Author: Josh Worley

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Don’t Forget Your MSU Employee Discounts this Holiday Season!

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As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you can access various discounts and savings to help you make the most of the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website, enter your MSU email, click Get Started, and enter your password. First-time users will need to create a new account using the link below the login fields. You will need your MSU ZPID number for the form, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: Save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Chordify: Up to 60% off music lessons with a Chordify Premium yearly subscription.
  • Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code CROCS20 at checkout.
  • Dell: Exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
  • Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: 30% and more off MSRP on select appliances. Use code COREEXT21.
  • Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
  • HP: Up to 40% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: Receive 30% off your first month on this kids’ educational subscription box featuring fun STEM-based projects.
  • PremiumSeatsUSA.com: Save 10% with promo code CORESTREAM.
  • Restaurants.com: 20% off all certificates.
  • Rosetta Stone: Get a Lifetime Subscription with Unlimited Languages for $149 (normally $299).
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on top museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks and more.
  • Wharton Center: Save 10-15% on select performances.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find around the university through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others. For more information on discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

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This week’s featured job is a Communications Manager I for MSU’s College of Social Science in the Department of Anthropology (job posting 981948). The Department of Anthropology is seeking a Communications Manager to develop, implement, manage, and sustain a comprehensive creative communications strategy that aligns with the department’s strategic goals, increases the visibility of department activities, and enhances the department’s reputation both inside and outside the university.

In this position, you will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to translate complex information into engaging content for diverse audiences across multiple print and digital platforms and venues. Position responsibilities include but are not limited to building and sustaining a cohesive media, communications, and marketing identity as well as developing and implementing a creative media and communications strategy for print, social, and digital media. The Communications Manager will also create visual storytelling and written content for a broad range of audiences, platforms, and channels, develop compelling social media campaigns, manage existing department social media channels, grow department social media reach,  and monitor and track social media analytics and audience engagement.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations and one to three years of work experience in a related area. Experience producing creative digital and print media—including long and short-form video production, identity design, graphic design, newsletters, flyers, brochures, photography, merchandise, etc. is also required to apply. This is an in-person position with the potential for two remote days per week.To learn more, visit the College of Anthropology website. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio to the MSU Careers website by September 17.

Job of the Week: Recruitment and Admissions Counselor

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This week’s featured job is a Recruitment and Admissions Counselor for MSU’s College of Nursing (job posting 971880). The College of Nursing believes in the power of research, practice and education to affect lasting change and to improve health outcomes in our communities. They do this through recruiting top faculty, staff and students and continuously staying at the forefront of changes in the profession. 

In this position, you will be responsible for student recruitment (including on- and off-campus events), admissions, and recruitment event facilitation for all graduate programs in the College of Nursing. Position responsibilities include but are not limited to new student recruitment; program admissions; event planning, coordination and support; as well as data tracking, analysis and reporting. All team members in the College of Nursing carry a leadership role that fosters a sense of inclusion, belonging and servant leadership. 

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor’s Degree and six months to one year of work experience in admissions, counseling, public relations, student services, or a related area. One year of work experience implementing programs and schedules, making formal presentations, and working with the public is also required. Three years of recruiting experience for graduate and undergraduate programs focused on health professions is desired but not required to apply. 

To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the MSU Careers website by August 27. 

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!

Deals and Discounts for Father’s Day

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Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether it’s your dad, husband, father-in-law or any other important guy in your life, take advantage of these exclusive Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus.

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and 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:

Sports

  • Forest Akers Golf Course â€“ MSU employees with a valid MSU ID receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
  • Premium Seats USA â€“ Get 10% off sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout.

Technology

  • Dell â€“ MSU Benefits Plus members get the best pricing available on all Dell PCs, electronics and accessories with the Dell Member Purchase Program.
  • Apple â€“ MSU employees qualify for preferred pricing on all of Apple’s latest products. This includes employee pricing and ratings and reviews on accessories and software. Order from the online Apple EPP store and identify yourself as a Corestream member when purchasing.

Shopping and Entertainment

  • Tickets at Work â€“ MSU employees can save up to 40% on movie tickets nationwide.
  • MSU Meat Lab â€“ MSU employees with a valid MSU ID can receive a discount on quality meats and other items right on campus.
  • Restaurant.com – Save 20% on all gift certificates. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites, or enjoy quality takeout meals with Restaurant.com.

Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Father’s Day!

