Tag: campus events

September Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

If you and your family are looking for activities in the upcoming month, you’ve come to the right place. September holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Campus Events

September 7: Family Day: PAINT: Join us at the MSU Broad Art Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Family Day. You and your family can pick up a paintbrush and create paintings inspired by the artwork of Samia Halaby: Eye Witness. Registration is required for this free event. 

September 9: Monday Night Open House: Visit the MSU Bug House in the Natural Science Building for a bug-themed evening! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., come to room 147 to meet live insects and arachnids from around the world. Visit our website for directions! 

September 29: Collage Making for Liberation with Rebel Betty: From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., join Chicago-based artist Rebel Betty for a collage-making workshop at the MSU Broad Art Museum. Explore the exhibit in collaboration with Diasporic Collage: Puerto Rico and the Survival of a People, and be sure to register for this free event.

Learning Opportunities

September 12 & 26: Deepening Your Essential Skills: If you have completed a Spartan Resilience Education course, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. Here you can ask questions, raise topics, and build community with your peers. Be sure to register for this free course through the link above! 

Family Friendly Events

September 12: BealFest2024: The Apple of MSU’s Eye: Come to the Beal Botanical Garden from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to attend their annual fall celebration. This year’s theme highlights trees, and the event will include activities, performances, demonstrations, and trees to adopt for everyone. More information to come, so stay tuned!

September 13: 1920s Murder Mystery Dinner: Michigan Princess is hosting a brand new and immersive Murder Mystery Dinner experience from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, interactive murder mystery entertainment, buffet-style dinner, and more all while cruising down the Grand River. The roaring twenties theme allows you to immerse yourself in the experience and play your own unique storyline for the evening. Tickets are $85/person and can be purchased at the link above. 

September 14: Lansing Princess Day: Experience a fun-filled day with your favorite princesses at Lansing Princess Day at the Ramada Lansing Hotel. Here you can experience 10 performances and activities with your little ones, including a meet-and-greet session with photos, hugs, and autographs. This event runs for approximately 90 minutes and all guests must purchase a ticket to attend. Little ones are encouraged to dress up as their favorite princess. Be sure to purchase your tickets soon, and check out the website for more information. 

September 19–22: 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival: Join us for a weekend of celebration this Hispanic Heritage Month for a weekend of fun, education, and entertainment in the Downtown District of Michigan’s State Capital! Come observe the largest display of Hispanic cultures, art, food, music, dancing, and more. On Saturday, September 21, the main event “A Taste of Hispanic Heritage Festival,” will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will be closing the 100 and 200 blocks of Downtown Lansing. Check out the website for more details and parking information. 

Farmers Markets

Farmer’s markets are beloved events in many local communities allowing us an opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses and enjoy delicious produce, baked goods, and even homemade crafts and personal care items. Many Greater Lansing communities offer seasonal farmer’s markets. Find one near you at https://mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/

Open Enrollment

Save the Date for October 3: The Open Enrollment Benefits Fair is early this year on Thursday, October 3 at Breslin Center. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help employees enroll in their benefits on-site at the Breslin Student Events Center. More information will be shared closer to the event date. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details!

August Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

If you and your family are looking for activities in the upcoming month, you’ve come to the right place. August holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Campus Events 

August 3rd – Family Day: PLAY: Join us at the MSU Broad Art Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a hands-on and family-friendly day full of art and collage-making. Register above for this free event for all ages.

August 4th – Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Gardens: The Beal Botanical Gardens is hosting a summer tour from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Learn from Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Program Director, Maeve Bassett about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

August 25th – Sparticipation: Come to MSU’s largest Fall Welcome Tradition, Sparticipation, to check out over 600 organizations that Michigan State has to offer within 30 different departments. Whether you are a student looking for clubs to become a part of or just curious about campus life, you don’t want to miss out on this one. No registration is needed for this free event at IM East Field from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Learning Opportunities 

August 8th & 22nd – Deepening Your Essential Skills: If you have completed a course by Spartan Resilience Education, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. Here you can ask questions, raise topics and build community with your peers. Be sure to register for this free course through the link above! 

