Category: Development and Training

If you use university systems like EBS or SIS frequently, your MSU NetID login is pretty familiar to you. What if the only time you use it is to update your Benefits during open enrollment? Will you remember the password? If not, you’ll need the PIN that was issued with your NetID or you’ll need to request a new one. You can do that at netid.msu.edu. Benefits Open Enrollment starts October 1, so be sure you are prepared.

The NetID home page is also where you can reset your password and learn more about what you can access using your MSU NetID. For example; did you know that as an employee you have access to library resources, wireless internet pretty much anywhere on campus, and the AFS file system where you can have a personal web page or shared file space where you control the access? For more information about using your AFS space, see our blog posts A Guide to Your AFS Space- Part One and A Guide to Your AFS Space – Part Two. Your MSU NetID also gives you access to Google Apps for Education Edition. Using the Google tools you can create a calendar to share schedules and events with others, use Google Drive and Docs for sharing documents and presentations, and Google Sites for web content.

The following article is provided courtesy of HRD facilitator Jackie McCarroll of McCarroll Associates.

Punctuation provides road signs to guide readers through your content. Unfortunately, writers frequently misuse commas. By applying the Five Comma Pointers, you will improve your readers’ understanding and demonstrate professionalism.

Five Comma Pointers

Insert commas to indicate a brief pause. Use them to separate:

1. Introductory Words

Example: Before they registered students, administrators tested the new processContinue Reading… Punctuation Pointers: Comma Use

Most of us have no idea how vulnerable we are on our smartphones. We keep our firewalls and virus protection up-to-date on our computers but many may not even think about it on a phone. Our phones are very compact computers now and require the same safeguards as a computer.

The simplest step is to add a passcode that only you know. Most phones will allow you to set a password or ‘swipe’ pattern that you use to unlock your phone.  Make the passcode or swipe pattern hard to guess, meaning no simple shapes, birthdays, addresses or anniversaries that can be connected to you. You’ll find these options under Settings on most phones.Continue Reading… How Secure is Your Smartphone?

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford

Teamwork is a necessary part of the workplace. Tenacity, energy and assertiveness are some of the key components for creating successful teams. Watch this video by HRD facilitator Rosemary Ward and learn the four essential elements of effective teamwork.

Join in group discussions, walk away with new ideas and enhance your skills this summer by enrolling in one of several upcoming HRD course offerings.

June is a big month for EBS forms improvement.  New Faculty and Academic Staff, Undergraduate and Professorial Assistant and Graduate Assistant forms are all launching in the month of June.

Faculty and academic staff reappointment, rehire and enhanced hire forms went live on June 17.  The reappointment form was completely redesigned into two new forms; the reappointment form and the rehire form.   The release also includes one streamlined entry point which directs form initiators to the appropriate HR form.  Also included were changes to the waiver process.  Details about these changes can be found here.Continue Reading… EBS Forms Improvements

Successful coaching requires a variety of techniques, such as good listening skills and the acknowledgement of high-quality work. Watch this video by HRD facilitator Susan Combs on how you can develop effective coaching skills.

Advance your skills this summer by enrolling in one of several upcoming HRD course offerings, such as “Leading by Delegating” and “Essentials of Employee Relations.”

Sometimes giving a presentation can be difficult. To ensure a presentation is effective, it requires preparation and practice. Watch this video by HRD facilitator April Callis on how you can create stellar and effective presentation skills.

This summer, build additional valuable skills, such as presenting yourself effectively during an interview. To learn more, check out HRD’s upcoming course offerings, including April’s class “Professional Presence in Interviewing” in July.

It’s that time of the year, when you may think about clearing out your home or office. Sometimes “spring cleaning” can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Watch this video by HRD facilitator Randy Dean on how you can remove clutter and simplify the task of organizing and cleaning your office.

When eliminating office waste, take advantage of the recycle and shredding bins provided by the MSU Recycling Center and Surplus Store and delivered to your office for free by filling out a service request form on their website. Visit recycle.msu.edu/about/services/office-clean-out/ for more information. Remember this spring: Be Spartan Green!

Other Useful Links:

University Archives, Record Management

10-Steps Record Management Plan

Great customer service skills can be developed with time and practice. HRD Facilitator Todd E. Bradley explains how to provide better customer service to internal and external customers of MSU and why providing good customer service is so crucial.Continue Reading… Customer Service at MSU Tips