Category: Fun & Resources

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

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

MSU Black History Month Event updates to come soon! 

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.

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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!  

Two women smiling and laughing together.

Feeling Stressed? Consider Your Sphere of Influence.

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Ready or not, December is almost here! When you think about the remainder of the year, how do you feel? If thoughts of work deadlines, family get-togethers, or planning for the holidays and new year ahead have you feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are practices and resources we can utilize to help us center ourselves and approach this time of year with a healthier mindset. 

Consider Your Sphere of Influence 

We all know that allowing worry to grow uninhibited can lead to negative consequences, be it with our health, work performance, or relationships. So, why do we allow our minds to spend so much time in a state of worry?  In a previous blog post, Jennie Schaeffer, Director of MSU Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, discussed how worry can seem very active — spending time in that mindset can feel like you are working on something productive — but in reality, you are burning through energy that could be better spent. 

When you notice yourself worrying about what might happen, stop and ask yourself, “What can I do about it now?” One way to visualize this is the Sphere of Influence. 

Three circles on top of each other. The inner circle is labeled "control," the middle circle is labeled "possible influence, but no control," and the outer circle is labeled "no control."

Within the Sphere, there are three areas: 

  • No Control: If there is absolutely nothing you can do to change or influence a situation, you can only assess whether you can learn from it, then let it go and refocus on something else. This would apply to things like the weather, supply chain issues this season, or flight cancellations. To reduce feelings of worry and improve your well-being, spend minimal time and energy regarding any matters that fall within this area of the sphere. 
  • Possible Influence but No Control: If there is a step you can take that may influence an outcome, person, or situation, determine what action you can take to maximize that influence, follow through, and then let it go. Resist the temptation to convince yourself that worrying about it means it is within your control. 
  • Control: If the issue you are wrestling with is completely within your control, then you have control over your decisions, attitude, and behavior. What action can you take that you’ve been putting off? What self-care practice can you initiate to support your well-being? When you practice shifting your focus and attention to what is within your control rather than allowing what is out of your control to consume your time and thoughts, feelings of helplessness and overwhelm decrease significantly. 

Make Yourself a Priority 

When asked why we don’t make our well-being a higher priority, the most common answer is: not enough time. Although we can’t add more hours to the day (No Control area of the Sphere of Influence), we can take actionable steps to better manage our time and carve out space to improve our overall wellness (Control area of the sphere). 

Here are a few ideas to help you focus your energy on areas you can control when it comes to your well-being this time of year. 

  • Schedule Downtime: Block downtime off on your Outlook calendar like you would for a meeting or other work engagement. 
  • Set Positive Boundaries: Check out the following articles as a starting point: 
  • Be Selective: Most of us have an extraordinary number of demands placed on us, and this time of year often brings even more. Before you commit to anything additional, give yourself a little time to consider: Do I really need to do this right now? 
  • Get Back to the Basics: Consider your current relationship with sleep, physical activity, and eating. What are one or two simple steps you could take to improve your physical health? Even something as small as not having your cell phone next to your bed at night or scheduling short blocks of time on your calendar to stretch at your desk can have a tremendous impact. Ensuring your basic physical needs are met helps ensure a solid foundation for all aspects of your well-being. 

Utilize Your Resources 

One major goal within MSU’s strategic plan is to support the “career development and well-being of staff and faculty at MSU, focusing on creating a best-in-class workplace culture and welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.” From one-on-one counseling to self-paced learning opportunities, many resources are available to you as an MSU employee to improve your well-being and take care of yourself this year and beyond. Recommendations to get you started are listed below, along with contact information for specialists at MSU who can provide extra support. 

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): 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: These webinars transform counseling-based skill-building into accessible media formats. These offerings integrate resilience education into the everyday living, learning, and working spaces of the Spartan community.
  • 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.

elevateU Online Learning Platform: Free, self-paced resources including short videos, online courses, and books around a wide variety of topics. Highlighted topics include: 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) Courses: Instructor-led courses offered by the friendly and knowledgeable OPD team. Course dates and times are updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back soon for updated course dates/times! Highlighted courses include (new dates/times coming soon):

Opening Image Credit: Centre for Aging Better Age-Positive Image Library. 