Family Friendly Events 

August 8th – Bubble Day: Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden invites you and your family to celebrate the end of summer vacation at the garden with bubbles! As you explore the world of bubbles, you can eat, paint, and even make music with bubbles. Check out the link above for parking information. The cost is $5 per child.. 

August 9th – 11th – St. Johns Mint Festival: Join us at the 39th annual St. Johns Mint Festival featuring a craft show, flea market, live entertainment and activities for those of all ages. This 3- day event allows visitors to explore a variety of handmade crafts and unique items, and enjoy live music from local artists. Check out their website for parking information. 

August 10th – Meridian Pride Event: Come by and celebrate the 2024 Meridian Pride Event from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Marketplace on the Green Pavilion (1995 Central Park Drive). Meridian Pride brings together LGBTQ+ members, allies, and organizations to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the community. There will be food trucks, music, advocacy resources, art vendors, yard games and live entertainment. Check out the link above for more information. 

August 17th – Old Town ArtFeast: Celebrate art and food from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and check out art, craft vendors, food trucks and more. Experience downtown Lansing at this event and come see the town’s unique bars, boutiques, and restaurants. No registration is required for this event.

August 31st & September 1st – Michigan Chicken Wing Festival: If you and your family are looking for a fun-filled weekend in the Lansing area, come on by the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival. Adado Riverfront Park will be hosting a 2-day event featuring live music, a kids’ zone, a VIP tent, food trucks and vendors, arts and crafts, and most importantly – chicken wings! This event is held as a fundraiser to support Against All Odds for their free boutique (Lilian’s) inside Lansing Mall. Against All Odds provides services to the homeless, cancer survivors, disabled, Veterans, and those that need a little help with everyday needs. Read more about the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival in the link above for more information and important notes on what to bring.

Farmers Markets

Farmer’s markets are beloved events in many local communities allowing us an opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses and enjoy delicious produce, baked goods, and even homemade crafts and personal care items. Many Greater Lansing communities offer seasonal farmer’s markets. Find one near you at https://mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/

Save the Date for October 3: The Open Enrollment Benefits Fair is early this year on Thursday, October 3 at Breslin Center. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help employees enroll in their benefits on-site at the Breslin Student Events Center. More information will be shared closer to the event date. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details!

June Events Round-up

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

June 2 – Music and the Garden, MSU Strings and Voice: Experience music and nature at Beal Botanical Gardens. Inspired by how trees positively impact our lives, this year’s series will explore a variety of themes shared through music, activities and presentations. The event starts with drop-in family activities at 1 PM, followed by a concert at 2 PM, and concludes with a “Plant Perspectives Tour” that starts at 3 PM. Free and open to the public (be sure to bring a blanket or chair)!

June 13 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: iNaturalist Training: Join us at the Beal Botanical Garden for a lunchtime introduction to digital identification tools such as iNaturalist, and their importance in conducting research. This tour will cover methods of plant identification, the Flora of Michigan, how to use dichotomous keys, and how herbarium specimens helped create these resources.

June 14 – MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration: Attend the 4th annual MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Breslin Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Acknowledging the Journey: Freedom, Resilience, Empowerment and Liberation. The commemoration features the multi-faceted musician and host Rodney Page, gospel music by Gregory D and Company, jazz music by the MSU College of Music, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Phoenix Miranda and more.

Family-Friendly Events

June 1 – Family Day: TRANSFORM: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. Squish, coil, pinch, and roll! Join us as we transform lumps of clay into fantastical sculptures. 

June 8 – Parent and Child Pizza Class: A fantastic way to spend an afternoon with your kid! You and your child will have a hands-on experience – making and tasting some amazing pizzas. This is meant to be an enjoyable class, not anything very serious. Our goal is for you to come in hungry, leave having eaten plenty of food, and with some new knowledge about pizza.

