Submit a Nomination for the 2023 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award!

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Do you know an MSU employee pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree who deserves recognition for going above and beyond in their work and studies? Show appreciation for your coworkers and their outstanding work by nominating them for the 2022 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award! MSU is seeking nominations for this award and will accept nominations through January 20, 2023.

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree, while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. A stipend of $2,500 will accompany the award and may be used as determined appropriate by the recipient.

Last year’s Ruth Jameyson Award winner, Elizabeth (Lizz) Duran, is the MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator for the Children and Youth Institute. At the time of the award, she was pursuing a Master of Arts from MSU in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. Learn more about the 2022 Ruth Jameyson Award Winner and what her colleagues had to say.

Any university community member (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, or student) may submit a nomination. A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to MSU in a support staff position.

To learn more about the nomination process, and find the nomination form, visit the MSU HR website. The deadline for nominations is January 20, 2023.

Register Today! Spots Still Available in Professional Development Courses

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With a new year on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reflect on how you’re progressing with your professional development goals and what opportunities are still available this year to help you achieve them. HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department has spots open in the following courses to support your learning and development before the year ends.

Find a list of upcoming courses:

  • Maximize the Spartan Experience | November 8 | Virtual
    This engaging training provides a foundational perspective related to enhanced customer service delivery.
  • Payments to Non-U.S. Citizens and International Vendors | November 8 | Virtual
    Employees coordinating and preparing Disbursement Voucher payments to non-U.S. citizens/international vendors can learn about the documentation required.
  • Strategic Planning | November 15 | Virtual
    Participants will gain a foundational base for implementing strategic planning in a unit.
  • Records Management and Retention at MSU| November 16 | Virtual
    Learn the rules, regulations, and strategies to help manage university records. 
  • Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue | November 16 AND 17 | In-person
    This program teaches techniques that allow you to make room for different opinions and perspectives, find mutual respect and common purpose, and dialogue openly. 
  • Ready, Set, Change! | November 17 | In-person
    Based on April Callis-Birchmeier’s #1 Amazon bestselling book, Ready, Set, Change! discover a simpler and faster approach to help individuals and organizations adopt change to ensure objectives are met. 
  • Performance Management for Hybrid Teams | December 6 | In-person
    This class will share best practices and identify tips and strategies for developing strong and high-performing hybrid teams using MSU’s Performance Excellence process.
  • Conflict Management and Non-Escalation | December 6 AND 7 | In-person
    The primary goals of this course are conflict resolution, de-escalation, crisis management, and everyone’s safety. This training will prepare participants to apply the taught skills to real-life situations and to retain those skills over time.
  • Writing Policies and Procedures | December 7 | Virtual
    Learn proven strategies and methods for successfully writing policies and procedures in clear terms that can be understood by all.
  • Identify and Maximize Your Strengths | December 13 | In-person
    Identify your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, so that you can discover what makes you exceptional and maximize your potential.
  • Managing and Leading Across Locations | December 13 | In-person
    Whether you’re currently supervising an existing hybrid team, preparing for changes related to MSU’s new remote work policy, or looking for strategies to address the unique challenges you may encounter while leading in our current environment, this session will help you integrate new skills into your leadership practice through interactive exercises and peer-to-peer learning.

You can find all the current Organization and Professional Development courses on the HR website. Class enrollment is completed within the EBS Portal. Employees may use available educational assistance funds towards course fees (if any). 

November Events Round-up

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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

Starts November 1 – Spartan Street Medicine Winter Supply Drive: Spartan Street Medicine will be collecting winter supply donations for local individuals in need until November 18.

November 15 – Clothing Repair-A-Thon (free): Visit the MSU Library to patch holes in your favorite clothes. There will be a sewing machine, thread and some fabric, but please bring any materials unique to your clothing.

November 17 – The Ascension of AAAS: Commemorate the MSU Department of African American & African Studies and its new space at this ribbon-cutting event.

Learning Opportunities

November 10 – International Employee Resource Group: Learning About Each Other’s Cultures: Connect with other Spartans on issues related to our international community. The goal of this group is to connect, build community and share best practices.

November 17 – Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group: Financial Planning with Brad Vauter, JD: Learn from this local attorney on a variety of topics like elder law, LGBTQ+ legal issues, probate and estate planning. 

November 18 – Disability Ecologies: The Art of Living on a Disabled Planet (free): Join this Zoom workshop to learn about water justice from communal organization, HIVES. 

Health and Wellness

Starts November 1 – Chair Yoga (free): Join this live class to learn strengthening and stretching practices you can do from your desk. 

November 2 – Wellbeing Wednesdays: Creative Holiday Appetizers: Hear from MSU dieticians to learn three simple appetizer recipes for the holiday season.

November 6 – SpARTan Wellness (free): Destress and unwind at the MSU Broad Art Museum with craft making. They have all the supplies you’ll need, but feel free to bring your own as well. 

