MSU Surplus Store

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

With the school year approaching fast, it’s the perfect time to check out the best-kept secret on campus, the MSU Surplus Store! You can visit online here or shop in person on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center helps keep MSU green by innovating the community’s used materials. Last year, the center was able to divert 13 million pounds of material collected from the landfill. Michigan State University was recently ranked among the top 25 globally for sustainability in the Times Higher Education and there is no doubt the Surplus Store plays a large role in this accomplishment. 

The store also prides itself on its zero waste policy, meaning that if something is collected that cannot be resold, it is recycled for parts at the onsite recycling center. To learn more about the recycling center, visit their website here. 

The store sells a variety of products ranging from school supplies to bicycles to furniture, appliances and more. In addition to the store and website, the surplus store has an Amazon Storefront, eBay account and Etsy account. The Surplus Store holds many auctions on larger items such as lawn mowers and satellites. One of the most useful parts of these online resources are the textbooks, so if you are a student or have a student at home, check out these sites before buying your textbooks at full price somewhere else. You can visit the MSU Surplus Store at 468 Green Way, East Lansing. While in-person shopping is only open on Fridays, the store offers curbside pickup Monday through Friday. To shop or learn more about the store, visit msusurplusstore.com.

Job of the Week: Office Coordinator

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as the Office Coordinator for International Studies and Programs at MSU (job posting 971859). If you are interested in supporting operations at the Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen), coordinating projects and programs, planning events, and providing first-level support for student employees, this may be the job for you. You will play a vital role in GenCen production, operation, communications and more.

The Center for Gender in Global Context serves as Michigan State’s hub for gender and sexuality research, as well as engagement and teaching resources with a global perspective. GenCen prides itself on connecting scholars, students, and community stakeholders with feminist knowledge to encourage social change. 

This in-person role’s main responsibilities include preparing reports and promotional materials for GenCen, maintaining the website, creating graphic standards, and implementing communication strategies and executions – all while adhering to university and GenCen’s core values and policies. You will also oversee communications targeted towards GenCen’s community, including but not limited to the annual magazine, emails, newsletters, social media, flyers, brochures, presentations, podcasts, annual reports, and GenCen’s website. On the administrative side, you will monitor and support all facilities, complete computer tasks, answer phones and emails, seminars, and provide first-level supervision for designated student employees through goal-setting and check-ins.

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include two or three years of college or related technical school, and six months to a year of related work experience including using social media platforms and customer service. You will be using Qualtrics, Adobe, Microsoft Office applications, and copyediting, so it is important to have background knowledge in these areas. You should also have experience in event planning, supervising, communicating, and working collaboratively.  
Learn more about MSU’s Center for Gender in Global Context here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers at MSU website for more information! Applications require a resume and a letter of interest, and should be submitted by August 20th.

Back-to-School Discounts for the 2024-25 School Year

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Whether your family loves shopping for back to school, or they dread it every year, MSU Benefits Plus has you covered. All benefit-eligible employees can log into the MSU Benefits Plus portal with their MSU email address, and find dozens of discounts to get you and your family heading back to school in style without paying full price. 

Below are just a few examples of what might be useful this time of year. 

Computer & Electronics

Technology is now an essential part of the school supply list so enjoy extra savings on those investments through a variety of retailers, even here at MSU. 

  • Apple: Receive employee pricing on the products you want
  • Dell: Get the best pricing available on all Dell PCs, electronics and accessories
  • HP: Save up to 62% off the full portfolio of HP products
  • Lenovo: Save up to 67% during Lenovo’s Back to School Event
  • Microsoft Office: Save over 70% on Microsoft Office Home and Business
  • MSU Tech Store: Purchase all kinds of tech with prices exclusive to MSU staff, faculty, and students

Clothing and Apparel

Everyone wants a great outfit for their first day of school, whether you’re a student, an educator, or even if it’s just another day at the office. 

  • Bombas: 20% off with code CORESTREAM20 (plus a pair is donated with every pair purchased!) 
  • Crocs: Save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more using the code CROCS20
  • Spartan Spirit Shops: Visit any Shop in person and show your Faculty/Staff ID for 20% off!

