International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion

Women’s History Month observances honor the contributions and impact of women and highlight the pivotal roles women have played in our community. MSU Human Resources celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8! This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion.”  To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, in all aspects of society.

MSU HR is led by a team of dynamic leaders who happen to be all women. Their experience and dedication drive HR’s mission to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, and service to the MSU community.

We asked our HR directors, “How can we inspire inclusion, or create more inclusivity, especially for women, working here at MSU?” Here is what they had to say:

“I stand proudly on the shoulders of incredible women who came before me, recognizing their struggles and triumphs while reflecting on my own journey; especially as a woman of color. International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a call to action for continued progress. Let us amplify the voices of all women and work together to create an environment where every woman can thrive without limitations. We can inspire inclusion through representation, mentorship, sponsorship, courage, and resolve. I believe in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Together, we can cultivate a sense of belonging for all.” –Christina Brogdon, PHR, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

“Inclusivity starts by listening. Therefore, we must establish channels of open dialogue to listen and hear women at MSU so they may share their experiences and suggestions without fear of reprisals, to understand barriers that impede inclusion, as well as work collaboratively to dismantle them.” –Sherri Reese, Ph.D., Director of Talent

“While institutional efforts to advance inclusion are critical, we must ask ourselves what we are doing daily to foster inclusivity. As a female leader, am I actively seeking out and embracing diverse perspectives? Am I fostering mentorship and learning opportunities, especially for women? Am I seeking out opportunities to grow and learn? By critically examining what we are individually doing to foster a culture of respect and value, we collectively can work to create a more inclusive environment.” –Donna Donovan, J.D., Director of HR Administrative Services and Chief of Staff

“Establishing an environment of inclusion requires the creation of safe places for dissenting opinions and respectful debate. Many voices contributing will almost always aid in better decision making and a sense of inclusion and empowerment.” –Amy Holda, MLRHR, Interim Director of Employee Relations

“In higher education, where women often outnumber men but remain underrepresented in senior leadership, the phrase ’empowered women empower women’ resonates deeply with me. It encourages collaboration, mentorship, and sponsorship among women. By recognizing and amplifying our strengths, women in academia can challenge systemic barriers and prepare themselves for leadership positions. Embracing this mantra fosters a culture of support and inclusivity, breaking down barriers and paving the way for gender equality in the workplace. It reminds us that by lifting others up, we all rise, creating a more diverse and empowered leadership landscape.” –Sharri Margraves, EdD, SCP-SHRM, Director of Organization and Professional Development

“One of the best compliments I ever received as a leader is that I am authentic. I can’t think of a better way to inspire inclusion than with authenticity. Transparency in communications, awareness of others and their needs, along with a willingness to listen is key in creating an inclusive environment.” –Mary Lou Morey, Director of Benefits

“The power of women leaders investing our own time, energy and experience into mentoring other women from all backgrounds cannot be overstated. I am incredibly grateful to several amazing women who have generously shared their leadership journeys with me, their mentorship having served me well throughout my career. I pay their gifts forward by investing and supporting other women on their leadership journeys. Mentorship is one of the most powerful opportunities all women leaders have to promote the inclusion of more women into leadership, where they will encounter opportunities to keep paying it forward to others.” â€“Alice Smith, MPA, SHRM-SCP, Director of Solutions Center

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. Happy International Women’s Day!

Fostering Excellence: Continuous Learning and Educational Assistance for MSU Support Staff

Written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR and Organization and Professional Development

Michigan State University stands as a beacon of educational excellence, not only for its students but also for its dedicated support staff. At the heart of MSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth and development is the twin approach of continuous learning and educational assistance benefits tailored for support staff.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, and MSU recognizes its transformative power. For support staff, engaging in ongoing education and using it on the job brings many benefits to the individual and helps create a dynamic and adaptable workforce that contributes significantly to the university’s success.

