Job of The Week: Executive Secretary II

This week’s featured job is an Executive Secretary II for the College of Veterinary Medicine (job posting 1100619). If you are interested in providing support and assistance to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, this may be the role for you.

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine prides itself on diversity, innovation, integrity, compassion, and collaboration. Their vision states, “Together we will be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service,” with a mission of learning, discovering, healing, and protecting. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), a service unit within the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a full-service and accredited laboratory for companion animals, horses, livestock, laboratory, zoo, and wildlife species. Additionally, the lab performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from all around Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. 

In this position, you will perform administrative support to the Executive Director of the VDL and interact with chairs, directors, faculty, administrators, professional veterinary organizations, and more. The Executive Secretary represents the VDL and the College of Veterinary Medicine in a professional manner. You will review, direct, and draft responses to the Director’s mail, manage the Director’s calendar, develop meeting agendas, and coordinate routine lab activities. Additionally, you will aid in laboratory operations and help with customer and stakeholder interactions. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting. 

This position requires knowledge equivalent to that of a high school education with five to eight years of related work experience. You should have experience working in a laboratory environment with safety and security measures, be collaborative by nature, remain calm under pressure, and have effective written and verbal communication. 

Learn more on the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume/CV, cover letter, and three professional referees and should be submitted by January 13.

Job of The Week: Research Assistant II

This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant II for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 1098880). If you are interested in working with the MSU Field Crops Pathology Program and assisting with disease-focused field research across Michigan, this may be the role for you.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides students with an academically challenging environment where they put their knowledge and skills into practice, not only on campus but around the globe. The Chilvers Field Crops Pathology Program, part of the MSU Field Crops Pathology Program,  investigates diseases of soybean, corn, wheat, barley, and dry bean—combining field and laboratory research to advance disease management strategies and improve crop productivity. The program uses various new technologies and GPS-guided equipment and works closely with industry and academic collaborators. 

In this position, you will work closely with the field and laboratory teams to organize, design, plant, maintain, and harvest field research trials. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing samples and data, coordinating and conducting disease scouting, plant vigor assessments, and treatment evaluations, among other duties. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to that of a four-year degree, preferably in Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Entomology, or other plant-related fields. You should have three to five years of work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, performing specialized and challenging analytical techniques, and designing research strategies. Effective communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, along with a commitment to safety and a passion for field-based plant disease research, are desired. 
Learn more on the MSU Field Crop Pathology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and two letters of reference, and should be submitted by December 30.

Introducing Calm Health: A New Mindfulness Resource for MSU Employees 

MSU is committed to staff and faculty success, which includes helping employees and their families care for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We are excited to share that Calm Health, a mindfulness app designed to support mental and physical health, is now available at no cost to MSU employees and their dependents aged thirteen and older who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Calm Health is designed to help you stress less, sleep better, and live more mindfully. 

What Does Calm Health Offer? 

Calm Health includes self-guided programs developed by psychologists to address specific mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, physical health conditions like diabetes and cancer, and life stages like parenting, retirement, and menopause. Based on your goals and brief in-app screenings, you will receive personalized recommendations to support your health journey. Resources include: 

  • Sleep support to help you unwind  
  • Guided meditations 
  • Breathing exercises 
  • Calming music and soundscapes 
  • Mindfulness videos 
  • Daily self-guided activities  
  • Evidence-based clinical programs  

How Can You Access Calm Health?  

No credit card, payment information, or subscription needed! Calm Health is free to all MSU employees, and their dependents (age 13 +) enrolled in an MSU health plan. Start your Calm Health journey through any of these options: 

  1. Register Using the Direct Link: Register for Calm Health using this link
  1. Download the Calm Health App: Search the Calm Health app from the App Store and Google Play and use the access code: “BCBSMI” during the registration process. This code is not case sensitive. 
  1. Through Your Blue Cross Member Account: Login to your Blue Cross member account and click on Find Care. Scroll down to Find Behavioral Health Support and click on the Find Help button. Click on the Live and Work Well link. Scroll down to The Calm Health app and click on the Learn about Calm Health link. 

Building healthy daily habits that support your mental and physical wellbeing doesn’t have to be time consuming or costly, and Calm Health is the perfect first step. Explore Calm Health for yourself, choose tools that fit your lifestyle, and feel more mindful and balanced every day!  

