Category: Fun & Resources

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

April Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

It is officially spring in East Lansing, and that means it is time for April events! This month holds many virtual and in-person opportunities on campus and in the Greater Lansing area to celebrate the start of the new season.

Campus Events

Various Dates in April –MSU Men’s Baseball Home Game: Come visit the Jeff Ishbia Field at McLane Stadium and cheer on the Michigan State Spartans Men’s Baseball Team at a home game this April!

Various Dates in April – MSU Women’s Softball Home Game: Come visit the Secchia Stadium at MSU to cheer on the Michigan State Spartans Women’s Softball Team at a home game this April!

April 7 – 12 – Clue: Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist at the Wharton Center this April.

April 9 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Spring into Conservation: Visit the Beal Botanical Garden for a spring tour exploring our diverse conservation efforts. This tour will focus primarily on Michigan’s rare plants, including our work preserving the state’s only fertile population of the Michigan Monkeyflower.

April 17 – 2026 RCPD Awards Reception: The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) Awards and Appreciation Reception, held at the MSU Multicultural Center, will celebrate the recipients of 10 scholarships and three Spartans (students, faculty/staff, and alumni) who have shown exceptional dedication to advancing belonging and inclusion on our campus.

April 26 – 2026 Izzo Legacy Race: The Izzo family has partnered with Playmakers to host this premium experience on MSU’s campus. The mission is to connect alumni, MSU, and Mid-Michigan communities in a positive celebration of Coach Izzo’s legacy. The events include a 5K Run/Walk, 5K Roll, 1/2 K Walk/Roll, Kids’ Races and a Virtual 5K; all events will focus on fitness, fun, family, Spartan spirit, and charitable giving!

Learning Opportunities

April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 – Desk Decompress (Upper Body): Gentle movements can help counter the effects of sitting at a desk and leave you feeling more relaxed. Take a few minutes to decompress while stretching and strengthening the neck, shoulders, wrists, and spine. Movements can be done sitting or standing.

April 6, 13, 20, and 27 – Desk Decompress (Full Body): Gentle movements can help counter the effects of sitting at a desk and leave you feeling more relaxed. Take a few minutes to decompress while stretching and strengthening from head to toe. Most movements can be done sitting or standing. Balance exercises may be included.

April 7 – Building Awareness and Understanding the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS): This April workshop introduces the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS) to help participants understand their own and others’ communication and conflict resolution styles, improving cross-cultural interactions and problem-solving. Attendance is required for both sessions, with the second part taking place on June 2 to deepen understanding and apply strategies for navigating and resolving conflicts effectively.

April 7, 14, 21, and 28 – Navigating Hard Times with Empathy and Self Compassion: Spartan Resilience Education is offering a free, open session on practicing self-care and self-compassion, focusing on how to support ourselves and others during challenging times. Participants will learn key concepts like empathy vs. sympathy, core elements of self-compassion, and practical strategies to improve emotional support, avoid common mistakes, and enhance overall well-being and work effectiveness.

April 8 – WorkLife Wellbeing- Neurodivergence in the Workplace 2: Supporting Yourself and Others: The neurodivergence umbrella includes many common but often misunderstood disabilities. In this session, dive into how to support yourself and others and build a community inclusive of neurodivergent experiences.

April 12 – Out of the Darkness Walk: Hosted by UHW’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the Out of the Darkness Walk is an annual event that brings Spartans together to support suicide prevention and promote mental health awareness.

April 15 – A Guide to Names and Pronouns: This in-person course allows participants to learn appropriate and respectful ways to use names and pronouns to promote gender inclusivity in the workplace. Understand why safety and privacy around gender, names, and pronouns matter, as well as how to recover when mistakes happen.

April 16 – Five Behaviors: Personal Development: This program helps individual contributors become more effective teammates by exploring the Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team model through activities, videos, and discussions. Participants complete a pre-assessment and learn key behaviors that strengthen collaboration, trust, and team effectiveness.

April 16 – 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.

April 20 – Relaxing Under the Stars: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for Relaxing Under the Stars, a peaceful in-person experience held once a month. Each 50-minute session features a guided constellation tour using the Digistar projection system – perfect for stress relief and mindful relaxation.

