Category: Fun & Resources

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

Father and son standing on a beach looking out at a body of water

Deals and Discounts for Father’s Day

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking for a way 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 father figure in your life, make sure to take advantage of these Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus. 

To access all these discounts and more, click the MSU Benefits Plus tile in EBS and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.

Sports and Entertainment

  • Forest Akers Golf Course – MSU employees with a valid MSU ID card 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!
  • Tickets at Work – Save up to 45% on movie tickets nationwide. MSU faculty and staff can also receive exclusive discounts on theme parks, attractions, events, hotels, concerts, movies, and much more.

Technology

  • HP – Save up to 50% on HP computers and accessories with the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP). You can also take advantage of instant rebates, coupons, and HP Home & Home Office sales promotions that combine with your EPP discount.
  • LG – Get 10% off all LG appliances and electronics and an extra 15% off premium LG STUDIO and LG SIGNATURE on top of already discounted LG.com pricing.
  • Tech Perks – Tech Perks is a perk platform that offers you deeply discounted tech gear. Save up to 75% on Bluetooth speakers, headphones, cases, charging solutions, home security, and so much more.

Shopping and Food

  • Good Chop – Join to get $110 off high-quality American meat and seafood. Use code 65-F8C5F at checkout.
  • Omaha Steaks – Save 50% off sitewide plus an additional 10% off all orders. A leader in gourmet food delivery, Omaha Steaks is America’s Original Butcher®. In addition to naturally aged, grass-fed, grain-finished beef, Omaha Steaks offers a large selection of premium seafood, pork, poultry, meals, appetizers, and desserts.
  • Restaurant.com – Get 40% off orders of $25 or more using code CORESTREAM40. With this offer from Restaurant.com, you can explore new restaurants, save at old favorites, or enjoy quality takeout meals.

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.

June Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Summer is right around the corner, which means it is time for June 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.

Pride Month Events:

June 5 and 6 – Kalamazoo Pride 2026: All proceeds from Kalamazoo Pride support OutFront Kalamazoo’s work providing vital programs, services, and resources to the LGBTQIA+ community all year long.

June 6 and 7 – Motor City Pride 2026: Motor City Pride is more than just a festival — it’s a vibrant celebration of music, talent and diversity. With four dynamic stages showcasing both local talent and world-renowned LGBTQIA+ artists, the entertainment lineup is as diverse as the community we represent.

June 13 – East Lansing Pride: Come celebrate PRIDE in the heart of downtown East Lansing! The fifth annual East Lansing PRIDE will take place along Albert Avenue between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue.

June 20 and 21 – Grand Rapids Pride Festival: Celebrate the West Michigan 2-SLGBTQ+ community and support local businesses, organizations, and artists. You’ll find 150+ vendors, a beer garden (including non-alcoholic beverages), activities for all ages, food trucks, a sensory space, and local, statewide, and nationally recognized performers!

June 27 – Lansing Pride 2026: Lansing Pride is Mid-Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, celebrating visibility, inclusion, and community. The annual event brings together tens-of-thousands of attendees for a free full day of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local vendors, food and beverage options, and a vibrant showcase of community partners.

Campus Events

June 5 – Copper Beech Tree 80th Birthday Party: The beloved Copper Beech Tree at the heart of the Department of Radiology’s Healing Gardens is turning 80 years old this year! Visit to celebrate this magnificent octogenarian tree while the gardens are in full bloom. There will be live music in the rose garden, family-friendly games and activities, and of course birthday cake! Plus, a special message from Radiology Department Chair, Dr. Mark DeLano.

June 10 – Move in the Garden: Need a midday recharge? This free outdoor movement program combines stretching, strengthening, flow, and relaxation movements to support overall mobility. Sessions meet most Wednesdays from June 10 to September 30, 2026 in the Beal Botanical Garden.

June 13 – Conjuring Kinship: Deciphering Octavia: Join Beal Botanical Garden and Dr. Kinitra Brooks in a community event diving deep into the concepts of hope, Afrofuturism, and conjure through Octavia Butler’s Kindred.

June 15 to 19 – MSU Juneteenth Celebration: This year marks the 6th annual Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration at Michigan State University! This year’s theme, Beyond Freedom: Building Futures, Protecting Our Past and Activating Change, aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of past and contemporary artists, scientists and advocates who work tirelessly to center Black excellence in the American fabric. The Juneteenth events at MSU will include components focused on voting, entrepreneurship and storytelling. Events will run from June 15 through June 19.

