MSU gets into the swing of Recyclemania!

More than 400 colleges and universities across the U.S. compete in this exciting challenge that encourages faculty, staff and students to recycle! We would love to see you all continue to be a part of this important initiative. Take some time to think about the importance of our environment and how we can Be Spartan Green today! Last year, MSU was the second biggest contributor to Recyclemania amongst the Big Ten! The challenge is focused on recycling white paper, mixed paper, books, cardboard, plastics, household metal, and glass. According to their main website, Recyclemania began in 2001 at Ohio University and Miami University.

Student Employees Recycling
Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy

Learn more at MSU Recycling’s website and check out the Be Spartan Green Facebook page for daily tips on recycling, reducing and reusing.

Winter Farmers Market Continues Through April

Who says you can’t find fresh home-grown goods in the winter? The Meridian Township Farmers Market comes out to Meridian Mall in Okemos every first and third Saturday of the month from December to April. Approximately 25-30 unique vendors are present at each market day. The event is located in the JC Penney corridor of the mall from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., and will continue through April 19.Meridian Mall Farmers Market

Everything that is sold at the farmers market is grown locally or within the state of Michigan. It is the vendors’ commitment to the quality of their products and services that results in continued support from the community. The event will not only give the public an opportunity to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, but it will also give them a chance to meet and talk to the farmers who provide the goods. Come in from the cold and see what these local providers have to offer! For more information about the farmers market, visit their Facebook page or the Meridian Charter Township website.

You may also wish to check out other great farmers markets open year-round in the Lansing area such as the Allen Street Farmers Market, Lansing City Market, Bath Farmers Market and the Holt Farmers Market.

MSU Brand Standards

MSU Spartan Helmet
Your college or unit may have specific branding specifications, but the MSU Brand Standards are a great resource to reference!

Brand consistency is important for any organization. Consistencies in colors, typography, graphics, photography, etc., are important elements that help define MSU’s brand around the world. Whether you are an on-or off-campus college or unit knowing the guidelines for upholding MSU’s brand is essential.

The MSU brand is maintained by Communications and Brand Strategy (CABS), the central communications office for MSU. CABS mission includes:Continue Reading… MSU Brand Standards

Enjoy Low-Cost Open Skating at Munn Ice Arena!

Snowflakes are still falling all over East Lansing as we’ve come to the halfway mark of the spring semester. Everyone seems to be taking it easy as we approach spring break. There’s no time like now for ice-skating at Munn Ice Arena. MSU faculty, staff and students only pay $4 for admission into the arena. Skate rentals are $2. Ice-skating can be a blast! So go ahead, throw on your favorite MSU sweatshirt, and take your family and friends out for some fun. After skating, go to your favorite coffee shop for a warm cup of hot chocolate. This formula guarantees a great day for everyone involved. Munn Ice Arena is located directly across from IM Sports West on Chestnut Road and the Breslin Student Event Center on Birch Road. Hope to see you there!

MSU Skate Club
The MSU Skate Club performs at Munn Ice Arena. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Find High-Quality Products at the MSU Meat Lab

“Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat.” Fran Lebowitz

The MSU Meat Laboratory has been teaching and educating future meat scientists for years. The Lab has also provided quality meat products to the MSU community. The 67,000 square foot facility is located in Anthony Hall and is directed by the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Food Science.

When you buy products from the MSU Meat Lab, you are buying “Spartan” meat.
When you buy products from the MSU Meat Lab, you are buying “Spartan” meat.

The Lab focuses on four areas: education, outreach/extension, meat judging and student employment. The Lab provides carcasses for class instruction and research projects. The Lab in conjunction with Meat Extension Specialists provides materials that educators use in trainings for youth and meat consumers. The Lab also provides employment opportunities for students to gain additional experience in the meat processing industry. In addition, the MSU Meat Lab competes in multiple meat judging programs each year.Continue Reading… Find High-Quality Products at the MSU Meat Lab

Events Round-Up March 2014

Here are some events happening over the next month that may be of interest to MSU faculty and staff. Please visit the links for more information. Many events require registration.