June 8–15 – 31st Lansing Juneteenth Celebration & African American Parade: The mission of the Lansing Juneteenth Committee is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage, and by promoting positive cultural interaction. There are tons of events all week!

June 13–15 – 517 Juneteenth Weekend: The 517 Juneteenth Weekend is a unique opportunity for the Mid-Michigan region to celebrate black culture, expression, and freedom while reflecting on 159 years of African-American emancipation. Juneteenth Weekend will feature events and activities from Thursday, June 13th – Sunday, June 16th, with the free Juneteenth Festival taking place in REO Town (on South Washington Ave) on Saturday, June 15th.

Join us for live musical performances, a special guest headline performance, food, black-owned vendors lined down South Washington Ave, informational booths, a kids zone, battle of the BBQ, and much more.

June 16 – Father’s Day Afternoon Dinner Cruise: What a better way to celebrate the Fathers in our lives than spending the afternoon together on a boat? Bring him and the family out for a cruise on the beautiful Grand River. This cruise event will sell out in advance so purchase your tickets early! Guests will be seated on two levels, with stairs required to reach the second deck. Handicap seating on the first deck is limited. Please be sure to check the handicap box on the reservation page when purchasing your tickets.

June 16 – Art on the Farm Workshop: Immerse yourself in inspiration at MSU’s Student Organic Farm. Join us for a walking tour at the certified-organic vegetable farm to learn about organic farming basics, permaculture, farming in hoop houses, and which crops find their way to the dining hall kitchens. After seeing the sights, you’ll be turned loose to sketch, photograph, paint en plein air, capture audio and video, write, dance, and otherwise engage with your artistic practice in this pastoral setting. We can’t wait to see what you create! BYOAS: Bring your own art supplies. Families welcome!

June 21 – Potter Park Zoo Twilight Adventures: Experience a magical evening at Potter Park Zoo during our Twilight Adventures! Join us for an adventure-filled night from 6 to 9 p.m. as you embark on a self-guided tour, follow clues along the way, and learn from our conservation education stations. Engage in fun games and activities under the stars while enjoying delicious s’mores and concession snacks! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the zoo after hours and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

June 22 – Lansing Pride: Celebrate Pride in Old Town Lansing! There will be a main stage with entertainment throughout the day, vendors, food, beer tent, and a family area. Follow at www.lansingpride.org or Lansing Pride on Facebook for all of the latest information. With a special performance by Loosey Leduca!

June 29 – MSUFCU Kids’ Day: Join MSUFCU as they celebrate their youth members! Enjoy games and prizes, giant inflatables, financial education activities, free food and more!

June 30 – Abrams Planetarium June 2024 Children’s Feature Show: Created and hosted by cosmically curious teenagers from Milwaukee schools, this unique cosmic experience takes you on a dynamic journey across the universe and through time. Science Topics Include: Black Holes, Cosmology–Origins & Fate of the Universe, Star Cycles, Sun, Earth Origins & History, Water Origins & Chemistry.

Learning Opportunities

June 4 – Crucial Influence: Leaders must be able to influence behavior to achieve team goals and organizational objectives.  Leadership isn’t just about crafting an inspiring vision, it’s about achieving it by mobilizing others to work well independently, and together. The Crucial Influence Model reveals why people do what they do and how leaders at every level can influence behavior for lasting results. Target Audience: Mid to high level leaders who are responsible for leading change and improvement efforts.

June 13 – Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: After completing the online assessment prior to the course, you will attend this program to receive your results and explore what you naturally do best, identify the impacts of those talents on your work and relationships, and determine how to further develop these areas to be most successful. With new self-awareness, and a new language for understanding and expressing what you do best, research has shown that you will be more likely to feel confident, achieve goals, and feel energetic and engaged. Who doesn’t want that?

