Category: Fun & Resources

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

2019 Clerical-Technical Recognition Award Winner

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The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing clerical-technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU clerical-technical employees.

This year’s winner is Thomi Chrisinske!

  • CT award winner, Thomi Chrisinske, and her colleagues.
  • Thomi with her cake.
  • Thomi and family.
  • Thomi and family.
  • Thomi and her colleagues.
  • MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences Dean David Prabu, Thomi Chrisinske, CT Union President Deb Bittner
  • Thomi and MSU Human Resources AVP Sharon Butler

Thomi is a secretary for the Department of Communication where her she excels in her position providing leadership, technology, promotional, and human resource support to the department chair, faculty, graduate students, and staff. Exceeding the high expectations of her department, Thomi has been described as an essential component of the success of the Department of Communication. Chairing two standing departmental committees, the Equipment and Space Committee and the Social Media Committee, Thomi exemplifies great leadership by always striving to improve herself and the Department of Communication. With her dedication to the MSU community, Thomi consistently goes above and beyond to uplift those around her. Congratulations to Thomi!

Watch the video below to learn more about this year’s CT Award Winner, Thomi Chrisinske:

Happy National Online Learning Day!

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September 15 is National Online Learning Day! Online learning provides convenience, flexibility, and personalization for all learners. Did you know MSU offers FREE online learning opportunities for all faculty and staff? Get access to online resources including books, videos, courses, and more via elevateU. 

Access elevateU here or log into EBS and look for the “elevateU” tile under the “My Career & Training” tab. You can access elevateU from your computer or through the Skillsoft Learning App for Android and iOS devices.  

There are programs that cover leadership, IT & desktop, business, finance, human resources, change management, project management, interpersonal skills and so much more. Resources are available in a variety of formats: 

  • Video-based and interactive courses 
  • Videos 
  • Books 
  • Resources to prepare for various professional certifications 

Watch the following video for a general overview of the resources available to you and how to access them:

Need help navigating elevateU? Click here for an additional video on how to use the search function and navigate through the resources available. 

Utilize the resources as reference tools to help answer your day-to-day job questions or as part of your ongoing personal and professional development. Many of the courses are even approved for Continuing Education credits! Remember, all courses are available to current staff and faculty at no charge.  

Happy National Online Learning Day! 

Visit the Surplus Store for all your office or home furnishing needs!

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Are you looking to spruce up your office with some new furniture or decorations? Are you a new employee who just moved to the area and is looking for items to furnish your new house or apartment? Or are you helping your college student get ready to move back to campus and in need of some dorm or apartment décor?  The MSU Surplus Store is your one-stop-shop. The Surplus Store has all your needs from office furniture, home furniture, electronics, textbooks, bikes to MSU gear. Wondering how the Surplus Store works?

The Surplus Store receives most of its items from the university when items are no longer needed; Surplus Store team members go out and collect items from the residential halls, offices, and lounge areas. The Surplus Store is connecting surplus operations with recycling operations on campus. They take multiple steps before throwing an item out. The first step is to try to resell the item or give it away; if it can’t be sold or given away, then they will recycle it. If the item does not sell or can’t be recycled, then it will eventually go to landfill. However, the long-term goal is to help the university get to a zero-waste policy with these actions.

  • Cash Register at the Surplus Store with the quote "reuse: to use again, whether for same purpose or re-appropriated for another".
    Cash register at the Surplus Store
  • MSU Shadows corner with wood art, wall decor and degree frames.
    MSU Shadows Corner
  • Arts and Craft section at the Surplus Store with signs, art pieces and decor.
    Arts and crafts section

The Surplus Store is open year-round, Monday through Friday, to the public, MSU departments and employees. If you’re an MSU employee, you can purchase items with your account number. Just grab the item you’re looking for, head to the counter and give them your account number. If you purchased a large item, they also offer an on-campus delivery service to your office or department.

If you don’t have time to stop at the store, you can always look online at the MSU Surplus Store website. You can also find items on eBay from the store. Did you know that you can find textbooks at the Surplus store? Whether you’re using you’re continuing your education or have a student in your house who needs to buy their books, the Surplus Store may have what you need. You can also find textbooks available through the Surplus Store on Amazon.

If you’re looking for unique items, the Surplus Store also partners with MSU Forestry and Infrastructure Planning Facilities (IPF) to turn downed trees into products called the MSU Shadows. They have a variety of items from custom tables, wall art, diploma frames and more!

The Surplus Store has also partnered with MSU Dairy, MSU Meat Labs and MSU Horticulture Farm. You can find a variety of items from fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. By shopping at the Surplus Store, you’re supporting students and helping the university reach its goal of zero waste.