  • Career Advancement: Continuous learning helps us open doors to career advancement opportunities. MSU staff have access to many professional development opportunities, from workshops to specialized training sessions, allowing us to enhance our skills in preparation for future positions. Educational Assistance is available for non-credit opportunities such as conferences, seminars, and credit opportunities for those interested.
  • Enhanced Job Performance: Staying current with industry trends and best practices is essential for optimal job performance. MSU’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, directly impacting their ability to excel in their roles and contribute to the university’s operational excellence. Individuals can chart their own path using educational assistance or elevateU, the free on-demand source for technical and essential skill development and certification prep.
  • Increased Engagement: Continuous learning fosters a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction with a person’s job, and while resources are always slim—supporting continuous learning is essential for supervisors. Staff who feel supported in their educational pursuits are more likely to experience higher engagement, leading to a positive work environment and a deepened commitment to MSU’s mission.
  • Adaptability to Change: Adaptability is a key attribute in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Continuous learning instills resilience and the ability to navigate change effectively. Those empowered to participate in ongoing education will be well-positioned to embrace new challenges and contribute to the university’s culture of innovation.

Educational Assistance Programs

MSU exemplifies its commitment to the educational journey of support staff through robust educational assistance programs designed to remove financial barriers to learning. Please review your employee contract for specific details.

  • Tuition Assistance Programs:
    • The Tuition Assistance Program at MSU is a testament to the university’s commitment to making education accessible. Staff can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees with financial support, aligning their educational aspirations with their career goals. Attending MSU credit-granting programs means you will receive a waiver upfront on the cost of tuition.
    • Tuition for non-MSU degree programs provides reimbursement according to your contract.
  • Non-Credit Assistance:
    • Each employee group can take programs offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development or IT Services, non-credit programs, seminars, and conferences. Most staff employee groups have $800 or$900 available annually for non-credit programs. APA members can utilize this amount toward credit classes.

How to access:

Log into the EBS Portal, select My Career and Training from the top navigation, and then select the tile for Courses for Employees at MSU (HR or IT Services classes), elevateU, or Educational Assistance System.

  • Programs run on an academic calendar in general, adjusting for variances in start/stop dates.
  • Beginning January 2024, APA and APSA employees are eligible for these benefits at the time of hire.

For more information: 

MSU’s unwavering commitment to continuous learning and educational assistance for staff reflects a dedication to fostering a community of excellence. By investing in the growth and development of its employees, MSU not only enriches individual lives but also ensures the continued success and vibrancy of the entire university. Through continuous learning and educational assistance, MSU empowers its staff to excel in their roles, contribute meaningfully to the institution, and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.

Sources:

Photo by David Tett via Centre for Ageing Better

Don’t Miss Out on These Exclusive Spring Break Discounts!

Spring Break for many area schools is quickly approaching. Before finalizing your plans, review your exclusive employee discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to determine if any may be useful to your family.

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in or sign up for a free account.

Travel

National Car Rental: Enjoy up to 20% off your reservation rate when booking through our exclusive link. Discount automatically applied with the link. 

Tickets at Work: Go somewhere new in 2024 with up to 60% off exclusive hotel rates at top destinations worldwide. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% off the best available rooms at participating hotels worldwide.

Entertainment

Premium Seats USA: Save 10% on ticket purchases to professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, auto racing, wrestling and more when you use promo code CORESTREAM. 

Tiqets: Save over 40% on Museums worldwide. Access top museums across the country and around the world! Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!

Restaurant.comGet 20% off all certificates. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites or enjoy quality takeout meals. 

Find these savings as well as many other discounts by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. The MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions at 888-758-7575.

Campus Deals

Wharton: Discounts are given to Wharton Center subscribers and occasional 10-15% discounts on select performances are given to MSU employees.

Munn Ice Arena: Save on public skating during spring break. Employees receive discounted rates with valid MSU ID. The next public skating day is Saturday, March 30 from 4:30-6:40 p.m.

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center: Thinking about a staycation? MSU Employees can receive special hotel accommodation rates when making reservations. A valid MSU employee ID may be required at check-in.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

This week’s job of the week is for a Communications Manager I position in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 932698). The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is ranked #1 in the world in the global ranking of agricultural and applied economics departments. The Food Security Group within AFRE is a self-organized team established in the early 1980s that works with local partners in developing countries to carry out empirically based policy-oriented scholarly research, engagement, and capacity-building focused on problems of global food security.