November 16 – Handmade Soap-Making: Keep your skin hydrated and soft this winter! Create handmade soap with add-ins from MSU gardens and take home two bars of homemade soap. 

Family-Friendly Activities

November 1 – Sensory Friendly at Abrams Planetarium: Visit the planetarium this month for their sensory friendly hours. 

November 5 – Family Day: Celebrate the MSU Broad (free): Help the MSU Broad Art Museum celebrate their 10th birthday with crafts and a tasty birthday treat.

November 14 – MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

November 16 – Homeschool Day: Art Fieldtrip! (free): Bring the whole family to connect with other homeschooled students over crafts and learning at the MSU Broad Art Museum. 

Starts November 25 – Season of Light: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn how familiar traditions have an astronomical connection. 

Starts November 25 – George and Oatmeal Save Santa: Celebrate the winter season at the Abrams Planetarium with this fun show.

Job of the Week: Junior Analyst/Information Technology Professional

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from Information Technology services for a Junior Analyst (posting 820942). MSU IT provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial and policy initiatives affecting IT across MSU. MSU IT and departmental IT staff offer technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.

The Junior Analyst will join a team that provides the primary leadership and technology support for IT across the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in a shared services model. The Junior Analyst is the front-line of the College and acts as a peer leader to improve processes, coordinate and direct work of peers within the team, triage incoming customer requests and handle customer escalations. They will work with university stakeholders to design, purchase, configure and distribute assets to meet business objectives. For a list of all responsibilities, click here.

IT’s future Junior Analyst is a highly self-motivated individual committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, with an Associates degree in computer technology or information systems. Their work knowledge should include computer networking, firewalls, switches and wireless technology. They also need strong customer service and written and oral communication skills.

To learn more about Information Technology services, visit tech.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three professional references and apply here by November 8.

MSU Resources for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

Written with support from HR Accommodations Specialist, Julie DeGraw, PhD

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which raises awareness around disability employment issues and celebrates the many contributions of workers with disabilities. In observance of NDEAM, we put together this helpful list of resources for awareness of employee disability workplace accommodations.

The theme for NDEAM 2022 is Disability: Part of the Equity Equation, which celebrates the essential role individuals with disabilities play in the workplace. “Disability is and always has been part of the rich diversity of our nation, and, by extension, our workforce,” says the Office of Disability Employment Policy. “During NDEAM, we celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, past and present. We also commit to ensuring all workers, including workers with disabilities, have equal opportunity to gain skills and put them to work in inclusive, supportive workplaces going forward.”

We all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce where every person is recognized for their abilities – every day of every month. Although many impacts are not physically visible, it doesn’t mean they do not exist. 

MSU is a leader in cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus environment, and we are constantly striving to improve our efforts to meet the needs of persons with disabilities by being more flexible, understanding, inclusive and supportive of those with different abilities.

Resources for Employee Disability Workplace Accommodation Awareness

  1. Are you looking for more information about the types of disability workplace accommodations you can request or more information on your disability in general? You might want to check out the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN allows you to look up suggestions for workplace accommodations by disability, limitation, work-related function, topic or accommodation. Please note: Not all accommodations listed on JAN may be deemed reasonable as it depends on the essential duties of your individual position.
  2. Did you know you have access to discounts on hearing aids? MSU employees and retirees may qualify for discounted hearing aids through partnerships between some MSU benefit providers and TruHearing®. Additional funding can also be provided by our partner organization Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Please contact Accommodation Specialist, Julie DeGraw for more information.
  3. Technology can be a great resource for employees in addressing the impacts of their disability. Some resources are offered for free at MSU without even having to complete the registration process (e.g., screen reader software that reads text aloud)! See the full range of resources at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) Assistive Technology page.
  4. Employees with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can find a wealth of information and resources through ADDitude. Read the ADDitude magazine, view webinars, download eBooks and more!

If you are interested in requesting disability workplace accommodations at MSU, begin the process by registering with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). 

All medical records and diagnoses are kept confidential from supervisors and units. Undergraduate and graduate employees can also qualify for workplace accommodations. If you need more information or help going through the process, please contact Accommodation Specialist, Julie DeGraw at degrawju@msu.edu or 517-884-0799.

For more information on National Disability Employment Awareness Month please visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s website.

Job of the Week: Office Coordinator II

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from the College of Social Science for an Office Coordinator (posting 821914). The College of Social Science gives students the opportunity to conduct world-class research, engage in service learning, take classes all around the globe and test out the job market with an internship.

The Office Coordinator will report to the College of Social Science Chief of Staff in the Office of the Dean. They will interact with department administrators and leadership throughout the college on behalf of the Dean’s Office on inventory and capital asset management. They will also maintain health and safety standards in compliance with the University. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The future Office Coordinator should have an Associate’s degree. Their work knowledge and experience should include secretarial and administrative tasks, data entry and payroll processing. They also need experience in word processing, calendar management and presentation software.

