International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion

Women’s History Month observances honor the contributions and impact of women and highlight the pivotal roles women have played in our community. MSU Human Resources celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8! This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion.”  To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, in all aspects of society.

MSU HR is led by a team of dynamic leaders who happen to be all women. Their experience and dedication drive HR’s mission to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, and service to the MSU community.

We asked our HR directors, “How can we inspire inclusion, or create more inclusivity, especially for women, working here at MSU?” Here is what they had to say:

“I stand proudly on the shoulders of incredible women who came before me, recognizing their struggles and triumphs while reflecting on my own journey; especially as a woman of color. International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a call to action for continued progress. Let us amplify the voices of all women and work together to create an environment where every woman can thrive without limitations. We can inspire inclusion through representation, mentorship, sponsorship, courage, and resolve. I believe in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Together, we can cultivate a sense of belonging for all.” –Christina Brogdon, PHR, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

“Inclusivity starts by listening. Therefore, we must establish channels of open dialogue to listen and hear women at MSU so they may share their experiences and suggestions without fear of reprisals, to understand barriers that impede inclusion, as well as work collaboratively to dismantle them.” –Sherri Reese, Ph.D., Director of Talent

“While institutional efforts to advance inclusion are critical, we must ask ourselves what we are doing daily to foster inclusivity. As a female leader, am I actively seeking out and embracing diverse perspectives? Am I fostering mentorship and learning opportunities, especially for women? Am I seeking out opportunities to grow and learn? By critically examining what we are individually doing to foster a culture of respect and value, we collectively can work to create a more inclusive environment.” –Donna Donovan, J.D., Director of HR Administrative Services and Chief of Staff

“Establishing an environment of inclusion requires the creation of safe places for dissenting opinions and respectful debate. Many voices contributing will almost always aid in better decision making and a sense of inclusion and empowerment.” –Amy Holda, MLRHR, Interim Director of Employee Relations

“In higher education, where women often outnumber men but remain underrepresented in senior leadership, the phrase ’empowered women empower women’ resonates deeply with me. It encourages collaboration, mentorship, and sponsorship among women. By recognizing and amplifying our strengths, women in academia can challenge systemic barriers and prepare themselves for leadership positions. Embracing this mantra fosters a culture of support and inclusivity, breaking down barriers and paving the way for gender equality in the workplace. It reminds us that by lifting others up, we all rise, creating a more diverse and empowered leadership landscape.” –Sharri Margraves, EdD, SCP-SHRM, Director of Organization and Professional Development

“One of the best compliments I ever received as a leader is that I am authentic. I can’t think of a better way to inspire inclusion than with authenticity. Transparency in communications, awareness of others and their needs, along with a willingness to listen is key in creating an inclusive environment.” –Mary Lou Morey, Director of Benefits

“The power of women leaders investing our own time, energy and experience into mentoring other women from all backgrounds cannot be overstated. I am incredibly grateful to several amazing women who have generously shared their leadership journeys with me, their mentorship having served me well throughout my career. I pay their gifts forward by investing and supporting other women on their leadership journeys. Mentorship is one of the most powerful opportunities all women leaders have to promote the inclusion of more women into leadership, where they will encounter opportunities to keep paying it forward to others.” â€“Alice Smith, MPA, SHRM-SCP, Director of Solutions Center

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. Happy International Women’s Day!

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

Spring Break for many area schools is quickly approaching. Before finalizing your plans, review your exclusive employee discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to determine if any may be useful to your family.

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in or sign up for a free account.

Travel

National Car Rental: Enjoy up to 20% off your reservation rate when booking through our exclusive link. Discount automatically applied with the link. 

Tickets at Work: Go somewhere new in 2024 with up to 60% off exclusive hotel rates at top destinations worldwide. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% off the best available rooms at participating hotels worldwide.

Entertainment

Premium Seats USA: Save 10% on ticket purchases to professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, auto racing, wrestling and more when you use promo code CORESTREAM. 