Education 

Learn a new skill, stock up on textbooks for those fall courses, and show your Spartan spirit, all at a discount through these local organizations. 

  • Spartan Bookstore: 10% off new and used books when you show your ID
  • Student Book Store: 10% of your whole purchase (excluding computer software and calculators) when you show your ID
  • Method Learning: Up to 20% off SAT/ACT prep, college advising and more

For all of these discounts and more visit the HR Website or the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Employees can also call Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575 with any questions. Back-to-School is on at Michigan State!

Job of the Week: Video Producer

Job of the Week: Video Producer

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as the Video Producer for Michigan State University Extension (job posting 969749). If you are passionate about producing videos and creatively telling community success stories about nutrition and physical activity programming, this may be the job for you. You will play a huge role working in partnership with the Health and Nutrition communications team, storyboarding, scheduling, producing, editing and more. 

Michigan State University Extension is committed to promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment, encouraging all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are all crucial aspects of MSU Extension, regardless of your position within the unit. All staff are dedicated to working together, producing equitable impacts for all participants, embracing a culture of understanding, and more.

This in-person role’s main responsibilities include filming videos and photographing on and off-campus marketing pieces, vital to achieving marketing goals, directing, and most importantly sharing the impact of MSU Extension’s health and nutrition programs, participants, and staff. To take on this role, you must have a great ability to work independently, collaborate closely with communications staff, multitask, and manage timelines for multiple projects. This job will mostly take place on Michigan State’s campus, and travel may be required to various offices within Michigan. 

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a degree in media technology, broadcast journalism or telecommunications, between one and three years of experience working in video editing and production, experience writing news stories and reporting news events, and using Adobe Creative Suite software. You will meet tight deadlines, work with non-traditional and social media, collaborate with your peers, and more. 
Learn more about Michigan State University Health and Nutrition Extension here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers at MSU website for more information! Applications require a current resume, cover letter, and four professional references including two prior or current supervisors, and should be submitted by August 20th.

August Events Round-Up

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If you and your family are looking for activities in the upcoming month, you’ve come to the right place. August holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Campus Events 

August 3rd – Family Day: PLAY: Join us at the MSU Broad Art Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a hands-on and family-friendly day full of art and collage-making. Register above for this free event for all ages.

August 4th – Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Gardens: The Beal Botanical Gardens is hosting a summer tour from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Learn from Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Program Director, Maeve Bassett about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

August 25th – Sparticipation: Come to MSU’s largest Fall Welcome Tradition, Sparticipation, to check out over 600 organizations that Michigan State has to offer within 30 different departments. Whether you are a student looking for clubs to become a part of or just curious about campus life, you don’t want to miss out on this one. No registration is needed for this free event at IM East Field from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Learning Opportunities 

August 8th & 22nd – Deepening Your Essential Skills: If you have completed a course by Spartan Resilience Education, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. Here you can ask questions, raise topics and build community with your peers. Be sure to register for this free course through the link above! 

Family Friendly Events 

August 8th – Bubble Day: Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden invites you and your family to celebrate the end of summer vacation at the garden with bubbles! As you explore the world of bubbles, you can eat, paint, and even make music with bubbles. Check out the link above for parking information. The cost is $5 per child.. 

August 9th – 11th – St. Johns Mint Festival: Join us at the 39th annual St. Johns Mint Festival featuring a craft show, flea market, live entertainment and activities for those of all ages. This 3- day event allows visitors to explore a variety of handmade crafts and unique items, and enjoy live music from local artists. Check out their website for parking information. 

August 10th – Meridian Pride Event: Come by and celebrate the 2024 Meridian Pride Event from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Marketplace on the Green Pavilion (1995 Central Park Drive). Meridian Pride brings together LGBTQ+ members, allies, and organizations to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the community. There will be food trucks, music, advocacy resources, art vendors, yard games and live entertainment. Check out the link above for more information. 

