Author: MSU Human Resources

March 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 

March 1-17– The REDress Project Exhibition: the MSU Museum and its campus partners will host the REDress Project, an evocative art installation that spotlights the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. This striking exhibition features approximately 60 red dresses suspended along West Circle Drive in public spaces near the MSU Museum and Beal Botanical Garden, symbolizing the haunting absence and powerful presence of these women and girls. A reception will take place on March 8, International Women’s Day, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Green Room (4th floor, West) at the MSU Libraries. Please RSVP for the reception.

March 9- Step Afrika! At the Wharton Center: Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

March 9 – April 14 – APIDA Heritage Month Events: Michigan State University recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Heritage Month each year to celebrate the group’s diverse identities, histories, and cultures. APIDA Heritage Month is recognized nationally in May when most students are no longer on campus. MSU observes APIDA Heritage Month events this year between March 9 and April 14 while students are on campus and can connect with each other.

March 18 – 30 — Las Alas Invisibles: The Unseen Wings: Join the exhibition reception to celebrate MSU’s migrant farmworker and farmer community on March 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MSU Union Art Gallery (2nd floor). Timed with National Farmworker Awareness Week and MSU’s CĂ©sar Chávez and Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration, the exhibition traces the migration of monarch butterflies and migrant farmworker labor from the fields to higher education.

March 20- Artist Talks: 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition (free): Join MSU Department of Art, Art History, and Design Master of Fine Arts degree candidates Shirin Abedinirad, Gustavo Uriel Ayala, Emily J. Burkhead, Adeline Newmann, and Patrick N. Taylor as they discuss their work included in the 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, on view from Mar. 9–May 26, 2024 at the MSU Broad Art Museum. Register here. 

March 25- 2024 MSU CĂ©sar Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration (free): Each year, the Michigan State University, Greater Lansing, and East Lansing communities gather at MSU to honor the legacy of two of the most prominent U.S. labor leaders and civil rights activists, CĂ©sar E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta. This event will feature a keynote speaker and workshops followed by a dinner. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

Family-Friendly Activities

March 2- Family Day: Connect: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! 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.

March 12- Kids Crafternoon at the East Lansing Public Library (free): Join the East Lansing Public Library for a casual craft activity, featuring a simple craft project each week and supplies to do it. 

March 17- Sensory Friendly Show at Abrams Planetarium (free): The Abrams Planetarium offers sensory friendly shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 

March 23- Bug Day at the East Lansing Public Library (free): Come to the Library during this open-house style event to enjoy a variety of interactive activities exploring the science of arthropods (“bugs” like insects, arachnids, and more). Join MSU STEM Ambassador Dr. Christina Miller and East Lansing Public Library’s STEAM Educator Dr. B for a fun-filled exploration of bugs. 

Health and Wellness

March Tuesdays: Informal Mindfulness Course (free): This class will teach you some basic, informal mindfulness skills that can help you center and find a sense of balance while you move through your busy days. Registration is required for each online session. 

March 6- Wellbeing Through Divorce: Insights and Strategies: This virtual seminar, featuring Anne Conlon, will discuss the process of divorce and tools and strategies to support wellbeing through this pivotal life transition. Registration is required for this webinar.

March 11: Encore Presentation: Workplace Wellbeing: This session will explore opportunities to infuse health and wellbeing into the daily work routine and the resources available through MSU’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Registration is required for this free webinar.

March 12, 19, 26: Chair Yoga (free): 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! Registration is required for each free session. 

March 20- Wellness Wednesday: Cold-Hardy Planting (free): Embrace the Spring Equinox and celebrate the changing seasons with the Beal Botanical Garden and MSU Museum. This workshop invites you to extend your garden’s growing season by delving into the world of cold-hardy vegetables and sustainable planting techniques. Registration for this free event is recommended.

Learning Opportunities

March Fridays- Financial Fridays: Learn about investing in retirement, MESP 529 Plans, and estate planning from field professionals every Friday in March. In-person and online registration is available on the WorkLife Office website. 

March 13- Women’s Networking Association – Networking Breakfast – Women’s History Month Celebration (free): In honor of Women’s History Month, The Women’s Networking Association welcomes you to their Networking Breakfast from 8:00am – 10:00am. Join us for a networking presentation by Shelley Davis Boyd, breakfast and an opportunity to network and connect with others at MSU. Registration for this event is required. 