June 20 – Cultural Competency: One of MSU’s guiding principles is to lead inclusively, actively, and intentionally to promote full participation and a sense of safety and belonging for all employees and staff. Join us in building cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills that strengthen cultural competence!

Health & Wellness

June 3 – The Healing Power of Guided Imagery: Guided Imagery has been shown to alleviate pain, reduce depression, and boost the immune system. Join Jessie Byelich, EAP Counselor, at Abrams Planetarium to learn more. Registration for this free course is required. 

June 17 – Rest with Music: Music is powerful. It can heal. It can calm. It can change our mood. It can regenerate our body, mind and spirit. MSU Health4U, Abrams Planetarium, and MSU Student Health Promotion and Prevention Services invite you to take an hour out of your month to listen and simply Rest with Music. Registration for this free course is required. 

Local Farmers Markets

June 2 – Eastern Ingham Farmer’s Market: The Market will happen every Sunday from 10-2 at McCormick Park in Williamston, Michigan. The Market will have a variety of vendors including produce, locally raised meats, baked goods. Actually visiting the Eastern Ingham Farmers Market is the only way to know how very special it is. The Market is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday from mid-May to mid-October and for a special post-season Holiday Market in December. Everyone is welcome!

June 2 – The East Lansing Farmers Market: The East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM), a growers-only market, is located in an inviting, open-air park atmosphere, just steps away from the MSU campus and downtown East Lansing. Customers can fill their shopping bags with a diverse selection of fresh, farm-grown Michigan produce and products, including vegetables, fruit, artisan bread, cheese, meat, coffee, maple syrup, honey, flowers and more.

The 2024 season of the East Lansing Farmers Market is scheduled to run June 2-Oct. 28 on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court.

A monarch butterfly that is sitting on a flower. More flowers can be seen in the background.

May Events Round-up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

May 5 – Museum Tour: Deep Rooted with Beal Botanical Gardens: What can art tell us about the relationship between plants and humans? Join Maeve Bassett, Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Program Director of the Beal Botanical Garden, for an immersive tour unearthing the historical, social, and political narratives growing within works of art from the MSU Broad Art Museum collection. Registration for this free tour is encouraged.

May 5 – Piano Monster: In this family-friendly event, four grand pianos share the stage, commanded by multiple pianists whose medley of classical selections highlights multi-artist combinations, including piano four-hands. This year’s program will feature the classic children’s fairytale, Peter and the Wolf, by Sergei Prokofiev, part of an unforgettable musical experience at the Fairchild Theatre. Purchase tickets for this event.. 

May 18 and 19 – MSU Annual Arts and Crafts Show: The Annual MSU Arts and Crafts Show is a seasonal tradition and beloved community event. The Winter and Spring Arts and Crafts Shows are fundraisers for the University Activities Board (UAB). 

Family-Friendly Events

May 4 – Family Day: WEAVE: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. Join us as we explore many ways you can create art through weaving. No glue, paint, or paper needed!

May 12 – Mother’s Day: Moms Get in Free at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a visit to the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary! Moms get in FREE today!

The Storybook Walk title for May is “Birdsong,” by Julie Flett. Pages from the book will be located along the accessible, ¾-mile Paved Path to read while you walk.

May 17 – Open House with the Ohio State University BUGMobile: The MSU Bug House and the OSU BUGMobile will hold a joint outreach event at the MSU Bug House as part of the Excellence in Insect Science Symposium from 3-5 PM. All are welcome to this free event!

May 18 – Potter Park Zoo Diversity Day: Discover the richness of our community at Diversity Day! Included with general admission, this special event celebrates the diversity of our community. Join us at the zoo for a unique experience featuring local food establishments and service organizations showcasing the best of what they have to offer. Explore the zoo grounds after grabbing a delicious dish from a local food truck vendor in the parking lot. Diversity Day is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the unique flavors and services that make our community thrive!

