Back to School 2022

Whether you have one of those families that 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 ZPID, which can be found on EBS, 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 52% off computers and accessories
  • Dell: Up to 30% off using the Member ID PS113067902
  • Lenovo: Back to School savings of up to 70% off until August 21!
  • MSU Tech Store: Purchase all kinds of tech with prices exclusive to MSU staff, faculty, and students

Family and Dependent Care

Back-to-school season is busy so it’s a great time to make sure you have the best childcare for all-day service, after school, tutoring, or even date night. 

  • KinderCare: 10% off with code CORESTREAMCLIENTS
  • Learning Care Group (includes TutorTime of Okemos and DeWitt): 10% off childcare and free registration
  • Care.com (available through MSU WorkLife Office): FREE premium membership (savings of $156 per year)! 
  • Eat at State: While they can’t watch your kids for you, they can provide the whole family with a convenient dinner option that includes choices sure to please everyone, and at a discount for faculty and staff!

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!) 
  • Forever 21: 20% purchases of $65 or more with code BMSM20
  • JCPenney: Save an extra 15% with code AFFSHOP1
  • 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: Administrative Business Analyst

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the College of Music for an Administrative Business Analyst (799595). The College of Music is designed to foster innovation and creativity while helping every student achieve professional success. 

The Administrative Business Analyst is responsible for the accounting processes and financial reports for the Community Music School, including budget development and forecasting. They will monitor and analyze accounting records for the directors of the East Lansing and Detroit Community Music School programs. They will also communicate plans, objectives, policies and procedures to faculty and staff. For a list of all responsibilities, click here

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in a business-related field. They should have one to three years of experience in office work or operational activities. They should also have experience with word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, desktop publishing and web page software.

To learn more about the College of Music, visit music.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, letter of interest, contact information for three professional references and apply here by August 23.

Leadership Blog Series: Learning & Development Resources for Supervisors

Whether new to a supervisory role or a long-time manager, the best leaders are lifelong learners adaptable to change and flexible in their leadership style. The rapid changes and unknowns of the past couple years have made it particularly clear that supervisors must embrace the complexity of their roles, which demands new ideas and strategies to stay fresh and ahead of the curve. HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department has resources to help.

NEW LEADER DEVELOPMENT SERIES (NLDS)

Designed for supervisors new to their roles or new to MSU, this nine-session series equips new leaders with a toolkit of crucial knowledge and resources. Registration is available in EBS for the next NLDS cohort, beginning August 30, 2022.  

Sessions cover a variety of topics, including:

  • Leading in a Union Environment
  • Workforce Management and Strategic Staffing
  • Fostering an Inclusive Culture
  • Budget Responsibilities and Ethical Finance
  • Conflict Management
  • and more

Learn more about NLDS.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS

Looking to learn or strengthen specific leadership skills? OPD has both in-person classes and virtual courses to provide expanded options and best meet your learning needs and preferences.*

View all upcoming OPD course offerings.

SELF-DIRECTED LEADERSHIP RESOURCES

elevateU

On-demand, self-paced courses, videos, audiobooks and more are available to MSU employees via the free elevateU platform, including a Leadership Development section covering a wide range of leadership topics.

Access elevateU leadership resources.

Leadership Library

Created by a cross-departmental workgroup to assist leaders in navigating challenges and handling their responsibilities with confidence, the online Leadership Library highlights curated content related to timely topics.

Visit the online Leadership Library.

Have questions regarding the above resources and opportunities? Contact OPD at prodev@hr.msu.edu for additional information.

*MSU HR Organization and Professional Development follows all applicable state and public health guidance and university-wide directives. If deemed necessary or advisable to refrain from in-person learning, courses scheduled as in-person will instead be hosted in a virtual format.

August Events Round-up

Are you looking to find events for you and your family this month? There are activities (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community that are perfect for summer. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

Starts August 325th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Concert Series (free): Enjoy the bells of Beaumont Tower, for free, every Wednesday.

August 6Family Day: Grow (free): Enjoy Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum. There will be hands-on, interactive activities throughout the museum.

August 14Architecture Tour (free): Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MSU Broad Art Museum by learning more about the building’s unique architecture.

Starts August 18Tuesdays with Morrie: Come see the play based on the best-selling memoir of all time, Tuesdays with Morrie at the Wharton Center.

August 18Vince Gill featuring Wendy Moten: Enjoy music from recording artist Vince Gill and singer from The Voice, Wendy Moten at the Wharton Center. 

August 27Public Making Hours (free): Join fellow community members in working on creative projects.

Lansing Events

Starts August 2 –  Michigan Princess Lunchtime Cruise: Enjoy lunch and music from Dixieland Jazz Band on a cruise down the river on August 2 and 18. 

August 3Concert in the Park (free): Enjoy music from Global Village at parks all over LansingAugust 18 Zoo Night: Come see the Potter Park Zoo after hours with drinks and food. For guests 21 and over. 