April 22 and 23 – Strategic Business Analysis: Turning Requirements into Results: This two-day course builds skills in strategic business analysis, helping participants create clear, actionable requirements that align with organizational goals and deliver meaningful results. Through frameworks, hands-on practice, and stakeholder engagement techniques, learners gain confidence in eliciting, writing, prioritizing, and evaluating requirements for maximum business value.

April 24 – Midday Moves (Hybrid): Take a break from end of the semester stress with a Finals Flex stretch, mobility, and mindful movement routine, designed to leave you feeling more relaxed. Exercises will mostly be standing and on the ground, with seated options provided. Bring an exercise mat or a towel. Join in-person at the MSU Library or over Zoom!

April 29 and 30 – Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: This program teaches techniques that allow you to make room for different opinions and perspectives, find mutual respect and common purpose, and dialogue openly. With these skills, you’ll not only work with others more effectively, but you can also help foster psychological safety and inclusion.

April 30 – Cultural Competency I: This course focuses on building cultural competence and inclusivity skills aligned with MSU’s commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming workplace for all employees. Participants will develop self-awareness, challenge biases and stereotypes, and practice communication strategies like the CARES model to improve interactions and effectively address workplace concerns.

Family-Friendly Events

April 1 – 30 – MSU Science Festival: The MSU Science Festival is a free annual celebration of science, fueled by some of the basic elements essential to scientific inquiry: curiosity, wonder, and discovery. The festival is free and for lifelong learners of all ages!

April 4 – Family Day: PLAY: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! This month, find out why artists play with ideas as we celebrate the young artists in the Saturday Morning Art (SmART) pop-up exhibition, in collaboration with the MSU Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

April 5, 12, 19, and 26 – Abrams Planetarium Family Show: The Little Star that Could: Come see the story about an average yellow star on a search for planets of his own to warm and protect. Along his way, he encounters other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars can combine to form clusters and galaxies.

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday – Toddler 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.

Greater Lansing Area Events

April 10 – Night at a Living Museum: Visit the Potter Park Zoo to Unlock a world of wonder and discovery at the Living Museum! These hands-on activities are designed for guests of all ages to learn about the care of animals at the zoo and our conservation efforts both locally and globally.

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods.

April 4, and 25 – Meridian Indoor Farmers’ Market: Farmers’ Market Moves Indoors! The Market will move indoors to the JCPenney corridor of the Meridian Mall Starting on Saturday, November 29 and will run through April.

Recurring Wednesdays – The Allen Farmer’s Market: Visit the Allen Farmers Market in Lansing for seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, pasture raised eggs, dry beans, fresh, delectable cheeses, hot and ready-to-eat foods, local meat and fish and fun activities.

Young family posing for a photo in the back of their car.

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

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 EBS Portal, click on the MSU Benefits Plus tile, and either log in or sign up for a free account.

Travel

  • Hertz Car Rentals: Save up to 25% off, plus a free day when reserving five or more days using discount code CDP 2276976 and combinable promotional code 211973.
  • Tickets at Work: Plan your getaway for less with up to 40% off hotel stays at top destinations worldwide.
  • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% off the best available rooms at participating hotels worldwide.
  • Vacasa Vacation Rentals: Employees, students, and their families who are planning a trip to Orlando or Disney World can save up to 15% off.

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.
  • Restaurant.com: Get 40% off orders of $25 or more by using discount code CORESTREAM40. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites, or enjoy quality takeout meals.
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on museums, zoos, aquariums and more worldwide. Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!
  • Tickets at Work: Get exclusive pricing on Las Vegas shows just for being an MSU employee!
  • Universal Orlando Resort: Save on your Universal Orlando trip with Tickets at Work. For a limited time, get adult tickets at child prices on 3+ day tickets.

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

Planning a staycation instead of traveling? Check out these great discounts right on campus!

  • 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: MSU Employees can receive special hotel accommodation rates when making reservations. A valid MSU employee ID may be required at check-in.

March Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Spring is right around the corner, and that means it is time for March events! This month holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out to celebrate the start of the new season. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required. 

Campus Events

Women’s History Month events at MSU coming soon!

