Category: Fun & Resources

Learn about fun and/or interesting things to do around MSU or interesting bits of MSU trivia.

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • Swimming: Present a valid staff or faculty ID to use one of the pools available on campus for laps or open swimming during designated pool hours.
  • Group Fitness Classes: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes with membership pricing for MSU employees.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

  • University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.

Don’t Miss Out on These Exclusive Spring Break Discounts!

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

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.

Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% off year-round by using code CORESTREAM when booking.

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, zoos, aquariums and more worldwide. 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.

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.

Five people working together at a conference table.

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

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR 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 Development: Continuous learning helps open doors to career advancement opportunities. MSU support 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. According to Gallup, 41% of employees consider career development a very important aspect of job satisfaction.
  • 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 path using educational assistance or elevateU, the free on-demand source for technical and essential skill development and certification prep.
  • Increased Engagement: 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager, according to Gallup. 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. Gallup finds that engaged employees have 78% less absenteeism, 63% less safety accidents, and a 10% increase in customer loyalty.
  • 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 at MSU

MSU exemplifies its commitment to the educational journey of support staff through robust educational assistance programs designed to remove financial barriers to learning. Educational assistance benefits and eligibility are governed by an employee’s respective collective bargaining unit agreement. Non-union employees and Academic Specialists also have educational benefits available to them.

Educational assistance benefits are available to help achieve educational and career development goals. There are two different aspects of educational assistance: non-credit courses and credit courses.

  • Non-Credit Courses: Eligible employees 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 to pay for credit classes.
  • Credit courses: Eligible employees can take courses at MSU or a non-MSU accredited institution, provided it is located in the state of Michigan. MSU courses are eligible for and processed as a tuition waiver, while non-MSU courses are processed as a reimbursement. Institutions that are considered to be primarily online only (such as the University of Phoenix) or institutions that are not Michigan-based are ineligible.

Please review the Educational Assistance webpages and Educational Assistance Eligibility by Employee Group summary for more details about Educational Assistance programs, eligibility, and the available benefit coverage. For questions, contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

References

Gallup. (2024, November 18), “How to improve employee engagement in the workplace.” Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx

Juyumaya, J., Torres-Ochoa, C. and Rojas, G. (2024), “Boosting job performance: the impact of autonomy, engagement and age”, Revista de GestĂŁo, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 397-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/REGE-09-2023-0108

Tips and Benefits Resources for Heart Health

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

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, 2024). 

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 2022, about 1 out of every 5 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults younger than 65 years old” (CDC, 2024).

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 them. It’s important to schedule your yearly visit so your doctor can check these numbers and 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 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, legumes, and nuts/seeds (American Heart Association, 2025). 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 into 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, pizza, rice, and soups (CDC, 2024). 
    • Food and Nutrition Counseling for MSU Employees. MSU University Health and Wellbeing offers one-on-one counseling and additional resources  to promote a non-diet approach that uses an eating competence model and a weight-inclusive approach to support health. 
  • 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.
  • 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 (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 (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 (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

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

CDC. “About Sodium and Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025 www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

CDC. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025, www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

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

Michigan State University. “Functional Movement Screening.” Functional Movement Screening | Health Promotion & Engagement | Michigan State University, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025. healthpromotion.msu.edu/fitness/functionalmovement/index.html

Michigan State University. “Bike Commuter Resources.” MSU Bikes Blog, 8 Nov. 2024, msubikes.wordpress.com/commuter-benefits/

Michigan State University. “Cessation Resources.” Cessation | Tobacco & Smoke Free MSU | Michigan State University, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025, tobaccofree.msu.edu/cessation/index.html

Michigan State University. “Comprehensive Fitness Assessment.” Comprehensive Fitness Assessment | Health Promotion & Engagement | Michigan State University, healthpromotion.msu.edu/fitness/assessment/index.html. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025. https://healthpromotion.msu.edu/fitness/assessment/index.html

Michigan State University. “Spartan Wellness Training.” Spartan Wellness Training | Recreational Sports and Fitness Services | Michigan State University, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

https://recsports.msu.edu/fitness/wellness.htmlMSU Human Resources. “Happy World Mental Health Day!” SourceLive, 10 October 2024, https://sourcelive.hr.msu.edu/?p=18488

Employee Discounts to Support Your 2025 Goals

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Another new year means new resolutions, and MSU Benefits Plus wants to make those goals and tasks more achievable than ever. Below, you can learn more about these exclusive health, wellness, and other helpful discounts for MSU employees and start your journey to a happy new year today! 