Job of The Week: Research Assistant III

This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant III with the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (job posting 1098373). If you are an experienced research professional with a passion for molecular biology, immunology, and translational science, and you’re interested in contributing to One Health initiatives, this may be the role for you.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, founded in 1966, is dedicated to discovering new therapies, understanding how toxins affect the body, and preparing the next generation of scientific and healthcare leaders. With a collaborative and innovative environment, the department drives research in drug discovery and development and offers a range of graduate and post-graduate programs that help students build successful careers in many diverse fields.

In this position, you will support ongoing studies within the laboratory with Dr. Andrea Gonzales, where you will carry out research on Th2 cytokines in atopic dermatitis across companion animals and humans. You will study neuro-immune interactions to identify molecular mechanisms underlying atopic disease in the hopes of identifying novel therapeutic targets. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the One Health concept and be a part of the growth in MSU’s drug discovery program. Find a complete list of duties in the job posting. 

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a Master’s of Science in Biology, Animal Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related field, and one to three years of progressively responsible research experience. It is desired to have at least five years of laboratory experience, strong technical expertise, and familiarity with multi-species research models.

 Learn more on the MSU Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter and resume, and should be submitted by December 16.

Job of The Week: Microsoft Office 365 Analyst

This week’s featured job is a Microsoft Office 365 Analyst for MSU Information Technology Services (job posting 1093383). If you are a collaborative, tech-savvy professional interested in maximizing the value of Microsoft 365 tools while driving digital transformation and exploring AI solutions, this may be the role for you.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting IT across Michigan State University. MSU IT and department IT staff offer technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement, supporting staff, faculty, students, alumni, and visitors alike at MSU.

As the Microsoft 365 Analyst, you will help the department transition from siloed to standardized, collaborative digital workflows. You will integrate Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams and SharePoint, into administrative processes, streamline organizational workflows through AI-powered automations, and spread knowledge of underused tools across campus. Additionally, you will enhance Power BI use across departments and collaborate with administrative units across campus. Find a complete list of job duties and responsibilities

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of related work experience with application development, Microsoft 365, and designing, scheduling, implementing, and testing complex applications. You should have strong experience with Office 365 development tools, two years of hands-on experience working with coding and AI tools, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to train and support end-users. 

To learn more about MSU IT, please visit the MSU Information Technology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by December 2.

Job of The Week: Electrical Planner/Inspector

This week’s featured job is an Electrical Planner/Inspector/Analyst III for MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (job posting 1093729). If you are an experienced professional with a strong background in electrical systems, project management, and code compliance who is looking to play a crucial role in supporting MSU’s campus infrastructure, this may be the position for you. 

MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) plans, builds, maintains, and beautifies MSU’s physical campus environment in support of its education, research, and outreach missions. The unit’s team of over 1,000 professionals keeps MSU running 24/7/365 by meeting the infrastructure needs and providing expert analysis to support long-term planning goals. Together, they ensure that MSU’s campus remains a safe and inspiring place to work, learn, and grow. 

This position plans, designs, directs, estimates, inspects, and analyzes the installation, construction, alteration, operation, and/or repair of very complex mechanical, structural, electrical, environmental, electronic, or computer-based systems in new or existing facilities and projects campus-wide. Other duties include:

  • Provide expert technical support for project services, maintenance services, management, and skilled trades staff.
  • Manage complex, multi-craft projects from planning and design through procurement, inspection, and closeout.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards.
  • Offer cost-effective design ideas and solutions to help departments meet budget and operational goals. 
  • Prepare detailed drawings, technical reports, cost studies, and assist in material procurement and emergency management.
  • Engage in high-performing, leading-edge practices that value people, partnerships, and stewardships. 

This position requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, and five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical construction and construction project management. You should have strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Find a list of remaining requirements on the job listing.

Apply for this position on the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and should be submitted by December 2. 

Job of The Week: Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant

This week’s featured job is a Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant (Library Assistant IV) for MSU Libraries (job posting 1092720). If you are a detail-oriented professional interested in managing projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible resources while investigating new AI-powered solutions, this may be the position for you.