Various Dates in March – MSU Women’s Softball Games: Come visit the Secchia Stadium and cheer on the MSU Women’s Softball Team at a home game this March!

Various Dates in March – MSU Men’s Baseball Home Games: Come visit the Jeff Ishbia Field at McLane Stadium and cheer on the MSU Men’s Baseball Team at a home game this March! 

March 10 – Give Green Day: Join Spartans near and far on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when we come together to make a better tomorrow. Give Green Day is a chance to make a difference to impact current and future Spartans.

March 11 and 12 – Uncommon Impact Begins Here Events: Join colleagues across campus March 11–12 — the two days following Give Green Day — for a series of drop-in activations including the Beaumont Tower Climb, an Ice Cream Giveaway, Historic Printing Press Experience, celebrating the faculty and staff who power MSU. 

March 15 – Jazz Orchestra with Harvey Mason: Legendary drummer Harvey Mason returns to MSU for the first time since his 2017 residency. Known for his genre-defining work with Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters and countless jazz, funk, and fusion icons, Mason brings decades of innovation and groove to the stage in this powerful concert with the MSU Jazz Orchestras.

March 15 – Museum Tour: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden: As spring enters the air, take the opportunity to 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.

March 18 – Create and Connect: An Upcycling Workshop: Recharge and reconnect at ‘Create & Connect’, a spring upcycling workshop for MSU employees and graduate students at the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center. Through creative activity and informal connection, this event supports wellbeing, belonging, and cross-campus relationships. 

March 26 – 2026 MSU CĂ©sar Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration: Michigan State University is celebrating its 16th Commemorative Celebration on Thursday, March 26, 2026, honoring the legacies of local and national community leaders and organizers with a special on-campus dinner for MSU students, faculty, staff and local community leaders.

March 26-27 – Fate of the Earth Symposium: Engage with the complexity of sustainability and the messy, collaborative work of turning vision into action. Designed to spark collaboration and build momentum around shared goals, the event aims to strengthen networks and empower participants to take meaningful action toward a sustainable future in uncertain times.

Learning Opportunities 

March 3, 4, 24, and 25 – Spartan Excellence Learning Series: Through a sequence of skill-building modules, participants will learn how to define problems, analyze processes, design improvements, and implement sustainable solutions. By integrating Lean methods within the broader Operational Excellence framework, the series helps create lasting practices that enhance efficiency, transparency, and the overall Spartan Experience. 

March 11 – Engaging and Empowering Teams: Listening, Learning, Leading. Understand employee success by learning evidence-based strategies to engage and empower employees, understanding employees’ perspectives about what matters most to them at work, reflecting on and assessing your own supervisory practices to identify opportunities for growth.

March 12 – Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Tap into your unique talents and complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Learn more about your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and how they apply to your role in the workplace.

March 13 – Midday Moves: Get into the March Madness action with some midday movement. Between school spirit and good luck, we’ll have to find out where the next round takes us. This session will ensure everyone leaves a winner. Two ways to join: in-person at the MSU Library, or via Zoom link provided.

March 18 – Mental Health First Aid: Higher Education: Developed by people with lived experiences of mental health challenges and professionals, this course teaches early intervention techniques and improves mental health literacy to help you understand, identify, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

March 25 – Writing Policies and Procedures: It can be challenging to write policies and procedures in clear terms that can be understood by all. This virtual course will share proven strategies to successfully take on this task and provide methods for creating easy-to-understand resources. 

March 30 – Cultural Competency II: Building Respect in the Workplace: This in-person class allows you to engage in deep dialogue around power and privilege, positionality, intersectionality, and how these dynamics impact relationships in the workplace. Participants will learn ways to improve communication and treatment of team members and learn actionable practices and strategies.

Family-Friendly Events

March 1 – LEGOpalooza: Visit the Impression 5 Science Center for LEGO®Palooza 2026, an annual fundraising extravaganza packed with LEGO®-themed activities for all your friends and family!

March 7 – Family Day: SPEAK: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. Join us as we make art that shares ideas in surprisingly creative ways, presented in celebration of Youth Art Month.

