Category: Fun & Resources

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

Showing thanks to co-workers

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thanksgivig graphic-smallThe spirit of Thanksgiving is sometimes buried behind hectic food preparation, travel plans and premature holiday and shopping distractions. It’s important to remember that Thanksgiving provides us with a time to reflect upon the good fortune and good people in our lives.

Many of these good people are those that you work with, sharing experiences as you work toward the same goal. It’s easy to show them your gratitude in simple gestures that will bring the spirit of Thanksgiving in your office. Here are a few ways to show thanks:

  • Bring in a treat. Food brings people together and gives you an opportunity to show off your cooking skills. Bringing in some Thanksgiving leftovers is also a great way to clear out an over-stuffed fridge.
  • Write a note. You don’t need to clear out the shelves of the Hallmark store for this one. Even just a sticky note placed on your co-worker’s computer or a quick email can be enough to convey your gratitude.
  • Say “thank you.” Perhaps the easiest of them all, simply telling your co-workers that you appreciate them, especially by mentioning something specific that they have done for you, can brighten their day.

Before heading home to your family this long weekend, remember to send a smile or a kind word to those in your MSU family.

Safe Commuting Tips

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This article was written by the MSU Bike Advisory Committee.

MSU has upgraded to the silver level of the Bicycle Friendly University Award! As we continue to advance the bicycle-friendly nature of MSU, it’s important for drivers to do their part in ensuring safety on shared roads.

A cyclist travels alongside cars on Farm Lane. Photo courtesy of Tim Potter.
A cyclist travels alongside vehicles on Farm Lane. Photo courtesy of Tim Potter.

As you drive to work, why not use more attention and compassion towards your fellow commuters and make the morning commute safer and more enjoyable for everyone? Remember that your fellow commuter might be on foot or on a bike and that every one of them means one less car on the road and one less car competing for a parking space!

If you drive a car to work you should take special care when passing cyclists. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on Michigan roads as other vehicles. When passing a cyclist, make sure to pass at a safe distance. Don’t attempt to squeeze by cyclists in the same lane even though you think there’s enough room, as they may suddenly need extra room to avoid potholes, dead animals, or an icy patch on the road. Many places, including the City of Grand Rapids, already have safe passing laws that require 5 feet of safe passing distance.

Also, don’t forget to watch out for pedestrians at cross walks. Michigan law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians in cross walks.

At the same time cyclists and pedestrians are required to follow traffic rules: don’t cross a street when you have a “don’t walk” signal or a red light. Michigan law requires cyclists to stop at stop signs and red lights just as any other vehicle.

But besides following basic rules, even more important is to be alert and courteous. This makes commuting a better experience for everyone. Just remember, the cyclist you just buzzed might be working at the Clinical Center and giving you a flu shot later, or it might be the professor of your next MSU class.

All commuters share two goals: get to work safely and get home safely after work. Let’s work together to make that happen!

Want to help MSU become more bike friendly? Attend a meeting of the MSU Bike Advisory Committee

Resources:

MSU Police MOVE SAFE campaign 

League of Michigan Bicyclists safe cycling handbook 

MSU Bike Commuter Benefits:

Learn More about Safe Bicycling 

Michigan Law Regarding Bicycling

Thank you veterans!

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U.S. flag
“Armistice Day” became Veterans Day in 1954.

MSU Human Resources extends its gratitude to all veterans that have served and defended their country in the U.S. military. It is impossible for those who never served to understand the experiences of the men and women who have, but Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to recognize their sacrifice and bravery.

We especially thank veterans at MSU, including students, faculty and staff, for choosing to join the MSU community after your service for the United States.

If you are a veteran, consider self-identifying as one in EBS. To do so, visit the Personal Information link under your ESS tab. Self-identifying allows MSU to send specific information that pertains to you as a veteran.

Veterans, let the Greater Lansing community serve you today! An abundance of businesses across the country thank veterans by offering free food and discounted services to them, and East Lansing is no exception. Eat out at your favorite restaurant or try a new one this Veterans Day.

2015 Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients

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Congratulations to the 2015 Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients!

The Outstanding Supervisor Award was established by the Family Resource Center in the spring of 2001 to draw attention to MSU supervisors who are highly regarded by their employees for their consistent support of the work/life (professional/personal) needs of their employees. Various academic and support staff units submitted excellent nominations this year. The nominees and nominators represent a wide variety of departments and position levels.Continue Reading… 2015 Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients

Fall Color Walk

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Fall leaves on the ground
Autumn leaves line the sidewalk to the Music Practice Building. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Time flies when you’re busy, and the season of fall is no exception to that rule with the return of students, football Saturdays and increased campus activities. Fall is stunning on campus, and now in the middle of October the colorful trees are at their most beautiful.

Set aside some time in the next few weeks to slow down with a walk through campus, taking in the scenery and breathing crisp autumn air.

Michigan State has many hidden gems that you might not be familiar with. Just north of East Neighborhood, the Sanford Natural area offers a quiet stroll through the woods right next to the Red Cedar River.

In the southeast corner of campus you can admire a variety of specially designed gardens in the Clarence E. Lewis Arboretum.