June 28 – Music and the Garden Go Music Trio: The MSU College of Music and Beal Botanical Garden invite you to this year’s Music and the Garden series, an outdoor celebration of music, nature, and community.

Weekends in June – Abrams Planetarium: Chasing the Ghost Particles: At the heart of Antarctica, the IceCube detector uses elusive particles called neutrinos to explore the universe’s most extreme phenomena, including exploding stars and black holes. Through stunning simulations and a journey deep beneath the Antarctic ice, this show at the Abrams Planetarium demonstrates how scientists use these “ghost particles” to uncover secrets of the cosmos from one of the most remote places on Earth.

Learning Opportunities

June 10 – Women Talk Money: Deep dive on HSAs—help make them work for you: This webinar through Fidelity breaks down the ins and outs of how HSAs can be great for health care costs today and help strengthen your long-term financial picture, and show you how to help maximize your account at every stage of life.

June 10 – TIAA: Set Your Retirement Date: Understand your factors to get you to your goal: If you are starting to think seriously about retirement, this course is perfect for insights on how you can create your retirement vision, understand what’s ahead, estimate expenses and income, and complete your plan.

June 10 and 11 – Student Supervision Series: Hiring student employees benefits both the student and the department. This series walks you through student employment policies, required procedures, and online hiring processes while helping you set clear performance expectations and connect students’ academic interests to their work. You’ll also explore effective strategies for leading and motivating student employees.

June 16 and 17 – Crucial Conversations for Accountability: This two-day course helps participants build accountability skills that strengthen trust, improve performance, and increase team effectiveness.

June 18 – 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.

June 24 – Creating and Sustaining a Positive Workplace: This course provides humorous insight into the seven habits of negativity, including tips to stop gossip, techniques for getting along with others, and strategies to reap the many benefits of a positive and engaged workforce.

June 25 – TIAA: Identity Theft: Safeguarding Your Finances: Whether it is a phishing email, fraudulent phone call, or fake social media profile, identity theft is a growing threat. In this webinar hosted by TIAA, you will learn common tactics used by identity thieves, steps to prevent identity theft, and what to do if your personal information is compromised.

June 25 – 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 it applies to your role in the workplace. Use your research to express what you do best and grow your overall confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

June 6 – Family Day: SHINE: First Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! This month, discover how light moves in art. Join in on making art that invites light to filter, bounce, and shine, inspired by the exhibition: Jan Tichy: Darkness.

Recurring Weekends – 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

Various Dates in June – Lansing Lugnuts Home Game: Head to Jackson Field and “Go Nuts” cheering on the Lansing Lugnuts, where every game brings a fun and lively atmosphere. There’s always something exciting happening at the ballpark for fans of all ages.

June 4, 11, 18 and 25 – Summer Concerts on the Square: Summer is almost here, which means Summer Concerts on the Square in Charlotte! New bands will play recurring weekly on Thursdays until the end of August.

Recurring Tuesdays – DeWitt Farmers Market: The 2026 Downtown DeWitt Farmer’s Market is being held every Tuesday until October! Here you will find the freshest produce, locally farmed meats, fresh eggs, delicious baked goods, and locally produced foods.

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.

Saturdays in June – Meridian Farmers’ Market: The summer schedule is here for the Meridian Farmers Market! Stop by every Saturday this month for farm-fresh ingredients, specialty foods, handmade crafts and more.

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.

a group of employees doing yoga in the beal botanical garden on MSU's campups.

Move More, Feel Better: Energize Your Workday 

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

For many of us, our jobs are built around screens, meetings, and long periods of sitting. While our brains may be active, sedentary behavior and inadequate levels of physical activity can negatively impact our health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, “Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and several cancers. It also helps to maintain a healthy body weight and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being” (WHO, 2026). Incorporating movement into your daily routine can help you wake up your muscles, sharpen your focus, and even boost your energy. The following tips and campus resources are available to help. 