August 20Art Feast (free to enter): Enjoy this arts and craft festival in the heart of Old Town Lansing. 

Health and Wellness

Starts August 3 Explorations in Eating (free): Learn what “normal eating” looks like with registered dietician, Abby Richey, on Teams August 3, 17 and 31. 

Starts August 3 Fresh Air Fitness: Pilates in the Garden (free): Enjoy the outdoors and pilates in the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden on August 3, 10 and 17. 

August 21Wellness Weekend Series: Movement Workshop (free): Move, converse and interact in a low pressure environment meant for all people.

Family-Friendly Activities

August 1 Sensory Friendly Hours: Visit the Impression5 Science Center for their sensory friendly hours.

August 2National Night Out: Touch-a-Truck (free): Bring the whole family to explore fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles and more.

Starts August 5Chasing the Ghost Particle: From the South Pole to the Edge of the Universe: Learn about Earth’s most remote locations at the Abrams Planetarium every weekend.

Starts August 5Summer Concert Series (free): Enjoy live performances on Friday nights in the Ann Street Plaza.  

Starts August 5SkyTellers: Seasons and Moon: Hear from Native American Master Storytellers at the Abrams Planetarium every Sunday.

August 649th Annual Art Fair (free): Enjoy a fine arts and craft show in historic downtown Grand Ledge.

August 8  – MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House.

Job of the Week: Athletic Trainer I

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the Division of Student Life and Engagement for an Athletic Trainer (posting 799902). The Division of Student Life and Engagement engages students in active learning, ensures students are prepared for leadership roles and enhances educational environments.

The Athletic Trainer is responsible for providing first-responder services for Club Sports, Intramural Sports and other participants. This includes injury care, evaluations, referrals, record keeping and follow-up. They will participate in athletic training education programs and serve as a liaison with Intercollegiate Athletics Athletic Training and the Olin Health Center. They will also collaborate with MSU Recreational Sports staff and the university community. For a list of all responsibilities, click here

The ideal candidate should have a Masters degree in Physical Education and relevant coursework in athletic training. They should also have three to five years of experience in athletic training and certification by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). 
To learn more about the Division of Student Life and Engagement, visit studentlife.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a cover letter, resume, three professional references and apply here by August 9.

Job of the Week: Educational Program Coordinator I

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the College of Education for an Educational Program Coordinator (posting 797486). The College of Education has established a reputation for excellence and visionary thinking in its efforts to improve teaching and learning across our nation and world, particularly within the contexts of urban and global education.

The Educational Program Coordinator is responsible for organizing educational materials to inform participants of innovations, resources and offerings. They will develop agendas and coordinate dates and logistics for events like speakers, conferences, courses, etc. They will also gather information from meetings, evaluation forms and input to help design programs and materials. For a list of all responsibilities, click here

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in Educational Theory and Methodology or a related field. They should have six months to 1 year of experience in planning and overseeing conferences. They should also have experience in database, word processing and knowledge of website development.

To learn more about the College of Education, visit education.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a cover letter and resume and apply here by July 26.

Time Management Blog Series: Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

Do you feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day to complete your to-do list? You may be right! Time is a finite resource that, despite our best efforts, can only be managed to a certain degree. Shifting your focus to managing your energy, rather than your time, may be the key. With an increased and sustainable capacity for your work, you will likely find it easier to complete your tasks with improved efficiency, focus and a sense of purpose, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction.

Although it may seem counterintuitive to suggest within a blog series about time management, it’s often more important to consider how much energy you need to complete a task rather than how much time is required.

Assess your energy level

It’s important to regularly evaluate your energy from a few different angles — physical, mental and emotional — to determine the quality of energy in each of these areas.

Physical energyConsider your current relationship with sleep, physical activity and nutrition. Does your body have the physical energy to sustain you through the day?

Mental energy – How would you describe your capacity to focus and think critically?

Emotional energy – How well are you managing challenging emotions that arise during your workday?

Establish new rituals

Once you have a clearer picture of where you lack energy, you can then prioritize investing in areas where you feel depleted. Establishing rituals — especially ones that allow you to connect with your core values and purpose — can help you create lifelong habits that better serve your well-being and your work.

Ideas to Try

Establish a physical movement ritual. This can be as simple as setting a timer to remind yourself to pause throughout the workday for a one-minute stretch or regularly taking a short walk/roll around the block during your break.

Find a mindfulness ritual that helps you feel centered and rejuvenated. Determine a touchpoint to return to throughout your day to bring your focus back to your purpose. This may be a physical object, such as a photo or Post-It note with an affirmation or favorite quote, a five-minute talk from an app like Headspace or Insight Timer or anything that allows you to slow down, refocus and feel better energized.