March 8, 15, 22, and 29 – Abrams Planetarium Family Show: Dinosaurs: Bring your family and friends to the Abrams Planetarium to learn about Celeste: a child fascinated by dinosaurs. Watch her exciting adventure to learn about the start of earth and travel back in time to learn all about dinosaurs and their extinction. 

March 14 – Pi Day 5k: Join us for a Pi Day 5k at Hawk Island Park.

Greater Lansing Area Events

March 1 – Lighthouse Lookout Paint and Sip: Grab your friends or a date and join us as we paint and sip during brunch at Lansing Brewing Company! Local artists inspire and instruct Wine and Canvas classes with step-by-step instructions to create your finished masterpiece on a 16×20 canvas. Everyone leaves with a personal masterpiece.

Recurring Weekly on Wednesdays – Live Trivia Night at HopCat: Join us at HopCat East Lansing every Wednesday for Sporcle Live Trivia! Two rounds, two chances to score prizes. 

March 6 – An Evening With The Erly: Formed in 2018, The Erly features an ensemble of musicians that all contribute to lead vocals and solos. Trading in platform shoes for cowboy boots, OH10 reveals The Erly’s roots with a stripped back, rambunctious arrangement, and portrays a story about how they were once stranded in Ohio. Visit Horrock’s Tavern to hear them live for yourselves! 

March 19 – March Madness Trivia: Visit High Caliber Karting & Entertainment for March Madness Trivia Night, where college basketball history, legendary teams, and unforgettable tournament moments take center stage.

Farmers Markets

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. 

March 7 and 21 – Meridian Indoor Farmers’ Market: Farmers’ Market Moves Indoors! The Market will move indoors to the JCPenney corridor of the Meridian Mall Starting on Saturday, November 29 and will run through April. 

Recurring Wednesdays – The Allen Farmer’s Market: Visit the Allen Farmers Market in Lansing for seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, pasture raised eggs, dry beans, fresh, delectable cheeses, hot and ready-to-eat foods, local meat and fish and fun activities. 

Celebrate Kindness in the Workplace

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Acts of kindness always make an impact, no matter how small! Random Acts of Kindness day is recognized each year in February. This day reminds us of the power of compassion to bring people together, strengthen communities, and make the world a more positive and bright place. By making kindness a priority in the workplace and throughout the Spartan community, we can embrace the spirit of the day and continue spreading kindness every other day, too!

From holding the door open to recognizing a coworker’s hard work, there are countless ways to spread positivity through everyday actions. Below are a few ideas to add some kindness at work and encourage meaningful connections with one another.

  • Show Recognition: To recognize a coworker for their hard work, assistance, or value, give them a shout-out during a team meeting, or send them and/or their supervisor an email to share your experience. You could also nominate a colleague for a Spartan shout-out in the InsideMSU newsletter by filling out this form.
  • Check-in with your Co-workers: Between the increasing demands of work and home life, people are feeling more stressed than ever. Luckily, studies show there is a powerful antidote to stress: kindness. According to Forbes, “Kindness works because it helps people feel more connected with others, and it distracts them from their own problems. Happiness is significantly correlated with belonging and community—so it makes sense kindness would be a source of joy” (Forbes, 2023). Check-in with your co-workers to see how they’re doing and really listen to determine what small acts of kindness you can do to help brighten their day. Just the act of actively listening with your full attention can do wonders to show others you care and are there to help.
  • Support a New Employee: Starting a new position can be intimidating. Reach out to a new employee and offer your assistance as they navigate their new role. Your support will help them feel welcomed and more connected to the team.
  • Celebrate Success: Whether your team has just completed a challenging project or it’s a co-worker’s work anniversary, don’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the contribution and value of each team member.
  • Volunteer: Volunteer work is one of the best ways to promote kindness and positivity in the community. Join Spartans near and far on Give Green Day on March 10 to help current and future students. Find more volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Gardens, Office of Sustainability, MSU Center for Survivors, Spartans Serve, and more. Volunteering helps foster community, build social bonds, and address social challenges.
  • Create an Inclusive Environment: Build your cultural awareness and understanding to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all employees. Learn cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills through HR’s OPD courses, elevateU online learning opportunities, and University Health and Wellbeing events and training.