August 17th – Old Town ArtFeast: Celebrate art and food from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and check out art, craft vendors, food trucks and more. Experience downtown Lansing at this event and come see the town’s unique bars, boutiques, and restaurants. No registration is required for this event.

August 31st & September 1st – Michigan Chicken Wing Festival: If you and your family are looking for a fun-filled weekend in the Lansing area, come on by the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival. Adado Riverfront Park will be hosting a 2-day event featuring live music, a kids’ zone, a VIP tent, food trucks and vendors, arts and crafts, and most importantly – chicken wings! This event is held as a fundraiser to support Against All Odds for their free boutique (Lilian’s) inside Lansing Mall. Against All Odds provides services to the homeless, cancer survivors, disabled, Veterans, and those that need a little help with everyday needs. Read more about the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival in the link above for more information and important notes on what to bring.

Farmers Markets

Farmer’s markets are beloved events in many local communities allowing us an opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses and enjoy delicious produce, baked goods, and even homemade crafts and personal care items. Many Greater Lansing communities offer seasonal farmer’s markets. Find one near you at https://mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/

Save the Date for October 3: The Open Enrollment Benefits Fair is early this year on Thursday, October 3 at Breslin Center. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help employees enroll in their benefits on-site at the Breslin Student Events Center. More information will be shared closer to the event date. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details!

Job of the Week: Collections Group Leader

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as the Collections Group Lead for MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (posting 868217). If you want to make an impact on your community and Michigan State’s beautiful campus, this may be the job for you. You’ll play a huge role in our mission to manage MSU’s waste as a resource while pursuing professional development. 

Infrastructure Planning and Facilities builds, maintains, and beautifies MSU’s physical campus environment to support the university’s education, research, missions, and long-term infrastructure planning goals. The experienced team of over 1,000 professionals keeps MSU running 24/7 by continuously supporting the needs of Michigan State’s campus. 

This in-person role’s main responsibilities include leading the collections team in moving, sorting, transporting, unloading, counting, storing, and preparation of recycling, surplus, and refuse materials. This position will oversee and train all types of employees (student, temporary, or full-time) and direct the daily work of staff, drivers, and co-pilots.

As Collections Group Leader, you will most importantly divert material from local landfills by employing the highest use of reduction and recycling. Additionally, you will assist the Operations Supervisor with daily labor tasks and scheduling. As a leader for the Collections Group, you’ll exude excellent customer service by responding to incoming emails and phone calls. You will also safely operate university vehicles and equipment to process material in addition to tracking weights and material for data collection.

The education, experience and skills desired for this role includes a high school diploma or equivalent, expert knowledge of recycling operations, the recycling and reuse program. You should also have three years of work experience in recycling machinery, receiving, and shipping large material volumes. You will frequently lift 26 to 75 pounds and sometimes more. You’ll also need training certifications within the first six months, including MSU forklift, Bobcat operator and First Responder/First Aid.

Learn more about MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers at MSU website for more information! Applications require a current resume and a letter expressing interest and qualifications and should be submitted by August 6th. 

What Service Members Bring to the Workforce

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E-5 Sergeant Doug Resseguie
E-5 Sergeant Doug Resseguie

MSU is emphasizing the importance of hiring veterans and illuminating the challenges service members encounter when seeking employment. One of MSU’s own, former E-5 Sergeant Doug Resseguie, served for a combined 12 years in the U.S. Military and Michigan Army National Guard. He served on combat tours including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. MSU HR had the honor of learning more from Doug about his transition from military service to the workforce, where he currently works in MSU Information Technology. 

Why do you think it is important for employers to hire veterans?

Response: There are many reasons for employers to hire military veterans. The United States military does an excellent job of developing core competency skills that are essential to organizations. The training and experience of people who have served in the armed forces are designed to develop talent and instill confidence resulting in individuals who can work independently or in teams to accomplish their mission. Today, most employers will invest a significant amount of capital into professional development, but by hiring a veteran these skills have been established and proven in real-world situations.

What did you learn during your service that has transpired into skills in the workplace?