March 19- Attracting and Retaining Values Based Employees Seminar: This session will offer insights into what employees value, the importance of flexibility, support for caregivers, and the importance of investing in the mental health and wellbeing of employees. Join Sherri Reese, Jake Lathrop, and Rachel Perez by registering for this online event. 

March 26- Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals (free): While we can’t borrow or bottle time, this class will explore strategies to more efficiently allocate our minutes, streamline workflow, and relieve some pressure in the process. Registration is recommended for this online session. 

Job of the Week: Support and Intake Coordinator

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This week’s featured job is a Support and Intake Coordinator with the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) (job posting 931121). The OCR supports the campus community in creating and maintaining a safe environment and a culture of respect through educating all campus community members regarding how to prevent, identify, appropriately respond to, and report discrimination.

Your primary responsibilities will include case management and the coordination of support and campus resource referrals for MSU community members. Using trauma-informed and inclusive communication, you will receive and respond to reports of harassment and discrimination (including sexual misconduct) by phone, in-person, and/or virtual or digital platforms. You will also assess reported information for applicable potential policy violations.

This position will offer campus and partner support by developing public-facing resource materials to support the process and provide transparency. You will also identify and collaborate with key campus partners to develop inter-office protocols for specific types of supportive measures. You will represent the office through service on university committees as well as develop internal protocols and processes to improve the efficiency and consistency of the process. This work includes the preparation of case reports and ongoing development related to Civil Rights and Higher Education. 

Desired qualifications for this position include knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing one to two years of college or an Associate’s degree program in business, psychology, social work, criminal justice or a related field. Three to five years of related working experience in coordinating needs and services, collecting information and maintaining data collection is also recommended. 

To learn more, visit the OCR website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to the MSU Careers website by March 12. 

Job of the Week: Solutions Center Aide

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This week’s featured job is a temporary/on-call position for a Professional Aide in the MSU Human Resources (HR) Solutions Center (job posting 931311). The HR Solutions Center provides customer service and supports many of the day to day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty, staff, and students. 

In this position, you will perform transactional tasks in various HR systems, such as the HR payroll system and/or applicant tracking system, by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You will be expected to explain and apply federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies and procedures to provide information and resolve issues for MSU units, departments, employees, and retirees. 

You will help maintain HR databases and other types of HR records, including employee records in the HR payroll system, job posting records in the applicant tracking system, criminal background check information in relevant systems, compliance information in Equifax and more. You will also perform research, special project support, and education functions in the area of compliance with employment eligibility policies and laws (CBC, I-9, etc.). 

Desired qualifications for this role include being adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated with at least six months work experience in an HR-specific role. Substantial knowledge or experience using some of the HR-related systems currently used by MSU Human Resources is desired but not required (SAP/EBS, PageUp, Equifax, HireRight, Image Now, I-Chat). Familiarity with MSU employment policies and contracts is also desired. 
To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for this temporary/on-call position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Careers at MSU website by February 27.

Tips and Benefit Resources for Heart Health

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to several conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems, results in one death every 33 seconds (CDC, 2023). 

It’s important to note that cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2021, about 2 in 10 deaths from CAD happened in adults less than 65 years old” (CDC, 2023). 

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy: 

