Category: Fun & Resources

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

Things to Do in the Winter at MSU

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It may be chilly outside, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. To help save you from boredom, here are seven things to do at MSU during the winter.

1. Go skating at Munn Ice Arena

Munn Ice Arena offers public skating at various times throughout the week. It is $4 for MSU faculty and staff and $5 for the general public. Skate rentals are available for $2.

This winter, enjoy the season and have fun at MSU.
This winter, enjoy the season and have fun at MSU.

2. Attend a recital or symphony produced by the College of Music

The College of Music produces several live performances each year. Performances take place in the College of Music or at the Wharton Center. Some performances are even free of charge. A list of this year’s performances and show times are available on the College of Music’s website. A list of the College of Music’s free concerts is available here.Continue Reading… Things to Do in the Winter at MSU

Discounts for MSU Employees!

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MSU faculty and staff receive plenty of discount opportunities at MSU, greater Lansing and beyond. These perks are at your disposal because of your dedication to MSU as a Spartan employee!

MSU Basketball Game
Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Regardless of your unique interests, I’m positive there is some way or another you can benefit. Are you a lover of the arts? The Wharton Center for Performing Arts gives discounts to MSU employees for select performances. Or would you rather play some indoor tennis with a close friend? MSU employees receive a discount on tennis court rentals! More discounts can be found on the MSU HR Employee Discounts webpage. Here, you can find discounts and perks for hotels, computer services, books and much more. The page is updated regularly! Give it a look every once in a while to see what you can benefit from next.Continue Reading… Discounts for MSU Employees!

A Spartan Valentine’s Gift

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Valentine’s Day is this Friday. If you’re scrambling for gift ideas for someone special in your life, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  We’ve come up with a list of great gift ideas that are available on MSU’s campus.

The 2006 MSU Women’s Gymnastics team forms a heart. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.
The 2006 MSU Women’s Gymnastics team forms a heart. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

 

Purchase tickets to a play at the Wharton Center

The Wharton Center features Broadway plays year-round. Some of their shows this year include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the Bob and Tom Comedy Show and the Rock of Ages.

Grab Spartan gear available from bookstores on or around campus

There are several bookstores that sell MSU-related clothing and paraphernalia, including the Spartan Bookstore, the Student Bookstore and Ned’s Bookstore.Continue Reading… A Spartan Valentine’s Gift

Getting ahead with the Family Resource Center and MSU Resources

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We know your work life is full. Take some off the stress of yourself by working with our partners here at MSU. The MSU Family Resource Center (FRC) has a ton of resources for the MSU community to benefit from, including but not limited to, housing benefits, tutoring for students K-12, transportation resources, health services, employment information and child care centers.

Teacher and Schoolchildren
Your family can benefit from MSU’s Family Resource Center! Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

This is a great time to explore what the FRC has to offer. Resources are offered at a low cost for MSU faculty and staff, and a significant amount of them are free! I’m confident that there is at least one program your family can benefit from. Check out the FRC’s website for useful links to MSU resources. Lastly, here are a few tips for a great spring semester!Continue Reading… Getting ahead with the Family Resource Center and MSU Resources

January is National Mentoring Month! Make a Difference in a Child or Teen’s Life through the Michigan 4-H Youth Development Program.

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January is National Mentoring Month.  According to mentorscout.com, “a mentor is a coach, guide, tutor, facilitator, counselor and trusted advisor. A mentor is someone willing to spend his or her time and expertise to guide the development of another person.”

Mentoring can make a positive impact on a child’s life that lasts a lifetime.
Mentoring can make a positive impact on a child’s life that lasts a lifetime.

Youth can benefit from positive and caring mentors. Mentors can help youth discover their interests, pick careers, make better choices in life and so much more. Michigan 4-H Youth Development, is a mentoring program overseen by MSU Extension and serves as a resource to help build long-term positive mentoring relationships between youth and adults.