A doctor taking a patient's blood pressure.

Your Benefits: End-of-Year Checklist 

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The end of the year is fast approaching! While you probably don’t need one more task on your to-do list, make sure you’ve used all your 2025 plan year benefits before the year ends.   

  1. Schedule appointments for any missed annual check-ups: If you’re behind on annual check-ups or screenings—such as a wellness exam, dental cleaning, or vision exam—consider scheduling appointments before the end of the year.  
  1.  Be proactive in case of 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.  
  1. Note flexible spending account (FSA) deadlines for 2025 plan year funds: If you are enrolled in a health care or dependent care FSA for the 2025 plan year, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. Be sure to use 2025 plan year funds by March 15, 2026, and submit your receipts by April 30, 2026. If you miss the grace period deadline, the IRS requires you to forfeit any unused funds, so plan your remaining expenses for the coming months. View FSA information.  
  1. Review your retirement contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year (the 2026 limits will be shared in January). Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2025 IRS retirement contribution limits and adjusting contributions for the remainder of the year, if needed.  
  1. Take advantage of special employee discounts for holiday shopping: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys. 
  1. Schedule any vacation/personal PTO: Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain your health. Make sure you use all your paid time off (PTO) by planning and scheduling your time off in advance with your supervisor’s approval. This year, the full Winter Break (including Christmas and New Year’s holidays) extends from Thursday, December 25, through Friday, January 2. View the Holiday Schedule for more details. 
  1. Use educational assistance funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use toward professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities this year, it’s not too late to sign up for a course offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.    

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

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

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in with your MSU NetID and password.

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

  • Apple: Save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Baloo: Save 20% off eco-conscious products made for rest and renewal. Use code CORESTREAM.
  • Crocs: $20 off orders of $100 or more in shoes and accessories. Use code CROCS20 at checkout.
  • Dell: Exclusive member pricing on all PCs, electronics, and accessories.
  • Garmin: 20% off list price on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: 30% or more off MSRP on select appliances. Use code COREEXT21.
  • Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% year-round. Use code CORESTREAM when booking.
  • Harry and David: 20% off your order. Use code CSTREAM.
  • HP: Up to 40% off computers and accessories.
  • PremiumSeatsUSA.com: Save 10% with promo code CORESTREAM.
  • Restaurants.com: 40% off orders of $25 or more. Use code CORESTREAM40.
  • Rosetta Stone: Get a Lifetime Subscription with Unlimited Languages for $149 (normally $299).
  • Tiqets: Save over 40% on top museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and more.
  • Wharton Center: Save 10-15% on select performances.

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

Winter Events and Holiday Shopping

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

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

Holiday Shopping

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

November 14 – Holiday Shopping Night at Impressions 5: Kick off this holiday season at this annual event and find unique STEM-related gifts, toys, books, and more for your loved ones! Enjoy festive drinks, music, and gift wrapping, as proceeds go 100% to a mission-based non-profit organization, Impressions 5. 

November 29 – South Lansing Holiday Market: Shop local this holiday season at the South Lansing Farmers Market. With over 60 vendors offering handmade gifts, foods, decor and more, visit the former TJ Maxx storefront to see it all. There will be live music, activities for the whole family, raffles and more!

December 6 – DeWitt Holiday Showcase: A fun time to make and take holiday craft projects, stroll through a Festival of Trees, or take pictures with Santa. 

December 6 and 7 – Winter Arts & Crafts Show: The Annual Arts and Crafts Show is a beloved event here at MSU, and also serves as a fundraiser for the University Activities Board (UAB). All vendor booth proceeds go directly to UAB, and this event will be held in the MSU Union. 

Campus Events

Throughout November and December – Spartans Supporting Spartans Campus-wide Food Drive: MSU is coming together to support our community through a campus-wide food drive. In partnership with the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program, units are joining forces to combat food insecurity and uphold our shared commitment to social responsibility. Anybody can donate!