To access these discounts and more, login to MSU Benefits Plus today. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, register using your employee email address and set up an account.  

Health & Wellness 

  • Mindfulness App – Reduce stress, calm anxiety, and sleep better with the Mindfulness.com app. Use code for 40% off: EASEANXIETY.  
  • Active and Fit Direct – For just $28/month you can find your perfect gym from 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness®,  EĹŤS Fitness®, Crunch Fitness®, Anytime Fitness®, and more. Use code: FITNESSFIRST. 
  • Home Chef – 50% off your first four boxes. Use code: CS50. 
  • Nutribullet – Enjoy 21% off sitewide on NutriBullet.com! Use code: CORENB2025. 

Travel 

  • AVIS Care Rental – You can save up to 35% off your next car rental when you provide your Avis Worldwide Discount Number! Use code: X199700. 
  • Great Wolf Lodge – Save up to 30% year-round. Use code: CORESTREAM. 
  • Going – Going helps over 2 million members travel the world. We monitor thousands of flights so you can save an average of $550 on tickets. Save 50% off your first year of premium membership. Use code: CORE50. 

Education 

  • Rosetta Stone – Get a lifetime subscription with unlimited languages for $149 with no renewal fee (normally $299). 
  • Blinkist – Get 45% off Blinkist Annual Subscription. Use code: CORESTREAM45. 

Tech 

  • Apple – Get preferred pricing on iPhones, iMacs and more. 
  • Dell – Get the best pricing available on all Dell PCs, electronics, and accessories. 

The HR website also offers other deals you can find on-campus through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others. You can check out some of those deals through the MSU HR Website. For more information on discounts from MSU Benefits Plus, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please contact MSU Benefits Plus via email at msubenefitsplus@corestream.com or by phone at 888-758-7575. 

An icy and snowy close of a walkway on MSU's campus.

January Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

If you and your family are looking for upcoming events to ring in the new year, you have come to the right place! January holds many opportunities virtually, on campus, and in the Greater Lansing area. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Campus Events

January 9, 15, 19, and 28 – MSU Men’s Basketball @ Home:  Join us at the Breslin Center to watch MSU Men’s Basketball play. Visit the website for ticket information and to see the full season schedule.

January 16-24 – MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration: Join us for a variety of exciting and educational opportunities being offered to the MSU community in celebration of the legacy of Dr. King and historical events that took place in our nation and on our campus.

January 24 – Winter Opening Party:  Come explore MSU Broads newest exhibitions while enjoying food, music, special guests, arts and crafts, and more at this free event! All ages are welcome to this museum-wide event. 

February 2 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: Lunar New Year is on January 29 this year; join us at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 2 for an evening of music and cultural celebration. Tickets for MSU’s fourth annual Lunar New Year concert are available for purchase now. 

Family-Friendly Events

January 4 – Family Day: BELONG: First Saturday of the month means Family Day at MSU Broad Art Museum! Join us from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family-fun throughout the museum. Be sure to register for this free event. 

Open Through January 19 – Barbie Exhibit at Impression 5: This exciting exhibit showcases the Barbie doll and encourages imaginative play and teaches that regardless of your background, you can be whoever you want to be and make the world a better place. Visitors can explore 15 different careers including a doctor, archeologist, pilot, designer and more! Be sure to visit the website for more information. 

January 21-26 – Shucked at The Wharton Center: Tickets are now on sale for “Shucked,” the Tony Award-winning musical comedy about a young farmgirl on a quest to save her town. The Wall Street Journal calls it, “flat-out hilarious,” and is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.  