Michigan 4-H has more than 200,000 youth between the ages of 5-19 that participate. All 4-H’s policies and procedures are based on child development research.Continue Reading… January is National Mentoring Month! Make a Difference in a Child or Teen’s Life through the Michigan 4-H Youth Development Program.

Become Nicotine Free in 2014

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There’s no better way to start the New Year then to decide to quit smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70 percent of people that smoke want to quit. If you’ve ever thought about quitting, then the MSU Breathe Easy: Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Program is for you.

The MSU Breathe Easy: Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Program is a 15 month program designed to help participants eliminate any tobacco/nicotine addiction through support group sessions, with or without the use of prescription medications. Items the program focuses on include: cigarettes, cigars, patches and e-cigarettes.

Health4U has one of the most successful tobacco/nicotine cessation programs in the country, as measured by a 15-month sustained cessation rate of over 27 percent.

Participants of the program enjoy many benefits when they quit smoking and stop using nicotine products, including fresher breath, whiter teeth, better breathing, and more money to spend on the things they enjoy.Continue Reading… Become Nicotine Free in 2014

Laughter is the Best Medicine

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The Lansing Laughter Club, sponsored by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, is a group that meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on 480 Diagonal Street, at the church building. The laughter club is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious, community-based club that is free and open to the public.

Lansing Laughter Club
Join the Lansing Laughter Club weekly and release stress through laughter!

The purpose of this club is for anyone who would like to meet new people, alleviate stress and boost an overall good mood. This is done through the practice of Laughter Yoga, which means to laugh together for no reason. Laughter Yoga is an exercise used to release tension and anger or to overcome sadness and depression. The Laughter Club is open to anyone who would like to join regardless of age, gender, physical disabilities, etc. Laughter is an exercise that everyone can do, and it is healthy for the body and mind. Check out the Lansing Laughter Club and see how laughter can benefit you! Visit their website for more information.

2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration

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The 2014 MLK Celebration is almost upon us! Here are a few key events you don’t want to miss.

10th Anniversary of the MLK Student Leadership Conference

Martin Luther King Commemorative March
Photo Courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy

MSU’s Office for Inclusion is looking to shape young, positive leader’s right here in Lansing. A combination of educators, students and experienced professionals assemble together to make these events a huge success! The conference is Saturday, January 18 from 9 p.m. until 3 p.m. This is also a great opportunity for high school students to become better acquainted with the university setting. We encourage you all to invite your family and friends to this educational initiative.Continue Reading… 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration

10 Things to Have in Your Car in the Winter

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Winter time driving is hazardous driving. Being fully prepared for the driving conditions the winter can bring can mean the difference between having a crisis and avoiding one. To help prepare you for winter-time driving, here are 10 items you should have in your car from an article by AOL Autos.

This winter it pays to be prepared, if you do encounter a winter driving emergency situation.
This winter it pays to be prepared, if you do encounter a winter driving emergency situation.

1. Blanket
Having a blanket is beneficial if you’re stranded and have to wait for assistance.

2. Snow shovel
A short-handled shovel can remove snow from around the wheels of your car if you happen to get stuck.

3. Flashlight
A water-proof flashlight is indispensable in case your car breaks down at night. Also, keep extra batteries.

4. Hand warmers
Hand warmers are useful for keeping your hands warm if you’re trying to change a tire or fix an engine outside in the cold.Continue Reading… 10 Things to Have in Your Car in the Winter

Tips for using Tech Gifts Safely

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Some of the most popular gifts this holiday season are tech toys. Make sure you take steps to protect your personal information and that great new toy in the best way possible.

At any given time you may have your financial information, family photos and contact information on one or several devices you carry daily. It’s important to protect yourself against digital pickpockets, hackers and identity thieves by following some basic safely rules:Computer, tablet and phone

  • Protect your device first and its contents second.
  • Never leave your computer, phone or tablet anywhere out of your reach or sight. Keep them hidden in your car, and don’t attach your phone to an outside visible pocket on your purse or backpack.Continue Reading… Tips for using Tech Gifts Safely