November 1 – Family Day: FLOW:  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 to learn about how ideas move in art. 

November 19 – Native American Heritage Month Events and Educational Programs: Join the MSU Native American Institute for Echoes of the Earth: Native American Drumming Traditions followed by a hand drum building workshop.

November 28 – December 21 – Season of Light Show: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for a viewing of the Season of Light show! Learn about how many customs we observe during the holiday season have an astronomical connection. 

December 6 – Symphony Orchestra and Choirs: Alegría Navideña: Celebrate the season with one of MSU’s most treasured musical traditions. Lee R. Kesselman’s Festival of Lights offers a vibrant setting of English and Hebrew texts, and the evening concludes with a joyful audience sing-along. Conducted by Sandra Snow and Octavio Más-Arocas. 

December 17 and 18 – World Ballet Company: Nutcracker: Visit the Wharton Center and celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a heartwarming ballet that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. 

December 13 – Cocoa and Collection at the Broad Art Museum: Bring the whole family to the Broad Art Museum to enjoy hot chocolate and create wintry works of art inspired by collections! 

Learning Opportunities

November 13 – 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.

November 20 – Cultural Competency II: Participants will 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.

December 2 – Business Writing for Results: Writing skills can make a big difference to your efficiency, productivity, and career success.  Learn to apply proven guidelines to get the attention of your readers and say more with fewer words. 

December 3 – A Guide to Names and Pronouns: Learn appropriate and respectful ways to use names and pronouns to promote gender inclusivity in the workplace. Participants will understand why safety and privacy around gender, names, and pronouns matter, as well as how to recover when mistakes happen.

December 18 – Everything DiSC: Productive Conflict: Prior to the course, you will take an assessment that will help you better understand your own personal responses in conflict. During the course, you will learn techniques to improve self-awareness around conflict behaviors so conflict can become more productive, improving workplace results and relationships.

Greater Lansing Area Events

November 15 – Pie Making Class: Learn the first key technique in pie baking – creating a tender, flaky crust. Each student takes home one ‘ready-to-bake’ apple lattice topped pie!

November 21– Silver Bells in the City: Are you ready to see the entire city shine? Visit Downtown Lansing for a tradition of lights, music, and more to celebrate the city and the start of the holiday season.

November 22 – December 23 – Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo: Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s festively illuminated pathways, where you’ll be surrounded by the warm, inviting glow of twinkling light. Santa will be available for photos on zoo grounds during the Wonderland of Lights event on Fridays and Saturdays only.

December 5 – Night Lights Christmas Parade & Festivities: The Annual Night Lights Christmas Parade is a spectacular night time parade packed full of lots of lights and music! 

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

Dry erase board saying "Hello, my pronouns are"

International Pronouns Day

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This article was written in partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact. 

We celebrated International Pronouns Day this month! Using the correct pronouns respects each other’s identity and fosters inclusivity. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with one another in and out of the workplace, and often they are assigned based on preconceived perceptions. By educating about personal pronouns, we promote understanding and celebrate everyone’s intersecting identities. 

What is International Pronouns Day?  

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises the MSU community’s awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple identities. As we explore the significance of this day, learn about how MSU is implementing changes to promote inclusivity to create a beneficial environment for all.

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?  

  • Be mindful of all sex, social gender, or gender identities and avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes.  
  • Voluntarily share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people or during meetings.  
  • Practice using a person’s pronouns when speaking or writing about them. 
  • You can include pronouns in your email signature or other digital communications.  

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have and with resources you may need! The center provides educational programs and resources to make MSU a more inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center’s educational resources.  

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?  

At MSU, we are committed to ensuring your identity is accurately represented and respected throughout our campus community, while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact, along with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, has launched the self-service MySpartanIdentity Portal, allowing MSU community members to voluntarily manage their chosen identity information in compliance with university policies. 

Are there resources to explore this further?  

  • Learn more about pronouns, FAQs, and additional resources  
  • Glossary of definitions for gender and sexuality terms  

We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).