Source Newsletter – January 2017 Edition

In case you missed it, here’s the January 2017 Source newsletter.

Headlines at a Glance:january_2017_source_newsletter

  • 2017 IRS Contribution Limits
  • Agile Recruiting & Onboarding Coming in 2017
  • MSU Breathe Easy: Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Program
  • Call for Student Employee of the Year Nominations
  • Learn about the Care.com Service for MSU
  • MSU Accepting Applications for Green Certification Program
  • Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Thank you MSU IT!

It has become increasingly important in a university setting to remain up-to-date with the latest technologies, and the staff members at MSU IT offer the resources to make this possible. Technology is constantly changing, but the knowledgeable MSU IT staff members are always available to support the MSU community.

In addition to the day-to-day support MSU IT provides, they also have a broader technology plan with their Bolder IT initiative.

thank-you
Source: Bolder IT

MSU Bolder IT has three components: Strengthen, Align and Innovate. The Strengthen component encompasses the idea that MSU’s primary focus must be the delivery of reliable, cost-effective core infrastructure and services. The Align component refers to the increased communication between MSU IT and a unit’s IT so that they can operate as “one IT.” Finally, the Innovate component builds on the foundation the other two provide and focuses on enhancing the end user experience to deliver efficient, timely and innovative technology services.

The combination of all three areas, Strengthen, Align and Innovate, allows MSU IT to achieve their end goal of creating one stable and secure IT department that supports the experiences of students, faculty, staff, alumni and others connected with MSU.

Thank you, MSU IT for all that you do for the university!

Job of the Week 1/27/17

This week we are highlighting a Veterinary Assistant (posting #4828) with the College of Veterinary Medicine . This position will be responsible for providing assistance with animal patients by monitoring temperature, pulse, respiration and IV fluid administration, walking animals outside, cleaning ward areas and stocking supplies. This position will also process lab samples and medication orders, enter charges in the hospital information system, and assist clinicians, veterinary technicians and clinical students with animal patients of the Veterinary Medical Center.

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.

Health Matters: Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a complicated disease that affects one in every 50 adults over the age of 40. This slow-moving condition involves damage to the optic nerve that causes progressive and irreversible vision loss, eventually leading to blindness. Glaucoma can be difficult to diagnose, since the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, usually has no other symptoms besides slow vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma has a wide and open angle between the iris and cornea, and is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals, resulting in increased eye pressure.

glaucomaThe disease’s symptoms often resemble those of macular degeneration, cataracts, migraine headache, stroke, etc. You may be at a higher risk for glaucoma if:

  • You have family members with glaucoma
  • You have a history of diabetes
  • You have high blood pressure
  • You are African-American

A diagnosis for the disease is easy to miss, since many individuals show no symptoms of open-angle glaucoma in the early stages. To prevent blindness and other serious complications, make sure you are receiving regular eye care to catch the disease in its early development. Best Doctors can offer a specialized analysis of your health records to give you answers or counsel for these medical conditions lacking a straightforward diagnosis.

Read the full Best Doctors article to learn more.

Nominations are Open for Student Employee of the Year!

Do you supervise a student employee that consistently goes above and beyond? You have the opportunity to ensure your student is recognized! The Division of Student Affairs and Services is calling for nominations of exemplary student employees for the Student Employee of the Year Award. This university-wide award is given to a student employee who exhibits one or more of the following performance qualities: reliability, quality of work, professionalism and uniqueness of contribution.

MSU Students employees in the MSU Union store prep boxes for the recycle bins.
Recycling Sparty Student Employees. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

The program and reception will be held on April 13, 2017 at the Kellogg Center. At this reception, all nominees will be honored with certificates. Additionally, the Student Employee winner’s name will be submitted for consideration for the State of Michigan Competition. If this individual wins at the state level, he/she will go on for consideration in the Midwest and national recognition programs.

Nominations are being accepted from now until February 1, 2017. In order to learn more about the criteria for this award and nominate a deserving student employee, visit the website. It is important to note that all nominations must be submitted using the online application. Paper applications will not be accepted. For more information on the Student Employee of the Year award program, please contact Tammye Coles at mitche25@msu.edu or call 517-355-8286.

Job of the Week 1/20/17

This week we are highlighting a Ticket Office Assistant Manager (posting #4759) with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The position will assist ticket office manager in all areas of athletic ticket office operations; supervise ticket office operations for
women’s basketball, volleyball and other assigned sports including reporting and audit preparation; serve as game day supervisor for assigned soccer, baseball, women’s basketball, hockey, gymnastics and wrestling events, including all staffing, payroll, ticket sales, reconciliation, and related reporting. This position will also act as window sales supervisor; provide customer support via phone, walk-up, and mail for single game and season ticket sales; address changes; research mistakes; create and maintain the database; and call customers to ascertain reasons for non-renewal of season tickets.

