Back-to-School Discounts for the 2023-24 School Year

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: Employee pricing on everything you purchase
  • HP: Up to 62% off computers and accessories
  • Dell: Up to 30% off using the Member ID PS113067902
  • Lenovo: Back to School savings of up to 72% off until August 20!
  • 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 CORE20 (plus a pair is donated with every pair purchased!) 
  • Crocs: Save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more using the code SAVE20
  • 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. 

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: Clerical Aide

This week’s featured job is a temporary Clerical Aide position through MSU Human Resources (posting 884578). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel and support services for the MSU Community. 

This position will serve MSU Human Resources by processing employment transactions in the HR/Payroll system, reviewing criminal background checks and assisting departments in understanding employment policy along with contractual and legal compliance. The future Clerical Aide will also process timely reports that affect the records of students and temporary/on-call employees. 

The Clerical Aide must be qualified for secretarial, receptionist, bookkeeping, information processing or related clerical tasks. Required hours vary for on-campus and off-campus positions. 

To learn more about MSU Human resources, visit their website. To apply for the position, visit the posting directly on the MSU Careers Website by August 9. A resume and cover letter are recommended, but not required.

August Events Round-Up

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

Resistance Training: Arts, Sports, and Civil Rights to Open at Broad Art Museum: A new exhibition will be available at the Broad Art Museum from August 19-February 2024. The exhibition explores the shared values between artists and athletes in the advancement of social justice-related issues.

August 27- Sparticipation: Come to MSU’s annual involvement fair that features over 500 student organizations, 30 departments and sponsors. This free event is a great way to kick off any Spartan’s journey. 

Learning Opportunities

August 10- Leading WIth Cultural Competence: MSU HR is hosting an in-person event on recognizing elements of self-awareness, eliminating/countering stereotypes and reinforcing behaviors that support cultural competency.

August 10- Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Beal Botanical Garden Staff Favorites: Join staff at the Beatl Botanical Gardens for a lunchtime tour (12:10-12:55 p.m.) of their favorite plants and what makes them special. 

August 16- Strategic Planning Seminar: MSU HR is hosting a leadership that focuses on taking your ideas and turning them into action. Join online from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

August 22- Identify and Maximize Your Strengths Seminar: Complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment to tap into your full potential and talents. Join this seminar in-person from 1:00-5:00 p.m. 

August 24- THATCamp: THATCamp (The Humanities and Technology Camp) is an opportunity to start the semester with peers and experts by sharing knowledge and experiences in humanities and technology-related fields. This event will be from 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration is encouraged. 

Health and Wellness

August 3- Deepening Your Essential Skills: Register for this free course brought to you by Health4U via Zoom to deepen and develop your essential skills. This meeting is scheduled for 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM. 

Yoga in Beal Garden II: This second phase of yoga in the Beal Botanical Gardens will work to accommodate a workday schedule and promote being active. Yoga in the Beal Garden will run from July 12- August 16, every Wednesday starting at 12:15 pm. 

August 25- Let Your Summer Produce Shine: Discover local produce and Michigan fruit availability and how to incorporate produce in the kitchen. This is a free in-person event and will be hosted at the MSU Union. 

Family-Friendly Activities

August 5- Family Day: MOVE: Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged.

August 14- Open House at the MSU Bug House: Visit the MSU Bug House on Monday, August 14 between 5:30 and 7:30 pm! All are welcome. Registration is required.

Job of the Week: Veterinary Social Worker

This week’s featured job is a Veterinary Social Worker for the College of Veterinary Medicine (posting 883898). The College of Veterinary Medicine has been instructing veterinary students since 1855 and now features three biomedical science departments—microbiology and molecular genetics, pathobiology and diagnostic investigation, and pharmacology and toxicology.

This position will serve the College of Veterinary Medicine by providing grief support and community resources by request from clients, ensuring client documentation is confidential and providing referrals to community mental health professionals.The future Veterinary Social Worker will also help develop wellness practices for the CVM Clinical team while also speaking to community groups about social work services.

The Veterinary Social Worker should have a Bachelor’s degree in social work with state licensure. They should also have 3-5 years of field experience, preferably veterinary-related. It is also recommended that they are familiar with state animal laws.

To learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine, visit their website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references on the MSU Careers Website by August 8

What Service Members Bring to the Workforce

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. 