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed. 
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. It’s important to schedule your annual visit so your doctor can check these numbers, along with other important health metrics. If you’re enrolled in an MSU health plan, you can learn more about your plan and find links to find a provider on the HR website. 
    • Use Livongo by Teladoc Health for Diabetes Management.  Livongo is a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all FREE for MSU employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up. 
  • Support Your Mental Health: According to the American Heart Association, “Increasing evidence shows that biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues may also influence heart disease” (AHA, 2023). These chemical changes can predispose people to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. Utilize these resources to support your mental health: 
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating foods that are high in salt, sugar, saturated, and/or trans fats can cause high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 
    • Eat a Plant-Forward (Plant-Based) Diet. Make sure the majority of your calories come from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds (American Heart Association, 2023). If you must eat dairy and/or meat, look for low-fat, lean, and unprocessed options. The AHA recommends a list of the best plant-based sources of protein and offers insight on protein and heart health. 
    • Beware Unexpected Sources of Sodium. The top ten sources of sodium in the American diet include some unexpected items, including bread, sandwiches, cold cuts, chicken, cheese, and eggs (CDC, 2023). 
    • Food and Nutrition Counseling for MSU Employees. MSU Health4U offers one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian (a doctor’s referral is not required). 
  • Get Regular Physical Activity: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week – that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. 
    • This comprehensive fitness assessment for MSU employees will help you determine your current level of fitness. Based on your unique results, a SPARTANfit staff member will work with you to establish a tailored 3-month goal-oriented fitness and wellness plan. 
    • A functional movement screen consists of seven movement assessments designed to identify areas of imbalances and asymmetries by testing your mobility and stability. A certified professional will lead you through the assessment and then provide you with corrective exercises to implement.   
    • Spartan Wellness Personal Training: Consultation includes a discussion of scores, norms, goal setting, educational material, and an individualized exercise program. 
    • Make fitness part of your regular commute with these bike commuter resources from MSU Bikes.  
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA, 2023). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking. 

Sources: 

American Heart Association (2024, January 19) American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults    

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf  

American Heart Association (2023, December 20). How does plant-forward (plant-based) eating benefit your health?  Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-does-plant-forward-eating-benefit-your-health  

American Heart Association (2022, May 6). Smoking both traditional and e-cigarettes may carry same heart risks as Cigarettes alone. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/06/smoking-both-traditional-and-e-cigarettes-may-carry-same-heart-risks-as-cigarettes-alone   

American Heart Association (2024, January 10). What is cardiovascular disease?  Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 15). About heart disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 6). About Sodium. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/salt/food.htm   

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 15). Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm  

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness in the Workplace 

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In an ever-evolving world of uncertainty, kindness can go a long way in changing someone’s day. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed annually on February 17th. Established in 1995, this day was created to promote positivity, unity, and harmony across all different types of people and groups. We embrace the spirit of this day by encouraging everyone to engage in random acts of kindness in the workplace and the Spartan community – not just this week but every day!

Small acts can have a big impact. Whether you are holding the door open for a stranger or complimenting a fellow employee, random acts of kindness are a great way to brighten someone’s day. Simple gestures promote connection, bridging the gap between two people. Here are some ideas to celebrate Random Act of Kindness Day in the workplace: 

  • Show Recognition: to recognize a co-worker for their hard work, assistance, or value, give them a shout-out during a team meeting, or send them and/or their supervisor an email to share your experience. You could also nominate a colleague for a Spartan shout-out in the InsideMSU newsletter by filling out this form. 
  • Check-in with your Co-workers: Between the increasing demands of work and home life, people are feeling more stressed than ever. Luckily, studies show there is a powerful antidote to stress: kindness. According to Forbes, “Kindness works because it helps people feel more connected with others, and it distracts them from their own problems. Happiness is significantly correlated with belonging and community—so it makes sense kindness would be a source of joy” (Forbes, 2023). Check-in with your co-workers to see how they’re doing and really listen to determine what small acts of kindness you can do to help brighten their day. Just the act of actively listening with your full attention can do wonders to show others you care and are there to help. 
  • Support a New Employee: starting a new position can be intimidating. Reach out to a new employee and offer your assistance as they navigate their new role. Your support will help them feel welcomed and more connected to the team. 
  • Celebrate Success: whether your team has just completed a challenging project or it’s a co-worker’s work anniversary, don’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the contribution and value of each team member.  
  • Volunteer: Volunteer work is one of the best ways to promote kindness and positivity in the community. Join Spartans near and far on Give Green Day on March 12 to help current and future students. Find more volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Gardens, MSU Safe Place, Office of Sustainability, MSU Center for Survivors, Office for Civil Rights, Spartans Serve, and more. Volunteering helps foster community, build social bonds, and address social challenges. 
  • Support the University’s DEI Efforts: Build your cultural awareness and understanding to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all employees. Learn cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills through HR’s DEI courses, elevateU online learning opportunities, and WorkLife Office events and training. 

Together as Spartans, we can contribute to a better workplace and community by embracing the unity and positivity that prospers from kindness.