This job includes but is not limited to cooperating closely with the co-directors and other faculty of AFRE’s Food Security Group (FSG) to write, edit, and create materials (including video) on the activities and outputs of grant-funded international projects suitable for a variety of audiences. There is a strong emphasis on digital communications using the web, content management systems, and social media platforms. There is also the opportunity to travel to project sites in developing countries and to engage with communications specialists in partner organizations in those countries.

The desired candidate will be a self-starter with an outgoing personality who feels comfortable positively representing a team. Ideally, this position is best suited for a team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions, and prioritize tasks effectively. Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills are desired.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree in journalism, telecommunications, or public relations. One to three years of experience in public relations, marketing, graphic design, web design, publication production, and social media management is required. A background in social sciences and/or agriculture and natural resources is desired but not required to apply.

If you’re interested in applying, please learn more about the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and apply for this position by March 19.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day

Happy Employee Appreciation Day! The university’s over 20,000 faculty and staff help make Michigan State University a leader in education and research. Your contributions are part of something bigger. Please enjoy this message of gratitude from Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Brogdon.

Spartans of Impact: Keeping Campus Safe This Winter

This article was written by Sean Keast, Communications Coordinator for the Offices of the EVPA & Senior VP, CFO and Treasurer.

With over 50,000 students, and over 10,000 staff and faculty, MSU is comparable to a small city. Since its footprint is so large, MSU is home to a large variety of experts required not only for important research and academia but for daily operations as well. Recently, this expertise was displayed during adverse weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that MSU is all too familiar with. The winter weather can pose commuting hazards and delays, especially when driving on a blustery day. It’s no small feat to clear the over 200 miles of roads and sidewalks around the campus, MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Landscape Services department runs snow crews night and day to combat the elements.

“Our snow removal crew is exceptional, and they get the job done.” said Dan Bollman, Senior Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, “On any given snow day, we deploy sixty-plus people across all of campus to ensure that students, faculty and staff can safely get to where they need to go.”

Christina Brogdon, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, said “The impact and significance of the Landscape Services team cannot be overstated. Dedicated and talented employees like them, are truly what makes MSU a special place to work – where every person, role, and contribution matters.”  

Outside of their regular campus maintenance duties throughout the year, snow and ice removal is handled primarily by the Landscape Services team. MSU’s “Snow Season” is between Nov. 1 and April 1, and during that period the staff at Landscape Services are on call in the event of snowfall. Year by year the demands change greatly, and rapid changes in weather conditions can cause shifts to be handed out with an hour’s notice or scheduled in eight-to-sixteen-hour blocks starting any time, day or night. During the winter months, Landscape Services staff start at five in the morning.

“We start that early so that we can beat the commute – people going to work, classes, etc. The crews take a lot of pride in it,” said Matthew Bailey, Service Manager for Landscape Services. “As a manager, taking care of the crews is just as important as the snow itself, and we work to keep the crews fed and comfortable during their odd hours. Whenever we have to call the crews in overnight, we give Brody Hall a call and let them know that we will have 60 or so people coming in for breakfast.” He laughed, “We’ve even run around with burgers or doughnuts before, making sure everyone gets fed.”

The commitment and pride demonstrated by the Landscape Services staff, under the leadership of individuals like Matthew Bailey, exemplifies a collective endeavor to navigate the unpredictable challenges the elements pose. Their dedication not only underscores the significance of teamwork but also mirrors the exceptional community spirit that defines Michigan State University.

New Year, New Professional Development Courses

The Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department in MSU Human Resources has spots open in the following courses to support your learning and development in January, February and March:

EBS Financial Systems: Roles and Onboarding | January 25 | Virtual

Are you new to MSU and/or to a financial role? This session intends to answer the question: Where do I start? You have a vast toolbox available to you.

Taming the Email Beast | February 8 | Virtual

Professionals spend much of their work (and personal) time buried under a stream of email, spinning wheels and feeling highly unsatisfied. If you would like to get control of your email “beast,” attend this program featuring specific tips for Outlook and Gmail users, but applicable to ANY email user.

