Tag: Professional Development

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

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Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • Swimming: Present a valid staff or faculty ID to use one of the pools available on campus for laps or open swimming during designated pool hours.
  • Group Fitness Classes: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes with membership pricing for MSU employees.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

  • University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.
Five people working together at a conference table.

Fostering Excellence: Continuous Learning and Educational Assistance for MSU Support Staff

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Written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR Organization and Professional Development

Michigan State University stands as a beacon of educational excellence, not only for its students but also for its dedicated support staff. At the heart of MSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth and development is the twin approach of continuous learning and educational assistance benefits tailored for support staff.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, and MSU recognizes its transformative power. For support staff, engaging in ongoing education and using it on the job brings many benefits to the individual and helps create a dynamic and adaptable workforce that contributes significantly to the university’s success.

  • Career Development: Continuous learning helps open doors to career advancement opportunities. MSU support staff have access to many professional development opportunities, from workshops to specialized training sessions, allowing us to enhance our skills in preparation for future positions. According to Gallup, 41% of employees consider career development a very important aspect of job satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Job Performance: Staying current with industry trends and best practices is essential for optimal job performance. MSU’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, directly impacting their ability to excel in their roles and contribute to the university’s operational excellence. Individuals can chart their path using educational assistance or elevateU, the free on-demand source for technical and essential skill development and certification prep.
  • Increased Engagement: 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager, according to Gallup. Continuous learning fosters a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction with a person’s job, and while resources are always slim—supporting continuous learning is essential for supervisors. Staff who feel supported in their educational pursuits are more likely to experience higher engagement, leading to a positive work environment and a deepened commitment to MSU’s mission. Gallup finds that engaged employees have 78% less absenteeism, 63% less safety accidents, and a 10% increase in customer loyalty.
  • Adaptability to Change: Adaptability is a key attribute in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Continuous learning instills resilience and the ability to navigate change effectively. Those empowered to participate in ongoing education will be well-positioned to embrace new challenges and contribute to the university’s culture of innovation.

Educational Assistance Programs at MSU

MSU exemplifies its commitment to the educational journey of support staff through robust educational assistance programs designed to remove financial barriers to learning. Educational assistance benefits and eligibility are governed by an employee’s respective collective bargaining unit agreement. Non-union employees and Academic Specialists also have educational benefits available to them.

Educational assistance benefits are available to help achieve educational and career development goals. There are two different aspects of educational assistance: non-credit courses and credit courses.

  • Non-Credit Courses: Eligible employees can take programs offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development or IT Services, non-credit programs, seminars, and conferences. Most staff employee groups have $800 or $900 available annually for non-credit programs. APA members can utilize this amount to pay for credit classes.
  • Credit courses: Eligible employees can take courses at MSU or a non-MSU accredited institution, provided it is located in the state of Michigan. MSU courses are eligible for and processed as a tuition waiver, while non-MSU courses are processed as a reimbursement. Institutions that are considered to be primarily online only (such as the University of Phoenix) or institutions that are not Michigan-based are ineligible.

Please review the Educational Assistance webpages and Educational Assistance Eligibility by Employee Group summary for more details about Educational Assistance programs, eligibility, and the available benefit coverage. For questions, contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

References

Gallup. (2024, November 18), “How to improve employee engagement in the workplace.” Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx

Juyumaya, J., Torres-Ochoa, C. and Rojas, G. (2024), “Boosting job performance: the impact of autonomy, engagement and age”, Revista de GestĂŁo, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 397-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/REGE-09-2023-0108

Job of The Week: Health Care Assistant

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Health Care Assistant for MSU Health Care (job posting 1024504). The Health Care Assistant position is vital to the patient care team and crucial to the success of MSU Health Care clinical operations. If you are interested in working under licensed healthcare professionals and being a part of clinical operations, this may be the role for you.

From joint ventures and partnerships to leveraging expansive clinical research and expert educational strengths for patients, MSU Health Care focuses on providing healing and caring to all. MSU Health Care spans 46 adult and pediatric specialties committed to high-quality patient care. Their missions are to deliver a personalized experience and a safe environment for all, train the next generation of clinicians, ensure equitable access, and offer the highest quality of care. MSU Health Care remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and enhancing life. 