The Libraries are at the center of academic life at Michigan State University, where they provide expertise, collections, and infrastructure for discovery and creation. The Libraries foster connections that support and drive research, teaching, and learning in local and global communities surrounding MSU. The Digital Initiatives Division serves as the administrative home to eight units and centers. Learn more about the MSU Digital Initiatives Division here. 

As the Digital Accessibility and Imaging Assistant, you will manage projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible digital resources. You will operate planetary, flatbed, and slide scanners, including handling rare and fragile materials with preservation care. Additionally, you will produce accessible PDFs and alternative formats using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, ABBYY FineReader, and more. You will test and apply AI tools for alt-text, tagging, and document structuring, and create training materials that meet MSU Libraries’ highest standards of accessibility. Find a complete list of job duties and responsibilities.

This position requires a degree (or equivalent knowledge) and one to three years of recent experience in an academic library setting. You should have a strong understanding of digital accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508, PDF/UA, etc.), be comfortable with image editing software, and have the ability to manage multiple projects at a time. You should have strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a passion for exploring and using AI tools to succeed in this role. 

To learn more about MSU Libraries, visit the MSU Libraries Website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and three references and should be submitted by November 18.

October Events Round-Up

October Events Blog 

If you and your family are looking for activities this October,  you’ve come to the right place! Check out upcoming events to celebrate fall in the Greater Lansing area! Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required. 

Campus Events

October 1-31MSU Benefits Open Enrollment: Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to review your coverage options and ensure you have the benefits that are best for you and your family as you head into the new year. Learn more on the HR Website and plan to visit the Benefits Fair on October 21 or one of the several Site Labs available throughout October.

October 1Artist Talk: Pao Houa Her: Think of a favorite picture of yours. What story does it tell? Join artist Pao Houa Her for a conversation on artistic practice and legacies of landscape, portraiture, and documentary photography.

October 2 The Great Gatsby Ballet: Dance into the Roaring Twenties with this dazzling Broadway-style ballet presented by the World Ballet Company at the Wharton Center. Dress to impress, raise a glass, and immerse yourself in a night of elegance and dance. 

October 3MSU’s 2nd Annual Disability Summit Keynote Speaker: This year’s summit will be a half-day event featuring keynote speaker Haben Girma, a disability advocate and author. In-person attendance is full, but you can watch the keynote virtually by registering for the Disability Summit!

October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31Disability Summit Virtual Sessions: Register for webinars by 8 a.m. on the day of the presentations.

October 4Fall Fest: Stop by the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center for pumpkin carving, thrifting, tours, upcycle crafts, music, and more!  

October 11 and 25MSU Home Football Games: Let’s cheer on the Spartans as they take the field at Spartan Stadium. Whether you’re in the stands, attending a tailgate, or watching the game nearby from a local sports bar. There are two home games in October. 

October 14Film Screening and Discussion: Join your fellow Spartans to watch “Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act,” a documentary that explores the history, impact, and ongoing significance of the ADA and the disability rights movement.

October 21MSU Benefits Fair: MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and help employees and retirees enroll in or change their benefits on-site at the Breslin Student Events Center. During the fair, Humana and Personify Health will be offering presentations about their health care plans for current and future (within the 2026 plan year) MSU retirees. 

October 22Beal Footprints Walking Tour Series: Join Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum for lunchtime guided tours beginning at the Beal Pond. October’s tour is Riverbank restoration and clean-up; Carolyn Miller, Arboretum & Invasive Species Coordinator. 

October 24-25Alex’s Great State Race: Mark your calendars! Alex’s Great State Race returns— uniting two rival universities, MSU and U-M, as ROTC cadets run 64 miles through the night, honoring the legacy of Alex Powell, while supporting individuals with disabilities, celebrating a Great Race and Greater Purpose.

October 26ArachnoBROADia: The MSU Broad Art Museum is hosting a spooky afternoon of eight-legged fun for all ages, inspired by artwork from the MSU Broad Art Museum’s collection! Get creative with creepy crafts at the museum, then visit your favorite crawly creatures at the MSU Bug House. All ages are welcome.

October 30 – Accessibility Work-a-thon: A walk-in event will take place in the Main Library Beaumont Instruction Room, where faculty and staff can work on improving the digital accessibility of their videos, documents, and other materials. Accessibility team members from OCR, IT, Ed Tech, and the Libraries will be available to assist, answer questions, and provide consultation.