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

Heart Health Made Easier: Everyday Actions and MSU Benefits to Keep You Healthy

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 34 seconds (CDC, 2026).

Cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2023, about 1 out of every 6 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults younger than 65 years old” (CDC, 2026).

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

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed.
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. 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 Teledoc 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. University Health and Wellbeing supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
    • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
    • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work!
    • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
    • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating certain foods may decrease your chances of developing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Avoiding these conditions may decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
    • Eat a Variety of Plants: Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables (American Heart Association, 2025). The AHA also recommends whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, fish, lean meat, dairy foods, plant-based milk alternatives, healthy fats, and salt-free seasonings.
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking.

Sources:

American Heart Association (2023, Nov 9). Mental Health and Heart Health. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-heart-health

American Heart Association (2025, September 5). Your guide to Healthy Eating Habits that Stick. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/your-guide-to-healthy-eating-habits-that-stick

American Heart Association (2024, January 19). American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 2, 2026, 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 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf

CDC. “About Sodium and Health.” (2025, Feb. 3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

CDC. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

February Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

It’s almost February, which means it is time to share February events! This month holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required. 

Campus Events

Black History Month Events at MSU: Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month each year in February and, this year, recognizes its 50th anniversary as a federal designation. This month is dedicated to highlighting the U.S. history of Black and African American people and their contributions to society. Across campus this month, colleges, units and student organizations will commemorate Black and African American history, culture and community.

February 7, 17, and 22 – MSU Men’s Home Basketball Games: Come visit the Breslin Center and cheer on the Michigan State Spartans Men’s Basketball Team at a home game this February! 

February 15 and 21 – MSU Women’s Gymnastics Home Meets: Jenison Field in MSU’s campus is home of the MSU Women’s Gymnastics Team! Come watch a home meet this February to support the team.

February 19, 20, 27, and 28 – MSU Men’s Hockey Home Games: Visit the Munn Ice Arena to support the MSU Men’s Hockey Team this season!

February 20 – Broad Underground: Latinx Experimental Moving Image: This Broad Underground screening is part of the MSU Latinx Film Festival (LxFF), a biennial, curated film festival that serves the Great Lake State of Michigan with a special focus on the Latino/a/x communities of Michigan State University, the greater Lansing area, and the mid-Michigan region.

February 14-22 – Echoes From The Banks of the Red Cedar: Discover the hidden potential beneath the surface through an innovative collaboration involving Alexandria Davis, Kevin Jones, MSU Dance Minors, College of Music students, and MFA candidate Niloufar Fallahfar. With elements of dance, dialogue, music, and sculpture, it celebrates our collective ability to grow and transform, even after long periods of dormancy. 

February 22 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: Now in its fifth year, this annual event celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special guest performance by renowned Chinese musician Dr. Haiqiong Deng. Through a program titled Nature, Music, and Convergence, Deng presents a musical journey highlighting the expressive traditions of the zheng and qin, offering a rich reflection on cultural identity, memory, and innovation.

Learning Opportunities 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development Courses:

February 10, 11 and 12 – Getting 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. By learning how to capture, clarify, and organize incoming requests, participants are more likely to make strategic decisions about where to invest their time and energy in ways that improve results and decrease missed deadlines, mistakes, and stress.

February 19 – 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!

February 19 – 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.

February 26 – The Spartan Experience: This training is grounded in real MSU examples, team activities, and self-reflection. Whether you work in student services, facilities, finance, or academic support, you’ll walk away with tangible strategies to elevate your service mindset and make a positive impact, one interaction at a time.

MSU University Health and Wellbeing Options:

February 2, 9 and 16  – Informal Mindfulness:  Spartan Resilience Education invites you to learn informal mindfulness skills to help you find a sense of balance in your life.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.

February 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Developing Emotional Resilience: This course gives you the opportunity to explore the difference between emotional literacy, emotional intelligence and emotional resilience, identify the difference between clean pain and dirty pain, explore the connection between emotional resilience and value guided living, and more. 