In this position, you will perform various clinical and managerial tasks within the outpatient clinic. You will be working under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals and provide support for physicians and other clinicians while implementing high-quality health care. Additionally, you will provide front and back office duties, use a computerized information system, and handle documents. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a high school diploma and six months to one year of work experience performing routine health assessment tests in a medical or clinical office setting. This position also requires experience using word processing and database software and a specified medical course such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), or Licensed EMT. It is also crucial for you to have knowledge of electronic medical records, patient scheduling systems, and medical billing terminology. 

Desired qualifications include familiarity with medical terminology and experience in scheduling, screening, and confirming medical appointments. You should be willing to work collaboratively and individually with minimal supervision, and have a strong desire to work with a diverse patient population.

 Learn more about MSU Health Care on their website. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by March 4.

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness in the Workplace

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No act of kindness is ever wasted. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed annually on February 17th. This day, established in 1995, was created to promote positivity, unity, and harmony across all communities and types of people. By encouraging everyone to engage in random acts of kindness throughout the workplace and in the Spartan community, we can embrace the spirit of the day and continue spreading kindness every other day too!

One small act of kindness can change the course of someone’s day. Whether you are holding the door for a stranger or congratulating your coworker on an achievement, there are so many ways to brighten someone’s day through acts of kindness. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day in the workplace and promote connection and positivity between each other: 

  • Show Recognition: To recognize a coworker for their hard work, assistance, or value, give them a shout-out during a team meeting, or send them and/or their supervisor an email to share your experience. You could also nominate a colleague for a Spartan shout-out in the InsideMSU newsletter by filling out this form. 
  • Check-in with your Co-workers: Between the increasing demands of work and home life, people are feeling more stressed than ever. Luckily, studies show there is a powerful antidote to stress: kindness. According to Forbes, “Kindness works because it helps people feel more connected with others, and it distracts them from their own problems. Happiness is significantly correlated with belonging and community—so it makes sense kindness would be a source of joy” (Forbes, 2023). Check-in with your co-workers to see how they’re doing and really listen to determine what small acts of kindness you can do to help brighten their day. Just the act of actively listening with your full attention can do wonders to show others you care and are there to help.
  • Support a New Employee: Starting a new position can be intimidating. Reach out to a new employee and offer your assistance as they navigate their new role. Your support will help them feel welcomed and more connected to the team. 
  • Celebrate Success: Whether your team has just completed a challenging project or it’s a co-worker’s work anniversary, don’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the contribution and value of each team member.  
  • Volunteer: Volunteer work is one of the best ways to promote kindness and positivity in the community. Join Spartans near and far on Give Green Day on March 11 to help current and future students. Find more volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Gardens, Office of Sustainability, MSU Center for Survivors, Office for Civil Rights, Spartans Serve, and more. Volunteering helps foster community, build social bonds, and address social challenges. 
  • Create an Inclusive Environment: Build your cultural awareness and understanding to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all employees. Learn cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills through HR’s OPD courses, elevateU online learning opportunities, and University Health and Wellbeing events and training. 

Together as Spartans, we can contribute to a better workplace and community by embracing the unity and positivity that prospers from kindness.

Job of The Week: Football Athletic Trainer

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a Football Athletic Trainer III for MSU Athletics (job posting 1022012). If you are interested in managing health care related issues for football athletes, this may be the role for you! 

MSU and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is a proud member of the Big 10 Conference sponsoring 23 varsity sports programs, including 11 men’s and 12 women’s teams. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to operating an athletic program that excels with integrity, positivity, and community. 

In this position, you will work with the team’s physician to coordinate the athletes’ health care, provide information and plans to coaches, evaluate injuries to treat, execute appropriate referrals, design rehabilitation exercises for athletes, and implement return to sport programs, among other duties. You will also be responsible for ensuring safety and preventing injuries by designing special pads and performing equipment checks, following all policies and procedures, and collaborating with Sports Performance and Nutrition personnel. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a Master’s degree in Physical Education and five to eight years of related experience in all aspects of athletic training. You will also need a certification from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Additional experience as Head Football Athletic Trainer is preferred. 

Learn more about MSU Intercollegiate Athletics here. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and should be submitted by February 25.

Job of The Week: Physical Therapist Assistant

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Physical Therapy Assistant for MSU Health Care (job posting 959405). If you are interested in helping patients improve their mobility and functional abilities, this may be the position for you.