  • MSU University Health and Wellbeing’s Move More @ Work campaign encourages “Spartans to engage in physical activity and movement throughout the workday” and they are offering the following activities for employees this summer:  
    • Register for Desk Decompress:  Every Thursday from 2 to 2:15 p.m. this summer through August 13. This virtual 15-minute class will stretch and strengthen your wrists, neck, spine, and shoulders, all from the comfort of your own desk! Movements can be done sitting or standing. 
    • Sign up to Move in The Garden: Most Wednesdays this summer, a certified instructor will lead you through low-impact exercises and movements designed to improve flexibility, mobility, strength, and balance while enjoying the fresh air and sounds of nature during a midday garden-based movement break. Bringing your own mat or towel is advised, as some movements will be on the ground.  
  • Try out a group fitness class! MSU faculty and staff can purchase a membership to access the many services provided at MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness, including swimming, group fitness classes, and much more. New this year, check out MSU’s new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the largest of the four Recreational Centers on campus!  
  • 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   
  • Take a walk around campus! Check out the Campus Meditation Map to learn more about over 25 different landmarks across MSU’s campus. You can also follow the MSU Self-Guided Walking Tour to explore areas of campus you have yet to see while on a break. 

Sources:  

“Physical Activity.” World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity Accessed 12 May 2026. 

Opening image provided by MSU University Communications Photography and Videography.

Gloved hand with a cleaning agent spray bottle.

Refresh and Declutter with These Spring-Cleaning Discounts

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Leaves are budding, flowers are blooming, and the mess you’ve been putting off cleaning all winter needs to go! Lucky for you, Spartan employees can receive exclusive discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to help you declutter and freshen up your space.

Cleaning Services

1-800-GOT-JUNK?

Clear out clutter and save $40 with code CS40.1-800-GOT-JUNK? is America’s most trusted name in junk removal. From a couple of items to a full home clear out, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? teams are standing by to make your junk disappear. 

Angi

Enjoy exclusive access to Angi’s pre-priced home services. Use the promo code CORESTREAM to get 12% off your first booking for all pre-priced services, including home, yard, and gutter cleaning, handyperson services, appliance repair, and more.

Handy 

Get your first 3-hour home cleaning for $39 by signing up and using code CSPOT39. Handy is the leading platform for connecting individuals looking for household services with top-quality, pre-screened independent service professionals.

Homeaglow

Get $2 off a $19 cleaning. Homeaglow simplifies finding and hiring a cleaner, with convenient online booking and the ability to choose from vetted professionals based on hourly rates, reviews, and availability—all in just a few clicks!

LeafFilter Gutter Protection

Get 75% off installation costs plus an additional $250 off. Seniors and active/former military get an additional 10% off. LeafFilter’s award-winning and patented gutter guard technology is scientifically designed to prevent debris from clogging your gutters and is backed by a lifetime warranty. With hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers, LeafFilter is the largest gutter protection company in the nation.

Rinse

Enjoy an exclusive $50 discount and say goodbye to laundry day. Rinse offers a simple, high-quality solution for your laundry needs. Enjoy the convenience of pick-up, cleaning, and delivery services. Rinse’s professional staff ensures a top-notch experience while saving water and energy.

Home Products

Bissell

Save 20% off site-wide and get free shipping on orders over $75 by using the code BISCORE20 at checkout. With a focus on engineering smart, user-friendly vacuums, carpet cleaners, and floor-care products, Bissell emphasizes both performance and practical design so you can spend less time cleaning and more time living!

Dropps

Get 26% off Dropps plus 25% off when you subscribe by using the code CORESTREAM. Dropps is reinventing the way people clean—without the toxins or compromises. Their laundry and dishwasher detergent pods are USDA Certified Biobased, EWG Verified, Vegan, and powered by cutting-edge clean chemistry that delivers.

Ruggable

Enjoy 16% off your purchase by using the code CORE16 at checkout. Ruggable is the original machine-washable rug brand, featuring a patented two-piece system with a non-slip pad and removable, washable cover. Designed for modern living, Ruggable offers stylish, durable rugs made for kids, pets, and everyday messes.

Yarbo

Get $325 off all Yarbo Core kits and compatible modules by using the code CSTREAM325 at checkout. Yarbo is the world’s first modular yard robot system that automates lawn mowing, leaf blowing, snow clearing and more with interchangeable smart modules and year‑round autonomous performance. Mow, clear snow and breeze through yard chores smarter.

Check out MSU Benefits Plus for even more exclusive MSU employee discounts on gifts, travel, entertainment, and everything in between. For questions, please contact the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.

Celebrate Earth Day at MSU!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Earth Day falls on April 22, and is a great reminder to give a little extra care to the planet. While many of us already incorporate sustainable habits into our daily routines, this day is the perfect opportunity to take it a step further. Whether you’re at home or heading into the office, explore these simple tips and resources to live a little greener:

Use the MSU Recycling Center: The MSU Recycling Center always leads the charge for reusable materials at MSU. The center is open seven days a week for drop-off of materials. These materials include books, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics, and more. Read the Public Drop-off Recycling Center Guide to find their hours and what and how to drop things off. 

