Job of the Week 8/29/14

This week we are highlighting a Library Assistant IV (Posting #9986) in Libraries. This position independently provides first and second level technical and information support for the University’s 24×7 Distance Learning Services (DLS) Help Desk supporting a wide variety of distance learning technologies, including but not limited to: the Desire to Learn learning management system, Adobe Connect and Presenter, MediaSpace/Kaltura, the Non-Credit Registration System (NCRS), Library Electronic Resources; provides campus-wide training for D2L, Adobe Connect and Presenter, and NCRS; serves as representative in supporting the unit instance of the CA/ITServiceDesk ticketing system; must adhere to strict policies of confidentiality and the management of sensitive data in a secure fashion; must demonstrate a high level of customer service; performs other duties as assigned.

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search. MSU Jobs Icon

Welcome Students!

Sparty and the rest of campus are excited to welcome the students back!
Sparty and the rest of campus are excited to welcome the students back!

Have you noticed that campus is teeming with life as of late? This can be attributed to the fact that today is the first day of classes for MSU students! The city of East Lansing is one that thrives because of its academic community, and HR would like to take the time to welcome everyone back. This year’s student population is the largest yet, totaling around 50,000, with students hailing from all 83 counties in Michigan, all 50 states, and over 130 countries. Eager to participate in MSU’s 200+ programs of undergraduate, graduate, and professional study, the student community is both talented and diverse. Whether you are entering your freshman year, or starting the 5th year senior “victory lap,” welcome to MSU and enjoy your year! Go Green!

Job of the Week 8/21/14

This week we are highlighting a Research/Instructional Equipment Technician (Posting #9968) in the College of Natural Science. This position assembles, maintains, and repairs research instruments and equipment to include: assembly of research instrumentation & equipment to specifications set; assembles and trouble shoots electronic and research equipment; assists with product and instrumentation development; fabricates standard electronic devices for research or instruction. This position is funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding availability.

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search. MSU Jobs Icon

Job of the Week 8/15/14

This week we are highlighting a Graphic Artist III (Posting #9927) in Communications and Brand Strategy. This position creates and coordinates dynamic, brand-aligned design for Web sites and a range of digital and print marketing communications produced by Communications and Brand Strategy, the central communications office for Michigan State University; this position plays a vital role as a member of the award winning marketing communications creative team.MSU Jobs Icon

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search.

Fall Move-In Traffic

August is an exciting month in East Lansing as students will soon begin returning to campus for the impending school year. While it is always a joyous occasion to watch MSU regain its hustle and bustle, with the great influx of travelers, traffic is imminent. Over the next few weeks, reference the below schedule in order to avoid campus at its busiest.

  • Stop Sign
    Getting caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic can be a real headache. Keep up on move-in dates to remain unaffected.

    Saturday, August 16: Move-in for new international students

  • Sunday, August 24: Move-in for first year students
  • Monday, August 25: Move-in for returning students
  • Tuesday, August 26: Fall Welcome Cookout, Sparticipation, and Spartan Spectacular

Fall move-in dates are likely to cause congestion campus-wide so it is best to go around campus on the aforementioned days. This year’s Fall Welcome Cookout will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Munn Field so be sure to avoid South Neighborhood during this time.

Thank You MSU IPF!

MSU sign
MSU’s sprawling campus is bursting with beauty and life, largely due in part to IPF!

This month, we would like to extend a warm thank you to the department that maintains the physical aspects of MSU’s campus, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF). From general services to construction and renovation projects, IPF works diligently to ensure that our surroundings on campus remain in superior condition. The department also repairs vehicles and provides exemplary recycling and reuse services. IPF enhances MSU in ways far greater than purely cosmetic, however. The department’s reliability and open communication tactics have truly ascertained its position as an invaluable component of Michigan State University.

Here’s to you, IPF! Thanks for all that you do.

Broaden Your Horizons at the Great Lakes Folk Festival

It’s back! Annually hosted by the MSU Museum, the Great Lakes Folk Festival (GLFF) will be rolling into town this weekend. The event assembles an eclectic mixture of art, entertainment, and food, rallying the community together for a celebration of ethnicity with a whimsical feel. This year’s dynamic acts span a variety of cultures and showcase a myriad of talents. Enjoy a live recitation from Tibetan monks, participate in a clogging workshop, or learn about the history of African tradition; the possibilities are both numerous and enriching.

After viewing the festival’s diverse performances, visit the GLFF Marketplace to browse the wares of some incredibly talented artisans. From natural herbal remedies to handmade sterling silver and copper jewelry, hundredsGLFF Logo of unique items will be up for sale. To satisfy the inevitable appetite that will form while attending the festival,  be sure to sample the GLFF’s delicious cuisine. Vendors will prepare a cultural smorgasbord of food, including Tex-Mex, Asian, and Middle-Eastern varieties.

The GLFF brings more still to the table. Other features, such as informative children’s programs and an honorary ceremony for recipients of the Michigan Heritage Awards, will also contribute to the festival’s flair. Ready to immerse yourself in a compelling cultural experience? Be sure to attend! The Great Lakes Folk Festival begins tomorrow, August 8th, at 6 p.m. For additional information, visit the GLFF’s website.

 

Sick Time vs. Family Sick Time

Have you ever wondered how sick time balances relate to family sick time balances?

family
Allot sick time accordingly in order to care for your family when illness strikes.

Family sick time is not a separate bucket of hours to be used independently. It is a subset of sick time available to use for the illness of a member of the immediate family or other household members. Individual Collective Bargaining Agreements define the number of hours that may be used and for what circumstances. It is to be reported as family sick and is debited to the employee’s sick leave balance as well as the family sick time balance.  You must have a sufficient balance of both family sick  and sick to cover the absence(s).  Family sick buckets are renewed annually on July 1st.

Events Round-Up August 2014

Here are some events happening over the next month that may be of interest to MSU faculty and staff. Please visit the links for more information. Many events require registration.

Community Events

Friday, August 1st

Lansing JazzFest begins, times vary, Lansing

Sunday, August 3rd

Endangered Life Skills: Wildlife Identification, 3 p.m., Okemos

Thursday, August 7th

Cuisine in the Park, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Haslett

Friday, August 8th

MSU Museum’s Great Lakes Folk Festival begins, times vary, East Lansing

Thursday, August 14th

Renegade Theatre Festival begins, times vary, Lansing

Saturday, August 16th

ART Feast, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Lansing

Habitat for Humanity’s Bike to Build, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., DeWitt

Monday, August 19th

Grilling Challenge, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Charlotte

Friday, August 22nd

Summer Night Hike, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m., Lansing

Development, Training & Wellness

Wednesday, August 7th

Recipe for Health Cooking Series: “Red Bell Pepper”, 12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m., Brody Square Demonstration Kitchen

Monday, August 18th

Navigating Business Intelligence, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., B110H Wells Hall

Tuesday, August 19th

MSU Accounting in EBS, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Suite 10 Nisbet

Wednesday, August 20th

Leading Change, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Suite 10 Nisbet

Saturday, August 30th

Excel 2010 – Part 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., New Horizons

Zotero: Citation Management 2.0, 10 a.m. – Noon, Main Library