From joint ventures and partnerships to leveraging expansive clinical research and expert educational strengths for our patients, MSU Health Care focuses on providing healing and caring to all. Their missions are to deliver a personalized experience and a safe environment for all, train the next generation of clinicians, ensure equitable access, and offer the highest quality of care. MSU Health Care remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and enhancing life. 

In this position, you will work under the supervision of a physical therapist to help patients improve their functional abilities and mobility in both recovery and everyday needs. You will provide hands-on treatment to patients and assist with therapeutic exercises. Additionally, you will be responsible for supporting patients of all ages in their recovery process. Work hours for this role will vary as necessary to accommodate clinic operations. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include an associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). You should also have six months to one year of related or progressively more expansive work experience in administering physical therapy treatments. 

Learn more about MSU Health Care on their website. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and a Valid State of Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant License and should be submitted by February 19.

February Events Round – Up

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If you and your family are looking for events in February, you have come to the right place! February holds many opportunities on campus and in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required.

Campus Events

All Month – Black History Month Events: Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month each year throughout February. This month is dedicated to highlighting the U.S. history of Black and African American people. Colleges, units, and student organizations will host commemorative events across campus.

February 1 – Family Day: Grow: The first Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Join from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to make creative connections, explore sculpting art, and learn about how food grows at this free event! Registration for this event is highly encouraged. 

February 1 – 21 – These Are For You, I Hope This Helps: Ring Shouts and Standards: Join us at the RCAH LookOut Gallery on the 2nd floor of Snyder Hall for the 14th Annual Perspectives in African-American Experience: Emerging Visions Residency and Exhibition featuring the work of artists Darryl D’Angelo Terrell and Samiya Bashir. 

February 10 – 14 – Love Data Week: Celebrate all things data during Love Data Week, Feb. 10-14. Michigan State University is participating in Love Data Week by hosting data events and educational opportunities geared toward faculty, staff, and students. Learn more on the Institutional Research website.

February 8, 11 and 18 – MSU Men’s Basketball at Home:  Join us at the Breslin Center to watch MSU Men’s Basketball play. Visit the website for ticket information and to see the full season schedule.

February 11 – 16 – MJ The Musical: Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is coming to the Wharton Center! Join us to see this multi Tony-Award winning new musical centered around the 1992 Dangerous World Tour to get a rare view of the creative mind and spirit that launched Michael Jackson’s career into legendary status. Tickets are available for purchase here.

February 13, 20, and 27 – Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Annual Dr. Willian G. Anderson Lecture Series gives the community the chance to interact with multicultural leaders from all areas. Hear from three distinguished speakers at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts and be sure to secure your tickets here.

February 15 – June 29 – Nabil Kanso: Echoes of War Exhibition: This exhibit, located at the MSU Broad Art Museum, follows the artist Nabil Kanso’s mission to create awareness about historical events and show solidarity with those suffering globally. Read more about the exhibit and get your free tickets here. 

Family – Friendly Events 

February 1 – 28 – Snow Tubing at Hawk Island County Park: The Hawk Island Snow Tubing Hill is excited to welcome families and friends to embrace the winter season and enjoy some tubing! Warm-up stations, concessions, and rental tubes are available for purchase. Check out ticket pricing and available sessions here!

Recurring Sundays February 2 – 23 – Abrams Planetarium February 2025 Children’s Feature Show: Join children’s entertainer Fred Penner in exploring things from the colors of the rainbow to the reason for the seasons through song and immersive environments. Children are encouraged to participate while learning about the planets, constellations, the moon, and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online here. 

Greater Lansing Area Events 

February 21 – 23 – Michigan Nordic Fire Festival 2025: The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival, held in Charlotte, Michigan, is an event held during the last weekend of February featuring fun activities including battles, combat performances, archery, sled races, and more. There will also be chances to participate in contests, try new foods, and more for the whole family. Check out our website for times, parking information, and location details.

February 27th – Lansing Symphony Orchestra at the Robin Theatre: Visit the Robin Theatre in Lansing for the unique, intimate concerts of contemporary chamber music from the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Visit the website for more information on the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and to secure tickets now! 