Job of the Week: Occupational Safety Compliance Officer

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This week’s featured job is an Occupational Safety Compliance Officer position for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) (job posting 955849). CANR is seeking an Occupational Safety Officer to enhance and lead the College’s safety management program. In the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students use science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business and creative design to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems related to food, health and the environment.

In this senior-level position, you will oversee workplace health and safety for CANR faculty, staff, students, and visitors while building and fostering a safety-focused culture. In addition, you will develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve a comprehensive occupational health and safety management system. The Occupational Safety Officer will also investigate safety and health concerns and maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local health, safety, and environmental regulations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, physics, chemistry or a closely related field. Five to eight years of related work experience in industrial/occupational safety and developing and delivering safety training is also required. Experience within an agriculture setting is preferred, but not required to apply.

To learn more, visit the CANR website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter and three references to the MSU Careers website by June 11.

Congratulations to Lori Fischer, the 2024 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award Recipient!

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Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award, Lori Fischer! This award honors a support staff employee who goes “above and beyond” in their job at MSU while pursuing a graduate degree concurrent with their employment. Lori is the Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has been with MSU for 13 years and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University.

Lori’s leaders and colleagues have this to say about her:

“Lori’s commitment to her role as the Director of Operations at the Burgess Institute reflects the qualities embodied by Ms. Ruth Jameyson. Much like Ms. Jameyson, Lori has gone “above and beyond” in her duties, contributing significantly to the success and recognition of MSU’s entrepreneurship program. Under Lori’s leadership, the program has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the top 25 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship programs in the country.”

“For as long as I have known Lori, she has been an advocate for helping students in the state of Michigan gain access to opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial mindset. The opportunity to work directly with Lori is one of the reasons I joined the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at MSU.”

“Lori’s passion for supporting student venturers and fostering entrepreneurial education has had a profound impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem at MSU and beyond. Lori has demonstrated a genuine concern for students both in and out of the classroom. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through her initiatives at the Burgess Institute and her role on the Broad College’s Staff Leadership Committee’s Recognition Committee.”

Watch a video of Lori finding out she won the Ruth Jameyson Award below or on YouTube:

The Awards Ceremony

  • Lori Fischer seated next to Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award Recipient, Meg Quine.
  • Award Selection Committee Chairman, Ray Gasser, along with colleagues, friends and family honor award recipients.
  • Lori Fischer speaking at the award ceremony.
  • (Left to Right) Christina K. Brogdon, Lori Fischer, Thomas Glasmacher, and Ray Gasser.
  • Gliozzo, Jack Breslin and Ruth Jameyson Award Recipients (Left to Right) Meg Quine, Ken Beer, Jesse Alvarez, Amanda Goll, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Lori Fischer, and Darwin Meirndorf.

On May 13, Lori was honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center for the Ruth Jameyson, Jack Breslin and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award recipients. Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina K. Brogdon, Interim Executive Vice President for Administration, Thomas Glasmacher, and Award Selection Committee Chairman, Ray Gasser acknowledged Lori’s hard work and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. A recording of the event is available below or on YouTube:

About the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award

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” what is reasonably expected to support the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own 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.

Ms. Ruth Jameyson, who died in 2007 at the age of 100 years, served as the secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938 to 1941 and secretary/administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah from 1941 to 1969. She served as both greeter and gatekeeper to the numerous students, faculty and staff seeking to meet Dr. Hannah, as well as dignitaries from around the globe. Ms. Jameyson accepted roles and responsibilities far beyond her formal job description. Having arrived in Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Coe College, Iowa, Ms. Jameyson pursued a master’s degree in economics at MSU while working full-time.

This award has been created and funded by friends of Ruth Jameyson; Barbara Sawyer-Koch, MSU trustee emerita, and Donald F. Koch, MSU professor emeritus.

All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts

June 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

June 2 – Music and the Garden, MSU Strings and Voice: Experience music and nature at Beal Botanical Gardens. Inspired by how trees positively impact our lives, this year’s series will explore a variety of themes shared through music, activities and presentations. The event starts with drop-in family activities at 1 PM, followed by a concert at 2 PM, and concludes with a “Plant Perspectives Tour” that starts at 3 PM. Free and open to the public (be sure to bring a blanket or chair)!

