Author: MSU Human Resources

April 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

April 1- Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Series: Join Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., for a conversation with Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, Ph.D., dean of Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, and the Carlos Montezuma Professor of Education and Social Policy, for a talk on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Registration for this free event is required. 

April 1 – 30 – MSU Earth Month Events: Join an action-packed month ahead this April to celebrate Earth Month with plenty of opportunities to Be Spartan Green!

April 5- Red Cedar Cleanup: MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities is hosting the Red Cedar River Clean-up.   This event will start at The Rock and will be open to all faculty, staff, students, and community members.

April 2-14- Moulin Rouge! The Musical at The Wharton Center: Moulin Rouge! The Musical will be at The Wharton Center from April 2-14. Purchase tickets to the show on The Wharton Center website. 

April 14 – Spring Showcase: Lights, CTRL, Action: MSU’s CTRL+A will host its annual spring showcase event on CTRL+A’s birthday in the MSU Union Ballroom. Six years ago, on April 11, CTRL+A officially became an MSU Registered Student Organization. Come join and see showcase performances to celebrate the organization.

April 19- Spartan Upcycle Friday: Drop in and explore creative reuse and upcycling by repurposing materials sourced through the MSU Surplus Store & Recycling Center. 

April 20- MSU Football Spring Showcase (free): Michigan State Athletics will welcome fans to Spartan Stadium on Saturday, April 20 to get a first glimpse at head coach Jonathan Smith and the 2024 Spartans when it hosts the Spring Showcase at 2 p.m. 

April 22-25- Wellbeing Break in the Garden (free): Reset and relax in the Beal Botanical Garden at noon for a week of wellbeing activities. 

Family-Friendly Activities

April 10-20- Capital City Film Festival: The Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) celebrates artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community. The annual festival showcases an eclectic mix of independent films, live music, interactive media, and more in Michigan’s capital city. Passes and tickets to showings are available on the CCFF website. 

April 13- Earth Bash: Join us for a family-friendly event focused on reducing waste by practicing the principles of a circular economy. Tour the recycling center and vermicompost hoop house. Get creative with Spartan Upcycle. Freecycle clothing and books. 

April 11 – Take Your Child to Work Day: MSU employees are encouraged to
bring their child, or a special child in their life, to celebrate the many career, educational and entertainment events we offer right here at MSU! This annual event highlights the university’s support for its employees, their families, and all MSU community members. MSU Units and Departments will host tours and activities geared towards kids ages 8-17 and younger ages are welcome. MSU employees will be able to participate by bringing their child to their workplace and attending the activities and tours being hosted by MSU units all across campus. Registration is encouraged. 

April 17- East Lansing Public Library: Michigan Mussels with US Fish and Wildlife (free): Join US Fish & Wildlife Service Imperiled Species Coordinators Finn and Julia for this fun, interactive, and educational program all about Michigan’s mussels. Registration for this event is required as space is limited. 

Health and Wellness

April 4 and 18- Deepening Your Essential Skills (free): This webinar is an opportunity for people who have completed any course offered by Spartan Resilience Education to continue their learning, ask questions, raise topics, and build community with other learners from across the MSU community. Registration for this free event is required. 

April 15- Rest With Music: Enjoy this free event at Abrams Planetarium with live musical performances to help you relax during your busy workday. Registration is recommended. 

April 20- Earth Day Extravaganza at Fenner Nature Center (free): At the Earth Day Extravaganza, you can sign up for the morning shift (9 to 11 a.m.) or the afternoon shift (12:30 to 3 p.m.,) or both. During your shift, you can select a conservation or stewardship activity like picking up trail trash, pulling invasive species, maintaining trails, or participating in updating the Playscape and working in the pollinator garden.

April 2,9,16, 23, and 30: Chair Yoga: Chair Yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga to be done seated, or while standing and using the chair for support. Stretching, reaching, bending, and breathing – and no mat required! 

Learning Opportunities

April 5- Fatherhood Forum (free): The Fatherhood Forum is for fathers who want to enhance their greatness as parents, their loved ones and supporters. Enjoy breakout sessions exploring fatherhood, child development, healthy parenting, self-care, and more. Registration for this free event is recommended. 

April 9- The Power of Habit: Habits are predictors of long-term performance, but we struggle to manage our habits and achieve the outcomes we want. In this course you will learn how habits are created and how to replace undesirable habits with productive ones. You will learn how to spot your habit loop, turn bad days into good data, and create habits that get the results you want.

April 9- Managing Meetings: Use this program to better plan, lead, and follow through on your meetings and enhance team productivity, coordination, and cohesion.