If you have a request, don’t be afraid to reach out! With over 4,000 items collected from campus each week, the Surplus Store is your one-stop-shop. Want to know more? Just visit their website at MSU Surplus Store or stop by in-person at 468 Green Way, East Lansing.

Start your back to school shopping with MSU Benefits Plus!

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Have you started your back to school shopping for you and your family? Don’t worry, MSU Benefits Plus has you covered! All benefits-eligible MSU faculty and staff have access to a variety of discounts and savings with MSU Benefits Plus through Corestream. At MSU Benefits Plus you’ll find discounts and special offers on a variety of items for back to school from computers, laptops, shoes and clothing!

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

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

Apple

Enjoy employee pricing on most Apple products when you shop through their exclusive link! Save on select iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more! Use this link to receive your employee discount.

Dell

MSU faculty and staff can enjoy exclusive savings of up to 30% on select systems when you shop through Dell EPP link! Shop Laptops, 2-in-1s, gaming PCs, accessories and more.

HP

The HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) offers HP consumer products at discounts typically up to 10% off starting prices. You can also take advantage of instant rebates, coupons and HP Home & Home Office sales promotions that combine with your EPP discount – for a typical savings of 20-30% off. Find your next printer for your college student’s dorm or your home office here!

Target

Whether you’re looking for school supplies or want to add something extra to your office, Target is your place to go! Take $5 off any item priced $50 or more at Target online! Discount automatically applied to cart with the link. Some exclusions apply.

Learning Care Group

Save 10% on childcare at all Learning Care Group schools including La Petite Academy, Childtime Learning Centers, Tutor Time, The Children’s Courtyard, Montessori Unlimited, Everbrook Academy, Creative Kids Learning Center, and Pathways Learning Academy.

To redeem this discount, identify yourself as MSU faculty or staff to at your preferred Learning Care Group school at the Learning Care Group website.

Foot Locker

Get 15% off orders of $75 at Foot Locker with code LKS18H3M at checkout. Offer valid online only. Some exclusions apply! Get your next pair of shoes here.

Shoes.com

Save 20% off sitewide plus get free shipping with code SHOESDOTCOM at checkout! Visit Shoe.com to use your discount.

Aѐropostale

If you’re looking for uniforms Aѐropostale is your place. Save an extra 15% off 5+ uniform items and get free shipping with code UNIFORM at checkout! Visit Aѐropostale website to find your perfect fit.

For more information on employee discounts, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Events Round Up – August

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Community Festivals 

Lansing Jazz Festival

Bath Days Festival

St. John’s Mint Festival

Renegade Theatre Festival

Balloon Festival

Food

Tuesday, August 6

Farm to Table Chef’s Dinner

Tuesday, August 13

Garden Chefs from Garden to Table

Sunday, August 18

Murder Mystery Dinner

Arts

Thursday, August 8

Studio (IN) Process

Saturday, August 10

Memory Box Sculpture Workshop

Friday, August 16

ART Feast

Music

Tuesday, August 6

Summer Music Series – Power 3  

Thursday, August 15

Music in the Garden: Harp Recital

Thursday, August 15

2019 State Convention Square & Round Dancers

Friday, August 23

Lansing Flow Fest

Friday, August 23

Tomas Esparza Blues Band

Family/Kid Friendly

Saturday, August 3

Family Day: Paths

Thursday, August 8

Moonlight Film Festival: Aquaman

Saturday, August 10

Celebration Cinema Sensory Showtimes: Dora and the Lost City of Gold

Saturday, August 10

Sundown Safari Camping

Tuesday, August 13

STEM Tuesday (Age 5 & Up)

Thursday, August 15

Bubble Day

Monday, August 19

Meet the Spartans

Wednesday, August 21

Stories for Sprouts and Seedlings

Thursday, August 22

Art Thursday (Age 5 & Up)

Friday, August 23

Impression 5: Sensory Friendly Hours

Sports/Fitness

Saturday, August 10

Oars & Ales 2019

Saturday, August 10

Vinyasa Yoga at Woldumar

Friday, August 16

Howl at the Moon

Saturday, August 17

Red Paddle Kayak Race

Professional Development Opportunities:

Accounting in EBS

EBS Financial System Roles/Onboarding

Crucial Accountability

Supervisor Strategies for Performance Planning

Get your department involved with the Spartan Project SEARCH Program!

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The MSU Dairy Store is one of the most popular places on campus, whether you’re visiting campus for the first time or taking a walk on your lunch break – everyone stops by to get their favorite scoop of ice cream. The Dairy Store has not only been a place for students and families to come, but it has also been a part of a special and unique program on campus that focuses on students with disabilities.