June 13 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: iNaturalist Training: Join us at the Beal Botanical Garden for a lunchtime introduction to digital identification tools such as iNaturalist, and their importance in conducting research. This tour will cover methods of plant identification, the Flora of Michigan, how to use dichotomous keys, and how herbarium specimens helped create these resources.

June 14 – MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration: Attend the 4th annual MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Breslin Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Acknowledging the Journey: Freedom, Resilience, Empowerment and Liberation. The commemoration features the multi-faceted musician and host Rodney Page, gospel music by Gregory D and Company, jazz music by the MSU College of Music, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Phoenix Miranda and more.

Family-Friendly Events

June 1 – Family Day: TRANSFORM: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. Squish, coil, pinch, and roll! Join us as we transform lumps of clay into fantastical sculptures. 

June 8 – Parent and Child Pizza Class: A fantastic way to spend an afternoon with your kid! You and your child will have a hands-on experience – making and tasting some amazing pizzas. This is meant to be an enjoyable class, not anything very serious. Our goal is for you to come in hungry, leave having eaten plenty of food, and with some new knowledge about pizza.

June 8–15 – 31st Lansing Juneteenth Celebration & African American Parade: The mission of the Lansing Juneteenth Committee is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage, and by promoting positive cultural interaction. There are tons of events all week!

June 13–15 – 517 Juneteenth Weekend: The 517 Juneteenth Weekend is a unique opportunity for the Mid-Michigan region to celebrate black culture, expression, and freedom while reflecting on 159 years of African-American emancipation. Juneteenth Weekend will feature events and activities from Thursday, June 13th – Sunday, June 16th, with the free Juneteenth Festival taking place in REO Town (on South Washington Ave) on Saturday, June 15th.

Join us for live musical performances, a special guest headline performance, food, black-owned vendors lined down South Washington Ave, informational booths, a kids zone, battle of the BBQ, and much more.

June 16 – Father’s Day Afternoon Dinner Cruise: What a better way to celebrate the Fathers in our lives than spending the afternoon together on a boat? Bring him and the family out for a cruise on the beautiful Grand River. This cruise event will sell out in advance so purchase your tickets early! Guests will be seated on two levels, with stairs required to reach the second deck. Handicap seating on the first deck is limited. Please be sure to check the handicap box on the reservation page when purchasing your tickets.

June 16 – Art on the Farm Workshop: Immerse yourself in inspiration at MSU’s Student Organic Farm. Join us for a walking tour at the certified-organic vegetable farm to learn about organic farming basics, permaculture, farming in hoop houses, and which crops find their way to the dining hall kitchens. After seeing the sights, you’ll be turned loose to sketch, photograph, paint en plein air, capture audio and video, write, dance, and otherwise engage with your artistic practice in this pastoral setting. We can’t wait to see what you create! BYOAS: Bring your own art supplies. Families welcome!

June 21 – Potter Park Zoo Twilight Adventures: Experience a magical evening at Potter Park Zoo during our Twilight Adventures! Join us for an adventure-filled night from 6 to 9 p.m. as you embark on a self-guided tour, follow clues along the way, and learn from our conservation education stations. Engage in fun games and activities under the stars while enjoying delicious s’mores and concession snacks! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the zoo after hours and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

June 22 – Lansing Pride: Celebrate Pride in Old Town Lansing! There will be a main stage with entertainment throughout the day, vendors, food, beer tent, and a family area. Follow at www.lansingpride.org or Lansing Pride on Facebook for all of the latest information. With a special performance by Loosey Leduca!

June 29 – MSUFCU Kids’ Day: Join MSUFCU as they celebrate their youth members! Enjoy games and prizes, giant inflatables, financial education activities, free food and more!

June 30 – Abrams Planetarium June 2024 Children’s Feature Show: Created and hosted by cosmically curious teenagers from Milwaukee schools, this unique cosmic experience takes you on a dynamic journey across the universe and through time. Science Topics Include: Black Holes, Cosmology–Origins & Fate of the Universe, Star Cycles, Sun, Earth Origins & History, Water Origins & Chemistry.

Learning Opportunities

June 4 – Crucial Influence: Leaders must be able to influence behavior to achieve team goals and organizational objectives.  Leadership isn’t just about crafting an inspiring vision, it’s about achieving it by mobilizing others to work well independently, and together. The Crucial Influence Model reveals why people do what they do and how leaders at every level can influence behavior for lasting results. Target Audience: Mid to high level leaders who are responsible for leading change and improvement efforts.