Learning Opportunities

October 8TIAA Webinar: Quarterly Economic and Market Update: Hear from the experts in our Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the markets and economy that are impacting investors.

October 9 Facilitated Dialogue on Cultural Competency: This participant-led course invites participants to engage in further discussion around topics related to cultural competency. While facilitators will share prepared prompts to start dialogue, participants are also welcome and encouraged to bring topics, questions, and ideas for dialogue. 

October 9 Roadmap to Retirement: If you are an MSU faculty or staff member and you have decided to retire within a year or two, this half-day workshop covers a range of topics critical to your successful retirement.

October 15 TIAA Webinar: Avoiding Cybersecurity Threats and Fraud: The frequency and format of scams are increasing. Learn how to protect your information and your financial future.

October 16 Strengths-Based Leadership: Looking to maximize your strengths and become a stronger leader? Understand manager-specific strengths using the CliftonStrengths for Managers Report in this in-person course. 

October 17 Broad Underground: Black Experimental Moving Image: How can Black experiences be represented in experimental film, video, and new media? Join Emily Martin, distribution manager at the Video Data Bank, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, for a curated screening and discussion. This event is in partnership with the MSU Department of African American and African Studies. 

October 23Bystander Intervention Training: This course is designed to provide participants with strategies to prevent and help in problematic behavior associated with workplace harassment or discrimination. 

October 30 TIAA Webinar: Planning and Managing Healthcare Expenses: Healthcare costs can really add up in retirement. That’s why it pays to be prepared. In this webinar, we’ll help you separate myth from reality when it comes to managing costs for a healthy financial future.

Family-Friendly Events

October 4 – Family Day: The First Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum, and this October, you have the chance to connect through materials and ideas in celebration of Africa Past, Present, and Future. 

Select Dates in October – Fall Family Film Fest: Bring the whole family to NCG Cinemas this fall for all of your favorite fall movies! 

October 18Spooky Sprint: You and your whole family have the chance to run the annual Spooky Sprint this October! This fun Halloween-themed event offers great swag, free photos, delicious treats, and plenty of fun. There is also a kids’ dash option for those under 10, so everyone can participate. 

October 20 and 27Sensory Friendly Hour at Bath Township Library: On the third and fourth Mondays of each month, visit the Bath Township Library for sensory-friendly hours. Staff will dim the lights, provide sensory-friendly toys, fidgets, and noise-canceling headphones for those seeking a calming environment in which to explore books. 

October 31Trick or Treat: Join us on the last night of Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed on Halloween night for a time of free trick or treating at the Ingham County Fairgrounds.

Greater Lansing Area Events

October 3 – The Best of The Best: Jazz From Detroit: Jazz from Detroit Documentary Film is a landmark double portrait of Detroit’s extraordinary jazz legacy and the dynamic city that produced it. Film starts at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.

October 4 – Horrocks Biergarten Oktoberfest:  Visit Horrocks Biergarten to celebrate this year’s Oktoberfest! There will be beverages, food, and the Katzenjammer German Band will also be performing. 

October 15 – Vintage Tuck Fall Bounty Paint Class: Visit Grand Ledge for a pre-traced canvas painting event with themed trivia, prizes, and more!

October 15Harvest Festival: Count on the Allen Farmers Market for fresh produce from mid-Michigan farms, the highest quality meat, artisan baked breads, gluten-free goods, eggs, and more at this year’s Harvest Festival at the Allen Neighborhood Center. 

October 17Howloween: Dog Trick-or-Treating: For over 25 years, Dog Trick-or-Treating at Preuss Pets has been the howl-o-ween event you don’t want to miss, and it’s back! The fun starts at Preuss Pets, where participants will receive a bag full of goodies!

October 18 Old Town Fall Clean Up: Help keep Old Town looking its best! Join neighbors, volunteers, and friends as we come together to beautify the Old Town neighborhood before winter sets in. Tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves, rakes, or equipment that you find helpful. All ages are welcome to volunteer! 

Select Weekends in October Boo at the Zoo: This Halloween season, see the Potter Park Zoo transform into a fall wonderland that will leave you and your family spellbound. Grab your treat bags and get ready to make memories that will last this fall. 

