Category: Fun & Resources

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

What You Need to Know about Invasive Species!

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Have you heard anything about invasive species that have come into Michigan? An invasive species can be described as an alien (or non-native) species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, according to the National Invasive Species Council. From bugs to plants, invasive species are able to make their way into a community and run a muck. There are a few ways to identify these different types of species, which come in all shapes and sizes. MSU Extension offers helpful information and resources about these species on their website.

Beal Garden
Invasive plants can have a huge affect on your garden! Photo courtesy of Communication and Brand Strategy.

In some instances, planting a non-native invasive species can not only be harmful to your garden, but it can deeply affect any nearby plant life. Take these tips to ensure your garden or wetland and our greater community is safe. The Midwest has over 200 invasive species. MSU Extension offers a variety of resources if you’re dealing with these issues in your yard. They’ve been kind enough to classify each type of invasive species. Check out some of their classifications here.Continue Reading… What You Need to Know about Invasive Species!

Staying Healthy Outside This Summer

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Summer is creeping up on us! Whether you plan on participating in summer sports or have to work outdoors, it’s important to know precautions when dealing with the warm weather. Here are a couple tips to ensure your safe as you work and play in the upcoming heat.

Women walking on campus
Light exercising in the warm summer weather can be relaxing and good for your health. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Being hydrated is key! Make sure you have water when working out or spending an extended period of time outside. MSU’s Health E-Guide suggests that intense exercise be avoided during the hottest times in the day. Dehydration occurs when your body has lost too many fluids. Remember to keep water and sports drinks nearby. At temperatures above 90 degrees, the heat can become dangerous. The article also recommends you consider humidity levels when deciding activity levels for the day.Continue Reading… Staying Healthy Outside This Summer

Pick up a Plant or Two at the 2014 Department of Horticulture Annual Plant Sale

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It’s spring time, which means it’s time for flowers to bloom, plants to grow and trees to blossom. You can pick up a plant or two for decorations, a gift or more at the 2014 Department of Horticulture Annual Plant Sale.

People looking at plants.
All proceeds help maintain the MSU Horticulture Gardens on campus.

Members of the MSU Horticulture Garden receive early-bird admission to the Plant Sale on Friday, May 16 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The sale is open to the public on Saturday, May 17 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. The plant sale takes place in the Plant and Social Science Headhouse and Conservatory. Members receive 10 percent off all purchases during the Plant Sale. Parking is free in the Garden Visitor lot off Bogue Street.Continue Reading… Pick up a Plant or Two at the 2014 Department of Horticulture Annual Plant Sale

MSU Faculty and Staff Night at the Lansing Lugnuts

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MSU Faculty and Staff Night will be held at Cooley Law School Stadium at the Lansing Lugnuts game on Friday, May 16! Gates open early at 5 p.m. for MSU for staff and faculty, and kids can enjoy free inflatable games from 5 p.m.-6 p.m.! Children under 12 also eat free with a food voucher that will be given out at the gates upon arrival.Lansing Lugnuts

MSU Staff and Faculty group members will be entered to win the group raffle, and the winner will be announced in the 7th inning. The group will also have their picture taken by the Delta Dental smile shots photographer, and the complimentary photo will be available on the Lugnuts website and Facebook page to download two days after the game. All are invited to stay after the game to enjoy the LAFCU fireworks show along with great music!

Kick off your summer and support MSU Faculty and Staff night with a fun-filled “Freebie Friday” at the Lugnuts game! To order your tickets, click here. Go Nuts!

Discover Numerous Tours at MSU

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There’s so much to see and do on a campus as big as Michigan State University and sometimes it can seem overwhelming. You may ask yourself questions such as: where do you start, when are things open, how much does it cost? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of tours available right here on campus that can help you explore and discover all that MSU has to offer.

National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory
The Cyclotron Laboratory offers free 90-minute tours to groups of 10 – 50 people. Tours are offered by appointment and can be made online. To schedule a tour or find out more information visit the Cyclotron Laboratory’s website.

There are lots of opportunities to see different areas of MSU’s campus.
There are lots of opportunities to see different areas of MSU’s campus.

MSU Bug House
If you’re interested in bugs, then the MSU Bug House tour is for you. The MSU Bug House offers one-hour tours for $50. Tour groups are limited to 30 people. The MSU Bug House offers free tours of the Bug House during designated open houses throughout the year. To find out more information on the MSU Bug House tours or open houses visit the MSU Bug House website.

Beaumont Tower
Have you heard the tower’s strike during your day and thought, I wonder how that happens? If so, then the Beaumont Tower tour can help you learn more about the inner workings of the Beaumont Tower. Tours are available every Tuesday at noon during the academic year and by appointment during the summer. Find out more information on the Beaumont Tower tour here.Continue Reading… Discover Numerous Tours at MSU

Upcoming Walks in the Greater Lansing Community!