Tiqets: Save over 40% on Museums worldwide. Access top museums across the country and around the world! Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!

Restaurant.comGet 20% off all certificates. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites or enjoy quality takeout meals. 

Find these savings as well as many other discounts by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. The MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions at 888-758-7575.

Campus Deals

Wharton: Discounts are given to Wharton Center subscribers and occasional 10-15% discounts on select performances are given to MSU employees.

Munn Ice Arena: Save on public skating during spring break. Employees receive discounted rates with valid MSU ID. The next public skating day is Saturday, March 30 from 4:30-6:40 p.m.

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center: Thinking about a staycation? MSU Employees can receive special hotel accommodation rates when making reservations. A valid MSU employee ID may be required at check-in.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day

Happy Employee Appreciation Day! The university’s over 20,000 faculty and staff help make Michigan State University a leader in education and research. Your contributions are part of something bigger. Please enjoy this message of gratitude from Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Brogdon.

Employee Discounts to Support Your 2024 Resolutions

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

  • Noom â€“ Save 30% on a 12-month program. Use code: EBG.
  • Mindfulness.com â€“ Save 50% on a year of Mindfulness. Use code: STRESSFREE.
  • Bowflex â€“ Save up to $300 off the C6 Bike and other great discounts. Use code: EXCLUSIVE.

Travel

Education

  • Spartan Bookstore â€“ Save 10% on new and used books, clothing and more.
  • Rosetta Stone â€“ Get a lifetime subscription with unlimited languages for $149 with no renewal fee (normally $299).

Tech

  • Apple â€“ Get preferred pricing on iPhones, iMacs and more.
  • Dell â€“ 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.

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

As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to 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 then enter your password. First-time users will need to enter their email, click Get Started, and fill out the form. 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.
  • Bombas: new users get 20% off their first order of socks and apparel. Use code CORE20 at checkout.
  • Chordify: 60% discount on a Chordify Premium yearly subscription to access chords and lyrics to more than 36 million songs.
  • Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code SAVE20 at checkout.
  • Dell: exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
  • Disney Parks: save up to $35 off Disneyland gate prices.
  • Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: save up to 43% on select appliances with free delivery over $399.
  • Great Wolf Lodge: save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
  • Hexclad Cookware: 10% off hybrid pan sets, chef’s knives, and more. Use code CORE.
  • HP: up to 52% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: 30% off your first month’s subscription.
  • Tickets At Work: 10% off sporting event tickets. Use code CORESTREAM.
  • Wharton Center:save 10-15% on select performances.
  • Verizon: special discounts on qualifying mobile device plans and select 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. 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.

Welcome to a New Academic Year

Christina Brogdon, Vice President of MSU Human Resources

Dear Spartan Colleagues,

I am pleased to welcome everyone to a new academic year. The fall semester always provides a sense of newness and hope. As we look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead, we will undoubtedly reflect on the past and what we experienced together—successes and challenges, joys and tragedies. It’s important to remember that healing is not linear, nor is it quick, but I am grateful that we have each other for support through it all.

This fall, I am especially excited about HR’s opportunity to invest further in talent management, a key contributor in making MSU HR a thriving, transformative and engaged business unit implementing strategic people solutions with great care. The first is New Hire Orientation for support staff, with sessions starting this month. The innovative full-day program will transform how we welcome and support new employees at MSU. The program will cover essential topics such as employee benefits, payroll, information technology access, and RVSM. These sessions will foster a sense of belonging and empowerment while advancing MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan in Staff Success and DEI.

I am also excited for HR’s new Director of Talent, Sherri Reese! This role is new to HR and was developed in response to the Strategic Plan’s objective for the university to become an employer of choice. Beginning October 1, Sherri will be responsible for the oversight, organization and implementation of strategic talent management initiatives related to recruitment, onboarding, consultation, and workforce planning. She will help lay the foundation for the future development of a robust Business Partner approach. Business partners will better support unit HR needs by collaborating and advising on all aspects of talent acquisition and management.