February 11 – WorkLife Wellbeing: Navigating Change in the Workplace: This session explores practical strategies for navigating change, both personally and within your team. Participants will learn how to build resilience, support others, and lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

February 16 – Relaxing Under the Stars: Visit Abrams Planetarium for a peaceful experience of a guided constellation tour using the Digistar projection system, followed by calming music under a starry sky—perfect for stress relief and mindful relaxation.

Every Monday through April 27 – Desk Decompress: Gentle movements can help counter the effects of sitting at a desk and leave you feeling more relaxed. Take a few minutes to decompress while stretching and strengthening from head to toe. Most movements can be done sitting or standing. Balance exercises may be included.

MSU Retirement Plan Administrator Resources:

Fidelity Black History Month Toolkit: For Black History Month, Fidelity put together some tips, tools, and resources to help you save more, plan better, and create a financial legacy.

February 12 – TIAA: Yours, mine, ours: Finances for blended families: Figuring out how to handle the finances when bringing different families together is not always easy. In this webinar you’ll get insights on budgeting and cash flow management, Estate planning and legal considerations, retirement planning and long-term goals, and managing differing financial priorities. 

February 24 – TIAA: Managing your finances during and after a divorce: Divorce can bring significant financial changes. From splitting assets to updating beneficiaries and creating a new financial plan, this webinar provides tools to help you take control with clarity and confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

February 7 – Family Day: SEE: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum, and explore creative possibilities of light and darkness in connection with Jan Tichy: Darkness. 

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday – Toddler 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.

February 20 – Night Out in Nature for Kids:  At Harris Nature, the kids will explore the trails with flashlights, enjoy nature activities, and meet live animals. Pizza dinner is included.

February 28 – LEGOpalooza: Visit the Impression 5 Science Center for LEGO®Palooza 2026, an annual fundraising extravaganza packed with LEGO®-themed activities for all your friends and family!

Greater Lansing Area Events

February 4 – FIERCE Women in Sports: FIERCE Women in Sports, created on the principle that Females Ignite Empower Respect Collaborate and Engage with one another to expand our networks and strengthen relationships, is honoring National Girls & Women in Sports Day by inviting women from across the Greater Lansing region to come together and celebrate the power of sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, mentor, supporter, or leader — this event is for all!

February 7 – Old Town Lansing Chocolate Walk: At the Old Town Chocolate Walk, you will travel the neighborhood and collect chocolates at each location to support the Old Town Commercial Association and contribute to keeping Lansing’s Old Town revitalized. With your ticket you receive a custom box, punch card, map, and chocolates at every stop!    

February 8 – Super Bowl Lansing 5k: Start this year’s Super Bowl Sunday with a fun and fast 5K run/walk through beautiful Downtown Lansing, right in front of the State Capitol! Get in a healthy, fun race—then head off to enjoy your Super Bowl party feeling great!  

February 15 – Chinese New Year Celebration: The Greater Lansing Chinese Association and Meridian Township will co-host the annual Chinese New Year Celebration at the Meridian Mall, providing an afternoon of cultural activities and fun for the community. 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse!

Farmers Markets

1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays (January-April) – Meridian Farmers’ Indoor Market: The Market will move indoors to the JCPenney corridor of the Meridian Mall Starting on Saturday, November 29 and will run through April.

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods.

Job of The Week: Research Security Compliance Analyst

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is a Research Security Compliance Analyst II for MSU’s Office of Research Regulatory Support (job posting 1105356). If you are interested in supporting the Research Security Program with data analytics and partner with units across campus to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements related to international engagement, this may be the role for you. 

The Office of Research Regulatory Support (ORRS) provides leadership and support for research regulatory compliance across Michigan State University. ORRS facilitates research by assisting faculty, students, and staff with regulatory requirements and ensuring research activities are conducted in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Through its regulatory programs and support units, ORRS promotes the responsible conduct of research, assures compliance with applicable regulations and university policies, protects research subjects and public health, and upholds the objectivity and integrity of research.

In this position, you will coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs on congruency checks between federal awards, biosketches, current and pending support disclosures, and commitment disclosures. You will work with the Office of Export Control and Trade Sanctions and Research Security Program to run restricted party screening and review analytics for visas, visitors, and other international engagement. Additionally, you will conduct security risk assessments for international engagements, outside activities, visiting scholars, and more. This position requires ample interaction with many units across MSU’s campus to align business processes and mitigate compliance risks. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.   