 Sources: 

Brower Ph. D, T. (2023, January 15). Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2023/01/15/stress-is-rampant-science-proves-kindness-is-a-powerful-solution/?sh=4d642fb44bee

Job of the Week: Global Security Coordinator

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This week’s featured job is a Global Safety Coordinator for International Studies and Programs (job posting 930036). International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching, and outreach at Michigan State University. 

In this position, you will serve as a member of the Office for Global Health, Safety and Security and support operational management of international health and safety matters. In collaboration with both the Director and Senior Coordinator of Global Health, Safety and Security, you will oversee office management, analysis, travel preparedness and plan response strategies to promote and protect the well-being of MSU travelers. 

You will share 24/7 coverage for international emergencies and the main telephone number/email address for Global Safety. This includes monitoring international incidents or worldwide events that may affect MSU travelers abroad. You will develop plans and guidelines to provide clear safety protocols while supporting department communication efforts through website updates, email newsletters, and university-wide communications. 

Occasional domestic and international travel will be required for conferences/training or site assessments. This is a hybrid position with the expectation that you will work on campus three days a week and remote for two. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be required by completing a four-year degree in a related field such as International Relations, Foreign Language, Communication, or similar is required. Three to five years of related experience in emergency coordination, international travel and security, or campus crisis/risk management is also required. You should have prior experience living, studying or working abroad.

To learn more, visit the International Studies and Programs website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 20. 

FSA Deadline Reminder for 2023 Funds 

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Do you still have funds left over from your 2023 flexible spending account (FSA)? If you signed up for a health care FSA, dependent care FSA or both in 2023 and still have funds remaining in your account, you have a grace period in 2024 to use these funds. 

The grace period gives you time to purchase new products or services before you forfeit unused 2023 funds. Don’t lose your money! Take note of the following important deadlines: 

  • March 15, 2024: this is the last day you can incur qualified expenses on your 2023 FSA plan. 
  • April 30, 2024: this is the last day you can submit your claims to HealthEquity/WageWorks, MSU’s FSA plan administrator. You can do this via your HealthEquity/WageWorks account or the WageWorks EZ receipts app. 

The IRS requires you to forfeit any unused 2023 funds after the deadline, so be sure to spend your money and submit claims. 

If you have a Dependent Care FSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as child or elder daycare, preschool, and before/after school programs. Find a complete list of eligible dependent care expenses here. 

If you have a Health Care FSA, you can purchase a variety of products and services with pre-tax dollars. Find a complete list of eligible health care expenses here. If you need ideas for what to use your health care FSA funds on, check out the FSA store.  

How Do I Sign Up for an FSA? 

Benefits-eligible employees are eligible to enroll in an FSA during Open Enrollment in October each year or if they experience a qualifying life event. FSAs are a great way to save money on out-of-pocket medical and/or dependent care expenses. Be sure to learn more and take note of which FSA you’re interested in before the next Open Enrollment period. 

Questions? Please contact HealthEquity/WageWorks directly at 877-924-3967 or visit the HealthEquity/WageWorks website to learn more about how to use your leftover 2023 funds before the deadline. You can learn more about FSAs on the HR website. 

Spartans of Impact: Keeping Campus Safe This Winter

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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.

Job of the Week: Core Procurement Buyer

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This week’s featured job is a Core Procurement Buyer for University Procurement and Logistics (job posting 928832). University Procurement and Logistics competitively solicits, negotiates commercial contracts, and issues orders for goods and services in support of MSU’s mission.

In this position, you will be responsible for purchasing a variety of complex commodities, specifically for MSU Extension, research, and farm management, requiring extensive knowledge and expertise. Negotiating and executing complex, large-dollar purchases is required. You will collaborate with university stakeholders and subject matter experts to obtain the best value on complex commodities in support of MSU. You will participate in a team of procurement professionals to evaluate purchase requisitions for appropriateness, content, compliance, and clarity. 

The Core Procurement Buyer will also manage the procurement process by writing, issuing, and soliciting requests for information, proposals, and/or quotations (RFIs, RFPs, and/or RFQs). You will assemble stakeholder specifications for complex, unique, and large-scale purchases, determine suppliers to be solicited, evaluate proposals, and prepare bid analyses. You will also source suppliers by selecting the proper procurement methodology and demonstrate strong negotiation skills while partnering with MSU legal and risk management offices. 