May 18 and 19 – East Lansing Art Festival: Celebrate the 61st year of the East Lansing Art Festival in Downtown East Lansing. Over 180 jury-selected artists from across the state and country be on display. In addition, there will be a full line-up of performers on both days of the festival and an artist demonstration area that will be full of interactive and learning experiences from many different types of artists.

May 24-26 – Cristo Rey Fiesta: Come celebrate Hispanic culture at the annual Cristo Rey Fiesta on Memorial Day weekend and boasting authentic Mexican food, vendors, bands and dance troupes!

May 28 and 29- Bluey’s Big Play: Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series. Tickets are available on the Wharton Center website. 

Learning Opportunities

May 7 and 8 – Building Awareness and Understanding Using the Intercultural COnflict Style Inventory (ICS): The ability to recognize and effectively respond to cultural differences in communication and conflict styles is critically important. Join a group of your peers in attending this workshop to increase cultural self-understanding of communication and conflict resolution approach, cultural other-understanding of diverse approaches used to communicate ideas and resolve conflict to more accurately interpret the statements and actions of the other party. Registration through the EBS Portal is required for this course.

May 15 – Family Employee Resource Group: Alternative Schooling Options- Homeschooling, Online Schooling, and Charter Schools: Are you considering alternative schooling options for your child outside of the K-12 public school system? Join the WorkLife Office as we present Alternative Schooling Options to help provide resources and information in this area. Registration is required for this webinar.

May 21 – Strengths-Based Leadership: Your top strengths — the things you naturally do best — can help you manage more effectively, meet your goals, and improve your team’s success. Registration is required for this online course. 

May 30 – Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy: The Women’s Networking Association welcomes you to join for a presentation by April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU on “Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy.” Register for the in-person event here. 

Health & Wellness

May 6 – The Healing Power of Guided Imagery: Guided Imagery has been shown to alleviate pain, reduce depression, and boost the immune system. Join Jessie Byelich, EAP Counselor, at Abrams Planetarium to learn more. Registration for this free course is required. 

May 15 – Wellness Wednesday: Eating Invasives: Turn an ecological problem into a culinary solution with the Beal Botanical Garden and MSU Museum! This is a free program, but please register in advance for planning purposes.

Starts May 12 – Eastern Ingham Farmers Market: The Market will happen every Sunday from 10-2 at McCormick Park in Williamston, Michigan. The Market will have a variety of vendors including produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, and many items made by local artisans.

September Events Round-Up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

September 1- MSU Football Season Opener: The Spartans kickoff their first game of the season at 7 PM against Central Michigan University. 

September 8- Fall Opening Party at the Broad Art Museum: Experience the many offerings of your campus art museum! You’re invited to explore our newest exhibitions while enjoying food, music, special guests, and activities for all. Registration for this free event is encouraged.

September 14- Masterworks 1: Dvorak New World Symphony: The 94th season at the Wharton Center begins with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website.

Learning Opportunities

September 7- Engaging Teams for Maximum Performance: Developing a shared vision of success is a critical factor in boosting team performance. Methods of building trust, setting goals and providing feedback to help enhance employee engagement and working relationships will be shared in this virtual session.

September 14- Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Restoration of the Red Cedar River:  Join Beal Botanical Gardens Director, Dr. Prather, for a lunchtime tour to learn about the Red Cedar River’s restoration efforts.

September 20- Family Employee Resource Group: Family Resources for Learning Disabilities in K-12: Join this virtual session with Andrea Beachneau, Regional Parent Mentor with the Michigan Alliance for Families, and Greg Molenda, Director of Technical Assistance for the Ingham Intermediate School District to learn about resources for K-12 students with learning disabilities. 

Health and Wellness 

September 6: Fresh Air Fitness: Yoga in the Beal Garden: The fall series of Yoga in the Beal Garden begins, stretching throughout the month of September. Registration is recommended for this free event. 