Farmers Markets

Beginning October 5The East Lansing Farmers Market: Visit Valley Court Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday in October for some shopping and fresh air at the East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM). Here, you can purchase a variety of fresh goods, farm-grown in Michigan, including vegetables, fruits, bread, cheese, honey, flowers, and more. 

Beginning October 6Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market: Come to the Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market for an evening of exploring small businesses, home-grown foods, treats, and more! Every Tuesday in October, join from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for some shopping, food trucks, and fun in Downtown Dewitt.

Beginning October 2South Lansing Farmers Market: The South Lansing Farmers Market is open on Thursdays and located at the corner of Jolly and S. MLK in Lansing. Stop by for farm-fresh fruits and veggies, fresh-cut flowers, arts and crafts, natural body and household products, and a food court featuring Mexican, Chinese, Lebanese, and Southern Soul cuisine – a little something for everyone! 

Beginning October 2Dimondale Farmers Market: The Dimondale Farmers Market will run every Thursday in the Village Square. The Market is celebrating their 18th season and hosts over 15 vendors providing locally produced products, including fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, jams, honey, flowers, and more!

All programs and activities are open to all without restriction or preference based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected identity.

September Events Round-Up

If you and your family are looking for activities in September,  you’ve come to the right place! Check out upcoming events to celebrate the start of fall! Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required. 

Campus Events

September 3, 10 and 17Move in the Garden:  Need a midday recharge? Stop by under the gingko tree at the Beal Botanical Garden with a yoga mat or towel, and refresh your body and mind through this stretching and strengthening class. This free session is designed for all ability levels. 

September 7 – Curator Tour: Unbecoming: Join Assistant Curator Dr. Rachel Winter at the MSU Broad Art Museum to learn more about what an artist’s process teaches us about transformation in our personal lives. 

Opening September 14Mekong Voices: Transnational River Justice in Mainland Southeast Asia: Open until February at the MSU Broad Art Museum, the Mekong Voices exhibit displays the Mekong River, which is revered as the “Mother River” across Mainland Southeast Asia. Mekong Voices celebrates the necessary and innovative work of traditional craft and art in translating the river’s voices, both human and more-than-human, across national and linguistic boundaries.

September 16-21 – A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical: Coming to the Wharton Center, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of the life of Neil Diamond shining on Broadway. 

September 28Shape Shift: The Art of Coming Undone: This three-part studio series at the MSU Broad Art Museum invites you to explore transformation through art. No previous art experience required – just a willingness to explore, reflect, and reimagine! 

Learning Opportunities

September 2 and 9 Desk Decompress: This virtual 15-minute class offers the perfect mid-day reset. Stretch and strengthen your wrists, neck, spine, and shoulders, all from the comfort of your own desk. 

September 9, 10, and 11Getting Things Done: This course teaches skills to manage the constant flow of requests, tasks, and interruptions that face employees at all levels of an organization. Learn how to organize incoming requests, manage stress in the workplace, prevent missed deadlines, and enhance your personal development at work. 

September 10 – Promapp, Interactive Process Creation: Continue your process improvement journey and build upon the knowledge and skills learned in Introduction to Process Mapping. 

September 10 – Hunger Free and Basic Needs: MSU Meets the Food and Nutrition Needs of Students and Staff:  Join MSU Nutrition Services and MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program staff to explore the resources available to support food and nutrition needs on campus. Learn how you can access help and help others. Register for Hunger Free and Basic Needs via Learning Stream.  

September 10 – Women Talk Money: How to balance saving and tackling debt: Join this webinar with MSU retirement vendor, Fidelity, for a step-by-step guide that will help you learn how to organize your financial priorities. 

September 10 – Fidelity Front Row 2025: Join Fidelity to listen to the Active Trader Pro beta team, a live Q&A, a special giveaway, and timely insights. 

September 11 Tips for working with a financial professional: Having a financial professional supporting you on every step of your journey is key to creating a secure financial future. In this webinar, learn about how a financial professional can help you and how to find a financial professional and prepare for your first meeting.

September 17 – Women Talk Money: What you should know about investing: Investing may help you reach your short- and long-term goals, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start, what questions to ask, or what step to take next. Join Fidelity to learn more about different investment options and management styles that can help you decide how to keep your goals on track.

September 17 Maximize Your Concur and Travel Skills: Recommended for new employees, learn how to understand the Concur system, create a travel request, book travel, reconcile travel expenses, and more. 