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration with relevant coursework in marketing, business law, finance, public relations or computer science, along with five to eight years of related work experience. An advanced degree in supply chain, STEM, or law field and demonstrated knowledge in supply chain compliance is desired. 

To learn more, visit the University Procurement and Logistics website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 13, 2024. 

February 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

Throughout February – Black History Month Events: Per national tradition, every year Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month throughout February. This month is dedicated to highlighting the history of Black, African American, and African people throughout the United States. Colleges, units, and student organizations across campus will be hosting events throughout the month. 

Starts February 1 – William G. Anderson Lecture Series Slavery to Freedom (free, please register): An American Odyssey: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine presents the 24th Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series. The series gives the community opportunities to interact with multicultural leaders from education, business, industry, entertainment, and government. For 24 years, this series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement.

February 2- Winter Opening Party at the Broad Art Museum (free): Experience the many offerings of your campus art museum. You’re invited to explore our newest exhibitions while enjoying food, music, special guests, art-making activities, and more. All ages are welcome to this museum-wide party!

February 7- 2nd Annual Black History Symposium (free): Please join James Madison College as they welcome Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden, the first Black woman to serve as a Michigan Supreme Court Justice. Registration required.

February 6-11- “Funny Girl” at the Wharton Center: The Wharton Center will be hosting “Funny Girl” in the Cobb Great Hall. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website.

February 10 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: The Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China and is widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. This concert event features guest composer Shuying Li and the world premiere of her Rhapsody of the Awakening Dragon. Tickets can be purchased here.

February 13 –  Remembrance: Acknowledging that each person continues to process at their own pace and in their own way, student, faculty, and staff committees are planning opportunities to allow our community to again come together to remember those we lost, those injured and all impacted by the tragedy. As Interim President Woodruff wrote to the campus community, these Feb. 13 activities include an evening remembrance gathering and a day of kindness and service to the local community. Reflective spaces and counseling support will be available and there are ongoing resources available to the campus community.

February 21- From Detroit to the Cosmos: Carl Craig on Techno and Afrofuturism conversation (free): Presented in partnership with WKAR Public Media and moderated by MSU Museum curator Dr. Julian Chambliss, this unique program will explore Craig’s creative process and Detroit Techno’s fundamental role in shaping contemporary Afrofuturism. Registration for this free event is required. 

Learning Opportunities

February 1– Virtual Reality Open Hours (free): Whether you’re a first-timer or a VR professional, MSU Libraries VR Open Hours are for you! Take their HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and other headsets for a spin, connect with others, and learn about virtual reality. 

February 1 (start date)- Building a Framework for Resilient Leadership Seminar: Explore with other campus leaders some essential resilience skills required for effective leadership for the common good, including emotional intelligence, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, effective stress mitigation practices, and practices of compassionate accountability for self and others. Registration for this online four-part seminar (9 a.m.-Noon) is required.

February 8- Taming the Email Beast: If you would like to get control of your e-mail “beast,” you should attend this program featuring specific tips for Outlook and Gmail users, but applicable to ANY e-mail user. Registration for this online course is required. 

Health and Wellness

February 1 & 15- 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 class is recommended. 

February Mondays and Wednesdays– Blue Cross Winter Warm-Up (free): Have fun getting fit and working toward your health goals with the Blue Cross® Winter Warm-Up. This 5K training program is free and open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. The eight-week training program involves attending two weekly one-hour run/walk sessions with certified Good Form Running and Walking coaches from the Playmakers Fitness Foundation. Registration for this free event is recommended. 

February 15- Active Office Workshop (free): If you work in an office setting, it can be hard to get enough movement during the day. Learn about the importance of physical activity and how you can combat the aches and pains of a desk job with this free interactive session.

Family-Friendly Activities

February 3- Family Day: VOICE: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. Get loud and speak up! Join us as we make sculptures that amplify our voices. 

February 4- 2024 Lansing Polar Plunge: Brave the cold at the 2024 Lansing Polar Plunge and raise funds to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes and programs. All plungers must fundraise at least $100 to receive this year’s official plunge sweatshirt. Register and learn more here. 

February 15- Black History Month Teen Movie Night: “Soul”: Celebrate Black History Month at the library! The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” To celebrate, the East Lansing Public Library will be offering movie showings to teens throughout February that explore this theme, including “Soul.”