Community Events

Friday, March 7

Michigan Horse Expo begins, 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., MSU Pavilion 

Saturday, March 8

Broad/MSU – Collection Show & Tell, 7:30 p.m., Broad Art Museum 

Monday, March 10 

Translation Conversation: Gendered Language Around the World, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Snyder C202

Thursday, March 13

Lansing Home and Garden Show begins, 3 p.m. – 9p.m., MSU Pavilion

Friday, March 14 

Jazz Orchestra I, II, III, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium 

Sunday, March 23

9th Annual Israeli Film Festival begins, 2 p.m. – 8:45 p.m., 147 Comm Arts

Monday, March 24

World View Lecture Series: Leana Wen, M.D., 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall

Sunday, March 30 

Help Tell the Story: The Greater Lansing Sites of Conscience Project, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., MSU Museum

Development, Training & Wellness

Tuesday, March 11

PC Maintenance and Security, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., 210 Computer Center 

Friday, March 14

Zotero: Citation Management 2.0, 10 a.m. – noon,  Main Libr Reference Instr Room (W101D)

Wednesday, March 19 

MSU Travel 101, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 Nisbet 

Tuesday, March 25

Records Management and Retention at MSU, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 Nisbet 

Wednesday, March 26

Relaxing Under the Stars, 12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m., Abrams Planetarium 

Job of the Week 2/28/14

This week we are highlighting a Human Resources Analyst with MSU Human Resources (Posting #9139). This position acts as an internal consultant to administrators, faculty and staff in the administration of classification and compensation programs and functions; develops and implements HR programs and initiatives; coordinates special HR projects; provides generalist and specialist support in the administration of the classification and compensation systems; maintains the university classification system by conducting position audits, researching documentation and making formal classification recommendations; develops new and revises existing classifications; conducts classification reviews of major job groups, employee groups and/or university units; supports the compensation function of the university by designing and conducting salary surveys, analyzing survey results, preparing statistical and narrative reports, and recommending individual pay levels and overall pay structures. MSU Jobs Icon

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search.

Expand Your Reach with Pinterest

Visuals speak louder than words. In 2013, MSU Journalism Professor Karl Gude conducted a competition using Pinterest, which was designed to promote the Media Sandbox program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Professor Gude and the CAS faculty and staff decided that Pinterest would be an effective social media tool to promote the program to high school students and build their interest in MSU.

Advertisement for media sandbox
The advertisement used on Pinterest by the Media Sandbox faculty and staff.

Karl Gude shares a few tips for using Pinterest for marketing and communications needs derived from the competition and his professional experience with the platform. Check out the video with his tips here!

Things to Do in the Winter at MSU

It may be chilly outside, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. To help save you from boredom, here are seven things to do at MSU during the winter.

1. Go skating at Munn Ice Arena

Munn Ice Arena offers public skating at various times throughout the week. It is $4 for MSU faculty and staff and $5 for the general public. Skate rentals are available for $2.

This winter, enjoy the season and have fun at MSU.
This winter, enjoy the season and have fun at MSU.

2. Attend a recital or symphony produced by the College of Music

The College of Music produces several live performances each year. Performances take place in the College of Music or at the Wharton Center. Some performances are even free of charge. A list of this year’s performances and show times are available on the College of Music’s website. A list of the College of Music’s free concerts is available here.Continue Reading… Things to Do in the Winter at MSU

Discounts for MSU Employees!

MSU faculty and staff receive plenty of discount opportunities at MSU, greater Lansing and beyond. These perks are at your disposal because of your dedication to MSU as a Spartan employee!

MSU Basketball Game
Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Regardless of your unique interests, I’m positive there is some way or another you can benefit. Are you a lover of the arts? The Wharton Center for Performing Arts gives discounts to MSU employees for select performances. Or would you rather play some indoor tennis with a close friend? MSU employees receive a discount on tennis court rentals! More discounts can be found on the MSU HR Employee Discounts webpage. Here, you can find discounts and perks for hotels, computer services, books and much more. The page is updated regularly! Give it a look every once in a while to see what you can benefit from next.Continue Reading… Discounts for MSU Employees!