To learn more about the College of Social Science, visit socialscience.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three letters of reference and apply here by October 25.

Person holding a sign that says, "Hello my pronouns are..."

Today is International Pronouns Day!

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This article was written by the EVPA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Today is International Pronouns Day. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with people around us, and often times personal pronouns are assigned to people based upon our own biases or assumptions of a person’s gender, gender identity and gender expression. It’s important we use the correct words, as one way, to respectfully talk about and reference one another.

What is International Pronouns Day?

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises our awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple, intersecting identities. For more information, you can visit https://pronounsday.org.

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?

  • Speak and write in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender, or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes
  • Share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people
  • Don’t make assumptions; ask people to share their pronouns
  • Always use the pronouns that a person asks you to use
  • Include your pronouns in your email signature or other communications
  • Complete the Quest: Building Capacity for LGBTQA+ Inclusion online education program

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?

  • A workgroup charged by Melissa Woo, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Information Officer, and Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, made recommendations to update how data systems at the enterprise level gather information on names and pronouns.
  • This month, a committee is being convened to implement the enterprise changes requiring gender, sexual identity and pronouns fields to offer multiple and inclusive options.
  • MSU encourages all employees to indicate their gender pronouns, if desired, on email signatures and other written communication. 

Are there resources to explore this further?

The EVPA Office of DEI is committed to collectively advancing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and envisions all to engage in meaningful contributions that bridge across differences and demonstrate cultural competence. We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).

Job of the Week: Director of Benefits

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This week, MSU Human Resources is excited to feature an opening within our Executive Management team, the Director of Benefits (posting 818366). MSU Human Resources supports university strategic imperatives by anticipating and meeting the needs of a changing community through high-quality, innovative services designed to advance student success and cutting-edge research. The Benefits team within HR administers the extensive employee benefits package at MSU.

The Director of Benefits will join a dynamic leadership team committed to collaboration, inclusion, excellence, transformation, and care. The University’s biggest investment and most important asset is the exceptionally talented faculty and staff at the core of the Spartan community. MSU Human Resources is at the heart of it, providing strategic people solutions for the MSU community.

The Director of Benefits supervises the Assistant Director of Benefits, Retirement Program Manager, and Benefits Accounting and Budgeting Manager and will provide leadership over policies, activities, and strategic planning for student, retiree and employee benefits. They will partner with key campus stakeholders and coalitions to help provide cost-effective benefits coverage while enhancing access and wellness opportunities. For a list of duties and responsibilities, click here.

HR’s future Director of Benefits is a strong team leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a bachelor’s degree, preferably an advanced degree, in business or a related field. Their work knowledge and work experience should include benefits management, federal, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements related to benefits administration. They also need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, technical database aptitude, and the ability to interpret and communicate data.

To learn more about Human Resources, visit hr.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume and cover letter and apply here. Application review begins October 31, and the posting will remain open until filled.

World Mental Health Day

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Mental health is one of the most important aspects of your overall well being. It can be difficult to focus on work when one’s mental health isn’t taken care of. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are some resources you can use at MSU and in your personal life. 

MSU Resources

Off-Campus Resources

  • Lansing resources
    • The City of Lansing offers a variety of mental health resources including Online Behavioral Health Screening and a directory of local therapists
  • Community Mental Health Authority
    • The CMHA of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham provides services to increase access to care, support people in crisis and provide treatment for those with the most serious and complex behavioral health needs regardless of their insurance coverage.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  
    • The Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The Lifeline recently changed to 988 for a shorter and easier to remember resource

Your mental health matters and MSU resources and benefits are available to get you—or keep you—on the path to a healthy body and healthy mind.

Job of the Week: Financial Services Coordinator/Administrative Business Professional

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This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from International Studies and Programs for a Financial Services Coordinator (posting 818845). International Studies and Programs (ISP) leverages international partnerships with scientists and practitioners from academia, the government, private sector and strategically chosen research and development organizations to create new knowledge and explore innovative and practical solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

The Financial Services Coordinator oversees program budget setting which includes developing, approving and maintaining program budget templates in alignment with faculty remuneration protocols, education abroad standard rates, etc. They will ensure timely posting of program fees to student accounts. They will oversee program enrollment numbers and ensure all students stay enrolled or are approved to decrease their credit load. They are responsible for communicating with EA leadership, the ISP Dean’s Office and colleges around campus to share clear and concise annual comprehensive program budget reconciliations. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in Accounting, Finance or a business related field. They should have three to five years of experience in financial statement and report preparation, general ledger accounting and spreadsheet software. They should also have working knowledge of MSU’s Enterprise Business Systems.

To learn more about International Studies and Programs, visit isp.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, letter of interest and apply here by October 18.