The Spartan Project SEARCH Program aims to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program helps students build skills in communication, customer service and working with others, among various other skills. The program offers employment opportunities with different departments on campus through internship opportunities. Students in the program work with a mentor to help with their time at the job sites and transiting after graduation.  One of the smiling faces you may meet at the Dairy Store is a Spartan Project SEARCH Program graduate.

Spartan Project SEARCH graduate Cash helping a male customer at the counter in the MSU Dairy Store.
Spartan Project SEARCH graduate, Cash.

Cash Verhil has been part of the Spartan Project SEARCH Program for the last year. Cash works at the Dairy Store part-time and a restaurant in Lansing. The Spartan Project SEARCH Program has helped him gain skills in feeling more confident in interacting with people. According to Cash, the biggest takeaways from his work at the Dairy Store have been “gaining independence, being responsible and customer service.” This fall, Cash will be a student at Lansing Community College and hopes to transfer to MSU to study Human Resources or Economics.

“Cash has always been willing to help and do whatever task is necessary,” commented Brekelle Wiedenmannott, Dairy Store Manager. This program has helped Cash’s personal journey and equipped him with skills he can apply to his other job.

The program not only helps students gain job skills, but it is also beneficial for the departments that employ them. “With hiring from the program, you’re able to see how far the student has come,” said Wiedenmannott. Wiedenmannott has been able to watch Cash’s progress and enjoys having him as part of the team.

The Spartan Project SEARCH Program has internship sites throughout campus from the College of Communications Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the Dairy Store and more. This program not only brings skills for employment but confidence as well for the students. Cash’s mentor, Johnny Wenzel, has worked with the program for the last two years. “Seeing how [the interns] are growing and learning new skills are the highlights of my day,” commented Wenzel.

The number one goal from the program is having the interns find employment after they graduate. The program hopes to have more departments get involved as internship sites for their students. If you’re interested in getting your department involved in the program, mentoring or learning more about internship possibilities, visit the Spartan Project SEARCH website for information. And next time you’re at the Dairy Store, say hi to Cash and get a scoop of his favorite ice cream – the Sesquicentennial Swirl.

Don’t forget about these summer activities on campus!

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Are you working on campus this summer? While campus may be a little slower, there are still things to do! From visiting the Dairy Store to grab a scoop of your favorite ice cream to enjoying free concerts at the Beaumont Tower. Whether you’re looking for something to do while you’re on lunch or something to do for the evening, there are a variety of campus activities held this summer.

If you’re looking for something to do on lunch, the Fresh Air Fitness series by MSU Health 4U Program offers a variety of activities during the week:

  • Monday – Tai Chi at the Summer Circle Courtyard
  • Tuesday – Yoga at the Engineering Courtyard
  • Wednesday – Yoga at the Wharton Center
  • Thursday – Pilates on the Green

If you enjoy music, you can find the MSU Carillon every Wednesday at the Beaumont Tower beginning July 3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, a carillon is a set of bells played in a tower.) If you’re looking for something sooner, you can attend Music in the Garden with Spartan Jazz at the Beal Botanical Garden. Make a picnic for the family and come out to enjoy the Music in the Garden: Spartan Jazz concert on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. You can also find a list of other free concerts held this summer at the College of Music website, including their Outdoor Summer Concert Series. Or enjoy music on your lunch break with Rest with Music at Abrams Planetarium. The Rest with Music series is every Monday from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. You can find more information about this series, registration and featured artists at the Health 4U website. If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the outdoors take a walk to the MSU Dairy Store.

The MSU Dairy Store is the perfect place to grab a scoop of your favorite ice cream and enjoy the campus. MSU Dairy Store is open throughout the summer from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the week. They have  a variety of ice cream flavors from Banana Chocolate Chunk to MSU’s very own Izzo Malted Madness. You can get your own single scoop or maybe share a half gallon with the office. For a list of all flavors, regular menu items and drinks, visit the MSU Dairy Store website.

If you’re looking to travel this summer with the family or take a vacation by yourself, don’t forget MSU Benefits Plus can help you save! MSU Benefits Plus has a variety of discounts for theme parks, hotels, travel and entertainment. You can find deals from Six Flags, Great Wolf Lodge, Hotels.com and more! Find these deals and more on the MSU Benefits Plus website.

Whether you are traveling or enjoying the beautiful MSU campus, there are a variety of ways to get the most out of your summer!