Response: I credit much of my success in life to the essential training, hands-on field experience, and self-discipline that I developed during my military service. I incrementally gained leadership skills throughout my time in the military in addition to the critical life-long skill of respect, both for myself and others. Lastly, my career today in Telecommunications initially started with my military occupational specialty training at Fort Gordon in the United States Army Signal Corps.

How has being a veteran influenced your career path and what experiences do you bring to the table?

Response: My career path was positively impacted by the depth of training and experience I gained by serving my country in the military. I developed a well-rounded set of skills that enable me to adapt to nearly any situation in life including integrity, honor, discipline, collaboration, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and self-sufficiency.    

Can you share a memorable success story from your transition from the military to civilian employment?

Response: Probably the most popular story is that I work as an operations manager for a mission-critical team, which translates into regularly solving problems or crisis situations. People often ask how I stay so calm and focused during these high-pressure situations.I share that my military experience helped me develop mental toughness, effective communication skills, and a larger frame of reference.

In what ways could employers better support veteran employees? Please share any advice you have for employers who are looking to hire veterans.

Response: First, I will start with advice: do not underestimate the raw potential, sheer determination, or grit of any veteran who has faithfully served America! This individual has proven they are loyal by putting their life in harm’s way to protect others. They have learned to thrive in adverse conditions and will always do their best to do a good job or accomplish their mission because that is what they were trained to do. To better support veteran employees, tell them more about your business’s mission, vision, and goals. Let them share what other valuable skills and abilities they have that may not have been considered or listed in the civilian job posting. 

Performance Excellence Strategic Goal Setting: Tips for Supervisors

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With everything you juggle as a supervisor, it’s easy to fall into a rut of viewing the performance management of your team as only consisting of completing an annual review form and a once-yearly review of upcoming goals. However, making the time to examine the potential opportunities within the Performance Excellence process can lead to much higher yields both in the short and long term — for you, your team, and the university.

A primary goal of Performance Excellence should be connecting individuals to the organization’s greater purpose and helping develop employees to be better able to achieve the university’s goals. Although perhaps requiring a more significant investment of time upfront, creating a unifying vision for your team and establishing regular, ongoing check-in sessions to align goals will then serve as a touchstone for all performance evaluation and planning sessions.

Here are some tips and best practices to better align the goals and priorities of your team with the strategic objectives of your unit and MSU’s strategic plan.

1. Create a unit vision statement.

If your unit doesn’t already have a shared vision, now is a great time to formalize this and bring your team on board. Consider creating a one-page plan to outline your unit’s initiatives and the alignment of resources (i.e., time, people, funding) to achieve results and align with this vision.

Ask yourself:

  • Why does our unit exist?
  • What do we do that helps the university achieve the overarching strategic priorities?
  • How do we know we are successful?

2. Communicate, communicate, communicate.

As a supervisor, you should be regularly communicating your unit’s vision with your team, both one-on-one and with the team as a whole. Be sure everyone is fully aware of the vision, what it means, and why they should care.

3. Help employees understand how their work impacts the vision.

When we can clearly connect our daily work with a larger picture of the unit’s and the university’s goals and objectives, job satisfaction and productivity almost always improve. Employees should be able to see how their individual contributions are critical to the university’s continued growth and success.

4. Have your employees consider goals and priorities for themselves that align with the unit vision.

Allow your team to feel ownership over their goals to prioritize what’s important to them about their work while understanding that some employees will need more guidance and support with this process than others. Goals should be clear and measurable — think SMART and HARD goals â€” with a clear connection to your unit’s vision statement.

5. Ensure an ongoing feedback loop is maintained.

Aligning the goals and efforts of an individual with the larger team and organization cannot be a “one and done” activity. Regular, ongoing communication via one-on-one check-ins provides brief but powerful opportunities to touch base on objectives, realign priorities and clarify expectations. Strive to provide prompt, actionable feedback to your team, tying everything back to your unit’s vision and making sure each person understands how their work is important to the bigger picture.

Additional resources to support you through this process can be found below, and HR’s Organization and Professional Development department is available at avphr.hrdmail@msu.edu if you would like further information or guidance.

