Our Strategic Plan in Action (free): Join MSU Libraries for a lunchtime tour of the Beal Botanical Garden to learn about programmatic and physical changes to the garden from Interim Director Dr. Alan Prather. The audience will be introduced to Beal’s new strategic plan and how we will be using it to help illuminate the connection between people, plants, and places. 

April 11- Resilient Leadership Series: Explore with other campus leaders some essential resilience skills required for effective leadership in the first part of this series. 

Job of the Week: Digital Marketing Manager (Temporary/On-Call)

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

This week’s feature job is a temporary/on-call Digital Marketing Manager position for the Department of Supply Chain Management in the Eli Broad College of Business (job posting 934142). The Department of Supply Chain Management prepares students for the next era of SCM and careers in areas such as procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and transportation.

For a new graduate certificate program that is launching in the fall 2024 semester, you will plan, develop, and execute all paid and organic digital marketing endeavors, including key phrase research, SEO/SEM, marketing database, social media, and email advertising campaigns. You will also develop strategies for promoting the program, along with standard KPIs and goals. 

You should feel comfortable creating and executing digital campaigns which could include paid search, display, retargeting, IP targeting, and paid social media advertising. Developing and editing content for digital promotional materials while negotiating and placing advertising with a wide variety of media advertising sources will be required. 

The ideal candidate must have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Public Relations, or Marketing. Five or more years of work experience in digital marketing is recommended along with proficiency in social media management systems (i.e. Sprinklr, Facebook Business Manager, etc), social media platforms, Adobe programs, and dashboard creation. 

To learn more, visit the Department of Supply Chain Management’s website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the MSU Careers website.