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a college degree in data analytics, legal studies, business administration, and three to five years of experience working in a university setting, with data analytics, and sponsored research. You should also have experience reading and interpreting complex regulatory requirements and running data analytics. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting. 

Learn more on the MSU ORRS website  and MSU Office of Research and Innovation website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by February 3.

A women using her tablet.

Your Benefits: New Plan Year Checklist

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For benefits-eligible employees, the start of a new plan year is a great time to review all the MSU benefit options available to make sure you’re fully utilizing them throughout the year. The following list of tips and resources to consider will help you get the most out of your employee benefits:  

  1. Learn About Your New Caregiving Benefit: We recently implemented Cariloop, a new benefit that can assist with caregiving in all its many forms, whether that’s caring for children, a spouse, aging parents, and more. This benefit includes professional coaching (30 days of annual continuous support with the option to extend), caregiving tools, a trusted network of providers, and access to UrbanSitter.
  2. Schedule Wellness Check-ups: If you’re enrolled in an MSU health, dental, and/or vision plan, you’ve just entered a new plan year. Even though an annual check-up is usually recommended by doctors, many people miss out each year because they forget to schedule an appointment. Set your family up for success by scheduling an annual or wellness check-up now.  
  3. Prepare for Illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via the web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. A doctor can even write you a prescription if necessary. Enroll in Teladoc now so you’re prepared when illness strikes.  Available to employees and their dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan.  
  4. Review Your Retirement Contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year, and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements have started, and the new Roth option is now available. Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2026 IRS retirement contribution limits and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements and adjusting contributions if needed.  
  5. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: If you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2025 and/or 2026 plan year, please note important deadlines and resources for utilizing your FSA funds.  
  6. Use Educational Assistance Funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use towards professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities, we recommend checking out courses offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.  
  7. Note Mental Health Resources: The MSU community offers a variety of mental health resources to employees and their dependents, along with the recently introduced free access to the Calm Health app.
  8. Schedule Vacation/Personal Paid Time Off (PTO): Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain mental health. Make sure you’re using all your PTO by planning for the future and scheduling your time off in advance.  
  9. Utilize Employee Discounts: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys.
  10. Review Voluntary Benefit Options: You may enroll in, change, or cancel auto, home, and pet insurance benefits at any time through the MSU Benefits Plus website.  Accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance only allow benefit changes during Open Enrollment in October.  
  11. Register for a Free Diabetes Management Program: If you or a dependent are living with diabetes, Livongo by Teladoc Health can help by providing free necessary medical supplies and optional coaching.  Employees or dependents enrolled in Medicare are not eligible (a similar program is available through Medicare).  
  12. Get a Second Medical Opinion: If you are facing a serious medical diagnosis, Teladoc Medical Experts can review your case and offer a second medical opinion from leading health care specialists. Coaching and online educational tools are also available.  Employees with mandated insurance under the Affordable Care Act are not eligible.  

We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan how you and your family will use your employee benefits this year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website.

January Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

The new year is here! 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 virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Campus Events

January 4, 15 and 22 – MSU Women’s Home Basketball Games: Come visit the Breslin Center and cheer on the Michigan State Spartans Women’s Basketball at a home game this January! 

January 4, 11, 18 and 25 – The Great Solar System Adventure:  Join showman extraordinaire “The Great Schiaparelli” as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium. prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is.

January 15 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Unity Dinner: Please join us for a wonderful buffet dinner and program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy! 

January 18 – Spirituals, Prayer, and Protest Concert: In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, this powerful annual concert blends music and message through the lens of jazz. Featuring the MSU Jazz Orchestras and jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford, joined by MSU jazz voice students, the performance offers a stirring tribute through spirituals, reflective works, and bold expressions of hope and justice.

January 20 – Finding Your Voice with Your Vote (Panel Discussion): Get inspired to honor a legacy with the power of the vote.Join the conversation as a panel of experts explore featured clips from the PBS program John Lewis: Get in the Way, and discuss the history behind voting rights, breakdown how your vote is counted, and share how you can harness this essential tool of democracy to honor the legacy of advocates that came before us.