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Are you looking to get involved in the Greater Lansing community? Here are some upcoming walks for great causes!

On Saturday, April 26, the March of Dimes is hosting its annual March for Babies Walk in Lansing. This is a safe, fun event for friends and family. The March of Dimes is setting lofty goals! The goal is to reach $104,000 in donations that goes directly toward improving the health of babies. Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still make a difference by participating in the event. This is a great opportunity to help the families of those in need. To learn more, go to Marchforbabies.org.

MSU Walkers
There will be an abundance of walks and runs in Greater Lansing this spring! Photos courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

The 2014 Komen Mid-Michigan Race for the Cure is Sunday, April 27! This is a wonderful opportunity to increase breast cancer awareness and research in Greater Lansing and beyond. For more information on how you can make a difference, go to komenmidmichigan.org. This is a golden opportunity to walk with your fellow community members in efforts to help others. This race is open to runners, walkers and anyone willing to give it a go!Continue Reading… Upcoming Walks in the Greater Lansing Community!

Unique Places to Eat at MSU

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Are you tired of your regular lunch break routine? There are delicious and affordable meal options all over MSU’s campus, you just have to know where to look. Here are a few options that we recommend trying out on your next lunch break!

The MSU Dairy Store:

MSU Dairy Store
Photo courtesy of MSU Dairy Store’s Facebook page.

The Dairy Store has two locations on campus, one on Farm Lane in Anthony Hall, and the other inside the MSU Union. The Dairy Store is known for its variety of ice cream flavors and sweet treats as well as homemade cheese from local farms. Affordable lunch combinations are available every day at the Dairy Store; on Mondays, the Dairy Store offers a free cup of tomato soup with the purchase of a grilled cheese sandwich. To learn more about the MSU Dairy Store, check out the Dairy Store website!Continue Reading… Unique Places to Eat at MSU

Get Fresh Produce at MSU from the Student Organic Farm

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Vegetable lovers have a resource right here on campus that provides access to organic produce. The Student Organic Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program has a summer-only membership option available that runs from June through October. The program offers produce such as potatoes, beets, rutabaga, onions, garlic, parsnips, carrots, cabbage and squash.

The Student Organic Farm provides vegetables to the Greater Lansing community and beyond.
The Student Organic Farm provides vegetables to the Greater Lansing community and beyond.

Individuals that sign up receive a fresh box of local organic produce each week from the Student Organic Farm, which they can pick up on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Student Organic Farm located at 3291 College Road, Holt, MI 48842.

The Student Organic Farm also has a year-round CSA. The year-round program is the first year-round CSA in Michigan. Michigan residents who are members of the CSA can receive locally grown organic produce for 48 weeks of the year. In the winter, produce includes: kale, collards, scallions, herbs and chard to salad mix. The year-round program also includes summertime produce.Continue Reading… Get Fresh Produce at MSU from the Student Organic Farm

HR Toolkits: New Employees Start Here

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When you start a new job, the last thing you want to do is search for the information you need right away. That’s when you want to start with HR Toolkits for new employees.  There’s a toolkit for what you should expect and bring with you to Support Staff Orientation, information about parking, ID Cards, and the all-important NetID.

You’ll also find information about changing dependent information for benefits, what retirement plans are available and how to enroll.

Support Staff Orientation – what to expect and bring with you to orientation

New Graduate Assistants – what you need to know before your first day

Life Events and Benefits – Birth, adoption, legal guardianship, loss of coverage, marital status changes, or loss of a loved one

Employment Information – ID cards, parking, NetIDs

Retirement

What Retirement Plans are available at MSU?

How do I enroll as a New Hire or make changes in a Retirement Plan?

What Retirement Investment Vendors are available at MSU? 

How much can I contribute?

 

Further your Financial Knowledge!

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Take a second to think, what is your Financial IQ? Do you know what an IRA is? What about stock certificates? April is “Financial Literacy Month” and MSU has partnered with TIAA-CREF to offer the “What’s your Financial IQ?” challenge. MSU Human Resources is proud to be a part of this initiative.

Financial IQ Flyer
How financially savvy are you? Test your knowledge with the Financial IQ Challenge.

The challenge not only allows you to check your financial knowledge, but you also have the chance to win one of three tablet computers! There are 15 unique quizzes for you to explore. TIAA-CREF offers all types of online tools and information to help prepare you for the challenge. Check out their website Check out their website here. They have information on retiring, budgeting, investing and plenty of other helpful tips! The challenge goes through Wednesday, April 30.

The challenge questions are fun and informational for anyone willing to participate! Participants are entered to win one of the tablet computers every time they play. So go ahead, participate in the challenge. You have a ton to gain just by being willing to learn.