September 7: Ergonomic Best Practices for Work-Station Comfort and Safety: Identify common workplace stressors and learn the best practices for developing an ergonomically friendly workspace. This zoom seminar requires registration. 

September 12: Understanding Sleep and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot: Discuss the physiological importance of sleep through this free virtual course with MSU Health4U. 

September 25- Active Office Workshop: Learn about the best practices for physical activity in the workplace and develop a culture of movement through this virtual seminar. 

Family-Friendly Activities

September 2- Family Day: BALANCE: Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the Broad Art Museum. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged.

September 23-25- Spartan Family Weekend: The MSU and Spartan Family Connections is hosting its inaugural Spartan Family Weekend Presented by MSUFCU Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25. The weekend will include social and academic opportunities to explore campus and the MSU community with your Spartan and to celebrate with families from across the country and around the world! Registration for this event is required. 

Photo of MSU Campus

June Events Round-Up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

Learning Opportunities

  • June 5 – Self-Compassion – An Essential Skill for Success: This course will provide an overview of the research on self-compassion, define what self-compassion is and challenge the myths about self-compassion that lead people to be overly harsh and critical with themselves.
  • June 7 – Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals: Improve skills that may help reduce strain related to task accomplishment and time constraints.
  • June 13 – Cultural Competency: Join HR’s Organization and Professional Development team in building cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills that strengthen cultural competence.
  • June 20 – Performance Management for Hybrid Teams: This class will share best practices, and identify tips and strategies for developing strong and high performing hybrid teams using MSU’s Performance Excellence process.
  • June 21 – Taming the Email Beast: This program features specific tips for Outlook and Gmail users, but is applicable to any email user.
  • Starting June 21 – Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue: This program teaches techniques that allow you to make room for different opinions and perspectives, find mutual respect and common purpose, and dialogue openly.
  • June 22 – Ready, Set, Change!: Discover a simpler and faster approach to help individuals and organizations adopt change to ensure objectives are met.

Health & Wellness

Family-Friendly Activities

  • June 3 – Family Day: PLAY: Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome.
  • June 14 – Story Time at the Museum: Knowing Nature: Join East Lansing Public Library’s STEAM Educator Dr. Eric Berling for a nature-themed story time at the MSU Museum.

March Events Round-Up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

Starts March 5 – ANR Week (free): Join the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and MSU for Agriculture and Natural Resources Week and learn more about one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. 

March 14 – Make & Sustain: Upcycled Planters (free): Decoupage your container with colorful paper provided from MSU Surplus and plant a seed from the Seed Library.

March 19 – SpARTan Wellness: PLAY WITH CLAY (free): Visit the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to roll, stretch, carve and stamp clay creations.  

March 27 – Composition Reading with Imani Winds (free): Enjoy music from the members of Imani Winds, as they perform works penned by MSU student composers.

March 31 – 2023 MSU Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Commemoration: Join this event to honor this year’s theme: Remembering and Progressing our Roots. Hear from the keynote speaker and President of United Farm Workers, Teresa Romero.

Learning Opportunities

Starts March 3 – Intentional Parenting – Building a More Meaningful Connection with our Kids (free): This course will help parents explore how to connect with their children through open and honest communication.

Starts March 10 – 15th Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference: This year’s conference aims to acknowledge and honor the history in the field of Muslim mental health, highlight and share current insights and wisdom and set sights on the future of the field of Muslim Mental Health.

March 22 – 2023 MSU Women’s Advisory Committee for Support Staff Spring Forum: Building Bridges of Spartan Connections: This forum will focus on Building Bridges of Spartan Connections with a keynote address by HR’s very own Christina K. Brogdon, PHR, MSU’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.

March 22 – Photo Book Workshop using Microsoft Word (free): Learn how to use Microsoft Word to design a photo book you can print at MSU Libraries Publishing Services.

Health and Wellness

March 2 – Responding to the Tragic Events at MSU (free): In response to the tragic events that occurred at MSU, the WorkLife Office has prepared a training that will discuss the different ways in which we respond to trauma.