Aerial view of West Circle Drive
Paths criss-cross throughout West Circle. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

West Circle, the River Trail and Beal Botanical Garden are, deservedly so, well-known beautiful destinations for campus walks as well.

You can also find paths with campus art on the way and keep track of your mileage with this Campus Walking Loops map.

With such a wide variety of walking tours to choose from, you can spend the rest of the fall exploring campus, soothing your mind and exercising your body.

Rest with Music at Abrams Planetarium!

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Managing multiple responsibilities can lead to mounting stress.

Rest with Music graphic
Rest with Music presents different musical styles, genres and traditions for each session

It’s important for the mind and body to unwind in a soothing atmosphere. That’s why the University Physician’s Office, Health4U, Abrams Planetarium and Student Health Services invite you to attend Rest with Music, a monthly series of live music at Abrams Planetarium from noon to 1 p.m. Rest with Music features a variety of musical styles from many talented musicians. This month’s artist is Ray Kamalay, a guitarist and singer from Detroit. He is also knowledgeable about the history of musical influences and has given lectures about this and music education. Read all about Kamalay in the Rest for Music schedule.

Join your fellow MSU employees Monday, October 19, to relax with the music from Kamalay. Make sure to mark your calendars with the rest of the 2015-16 Rest with Music schedule!

Celebrate Spartan excellence at fun homecoming events

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MSU homecoming 2015 graphic
MSU takes on Purdue in the homecoming game

Spartans take the stage at this year’s homecoming with a theme focusing on the university alumni who have gone on to live extraordinary lives and grace the world’s stages. The grand marshal is Tony Award-winning composer William Brohn.

The parade, beginning at 6 p.m., is just one of many events scheduled for the week preceding the homecoming game. Listen to live music performed by Desmond Jones on Thursday, October 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Summer Circle Theater by the Kresge Art Center and enjoy free Dairy Store ice cream while supplies last at the Rock on Farm Lane on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is plenty to do before kickoff, as well. The Green & White Homecoming Brunch starts at 8:30 a.m. before the game and includes special guests President Lou Ann K. Simon, head coach Mark Dantonio, athletic director Mark Hollis and more. Registration is required for this event. Many colleges are also hosting tailgates for alumni.

Don’t forget go Glow Green this week! You have the chance to win a $100 Spartan Bookstore gift card by participating in the photo contest.

Join the fun this week by showing off your Spartan Spirit!

Embrace fall with three delicious in-season produce recipes

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Summer produce is on its way out to make room for fall fruits and vegetables. Pumpkins, cranberries, apples, squash and more will soon be gracing the East Lansing Farmer’s Market and the MSU student-run Farm Stand.

Once again Residential and Hospitality Services Senior Executive Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski helped us out by giving us some amazing seasonal recipes. This time, he gave us three of his personal favorites. You can view Chef Kurt’s crowd-pleasing Baked Fresh Herb Spaghetti Squash and Butter Beans with Kale recipes here.

Chef Kurt’s roasted squash soup recipe is also a favorite of many. You’ll be sure to impress anyone with this dish.

Student Farm Stand
The MSU Student Organic Farm Stand operates from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Thursday in front of the Auditorium. Photo courtesy of MSU Student Organic Farm Stand

Roasted Squash Soup

1 butternut squash

1 t.+2 T. canola oil

½ c. diced onionContinue Reading… Embrace fall with three delicious in-season produce recipes

Tips for biking in the academic year

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The pleasant weather is a great motivator to commute by bike in the summer, but it can be more difficult to opt for two-wheeled transportation in the academic year with colder temperatures and increased traffic. Fortunately, there are many resources for cyclists at MSU, which earned a bronze Bicycle Friendly University award in 2011.

In addition to the repairs and other services offered at the Bike Service Center, there are eight do-it-yourself repair stations on campus.

Busy Farm Lane in the fall
Get ready for heavier traffic! Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Registered bike commuters can access showers and lockers in IM Circle for free and store their bikes in secure and enclosed bike garages as well. Find out more here.Continue Reading… Tips for biking in the academic year

Reminder: RSVP to The Big Event!

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The Big Event graphic element
Everything is free at The Big Event!

If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for an evening of music, food, tours and endless fun — for free!

After 160 years, Michigan State University continues to advance knowledge and transform lives. President Lou Anna K. Simon will be hosting The Big Event on Saturday, August 15, to celebrate the extraordinary impact of MSU faculty and staff.

 Important: RSVP here by August 5 to attend this special event honoring your many contributions to Michigan State University’s success.

The Big Event is a family-friendly evening from 4 to 9:30 p.m. It features an abundance of activities, including swimming, ice skating, a carnival, a concert, fireworks and Be A Tourist, in which you can get an inside look at interesting MSU destinations! Find out more details, including parking, a map and FAQs, on The Big Event website.

Please call 517-355-6560 or email presmail@msu.edu if you require any special accommodations. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please visit the Volunteers page.

With your hard work and dedication, MSU continues its legacy as a renowned institution.  Enjoy an evening in recognition of your contributions among fellow faculty and staff.