Thank you for your continued dedication and Spartan Will to the University, our students, and our land-grant mission. On behalf of Human Resources, I wish you a safe, healthy, and successful academic year in which you take advantage of fresh opportunities and new beginnings.

Go Green!

Christina Brogdon, PHR
Vice President of Human Resources

Back-to-School Discounts for the 2023-24 School Year

Whether your family loves shopping for back to school, or they dread it every year, MSU Benefits Plus has you covered. All benefit-eligible employees can log into the MSU Benefits Plus portal with their MSU email address, and find dozens of discounts to get you and your family heading back to school in style without paying full price. 

Below are just a few examples of what might be useful this time of year. 

Computer & Electronics

Technology is now an essential part of the school supply list so enjoy extra savings on those investments through a variety of retailers, even here at MSU. 

  • Apple: Employee pricing on everything you purchase
  • HP: Up to 62% off computers and accessories
  • Dell: Up to 30% off using the Member ID PS113067902
  • Lenovo: Back to School savings of up to 72% off until August 20!
  • MSU Tech Store: Purchase all kinds of tech with prices exclusive to MSU staff, faculty, and students

Clothing and Apparel

Everyone wants a great outfit for their first day of school, whether you’re a student, an educator, or even if it’s just another day at the office. 

  • Bombas: 20% off with code CORE20 (plus a pair is donated with every pair purchased!) 
  • Crocs: Save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more using the code SAVE20
  • Spartan Spirit Shops: Visit any Shop in person and show your Faculty/Staff ID for 20% off!

Education 

Learn a new skill, stock up on textbooks for those fall courses, and show your Spartan spirit, all at a discount through these local organizations. 

For all of these discounts and more visit the HR Website or the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Employees can also call Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575 with any questions. Back to School is on at Michigan State!

Staycation Activities

Are you looking for some fun activities for the family this summer, but want to stay local? Check out these East Lansing gems for family fun or date nights.

The Graduate

The Graduate Hotel in East Lansing features the Graduate Rock Bar. This rooftop restaurant is perfect for the whole family or date night. Enjoy their incredible view of MSU campus. The Graduate Rock Bar is open seven days a week and 21+ only after 8 p.m. For more information, click here.

East Lansing Family Aquatic Center

Now open! The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center is the perfect place to soak in the sun with the whole family. The Aquatic Center has a variety of features including a sunbathing deck, drop slide, splash park and more. The Aquatic Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. For more information on rates and passes, click here.

East Lansing Farmers Market

This growers-only market is the perfect place for a Sunday getaway. The market features Michigan products and produce like fruit, cheese, flowers and more. The market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Valley Court Park. For more information, click here.

U Pick Fruit

Fresh Michigan fruit is always a highlight but picking it yourself makes it even sweeter! U Pick farms in-and-around Lansing have a wide selection of blueberries, strawberries, peaches and apples. U Pick Fruit is the perfect excuse to get outside and support Michigan farmers. For more information on U Pick Fruit near you, click here

ArtPath Lansing

Lansing Art Gallery and Exhibition is partnering with the City of Lansing for their 6th annual ArtPath. Find sculptures, murals and natural materials along two and half miles of the Lansing River Trail. ArtPath is the perfect interactive and creative summer activity for families. To view the locations for ArtPath 2023, click here

River Town Adventures

Looking for a way to cool off without heading to Lake Michigan? River Town Adventures is located in Downtown Lansing and accepts walk-ups/appointments for kayak/canoe rentals. River Town Adventures showcases the beauty of the Grand River and other local waterways. For more information on rentals and their environmental mission, click here

Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo is open 364 days a year and always welcomes visitors to see their wide variety of wildlife. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person, however, members & Ingham County Residents must login prior to making selections to receive discounted rates. For ticket pricing and a list of attractions, click here

Fitzgerald Park Disc Golf 
Looking for a new favorite outdoor sport? Fitzgerald Park in Eaton County has its own free disc golf course. If you are in need of equipment, starter set rentals are available with the park’s gate attendant. For more information and a map of the course, click here.