September 18 The Power of Habit: 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.

September 25 How to get the most from your employee retirement plan: Your workplace retirement plan is one of your most important employee benefits. In this webinar we’ll show you how to take advantage of all your plan has to offer so you can save and invest with confidence and get the most from your money.     

Family-Friendly Events

September 12-14 – 2025 MSU Family Weekend: Visit Michigan State University’s campus this weekend in September to enjoy a football game, visit your Spartans and the beautiful campus, and explore the Greater Lansing area! Check out the Choose Lansing website for help with lodging, tickets for the game, and parking information. 

September 11 Chipmunk Story Time: Storytime comes alive at the Harris Nature Center Chipmunk Story Time event. Meet Chicory Chipmunk and his animal friends. 

Recurring Fridays and SaturdaysToddler Time at Launch Lansing: Visit Launch Lansing Trampoline Park during select times to enjoy children’s music, visits from Joey the kangaroo, and a special toddler section with your little ones. 

September 20 and 21Capital City River Run: This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Capital City River Run, a two-day event that includes a half-marathon, 5k walk/run, and the Sohn Kid’s Race. All proceeds will support the Impression 5 Science Center and its mission to provide families with hands-on science exhibits and learning opportunities. 

Greater Lansing Area Events 

Wednesdays in SeptemberMeridian Township Summer Concert Series: Savor the last bit of summer weather and visit Marketplace on the Green for the Meridian Township Summer Concert Series! Visit the website to see who is playing and when, every Wednesday in September.

September 17-20 – 2025 Michigan BluesFest: Michigan BluesFest is an annual event held in Old Town Lansing, bringing people of all ages together through the shared love of Blues Music. 

September 19-21Lansing LIT:  Join the city of Lansing for the second annual Lansing LIT book festival! Explore local bookstores, author events, a bookstore crawl, and more at Michigan’s capital city. 

Farmers Markets

Beginning September 7The East Lansing Farmers Market: Visit Valley Court Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday in September for some shopping and fresh air at the East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM). Here, you can purchase a variety of fresh goods, farm-grown in Michigan, including vegetables, fruits, bread, cheese, honey, flowers, and more. 

Beginning September 2Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market: Come to the Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market for an evening of exploring small businesses, home-grown foods, treats, and more! Every Tuesday in September, join from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for some shopping, food trucks, and fun in Downtown Dewitt on a warm summer night. 

Beginning September 4South Lansing Farmers Market: The South Lansing Farmers Market is open on Thursdays and located at the corner of Jolly and S. MLK in Lansing. Stop by for farm fresh fruits and veggies, fresh cut flowers, arts and crafts, natural body and household products, and a food court featuring Mexican, Chinese, Lebanese, and Southern Soul food – a little something for everyone! 

Beginning September 4Dimondale Farmers Market: The Dimondale Farmers Market will run every Thursday in September in the Village Square. The Market is celebrating their 18th season and hosts over 15 vendors providing locally produced products, including fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, jams, honey, flowers, and more!

August Events Round-Up

If you and your family are looking for activities in August,  you’ve come to the right place! Check out upcoming events for you and your family to savor the summer season! Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required. 

Campus Events

August 2Family Day: UNDO: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum. This month, we are making art in reverse – playing with materials and the ways things can come together after being apart. 

August 6 – MSU Summer Carillon Concert Series: Bring a picnic, chair, or blanket to Beaumont Tower to experience musical talent in one of the most beautiful locations on MSU’s campus. Don’t miss the last show of the season!

August 10 Garden Edition: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden: Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens, Maeve Bassett, to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection.

August 29First Michigan State Home Football Game: Visit Spartan Stadium to cheer on the Spartans for the first game of the year against the Western Michigan Broncos! 

Learning Opportunities

August 5 – Free Webinar – Unlock the Power of a Multigenerational Workforce: Professor Eileen Wilson from the Broad College of Business is leading a webinar where you will gain insights into the cultures of generations in the workplace and leave with five strategies to connect bridges and boost collaboration within your team. 

August 14 – TIAA Webinar – Your Guide to Living Well in Retirement: Reserve your spot now to learn more about retirement and the human factors that can help you add excitement to the next chapter of your life. 