Job of the Week: Museum Trades Aide

This week’s featured job is a temporary position for a Trades Aide for the MSU Broad Art Museum (posting 879129). The Broad Art Museum features art from local, national and international artists all with a wide range of works.

This position will serve the MSU Broad Art Museum by assisting with the preparation of exhibition spaces, matting and framing artwork to archival standards and establishing correct lighting in galleries. The future Trades Aide will prepare art objects for shipping and storage while also maintaining organized workspaces.

The Trades Aide should also have knowledge equivalent to that of a four-year college degree program in studio art and/or museum studies program. They should also have approximately 2-3 years of experience working as an art handler/installer. It is also recommended that they have knowledge of museum standards and proper care of art installations.

To learn more about the MSU Broad Art Museum, visit their website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter on the MSU Careers Website by August 31. 

Thank you MSU Dairy Store!

All Spartans know that the best ice cream around can be found right on MSU’s campus at the MSU Dairy Store. However, they may not know the deep history of dairy at Michigan State. 

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. 

With a total of 12 available ice cream flavors on their menu, the MSU Dairy Store has something for everyone. Their most popular flavors include Spartan Swirl, Leelanau Black Cherry and Tucker’s Scoop & Score.

The Dairy Store can also be seen on wheels during MSU football games and other special events. Their services also extend to catering and feature a retail selection of Michigan-made products. 

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!

Job of the Week: Academic Program Coordinator

The featured job this week is an Academic Program Coordinator for the College of Natural Science (posting 879072). The College of Natural Science is home to 27 departments and programs, each with the mission of building healthy communities through scientific discovery. 

This position will serve the College of Natural Science by providing support to the MS in Data Science (MSDS) Director, arranging visits for prospective MSDS students and processing new graduate student applications. The future Academic Program Coordinator will also create and revise the MSDS handbook along with coordinating fall orientation for MSDS students. 

The Academic Program Coordinator should also have an associates degree in business, psychology, education or a related field. They should also have one to three years of experience in a related administrative field. It is also recommended that they have strong customer service skills and the ability to handle time-sensitive and confidential information. 

To learn more about the College of Natural Science, visit natsci.msu.edu. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter and three references on the MSU Careers Website by July 25.

Job of the Week: FRIB Operations Accelerator Engineer I / Engineering/Physicist Accelerator I

This week’s featured job is the Operations Accelerator Engineer for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (posting 86055). The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is a center for researchers at all career stages to make discoveries regarding rare isotopes and nuclear astrophysics and their impact on medicine, homeland security, and industry.

This position will serve the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams by monitoring major facility equipment, responding to emergency situations and operating ion sources, accelerators, and beam transport lines on a rotating shift schedule. The future Operations Accelerator Engineer will also monitor high-power RF machines while assisting physicists in setting up and performing experiments. 

The Operations Accelerator Engineer should have a Bachelor’s degree in Systems or Computer Science, Engineering or Physics. They should also have one to three years of related experience. Recommended skills include the ability to troubleshoot and assess issues, strong written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft suites.  

To learn more about the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, visit frib.msu.edu. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter on the MSU Careers Website by July 16. 

Jake Lathrop, HR’s Consultant to the VP, Selected for CUPA-HR’s Midwest Region Board of Directors

This press release is being shared with permission from CUPA-HR.

Jake Lathrop, Consultant to the Vice President of Human Resources, has been selected as the next leader of the CUPA-HR Midwest Region Board of Directors.  Jake will begin his term as Region Board Chair on July 1 and will serve in this role for one year before moving into the Past-Chair role.  CUPA-HR’s Midwest region is one of four regions nationally and consists of twelve states and the respective state Chapter boards within.

Jake has served on CUPA-HR’s Midwest Region board for four years.  Prior to that, he was on the CUPA-HR Michigan Chapter board for four years, where he also served as president. He has been a member of the association’s Public Policy Committee and Learning and Professional Development Committee and was selected for the 2018-19 cohort of the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders Program.  Jake has presented at numerous state, region, and national conferences and virtual programs. 

“It is humbling to be selected for this role and an absolute honor to serve my higher ed colleagues in this capacity,” Lathrop shared.  “I am especially honored to represent MSU throughout every CUPA-HR interaction, and to share with colleagues across the country the amazing work that Spartans do.”

Contact Information
Jessica Thompson
Marketing Coordinator – Communications and Marketing
jcthompson@cupahr.org