What’s your favorite local activity or destination? Share with us in the comments!

Deals and Discounts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether it’s your dad, husband, father-in-law or any other important guy in your life, take advantage of these Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus.

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge or in the EBS Portal).

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Sports:

  • Forest Akers Golf Course – MSU employees with a valid MSU ID receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
  • Premium Seats USA – Get 10% off sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout!

Technology:

  • HP – Save between 10% and 50% using the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP), which offers HP’s consumer products at a discounted rate!
  • Apple – MSU employees qualify for preferred pricing on all of Apple’s latest products. This includes employee pricing and ratings and reviews on accessories and software. Order from the online Apple EPP store and identify yourself as a Corestream member when purchasing!

Shopping and Entertainment:

  • AMC Theaters – MSU employees can save over 30% on E-tickets at AMC Theaters and all associated theaters including AMC Loews, AMC Showplace, Cineplex, Odeon, Magic Johnson and Star Theaters!
  • MSU Meat Lab – MSU employees with a valid MSU ID can receive a discount on quality meats and other items right on campus!
  • Stock Yards – Save 20% on gourmet steaks, chops, and seafood by using the code CSTREAM at checkout!

Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Father’s Day.

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Let’s celebrate by doing our part in helping the planet. Recycling is great, but there’s so much more we can do. Here are some ways you can help our Spartan community go green. Whether you are working from home, heading into the office or any combination, use these great tips and resources to make your lifestyle more sustainable.

MSU Recycling Center always leads the charge for reusable materials at MSU. The center is open seven days a week for dropping off materials. These materials can be anything and everything from books, cardboard, glass, plastics and more. Find their hours along with what and how to drop things off at the MSU Recycling Center website

If you do spend some or all of your workday away from home, consider looking into clean commuting options. You can MSU Bikes offers new and ready-to-ride affordable used bikes for sale plus a full menu of bike repair services with one of the largest workshops in Michigan.  They also rent bikes if you’re needing a bike for a shorter to longer term and don’t want the headache of maintaining a bike or selling it when you leave campus.  MSU Bikes also offers 1-on-1 bike services, like commuter assistance, helping you find the safest, lowest-stress route from your home to campus.  MSU Parking now offers secure covered bike parking and MSU has many DIY repair and air stations in every neighborhood of campus for your convenience.  Full details can be found on MSU Bikes’ website.  

Capital Area Transportation Authority offers multiple clean commute options with travel modes that fit your work hours and location. CATA also offers a commute cost calculator by examining how much money you spend driving and how much you can save by using the bus and other CATA services. Visit the CATA website to learn how to add CATA to your sustainable daily routine. 

Spin electric scooters are the newest addition to clean, affordable, convenient and fun ways to get around campus. These scooters are dockless, so no need to find a charger to pick them up or drop them off. They operate seven days a week during all daylight hours. To ride these electric scooters that travel up to 14 miles per hour, just download the Spin App and scan the unique QR code on the scooter you want to ride. Get ready to ride on and around campus by going to MSU’s Spin Scooter landing page

Are you looking for some new accessories to improve your work space? The MSU Surplus Store is worth checking out! Finding items second hand is a great way to make a pledge to go green, especially when everything is at such great prices. Read MSU HR’s feature on the Surplus Store to learn more about the great services and items they offer!

This Earth Day, it has never been easier to make a pledge and go green. Reduce your carbon footprint with a clean commute, reuse and shop second hand at the MSU Surplus Store, and of course, recycle at the MSU Recycling Center. Putting in the effort this Earth Day and every day after will make a difference for our planet.