Join the Waste Warriors: The Surplus Store & Recycling Center’s Waste Warriors program cultivates waste reduction and the utilization of waste as a resource by training and empowering the MSU community to promote these practices among their peers. By becoming a Waste Warrior, you join a group of like-minded staff and faculty from across campus who each pledge to be part of the solution that will lead MSU down the path to zero waste. 

Shop at the MSU Surplus Store: The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center rethinks the way the MSU Community disposes of its used materials. Their innovative program allows us to reduce the amount of university material that goes to landfills, keeping MSU green. Shop from a variety of items, including books, electronics, furniture, office equipment, vehicles, and more. Additionally, check out the Community Reuse Program to drop off a wide variety of items for reuse and recycling. 

Join the MSU Arbor Day Annual Tree Planting: On April 24, 2026 at Noon at the northeast patio of Wells Hall by the Red Cedar River, hosted by Infrastructure Planning & Facilities and Landscape Services to support MSU’s sustainability efforts. The first 100 attendees will receive free trees from the campus nursery, and parking is available at Bessey Ramp #2 with access via the footbridges to Wells Hall.

Deep Rooted Tour Series: 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.

Beal Botanical Garden: Earth Day Volunteer Day:  On April 22, get down in the dirt and volunteer with your favorite botanical garden team this Earth Day from 10:00 a.m. to- 2:00 p.m. Beal Botanical Gardens will be hosting an all-hands volunteering extravaganza covering the entire garden, accompanied by music and refreshments! 

Red Cedar Cleanup: On May 1, join fellow Spartans in protecting the iconic Red Cedar River at Michigan State University! Volunteers will help remove litter and debris along the riverbank, supporting local wildlife, improving the campus environment, and making a visible impact on the community.

Use MSU Bikes on Campus: 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 through their Department Fleet Services.

Use Sustainable Transportation Methods on Campus: The MSU Office of Sustainability shares many convenient and sustainable transportation options for all, including MSU Bikes or CATA buses to limit emissions from your vehicle. No destination in mind? Explore these campus walking maps to find your new favorite trail!

While Earth Day is just one day out of the year, it can serve as a reminder to jumpstart your sustainability efforts and connection with our planet. Go Green!

Mother’s Day Deals and Discounts

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day (May 10), show the special person in your life that you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift or experience – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom, mother-in-law, or anyone in your life who fills such a role.

MSU benefits-eligible employees can access many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus. To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.

Gifts and Flowers

  • From You Flowers: Enjoy 25% off a wide selection of bouquets, plants, gourmet gifts and more.
  • 1-800-Flowers: Enjoy up to 30% off their seasonal collections and 20% sitewide with code CSTREAM.
  • Chatbooks: Turn digital photos into high-quality photo books and keepsakes. Take 25% off everything on the site with code CORE25.
  • Wonderbly Personalized Books and Gifts: Create a personalized book for Mother’s Day or a variety of other occasions or people. Use code CORE25 at checkout for 25% off two or more books.

Food and Drinks

  • Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn: Customize your popcorn and get $15 toward your choice of gourmet flavor, box/tin, and a personalized note—delivered straight to your door!
  • Gearharts Fine Chocolate: Enjoy 15% off your order with code CORESTREAM15
  • Shari’s Berries: Save 15% on chocolate-covered strawberries and treats with code CSTREAM
  • OLIPOP: Stock up on prebiotic soda in classic flavors and save 20% with code CORESTREAM20

Experiences

  • W. K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary: Celebrate the nurturing power of nature on Mother’s Day with a rejuvenating walk at the Sanctuary! Moms are invited to enjoy free admission.
  • Wharton Center: MSU employees enjoy 10-15% discounts on select performances and discounts are offered to subscribers.
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on Unbeatable Deals worldwide with access to top attractions, museums, zoos, and aquariums.
  • Royal Caribbean Cruises: Enjoy up to 60% second guest fare and more.

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. For questions, please get in touch with the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575. 

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 – Pride Month Events at MSU: Pride Month is dedicated to celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and/or queer, intersex, asexual and two-spirit, or LGBTQIA2S+, communities and histories. It is nationally recognized each year in June, a time when most Spartans have returned home for the summer. Michigan State University celebrates Pride Month in April, allowing Spartans to connect and celebrate pride with one another while they are still on campus.

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 César 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.