Learning Opportunities

January 15, 22, and 29 – Informal Mindfulness: 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.

January 15 – The Power of Habit: Habits are predictors of long-term performance, but we struggle to manage our habits and achieve the outcomes we want. Brought to you by Vital Smarts (Crucial Conversations™, Crucial Accountability™, and Influencer™) and based on “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg, 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.

January 21 – Cultural Competency I: One of MSU’s guiding principles is to lead inclusively, actively, and intentionally to promote full participation and a sense of safety and belonging for all employees and staff. Join us in building cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills that strengthen cultural competence!

January 28 – Intro to Gender, Names, and Pronouns: Participants will learn appropriate and respectful ways to use names and pronouns to promote gender inclusivity in the workplace. Participants will understand why safety and privacy around gender, names, and pronouns matter, as well as how to recover when mistakes happen.

Greater Lansing Area Events

January 23 – Time for Three: From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. experience Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble Time for Three’s captivating sound, which merges classical, pop, Americana, and singer-songwriter styles catered to all. Tickets are available for purchase now. 

Recurring Saturdays—Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers Market supports local farmers and artisans and provides locals with the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. Be sure to check out the website for more information! 

Every Other Saturday – Meridian Farmers Market: Visit the Meridian Farmers Market inside the Meridian Mall! The market offers many farm, food, and crafts vendors, and most of the products sold are locally grown or made.

HR Represented on the Spartan Bus Tour

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Last month, Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., and a group of faculty and administrators set out on the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour. They visited locations throughout the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan to build community connections and strengthen MSU’s commitment to education, research, outreach and extension.

MSU Human Resources was fortunate to be represented on the Bus Tour by two team members, Sherri Reese, PhD, Director of Talent, and Bianca Price, Customer Service Experience Manager. Along with President Guskiewicz and a delegation of faculty and administrators, they explored the breadth and depth of the university’s research, outreach, and education impact. They visited more than a dozen places around the state where MSU is partnering with local communities to change Michigan and the world for the better.

We asked Sherri and Bianca to share their experiences on the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour and this is what they had to say:

Tell us about your favorite stop on the tour.

Sherri: Visiting Martinez Farm in Conklin was incredibly inspiring. Seeing how the Great Lakes Latina/o Farmers Program empowers first-generation farmers through hands-on agricultural training was a highlight. Hearing the owner’s journey from migrant worker to farm owner deeply resonated with me, reflecting my own family’s experiences. Achieving farm ownership from such beginnings is no small feat, and the farm’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement left a lasting impression.

Bianca: My favorite stop was on Day Two at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club. One of my goals for the tour was to learn more about the Spartans I serve and find connections between what I observed and my improving my role in HR. As a result, Arcadia’s approach to merging operational efficiency with a high-impact customer experience resonated deeply with me. By prioritizing customer feedback, they have refined their service in a way that draws a clear line to my work—demonstrating that operational excellence and a strong customer experience are inseparable. This insight reinforces my commitment to building a responsive, operationally efficient, people-centered culture at MSU.

What was the best part about spending time with the President, faculty, and staff from around the university?

Sherri: Spending time with President Guskiewicz and colleagues from various departments was a unique chance to learn about the diverse initiatives across our university. These interactions fostered a sense of unity and collaboration, strengthening our collective commitment to the university’s mission.

Bianca: The best part of spending time with the President was witnessing servant leadership. He and his team went above and beyond to make each stop memorable, personable, and enjoyable- embodying excellence at every turn for each community and Spartan on the bus.

Connecting with faculty and staff from across the university was equally inspiring. Every Spartan on the bus was passionate about expanding their impact and supporting fellow Spartans. Sharing ideas on how to amplify MSU’s initiatives showed me the strength of our community and our shared commitment to making a difference for Michigan and MSU.

What takeaways from this experience excite you most about your work in HR?