KFS Transactional Edocs: Types and Purposes | February 15 | Virtual

This class will provide detailed information about processing various types of Edocs in KFS, including those listed below, and information about action item buttons, document status, workflow routing and search functionality.

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue | Starts March 13| In-Person

High-performing individuals and organizations know how to hold crucial conversations — where emotions are strong, opinions vary, and the stakes are high. In this two-day course, learn powerful skills to help you speak up quickly, directly and effectively when it matters most, including moments of disagreement, risk or change.     

Cultural Competency | March 18 | In-Person

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.

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

Job of the Week: Outreach Specialist

This week’s featured job is an outreach and student engagement specialist for Student Success and Retention in the College of Nursing (CON) (posting 904981). The Michigan State University College of Nursing has trained the next generations of nurses since its founding as the Department of Nursing Education in 1950. The CON believes in the power of research, practice, and education to affect lasting change and to improve health outcomes in our communities through recruiting top faculty, staff, and students and continuously staying at the forefront of changes in the profession.

In this position, you will coordinate, implement, and facilitate outreach initiatives and programming to promote student retention and success within the College of Nursing by collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance and assist with advancing the CON’s student success and retention goals.

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities should include one to three years of experience in program development, project management, or recruitment while working with culturally diverse individuals and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You should be able to provide high-quality customer service, confidently handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and prioritize activities to meet deadlines with limited supervision. You should have a track record of working collaboratively and constructively with people at multiple levels and with diverse perspectives to build consensus across various divisions of a complex organization.

The outreach and student engagement specialist should have a master’s degree in student affairs, education, or social work. Desired qualifications also include teaching experiences with students, evidence of commitment to professional development, and the ability to work effectively as a diverse team member.

To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, DEI statement, and a contact list of three professional references to the MSU Careers website.  

Relaunch: New Leader Development Series

We are thrilled to introduce the latest iteration of our New Leader Development Series, designed to empower and inspire leaders at every stage of their journey. This refreshed program brings you a strategic blend of targeted skill development, strategic thinking and leadership mastery, ensuring that you are equipped with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic work environments.

What’s in Store?

Visit our website for a detailed overview of the program including schedule information, learning tracks, and application details.

Whether you’re a supervisor, manager, or leader, there’s a tailored experience waiting for you.

How to Get Involved:

  • Registration Application: Opens Friday, December 15 at Noon and will close Friday, January 5, at 5:00 p.m.
  • Explore the Program: Dive into the details on our website.
  • Contact Us: Have questions or need more information? Contact our office at prodev@hr.msu.edu – we’re here to help.

This is your chance to elevate your leadership journey. Join us for the New Leader Development Series and unlock the potential for leadership excellence.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Additional Upcoming Learning Opportunities

From Christina, VP of HR: Congratulations Sherri Reese and Amy Holda – Selected for TIAA Emerging Leaders Network

Two of our Human Resources stars – Sherri Reese, Ph.D., Director of Talent, and Amy Holda, an MLRHR, Interim Director of Employee Relations – are embarking upon an extraordinary leadership adventure.

Sherri and Amy have secured spots in the esteemed TIAA Emerging Leaders Network Program and are thrilled to receive such high praise and nomination from HR leadership. This career-defining journey was carefully curated by Chief Human Resources Officers from some of TIAA’s largest institutional partners; here, only the cream of talent prepares themselves to embark upon new horizons and larger roles.

Sherri and Amy, among a cohort of peers from institutions nationwide, will be expanding their professional networks while diving deep into HR’s latest offerings and perfecting their leadership acumen. MSU has made waves in HR leadership. Their success stands as evidence that our university remains dedicated to thought leadership and strategic partnership in HR; not just on an internal level but regionally and nationally too.

Let’s show our support for Sherri and Amy by offering Spartan cheers. Please join me in honoring their incredible achievement.

Sherri and Amy: Here’s to all of us, MSU, and reaching new heights together!

With Spartan Pride,
Christina

Christina K. Brogdon, PHR (she/her/hers)
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Michigan State University