April 10, 17, 24- Breaking Free from Stress: This course will help you become aware of how your own thought world operates to bring you your personal reality of your work and personal life.  

April 11- Beal Botanical Garden: Our Strategic Plan in Action (free): Join MSU Libraries for a lunchtime tour of the Beal Botanical Garden to learn about programmatic and physical changes to the garden from Interim Director Dr. Alan Prather. The audience will be introduced to Beal’s new strategic plan and how we will be using it to help illuminate the connection between people, plants, and places. 

April 11- Resilient Leadership Series: Explore with other campus leaders some essential resilience skills required for effective leadership in the first part of this series. 

Job of the Week: Digital Marketing Manager (Temporary/On-Call)

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This week’s feature job is a temporary/on-call Digital Marketing Manager position for the Department of Supply Chain Management in the Eli Broad College of Business (job posting 934142). The Department of Supply Chain Management prepares students for the next era of SCM and careers in areas such as procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and transportation.

For a new graduate certificate program that is launching in the fall 2024 semester, you will plan, develop, and execute all paid and organic digital marketing endeavors, including key phrase research, SEO/SEM, marketing database, social media, and email advertising campaigns. You will also develop strategies for promoting the program, along with standard KPIs and goals. 

You should feel comfortable creating and executing digital campaigns which could include paid search, display, retargeting, IP targeting, and paid social media advertising. Developing and editing content for digital promotional materials while negotiating and placing advertising with a wide variety of media advertising sources will be required. 

The ideal candidate must have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Public Relations, or Marketing. Five or more years of work experience in digital marketing is recommended along with proficiency in social media management systems (i.e. Sprinklr, Facebook Business Manager, etc), social media platforms, Adobe programs, and dashboard creation. 

To learn more, visit the Department of Supply Chain Management’s website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the MSU Careers website. 

Job of the Week: Human Resources Generalist

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This week’s featured job is a Human Resources Generalist within the Human Resources Solutions Center (job posting 935213). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, and support services for the MSU Community. 

HR Generalists in the MSU Human Resources Solutions Center are part of a cross-functional team that supports many of the day-to-day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty and staff. In this position, you will perform moderately complex transactional tasks in the HR-Payroll system, applicant tracking system, and other HR systems by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You should feel comfortable explaining and applying federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies to provide information and resolve issues for MSU departments, employees, and retirees.

The future HR Generalist will also respond to and investigate inquiries concerning HR issues such as employment, benefits eligibility and enrollment, time, attendance, pay, retirement, employee relations, and internal and external audits. You will also provide information to employees and departments about each area of HR to advise them of options, opportunities, benefits, and rights. 

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in human resources, a related social science field, business or a related field. Six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human resources is required. We are seeking an adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated professional with excellent customer service skills. 

To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by March 26. 

International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion

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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!

Job of the Week: Undergraduate Program Secretary

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This week’s featured job is an Undergraduate Program Secretary for the College of Nursing (job posting 10033616). The College of Nursing advances the health of individuals, communities, and populations through inclusive and equitable nursing education, research, scholarship, and practice. 

In this position, you will provide secretarial support in the Office of Academic Affairs for the Undergraduate Program, its leadership team, and faculty with undergraduate teaching responsibilities. You will primarily support the Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Office of Academic Affairs. 

In order to support faculty associated with the undergraduate program, you will draft syllabi, order textbooks and office supplies, process reimbursements, maintain files, make travel arrangements, maintain calendars, sort mail, post web documents, and interact with faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, you may have supervisory oversight over students employed in the College of Nursing. This position has the potential for remote work ability for up to 2 days a week. The Undergraduate Secretary is also expected to uphold the values of the College of Nursing including their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge normally acquired through a high school education and three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience. Knowledge of the university policies and procedures, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently with little oversight is desired.
To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references on the MSU Careers website by March 12.

A women with grey hair and a green blouse writing on a whiteboard.

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

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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!

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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.com: Get 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

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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.

"You are Spartans of Something Bigger" over the Spartan Helmet, next to the Beaumont Tower in Spring.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day

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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.

Happy Leap Day!

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Leap Day gives you an extra 24 hours once every four years. So, what are you going to do on your extra day? Here are a few ideas:

  • Stop by the MSU Dairy Store for a sweet treat to celebrate 2024 having 366 days.
  • Take a scenic walk along the Red Cedar or the Lansing River Trail – by yourself or with a friend.
  • Organize your house, email inbox, or your mind. Take this time to sort through all of the tasks you may have been pushing to the side.
  • Try something new! During these few extra hours you can stargaze, listen to a new album, try out a new recipe, or go rock climbing. 

Have a great Leap Day!