Starts March 7 – MSU Grief and Loss Support Group (free): This open conversation with MSU community members will help those dealing with grief. 

March 7 – Ergonomic Best Practices for Workstation Comfort and Safety (free): This Zoom session will explore the basics of ergonomics, injury prevention, how to set up your workstation, standing desk use and stretches/exercises to help reduce the risk of work-related pain.

March 13 – Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot (free): Explore the benefits of maintaining good “sleep hygiene” and learn how to improve your sleep quality. 

March 16 – Lansing River Walk Trail (free): Join the International Employee Resource Group, in person, for a scenic Spring walk through the Lansing River Trail!

March 23 – Laughing is the Best Medicine (free): Join the Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group to learn more about caregiving with laughter, mindfulness and explore the social, emotional and physical benefits of laughter.

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts March 3 – Imagine the Moon: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to explore how the moon has inspired human creativity. 

March 4 – Family Day: JOIN (free): Join the MSU Broad Art Museum for their monthly family day. For this month’s theme, come together to deliver a message.

Starts March 5 – In My Backyard: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for an exciting show from children’s entertainer, Fred Penner.

March 13 – Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

March 21 – Crazy Sock Day: Make Your Own Socks! (free): Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by creating and wearing crazy mismatching socks. 

March 23 – Homeschool Day: Art Field Trip! (free): Connect with other homeschoolers at this day of making, looking and learning designed just for you and your family! All ages are welcome. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

August Events Round-up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking to find events for you and your family this month? There are activities (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community that are perfect for summer. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

Starts August 3 – 25th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Concert Series (free): Enjoy the bells of Beaumont Tower, for free, every Wednesday.

August 6 – Family Day: Grow (free): Enjoy Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum. There will be hands-on, interactive activities throughout the museum.

August 14 – Architecture Tour (free): Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MSU Broad Art Museum by learning more about the building’s unique architecture.

Starts August 18 – Tuesdays with Morrie: Come see the play based on the best-selling memoir of all time, Tuesdays with Morrie at the Wharton Center.

August 18 – Vince Gill featuring Wendy Moten: Enjoy music from recording artist Vince Gill and singer from The Voice, Wendy Moten at the Wharton Center. 

August 27 – Public Making Hours (free): Join fellow community members in working on creative projects.

Lansing Events

Starts August 2 –  Michigan Princess Lunchtime Cruise: Enjoy lunch and music from Dixieland Jazz Band on a cruise down the river on August 2 and 18. 

August 3 – Concert in the Park (free): Enjoy music from Global Village at parks all over LansingAugust 18 – Zoo Night: Come see the Potter Park Zoo after hours with drinks and food. For guests 21 and over. 

August 20 – Art Feast (free to enter): Enjoy this arts and craft festival in the heart of Old Town Lansing. 

Health and Wellness

Starts August 3 – Explorations in Eating (free): Learn what “normal eating” looks like with registered dietician, Abby Richey, on Teams August 3, 17 and 31. 

Starts August 3 – Fresh Air Fitness: Pilates in the Garden (free): Enjoy the outdoors and pilates in the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden on August 3, 10 and 17. 

August 21 – Wellness Weekend Series: Movement Workshop (free): Move, converse and interact in a low pressure environment meant for all people.

Family-Friendly Activities

August 1 – Sensory Friendly Hours: Visit the Impression5 Science Center for their sensory friendly hours.

August 2 – National Night Out: Touch-a-Truck (free): Bring the whole family to explore fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles and more.

Starts August 5 – Chasing the Ghost Particle: From the South Pole to the Edge of the Universe: Learn about Earth’s most remote locations at the Abrams Planetarium every weekend.

Starts August 5 – Summer Concert Series (free): Enjoy live performances on Friday nights in the Ann Street Plaza.  

Starts August 5 – SkyTellers: Seasons and Moon: Hear from Native American Master Storytellers at the Abrams Planetarium every Sunday.