February 22nd – Old Town Chocolate Walk: At the Old Town Chocolate Walk, you will travel the neighborhood and collect chocolates at each location to support the Old Town Commercial Association and contribute to keeping Lansing’s Old Town revitalized. With your ticket you receive a custom box, punch card, map, and chocolates at every stop! Secure your tickets here.

Farmers Markets

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. Be sure to check out the website for more information! 


Every Other Saturday – Meridian Farmers Market: Visit the Meridian Farmers Market inside the Meridian Mall! The market vendors offer farm, food, and crafts, and a majority of the products sold are locally grown or made.

Job of The Week: Event Coordinator

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Project and Event Coordinator for the College of Engineering (job posting 1015740). If you are interested in event coordination, national travel, administrative support, payment and registration management, and logistical support, this may be the role for you.

The MSU College of Engineering prides itself on developing practice-ready engineers and computer scientists, solving complex transdisciplinary problems, driving economic development, and providing innovative and engaging teaching and a culturally rich and inclusive environment. With many research, educational, outreach, and engagement goals on the horizon, the College of Engineering is recognized as a leader in solving global problems and supporting students and alumni. 

In this position, you will plan and execute logistics for conferences, workshops, and seminars, collaborate with planning committees and hotels to manage travel and vendor exhibits and provide on-site support. You will arrange air travel and car rentals, process reimbursements, manage office supplies, coordinate payments for events and training, and assist with processing conference registrations and payments. You may travel up to four to eight times per year to support NCPP conferences and training programs. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business, or a related area, as well as one to three years of related and more expansive work experience in managing and planning special events. Experience in word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and presentation software is required. You should be organized, skilled at managing events, and have experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders and MSU financial systems. 

Learn more about the College of Engineering. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and three professional references, and should be submitted by February 18.

Job of The Week: VDL Client Service Center Supervisor

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VDL) Client Service Center Supervisor for the College of Veterinary Medicine (job posting 1015732). If you are interested in supervising and managing the VDL and its support staff, this may be the position for you.

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine prides itself on diversity, innovation, integrity, compassion, and collaboration. Their vision states, “Together we will be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service,” with a mission of learning, discovering, healing, and protecting. The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, a service unit in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a full-service and accredited laboratory for all species. Additionally, the lab performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from all around Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. 

In this position, you will manage a workload of five support staff and one temporary on-call employee who answers phones, provides clerical support for laboratory sections, and rotates through the reception areas. You will also provide high-quality, consistent customer service internally and externally and manage VDL client complaints. Additionally, you will monitor call volume, create monthly schedules, manage time off requests, interview, hire and train temporary personnel, and collect and maintain records and data. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include two to three years of college or technical school experience with coursework in a field related to the job and one to three years of related work experience. You should be organized, detail and team-oriented, relaxed, customer service focused, and a problem solver. Experience in a laboratory setting requiring specific safety procedures is desired. 

Learn more about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the MSU Careers website for more information. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and three professional references, and should be submitted by January 28.

Job of The Week: Career Services Coordinator

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Career Services Coordinator for the Student Development and Leadership Department’s Career Services Network (job posting 1013039). If you are interested in providing career advising to students and recent alumni from all areas of campus, this may be the role for you.

Career Services Network’s mission is to lead MSU in providing valued career resources and connections that empower students and allow them to grow professionally. The Career Services Network helps students and recent alumni (within 2 years of graduation) declare their major, explore career fields and industries, apply for part-time jobs and internships, prepare for interviews, and more through one-on-one virtual and in-person advising sessions.

In this position, you will support the development of early-stage career planning and education through tabling events, programs, presentations, and resource development. You will provide career advising to Spartans and administer career assessments in individual and group settings utilizing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory, and Focus 2. Additionally, you will partner with colleagues across campus to deliver joint programming including general and career exposure workshops, and provide referrals to specific college career staff as students progress in their career paths. The Career Services Coordinator will promote the Career Services Network at large-scale events, including orientation and admissions, and connect students and alumni with staff and administrators for further resources.

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field, as well as one to three years of related work experience with university students in an advising role or human resources. You should have excellent communication and customer service skills and the ability to build relationships with other units and departments at MSU. You should be willing to take initiative and function as a team player with a common goal in this role. 


Learn more about the Career Services Network here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the MSU Careers website for more information. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and professional references, and should be submitted by January 28.