Related Resources

MSU Performance Excellence: Supervisor Tips and Tools (Collection of resources including sample goals for different roles, goal setting tips, and conversation starters for high performance)

Instructor-led OPD Workshops

Performance Management for Hybrid Teams

Strategic Planning

HR SourceLive Blog Posts

Adapting Your Goal-Driven Approach During Times of Change

Common Work-Related Goals with Resources to Help You Achieve Them

Leadership Blog Series: Performance Excellence During Periods of Uncertainty and Transition

What’s Your Plan: Six Steps to Align Your Goals with What’s Important to You

Sources

https://www.rhythmsystems.com/blog/how-the-best-ceos-align-employees-with-company-goals

https://www.hrfuture.net/strategy/staff-planning/five-best-practices-for-aligning-employees-with-corporate-goals/

Job of the Week: Associate Director of Development, College of Communication Arts and Sciences

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting from University Advancement as an Associate Director of Development for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (posting 966376). From their headquarters in Spartan Stadium Tower to our fundraising offices across campus and regions across the United States, University Advancement is working to build lasting relationships with alumni, friends and donors who care about MSU as much as they do. 

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences is vibrant and eclectic, examining communication from neurons to nations. Their smart, passionate people and collaborative culture empower the opportunity to create an extraordinary impact on how they communicate and connect for a better, more inspired world.

This remote-friendly role includes the possibility of travel while identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding alumni and friends of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. The ideal individual for this role is a dedicated, collaborative, enthusiastic, creative, and results-oriented fundraiser who thinks and acts strategically. 

As Associate Director of Development for ComArtSci, you will manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major donor prospects, focusing efforts on prospects whose philanthropy capacity is $100,000 to maximize the fundraising potential on behalf of the university. You will travel as needed to engage with donors and secure major gift solicitations, playing a pivotal role in cultivating and soliciting major donor prospects for MSU’s upcoming capital campaign. As a member of the ComArtSci Advancement team, you’ll assist the Senior Director of Development in planning for the capital campaign, which includes developing funding priorities, identifying and cultivating leadership gifts and recruiting volunteers.

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a four-year degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Business and three to five years of experience in public relations, volunteer administration, fundraising, or marketing. It is also helpful to have a collaborative team-oriented work style, experience in public speaking and excellent interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication. 

Learn more about University Advancement at advancement.msu.edu and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at comartsci.msu.edu. If interested in this role, apply with your resume and cover letter at careers.msu.edu by August 15.

Thank You MSU Dairy Store!

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You scream, I scream, we all scream for National Ice Cream Day! July 21st, National Ice Cream Day, is coming up soon, and Spartans know that some of the best ice cream around can be found right within Michigan State’s campus at the MSU Dairy Store. However, there is much more history to the MSU Dairy Store than you may know. 

In 1867, the first cow was brought to MSU, leading what would become a renowned dairy program. The first Dairy Barn at Michigan State would be assigned in 1900, however, in 1913, the Dairy Building was constructed. The Dairy Building contained practical training equipment for students and instructors. 

A new dairy plant would find its home in Anthony Hall, named after Ernest L. Anthony, the former head of the Dairy Department. This plant would then provide milk and numerous other dairy products to Michigan State residence halls. The deep history of dairy products and education being provided to students continues on at Anthony Hall at the MSU Dairy Store. 

The MSU Dairy Store offers 13 ice cream flavors on their menu including unique specialty treats you can only find here. Izzo’s Malted Madness, for one, was created in 2018 after MSU basketball coach, Tom Izzo. This is a malt-based ice cream with crushed Whopper pieces and fudge swirl, and a Spartan favorite! 

The Dairy Store doesn’t end at Anthony Hall. You may spot the Dairy Store truck out and about during special events or MSU games. They also cater events and sell a variety of Michigan-made products at the store!

The MSU Dairy Store is located at 1140 S. Anthony Hall. Visit their website for their current hours.

Thank you MSU Dairy Store for your friendly service, amazing ice cream flavors and delicious treats!