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.

Work-Related New Year’s Resolutions

At the beginning of the new year it may be overwhelming and difficult to stick with your resolutions, especially with everyone telling you what to do or how they are doing it better. Don’t fall into the trap of setting lofty goals that will never be accomplished. Instead, set realistic resolutions that can help benefit your work life.

First, make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you see what to improve on, what you are already doing well and how you can utilize these strengths. Second, think long-term about your career goals. Where do you see yourself next year, in five years and 10 years? Third, be present in the workplace. Don’t just show up to the office and try to get through the day. Make the most out of each day, be productive and positive. Little changes can make a difference too. Consider updating your resume, going to networking opportunities and taking classes on subjects that interest you or will help boost your career.

Excercise
Taking a quick walk on your lunch break is an easy way to clear your mind. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy

Simple resolutions made out of the office could ultimately help your career. Try to add 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity to your schedule at least three days a week, even if it means taking a quick walk on your lunch break. Do things you enjoy after work and on the weekends. Maybe pick up a new hobby or activity, or simply explore what your city has to offer. If changing your eating habits seems unattainable, MSU offers a six session course, How to Eat, on Thursdays in the Olin Health Center. The course teaches mindful techniques to bring awareness to eating without judgment. For more information on How to Eat, or other Health4U courses, visit Health4U.msu.edu.

Setting New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t be a hassle. Think about how you want to progress as a professional and make simple changes to help kick-start your new year.

Commuting Options: Be “Spartan Green” and save money getting to campus

Are you considering commuting to campus for work or school, but unsure about your options? Would it be helpful to have more information so you can make a decision that fits your needs? Coming soon is the opportunity to join a discussion and learn from experts who will share information about services that can be used to get to and from campus. These options will enable you to save money, save the environment and “Be Spartan Green!”

commuting1
Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

A panel discussion will take place Wednesday, January 18 from noon – 1:00 p.m. in Room 110 Chittenden Hall. Participants will learn about:

  • CATA Clean Commute Options – a free service that helps interested individuals find alternative ways to commute to work; including car/vanpooling, bus, bike and walking. Learn about the options that fit your commute and the Emergency Ride Home program, which acts as “commuter insurance” if you’re ever left without transportation.
  • CATA bus service on and off campus, including the Spectran service for individuals with physical mobility concerns in the tri-county area.
  • MichiVan vanpool program – sponsored by MDOT and operated by vRide and Enterprise Rideshare, this program supplies fully insured passenger vans to commuter groups.
  • Biking – with support from MSU Bikes to help navigate your way safely to campus.

In addition to receiving information about commuting options, participants will also hear experiences from two commuters: Jen Bruen a Michivan driver/coordinator who has been commuting from Novi to Lansing since 2011 and Layne Cameron who rides his bicycle from Williamston to campus ( a 12-mile commute one way).

This informational session is free and open to all! RSVP to the MSU WorkLife Office by emailing worklife@msu.edu (subject line: “Commuting Options) or by calling 517-353-1635. For additional information about this event, visit the WorkLife Office website.

Job of the Week 1/13/17

This week we are highlighting an Associate Director for Administration (posting # 4719) with Residence Education and Housing Services. The Associate Director for Administration will be responsible for developing strategic Residence Education and Housing Services plans to engage in the Liberal Learning goals, and managing the daily operations of the Housing Assignments Office, Operations Office, University Conference Services and Safety and Security Office, within Residence Education and Housing Services.

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.

Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award Reminder

Nominations for the 7th Annual Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award are due by Friday, January 27. The award recognizes support staff members who are pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU.

RuthJameyson
Ruth Jameyson died in 2007 at the age of 100. Photo courtesy of University Archives & Historical Collections

The Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award recognizes a support staff member who embodies the work ethic, spirit and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ruth Jameyson. Ms. Jameyson worked as secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw and administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah while pursuing her master’s degree in economics.

Nominees must be regular, active employees with at least five years of service to MSU in a support staff position, and must be enrolled and attending a post-baccalaureate degree program at MSU or elsewhere.

The recipient will also receive a stipend of $2,500 funded by friends of Ruth Jameyson; Barbara Sawyer-Koch, MSU trustee emerita, and Donald F. Koch, MSU professor emeritus.

For more information about the award or nomination process, visit MSU Human Resources.