Category: Fun & Resources

Spring feels like it’s been a little late to start this year, but pleasant weather, perfect for biking around campus, is just around the corner. Michigan State University was named a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists last November, and seasonal bikers now have the opportunity to test out the university’s new status while zooming down MSU’s streets and bike lanes.

In order to assist other campuses, communities and business with achieving a bicycle-friendly status, MSU will host the Bicycle Friendly America Conference on Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kellogg Center. There will be presenters from the League of American Bicyclists, the League of Michigan Bicyclists, the State of Michigan, other universities (including the Platinum level University of Minnesota), as well as Michigan State University and local communities and businesses.

Register by April 15 to for a reduced fee.

Text and graphic image provided by BeSpartanGreen

At MSU, green is always in season.

Even though April 22 is Earth Day, there are numerous campus events happening all month to celebrate and raise awareness about environmental issues.

The campus community is encouraged to attend an event, check out campus sustainability resources and share photos throughout the month using the #bespartangreen hashtag.

For more information, visit http://bespartangreen.msu.edu/events.php.Continue Reading… Earth Month events at MSU

MSU Human Resources is pleased to announce that we’ve teamed up with one of our retirement vendors, TIAA, to bring you the “Square Up Your Savings” challenge.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and Square Up Your Savings is a fun way to learn important strategies to boost your savings know-how.

Take the challenge through April 30, 2016, by completing one of 10 new missions that highlight savings education each day. Every time you complete a mission, you will earn a square to place on the map where you think the virtual hidden savings might be.

Every time you play, you are automatically entered for a chance to win one of three iPad minis. The more you play, the better your chances of winning, so sign on every day until all 10 missions are complete! (All responses are confidential. Please visit the link below to see the official rules of the sweepstakes.)

Are you ready to test your financial savvy? Take the challenge now!

You will need to complete the registration form to begin the challenge. Please note, you do not need to be a TIAA account member to take part in the challenge. You will create a password of your choosing; the password will not be associated with your MSU NetID or any retirement accounts. Using your MSU NetID email address at registration is preferred so we can verify your employment if you are a winner.

Have questions about the challenge? View the How it Works link, or contact Human Resources at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu.

Good luck!

Spartans make a difference around the world every day, but one day in particular has been set aside to bring the MSU community together in service.  This year that day is April 16, the fourth annual SPARTANS WILL. POWER Global Day of Service. This organized, collaborative effort brings Spartans together to serve their communities while demonstrating the reach and power of the Spartan network. In 2015 Spartans donated approximately 16,000 hours of service to their local communities through this initiative!

Service-minded Spartans from around the globe, including individual alumni, alumni communities, groups, Spartan-led companies, businesses, non-profits and student organizations, are currently registering service projects. Spartans can also volunteer now for one of these established projects or create their own.

There are more than 30 service projects near the MSU campus, including cleaning, decorating and gardening elementary schools, yard work at Fenner nature center and a kayak or canoe trip down the Grand River to pick up trash and debris. Other nation-wide projects include rebuilding homes in Austin, Texas, and providing science education and history for at-risk youth in Philadelphia. There is even a life-coaching service project in Hong Kong!

The last day to register a project is April 1, and volunteer registration closes April 10. Find out more about the projects and sign up at serviceday.msu.edu.

SPARTANS WILL. Make a difference!

Leap Day gives you an extra 24 hours once every four years. So, what are you going to do on your extra day? Here are a few ideas:

• Go out and do something fun for lunch. The Eat at State ON-THE-GO food truck, the Dairy Store (Grilled Cheese Monday)  and Health4U  can offer new and interesting food or experiences.
• If you have kids, play leapfrog.
• Take the extra time to sort out your email, workspace, home, car or anything else.
• Tell somebody you appreciate them.
• Write a list of 29 things you want to accomplish before the next Leap Day.
• Try something new! During these few extra hours you can stargaze, listen to a new album, try out a new recipe, or go rock climbing. If you have never attended a TEDxMSU event, you can purchase a ticket for the March 2 talk.

Have a great Leap Day!

Last year, MSU was one of 394 colleges and universities that participated in the friendly competition RecyleMania. MSU contributed more than 1 million of the 80 million pounds that was recycled across the country in the competition. Spartans can do even better during RecyleMania 2016, which runs from February 8 to April 1, by coming together to recycle more and throw out less.

In addition to continuing regular recycling habits, staff and faculty can get involved by hosting an office clean-out. The service is free and provided by the Surplus Store and Recycling Center. If your office already has recyclables prepared and sorted, Recycling Center staff will arrive at your office, help load the items and remove them that day. Or, temporary containers can be dropped off at your office and picked up at a later date. To schedule an office clean-out, call 517-355-1723.

There are a few additional ways staff and faculty can participate in RecycleMania. This year MSU Recycling is emphasizing book reuse and recycling. Books that are collected will be sold for reuse through the Surplus Store, donated to local charities or recycled. Organize a book collection by calling 517- 355-1723.

From noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at Auditorium and Tuesday, March 15, behind Wells Hall you can get a picture with Scrap Metal Sparty and talk to MSU recycling staff.

Like the MSU Recycling Center’s Facebook page for recycling tips and updates on RecycleMania.