June 13 – Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: After completing the online assessment prior to the course, you will attend this program to receive your results and explore what you naturally do best, identify the impacts of those talents on your work and relationships, and determine how to further develop these areas to be most successful. With new self-awareness, and a new language for understanding and expressing what you do best, research has shown that you will be more likely to feel confident, achieve goals, and feel energetic and engaged. Who doesn’t want that?

June 20 – Cultural Competency: One of MSU’s guiding principles is to lead inclusively, actively, and intentionally to promote full participation and a sense of safety and belonging for all employees and staff. Join us in building cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills that strengthen cultural competence!

Health & Wellness

June 3 – The Healing Power of Guided Imagery: Guided Imagery has been shown to alleviate pain, reduce depression, and boost the immune system. Join Jessie Byelich, EAP Counselor, at Abrams Planetarium to learn more. Registration for this free course is required. 

June 17 – Rest with Music: Music is powerful. It can heal. It can calm. It can change our mood. It can regenerate our body, mind and spirit. MSU Health4U, Abrams Planetarium, and MSU Student Health Promotion and Prevention Services invite you to take an hour out of your month to listen and simply Rest with Music. Registration for this free course is required. 

Local Farmers Markets

June 2 – Eastern Ingham Farmer’s Market: The Market will happen every Sunday from 10-2 at McCormick Park in Williamston, Michigan. The Market will have a variety of vendors including produce, locally raised meats, baked goods. Actually visiting the Eastern Ingham Farmers Market is the only way to know how very special it is. The Market is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday from mid-May to mid-October and for a special post-season Holiday Market in December. Everyone is welcome!

June 2 – The East Lansing Farmers Market: The East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM), a growers-only market, is located in an inviting, open-air park atmosphere, just steps away from the MSU campus and downtown East Lansing. Customers can fill their shopping bags with a diverse selection of fresh, farm-grown Michigan produce and products, including vegetables, fruit, artisan bread, cheese, meat, coffee, maple syrup, honey, flowers and more.

The 2024 season of the East Lansing Farmers Market is scheduled to run June 2-Oct. 28 on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court.

Job of the Week: Athletic Trainer I – Football

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This week’s featured job is an Athletic Trainer I – Football position for MSU Intercollegiate Athletics (job posting 951538). Athletic training is a major specialty in the field of sports medicine where active daily involvement with athletes, patients, physicians, administrators, and coaches affect the safety, well-being, and health care of the competitive and recreational athlete. Through a combination of medical specialists and the active commitment of the athletic trainer, the Sports Medicine and Performance team at Michigan State University covers a broad entity of healthcare.

In this position, you will evaluate injuries to determine referrals as well as design and execute appropriate rehabilitation exercises. You will also educate and counsel coaching staff, athletes, physicians, colleagues, students, parents, media, and consultants. Other responsibilities include organizing and maintaining daily medical records, including daily treatment logs and prescription drug logs using a computerized sports injury management program.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Master’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field as well as a National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) certification. Three to Five years of related work experience in athletic training or an equivalent combination of education and experience are also required. Previous experience as a Division I collegiate Athletic Trainer or experience as an Athletic Trainer for football are desired, but not required to apply.

To learn more, visit the MSU Athletics website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter and four references to the MSU Careers website by May 28.

Job of the Week: Human Resources Professional

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This week’s featured job is a Human Resources Professional for MSU Extension (job posting 946783). MSU Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge and resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. MSU Extension is a large and complex unit with more than 700 employees in 83 counties spread across the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan.

In this position, you will support academic recruiting efforts and act as a liaison between MSU Extension and the central HR team at MSU. This includes coordinating HR processes to support areas, such as recruitment and selection, orientation and onboarding, performance management and development, and employee retention and succession planning. Other responsibilities include assisting in developing plans, objectives, policies, and procedures for department operations, maintaining employee records and ensuring data accuracy in HR systems.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. One to three years of related work experience in a human resources field or an equivalent combination of education and experience are also required. 

This position requires a service-oriented self-starter whose strengths include problem-solving, the ability to work on several projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment, and the ability to understand and support MSU Extension’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights. Experience with MSU policies and procedures, including working knowledge of EBS, PageUp Applicant Tracking System, Qualtrics, TEAMS, Zoom, and Microsoft Office applications is desired, but not required to apply.

To learn more, visit the MSU Extension website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter and four references to the MSU Careers website by June 4.