August 21Maximizing the Spartan Experience:  In this interactive session, learn how you, as an MSU employee, can strengthen colleague relationships and strengthen customer service. This training is ground in real MSU scenarios, team examples, and self-reflection. 

August 21 and 22 – 2025 Fall Educator Seminars: Join MSU IT Educational Technology, MSU Libraries, the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative (EDLI), and MSU IT Training at the virtual 2025 Fall Educator Seminars. These free courses are offered  to help prepare educators for the upcoming school year.

August 21- Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Part 2 Unlock the Full 34: In this series, you have the opportunity to learn identify personal talents through the CliftonStrengths Full 34 Report, evaluate how these talents impact work relationships and performance, and determine how to develop further natural talents through the given tools.

August 27Introduction to Process Mapping: Learn how to define key processes improvement technology, create a process map, and reduce barriers in process mapping.

August 28Bystander Intervention Training: This course is designed to provide participants with strategies to prevent and help in problematic behavior associated with workplace harassment or discrimination. 

August 28 – TIAA Webinar – Your Guide to Understanding Longevity:  During this webinar, learn about challenges and opportunities that come with increased longevity, how it affects retirement and financial planning, and how to maintain wealth and happiness. 

Family-Friendly Events 

August 4 and 11Sensory Friendly Hour at Bath Township Library: On the third and fourth Mondays of each month, visit the Bath Township Library for sensory-friendly hours. Staff will dim lights, provide sensory-friendly toys, fidgets, and noise-canceling headphones for those seeking a calming environment to explore books. 

August 21Disney Trivia: If you can quote Disney movies by heart, know every song by memory, or are a casual fan of Mickey Mouse, now is the perfect opportunity to test your Disney knowledge at High Caliber Karting Disney Trivia Night!  

August 24 Picnic with Princess: Elsa, Rapunzel, Ariel, Moana, and Belle invite you to join them for a fairytale celebration! Families can bring their own blankets and lunches and enjoy interactive performance, activities, and photo opportunities with the princesses.

Greater Lansing Area Events 

Select dates in August Lansing Lugnuts Home Games: “Go Nuts” and cheer on your local Lansing Lugnuts baseball team at Jackson Field this month! Check out their website for themes, promotions, tickets, and dates for August games.

July 30 – August 32025 JazzFest Michigan: Visit Old Town Lansing for JazzFest Michigan – a music festival that has been going on over 30 years! Between four venues and five days, the music possibilities are endless for you and your family to see live. 

August 1 and 15Glow Paddle Night Kayaking: Come and watch the Lansing Lugnuts post-game fireworks show from the river at Glow Paddle Night! Kayaks are available for rent, or you can bring your own! 

August 5, 12, 19 and 26Sunset and Chill:  Bring yourself and the family to Charlotte to enjoy free live music on the brand new music wagon stage, take a ride on the Whiskey Wagon and watch the sunset!  

August 23 A Night For Nature: Bring a comfy chair, a beverage of choice, and your friends for a night of music under the stars at the Harris Nature! All proceeds from the event will support Harris Nature Center’s educational programs and facilities.  

August 20Tomato Festival: Celebrate tomato season at the Lansing Tomato Festival! From cooking demos to entertainment and tasting, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Farmers Markets

Beginning August 3The East Lansing Farmers Market: Visit Valley Court Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday in August for some shopping and fresh air at the East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM). Here you can purchase a variety of fresh goods, farm-grown here in Michigan, including vegetables, fruits, bread, cheese, honey, flowers, and so much more. No registration needed. 

Beginning August 6Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market: Come to the Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market for an evening of exploring small businesses, home-grown foods, treats, and more! Every Tuesday in August, join us from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for some shopping, food trucks and fun in Downtown Dewitt on a warm summer night. 

Beginning August 7South Lansing Farmers Market: The South Lansing Farmers Market is open Thursdays, and is located at the corner of Jolly and S. MLK in Lansing! Stop by for farm fresh fruits and veggies, fresh cut flowers, arts and crafts, natural body and household products, and a food court featuring Mexican, Chinese, Lebanese, and Southern Soul food – a little something for everyone! 

Beginning August 7Dimondale Farmers Market: The Dimondale Farmers Market will run every Thursday in August in the Village Square. The Market is celebrating their 18th season and hosts over 15 vendors providing locally produced products including fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, jams, honey, flowers, and more!