Sherri: This tour underscored the value of supporting programs that champion diversity and inclusion, like the Great Lakes Latina/o Farmers Program. In HR, this motivates me to keep developing initiatives that empower every member of our university community, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive.

Bianca: Two takeaways stood out: a commitment to continuous improvement and a spirit of curiosity and collaboration in problem-solving. Just as MSU serves communities statewide, we in HR strive to build an adaptive, supportive workplace where curiosity drives us to find new ways to meet employee needs. Every improvement we make directly impacts employee satisfaction and strengthens my dedication to advancing MSU’s mission. 

The tour reminded me that while innovation propels us forward, combining it with our land-grant tradition allows us to solve problems thoughtfully, honoring the past while creating a brighter future. This blend of curiosity, tradition, and forward-thinking inspires me to keep evolving in my role.

Through these experiences, it is evident that MSU has a presence and continues to invest in communities all over Michigan with an enduring dedication to helping the state thrive. In each of those places, Spartans are valued parts of the community who translate research into actionable solutions that improve the lives of Michiganders.

  • Bus Tour attendees post on the beach with the Spartan Helmet flag
  • Bianca Price, HR's Customer Service Experience Manager, gets her hat signed by the MSU President.
  • Bus tour attendees inside the bus laughing
  • Bus tour attendees posing on the lawn together waving
  • Bus tour attendees pose together in an apple orchard
  • Bus tour attendees pose in front of the bus at the Kellogg Center

Resources

Learn more about the Spartan Bus Tour and its impact through these resources:

The 60th Annual MSU Arts and Crafts Show. The Winter and Spring Arts and Crafts Shows are fundraisers for the University Activities Board in the MSU Union. Sponsored by Student Life & Engagement.

Winter Events and Holiday Shopping

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

If you and your family are looking for upcoming winter events and holiday shopping, you’ve come to the right place! November and December hold many opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required! 

Holiday Shopping

Online – Student-Made Michigan State: This holiday season, give back to the MSU student community by purchasing gifts from the Student Marketplace!

November 7th- December 21st – Michigan Made Holiday Exhibition & Market: Join us every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from November 7th to December 21st for artwork ranging from fine arts to small gifts to jewelry, paintings, pottery, leatherworks, and more! 

November 15th – Holiday Shopping Night at Impressions 5: Kick off this holiday season at this annual event and find unique STEM-related gifts, toys, books, and more for your loved ones! Enjoy festive drinks, music, and gift wrapping, as proceeds go 100% to a mission-based non-profit organization, Impressions 5. 

December 7th – Holiday Market: From 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., visit the Lansing Shuffleboard and Social Club to get into the holiday spirit. Shop local vendors and try some food from our vendors as well!

December 7th & 8th – Winter Arts & Crafts Show: The Annual Arts and Crafts Show is a beloved event here at MSU, and also serves as a fundraiser for the University Activities Board (UAB). All vendor booth proceeds go directly to UAB, and this event will be held in the MSU Union. Visit the website for more information on times and parking details! 

Campus Events

Throughout November – Native American Heritage Month Events and Educational Programs: As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout November, MSU kicks off the month with back-to-back events, amplifying the voices of Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and organizations on campus. Events include lectures from MSU or invited speakers, craft workshops and participation in discussions, and social lunch events that will help attendees learn more about North American Indigenous people, culture, history, and customs and help build community among each other.

November 13th – Make Art, Make Change!: Join us from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. at the MSU Broad Art Museum to amplify your voice through artmaking and community. There will be snacks, music, and good vibes included! Please visit their website to register for this free event. 

November 14th & December 12th –  Deepening your Essential Skills: If you have completed a Spartan Resilience Education course, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. You can ask questions, raise topics, and build community with your peers. Be sure to register for this free course through the link above! 

November 29th – December 22nd – Season of Light Show: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 4:00 p.m., visit the Abrams Planetarium for a viewing of the Season of Light show! Many customs we observe during the holiday season have an astronomical connection – learn more at one of their shows. 

December 7th – MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, “Holiday Glory”: The Wharton Center will be hosting more than 250 voices in the MSU Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the joy and spirit of the holiday season!