January 24 – Virtual Workshop: Cultural Mapping with Sao Sreymao: How many ways can we map a place? In this online workshop, artist Sao Sreymao will teach us about cultural mapping, a method that uses alternative practices such as art and local stories to understand how communities perceive places. 

January 30 – Winter Opening Party at the MSU Broad Art Museum: Kick off 2026 with us at MSU Broad Art Museum’s Winter Opening Party! Check out the newest exhibitions while enjoying music, art-making activities, and more. All ages are welcome to this museum-wide party! 

January 21 – Why We March: From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter: Join MSU Libraries for a pop-up exhibition to highlight historical marches and commemorate the anniversary of the March on Washington. The exhibition showcases a collection of 40 protest posters compiled at the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963.

Through February 28 – MLK Commemorative Celebration Stuff the Library Event: The MSU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration Planning Committee is hosting another Stuff the Library event as a component of this year’s celebration to benefit East Lansing Public Schools. The event aims to fill school libraries with books on social justice topics and characters representing diverse backgrounds.

Learning Opportunities

January 14 – Women Talk Money: Your money routine, your rules: Turn your monthly financial to-do list into a routine you’ll actually enjoy—and even want to keep. Discover simple steps and mindset shifts that can help you stay consistent, save more, and stress less.

January 21 – Ask Fidelity Anything: Trading individual bonds & CDs: Don’t miss this live “Ask Fidelity Anything” (AFA) on trading individual bonds & CDs in both the new issue & secondary markets.

January 22 – Bystander Intervention Training: This one-hour interactive course is designed to provide participants with strategies designed to prevent and interrupt problematic behavior associated with gender-based discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Session attendees should leave the program with a better understanding of and increased confidence in Bystander Intervention skills, including knowledge of various MSU-specific support resources.

January 27, 28 and 29 – Crucial Influence:  Leaders must be able to influence behavior to achieve team goals and organizational objectives, and the Crucial Influence Model reveals why people do what they do and how leaders at every level can influence behavior for lasting results. If you are a mid to high-level leader who is responsible for directing change and improving efforts, this is a great course for you! 

January 27 and 28 – Spartan Excellence Learning Series: This two day series equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to improve processes, strengthen accountability, and build a culture of continuous improvement. Grounded in the principles of Operational Excellence, the program emphasizes aligning improvements with MSU’s mission, values, and the 2030 Strategic Plan.  

Family Friendly Events

January 3 – Sensory Friendly Showtime: Developed in partnership with Family Hope Foundation, Sensory Showtimes make movies extra welcoming to guests with special needs, including autism. January’s movie is David! 

January 3, 17 and 31 – Meridian Farmers’ Indoor Market: Farmers’ Market Moves Indoors! The Market will move indoors to the JCPenney corridor of the Meridian Mall Starting on Saturday, November 29 and will run through April.

January 9 – Sensory Friendly Night: Harris Nature Center invites families with members who have sensory processing needs to a special after hours evening. Their friendly and welcoming staff will have the building open and exhibits will be altered to reduce sounds and lighting. HNC will also provide a quiet room and sensory kits will be on hand.This event is open to all ages and abilities!

January 11 – Storytime at the Michigan History Museum: Join Ms. Cassie from Capital Area District Libraries for a Pop-Up Storytime at the Michigan History Museum!

Greater Lansing Area Events

January 8 – Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience: Visit Grewal Hall  to see Zosom which has become one of the most iconic and respected Led Zeppelin tribute experiences in the world.

January 22 – Lansing Symphony Orchestra: Visit the Robin Theatre in Lansing for the unique, intimate concerts of contemporary chamber music from the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. 

January 23 — 26 – Michigan’s 189th Birthday Bash: Visit Mason to celebrate Michigan’s 189th Birthday! All things Michigan and shop over 100 Michigan small businesses. More details to follow soon. Be sure to follow along our event calendars.

Screenshots of calm health app on mobile devices

Introducing Calm Health: A New Mindfulness Resource for MSU Employees 

Published on by Abigail Miller1 Comment

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!