What HR is Making for Thanksgiving

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Are you looking for some last-minute recipe ideas for the Thanksgiving holiday? Members of the HR team share their favorite holiday dishes below. Whether you’re looking for a unique addition to your holiday menu or you’re still trying to plan what you’re going to make, these recommendations will help make your Thanksgiving meal a success!

Sharon Moore’s Cranberry Sauce
This delicious homemade cranberry sauce is a special garnish to put with any Thanksgiving turkey. Sharon found this recipe a few years back and decided to try it out on the family. They love it and now it is requested every year.

Edita Herbstova’s Cream of Peanut Soup
This yummy soup dish is served with chopped toasted peanuts on top and sippets. What are sippets, you ask? Click the recipe above to find out!

Monica Burrow’s Pumpkin Layered Magic Cake
The pumpkin and cake layers in this Betty Crocker Kitchens dessert recipe magically switch places while it’s baking (awesome!). Finished with a fluffy cream cheese whipped cream on top.

Danielle Devota’s Signature Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe from The Pioneer Woman blog is so tasty it has become a trademark dish at the Devota Thanksgiving.

Becky Proctor’s Classic Sage Stuffing
If you’ve been looking for the very best stuffing recipe, look no further. This stuffing recipe is remarkably simple to make and will be the star dish at your table.

Megan MacGregor’s Vegan Lentil & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
If you have any friends or family members with dietary requirements coming over for Thanksgiving, this dish is dairy-, egg-, and meat-free (but full of flavor!). Perfect for the vegans or vegetarians at your table.

Happy Thanksgiving from the MSU Human Resources team!

Get Ready for Mother’s Day

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Believe it or not, Mother’s Day is this weekend! Are you ready or do you find yourself in need of some last minute gift ideas or ideas of fun things to do with mom on her special day? We’ve tried to help you out by putting together a list of events around Lansing with special deals for mom, as well as gift ideas around campus.

Events:

Explore the Beauty of Nature on Mother’s Day at MSU Bird Sanctuary

Treat you mother to a walk-in nature at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary – for free! The Bird Sanctuary is MSU’s largest off-campus educational complex. On your visit, you will see different species of birds, waterfowl, game birds and songbirds as you make your way around. The bird sanctuary will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Treat your mother to an early brunch on the Princess boat! Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the boat will leave at 9:30 a.m.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Dinner

Treat your mother to an afternoon dinner on the Princess boat! Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and the boat will leave at 2 p.m.

Mother’s Day at the Zoo

All moms will receive FREE admission to Potter Park Zoo on Mother’s Day. The Zoo offers farmyard edVentures, Winds Down Under, Bungee Jump, and pony rides!

Gift Ideas:

1-800-FLOWERS.COM

1-800-FLOWERS is a great place to grab flowers and other items for Mother’s Day. 1-800-FLOWERS will offer a special discount for MSU staff/faculty employees. Remember to use offer code is MSU2. To shop log onto 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and apply the code at checkout or call the toll free # 1-800-FLOWERS (1-800-356-9377) and mention the code.

GiftTree

GiftTree offers a special discount to all MSU employees on gifts and gifts baskets. GiftTree offers a wide selection of gifts like gift baskets, flowers, fruit, personalized gifts and more. Visit GiftTree and enter the promo code MSU10 during checkout.

MSU Dairy Store

Take your mother to the MSU Dairy s=Store this Sunday for a special treat. Grab some ice cream or other treats and take a walk around campus.

MSU Bakery

Try ordering a special treat for mom from the MSU Bakery. They offer specialty items as well as customized cupcakes and cookies.

Spartan Bookstore

Check out the Spartan Bookstore. They carry specialized items like “MSU Mom” items, household items and more.

Alumni Hall

Alumni Hall is in Eastwood Towne Center. They offer special MSU items from jewelry, household items, and clothing. Alumni Hall is a great place to start your Mother’s Day shopping.

24th Annual Race for the Place

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The 24th Annual Race for the Place is Sunday, April 15.

The Race for the Place is the largest annual fundraiser for MSU Safe Place. MSU Safe Place is a program that addresses relationship violence and stalking. It is located here on the MSU campus and serves students, faculty, staff, their spouses/partners and non-affiliated members in the Greater Lansing area.

race for the place image

The Race for the Place 5K course takes place at Michigan State University starting at the Jenison Fieldhouse. Race for the Place is a fun-filled family event with events for kids of all ages, such as a FREE Kids Run 100-Yard Dash and KIDS One-Mile Fun Run, both including special prizes. They will also have MSU varsity athletes participating and a visit from Sparty!

You can register for this event here on the sign-up page. Come support a good cause and have some fun!