December 12th – Mariachi Herencia de Mexico: A Mariachi Christmas: Celebrate the holidays with A Mariachi Christmas performance with the two-time Latin GRAMMY-nominated band performing Mexican and American Christmas favorites. Be sure to secure your tickets now!

December 14th – Cocoa and Collection at the Broad Art Museum: From 1:00 p.m. to  3:00 p.m., you and your family can come on down to the Broad Art Museum to enjoy hot chocolate and create wintry works of art inspired by their collection! Please visit our website to register for this free, family-fun-filled event! 

December 15th– Holiday Pops at the Wharton Center: The Lansing Symphony Orchestra will be performing classic holiday music and putting on a heartwarming celebration for the whole family at the Wharton Center. Hear more than 100 local voices sing and be transported by the joyous and soulful sounds of local talent! 

Greater Lansing Area Events

November 16th – Pie Making Class: From 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sweet Encounter Bakery Cafe will teach you how to make your own Salted Caramel Apple Pie! You will walk away with a pie of your own and a recipe to share with your family and friends. Here you can learn how to make a delicious gluten-free crust, a lattice pie, and cinnamon ice cream to top it all off. This class is for those ages 13 and up, and registration costs $89 per person. Check out the website to secure your tickets now! 

November 22- Silver Bells in the City: Are you ready to see the entire city shine? Join us in Downtown Lansing for a tradition of lights, music, and more to celebrate the city and the start of the holiday season. Be sure to visit the website for more information on this free family event! 

November 23rd- December 23rd – Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo: Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s festively illuminated pathways, where you’ll be surrounded by the warm, inviting glow of twinkling lights every Thursday-Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additionally on December 1st, Toys for Tots will be holding their annual drive at the Potter Park Zoo, and as a thank you for your donations you will receive free entry to Wonderland of Lights.

December 7th – East Lansing Winter Fest: Come by the Hannah Community Center for a celebration of all things winter. This free event will have indoor and outdoor activities, ice carving, crafts, and more! 

Opening Image Credits: The 60th Annual MSU Arts and Crafts Show. Photo courtesy of University Communications.

several gifts in various wrapping papers and ribbons sitting on a red platform.

Don’t Forget Your MSU Employee Discounts this Holiday Season!

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you can access various discounts and savings to help you make the most of the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website, enter your MSU email, click Get Started, and enter your password. First-time users will need to create a new account using the link below the login fields. You will need your MSU ZPID number for the form, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: Save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Chordify: Up to 60% off music lessons with a Chordify Premium yearly subscription.
  • Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code CROCS20 at checkout.
  • Dell: Exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
  • Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: 30% and more off MSRP on select appliances. Use code COREEXT21.
  • Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
  • HP: Up to 40% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: Receive 30% off your first month on this kids’ educational subscription box featuring fun STEM-based projects.
  • PremiumSeatsUSA.com: Save 10% with promo code CORESTREAM.
  • Restaurants.com: 20% off all certificates.
  • Rosetta Stone: Get a Lifetime Subscription with Unlimited Languages for $149 (normally $299).
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on top museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks and more.
  • Wharton Center: Save 10-15% on select performances.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find around the university through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others. For more information on discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Nominate a Deserving Support Staff Employee for one of these Prestigious Awards!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

We are excited to be seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards!

All award nominations are due Friday, November 8, 2024.

Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Last year’s recipient was Meg Quine, Office Coordinator in the MSU Alumni Office. Learn more about the award on the web page, Clerical-Technical Recognition Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. Last year’s recipient was Lori Fischer, Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Learn more about the award on the web page, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and return to Ray Gasser at gasserra@msu.edu by November 8.

Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award

This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. Criteria for selection of recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Last year’s recipients were Jesse Alvarez, Ken Beer, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Amanda Goll, and Darwin Meirndorf. Learn more about the award on the web page, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

We appreciate your time and effort in submitting a nomination for this year’s awards. The awards committees look forward to learning about these outstanding employees!