Reduce and remove recurring irritants. Small irritants and inefficiencies, compounded by their volume or frequent recurrence, can eat away at your energy. When we are facing large challenges in our lives, we don’t always have the capacity to solve the little ones. Make the time to regularly consider your workspace and processes to determine if there are irritants that can be eliminated. Is there a simple process you find yourself executing regularly that could be automated using software? Could a small shift in your daily schedule provide you increased time for productivity or focus?

Create a “To Don’t” list. You’re likely already in the habit of adding tasks and commitments to your To Do list, but have you ever practiced removing things from your list? When making a To Don’t list, consider the things you’re currently doing that are draining your energy. This may include certain people you decide not to see, certain habits you want to break or projects no longer serving your growth at work. There may also be a few items that you want to drop but can’t. In those cases, focus on your sphere of influence and the things that are in your control.

Manage your time to manage your energy

We’ve been highlighting various time management techniques over a series of blog posts to give you different tools to utilize depending on your needs, preferences and work style. You may find added benefit in combining energy management techniques along with time management approaches such as the Pomodoro Technique and the Pareto Principle, which provide frameworks for focused energy and regular, designated downtime.

Below are resources that may also help you establish an energy and time management approach that works for you.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Power of Habit – HR OPD Course | Registration is available in EBS.

elevateU | Free, self-paced resources including short videos, online courses and books around a wide variety of topics. Highlighted topics include:

Health4U Programs | Register online for free courses including Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot, Explorations in Eating, and Essential Skills for Navigating Challenging Times. Health4U also provides a wealth of online resources regarding emotional wellness, food and nutrition, and health coaching.

WorkLife Office | Find affinity groups, webinars, and personalized support to help you facilitate success in your many roles and guide you in creating synergy between those responsibilities.

Sources

https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time

https://hbr.org/2022/04/stop-trying-to-manage-your-time

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/manage-your-energy-not-your-time

Photo by AllGo – An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash

Job of the Week: Child Care Assistant

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from the College of Social Science for a Child Care Assistant (posting 796559). The College of Social Science aims to make the world a better place by giving students the opportunity to participate in world-class research and take classes all over the world. 

The Child Care Assistant is responsible for overseeing a classroom setting at the MSU Child Development Laboratory in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. They will provide childcare and ensure quality care of children, including infants and toddlers.

The ideal candidate should have at least one year of specialized training and six months to one year of experience in providing child care. It’s preferred that applicants have a four-year degree in child development and are certified in CPR and First Aid. The position may require a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

To learn more about the College of Social Science, visit socialscience.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three letters of recommendation, three references and submit your application here by July 26.

Happy Cow Appreciation Day!

It’s Cow Appreciation Day! To celebrate these four-legged friends, take the family to the MSU Dairy Store for a tasty treat or visit the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center south of campus to say hello and share your appreciation in person! 

The MSU Dairy Store sales support the teaching, research and outreach mission of the Dairy Foods Complex, where students interested in a career in the dairy foods industry have access to current equipment, technology and training. MSU’s research aids scientists in addressing food safety and processing issues.

The dairy store serves a wide variety of ice cream flavors that change daily. Through the month of July, they are serving a specialty cotton candy ice cream sundae topped with pop rocks, cotton candy and an MSU Bakery cupcake. For those who like their dairy on the savory side, the dairy store also sells cheese by the block or in gift boxes. 

The MSU Dairy Store summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about the MSU Dairy Store, click here.

For a fun outdoor family activity this summer, visit the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, located on the university farms immediately south of MSU campus at 4075 N. College Road, between Forest and Jolly Roads. Visitors are welcome at the farm during daylight hours and can visit any animals accessible from outside or with open doors. The Michigan State University dairy herd is maintained for teaching, extension, and research purposes. Learning experiences are provided for classes in both Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine.

Job of the Week: Extension Specialist

This week, MSU Human Resources features a job posting from MSU Extension’s Agriculture and Agribusiness for an Extension Specialist (posting 793218). MSU Extension of Agriculture and Agribusiness aims to increase farmers’ success while conserving the environment, assuring food safety, finding new markets and progressing agriculture through applied research. For more information about MSU Extension, click here.

The Extension Specialist is responsible for assisting with statewide trends and needs assessment for agriculture and agribusiness related programming and applied research. They will support the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI) work team functions, including leadership development, and multi-level and multi-disciplinary program planning, implementation and evaluation. They will also work with the AABI Director, work team members and evaluation specialists to assist in writing AABI action plans and year-end reports. For a list of all responsibilities, click here

The ideal candidate should have a master’s degree in an agricultural field or a closely related field. It is preferred that applicants have a doctorate degree in an agricultural field or a closely related field, but not required. They should also have five years of experience in Extension or similar organizations with an emphasis on agriculture or agribusiness related programming. For a list of all qualifications, click here.

To learn more about MSU Extension, visit canr.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter and four professional references and submit your application here by August 8.