August 6 – 49th Annual Art Fair (free): Enjoy a fine arts and craft show in historic downtown Grand Ledge.

August 8  – MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House.

June Events Round-up

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

Are you looking for activities for you and your family to join this month? You’ll find plenty of events, courses, and activities (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the surrounding area. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the link if you’re interested in learning more.

Events on Campus

  • June 16 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Native Plant Strategies for Attracting Great Insects: whether we’re talking about butterflies or mosquito eaters, join Beal Garden curator Peter Carrington to learn about a host of insects that can make our outdoor lives more interesting, colorful, and safe if we allow them to participate.
  • June 17 – MSU Juneteenth Celebration: join the second annual MSU Juneteenth Celebration from 5-9 p.m. at the Breslin Center. Juneteenth (abbreviation for June 19th) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
  • June 18 – Unconditional Love Fund 5K: the Unconditional Love Fund 5K is a run, walk, stroll or roll to raise funds to support the MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.
  • June 21 – Come Out! In Detroit: a conversation with illustrator Isabel Clare Paul and historian Tim Retzloff who teamed up to create the comic “Come Out! In Detroit,” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Christopher Street Detroit ’72, the first LGBTQ+ pride celebration in Michigan. Grab a free copy of the comic and don’t forget to stop by the exhibit showcasing the materials used for research to create the comic.

Health and Wellness

  • Every Wednesday – Pilates in the Garden: come stretch, meet friends, and enjoy an outdoor lunch hour exercise class at W.J. Beal Botanical Garden. Admission is free.
  • Starts June 1 – Self-Compassion – An Essential Skill for Success: based on the research of Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. BrenĂ© Brown, this course will provide an overview of the research on self-compassion, define what self-compassion is and challenge the myths about self-compassion that lead people to be overly harsh and critical with themselves.
  • June 14 – Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot: this class will explore the science of sleep, the impact sleep has on overall health and wellbeing, and how to improve your sleep quality.
  • June 20 – Rest with Music: enjoy a live musical performance to listen, relax, reflect and rest with music. Join in-person or virtual.
  • June 29 – Intro to Ergonomics: this session will explore the basics of ergonomic aides, injury prevention, how to set up a workstation, and stretches/exercises for keeping work-related pain at bay.

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Various June Dates – Summer Circle Theatre: after a two-year hiatus the mid-Michigan tradition is back for its 60th Anniversary celebration of FREE theatre. 
  • June 4 – Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum: join friends from the Potter Park Zoo and take a closer look at art inspired by animals in the MSU Broad collection. All ages are welcome.
  • June 15 – Wild Wednesdays: Frogs: families with children under 7 are invited to our Wild Wednesday summer programs! Join a naturalist along the trail for a fun, interactive activity.  Each week will have either a nature-themed craft or a chance to explore more of our natural world! This week’s feature: FROGS!
  • June 17 – “Scrap Hat” Craft-In: for this drop-in craft-in, Spartan Upcycle staff will be joined by puppet artists and MSU faculty Steve Baibak and Pia Banzhaf, who will help us bring our visions to reality! Swing by, see what strikes you, and have fun exploring what’s possible when we rethink fashion and try on the unconventional! 

Learning Opportunities

  • Starts June 7 – The Parent Talk System Webinar Series: a parenting workshop designed to improve communication and provide practical strategies for raising confident, caring, and responsible children.
  • Starts June 7 – Conflict Management and Non-Escalation: the primary goals of this course are conflict resolution, de-escalation, crisis management, and everyone’s safety. This training will prepare participants to apply the taught skills to real-life situations and to retain those skills over time.
  • June 7 – Welcome to MSU: if you are new or returning to Michigan State University, the Greater Lansing area, Michigan, or the United States, the WorkLife Office can help connect you to campus and community resources.
  • June 9 – Facilitating Process Improvement: participants will identify leading process improvement frameworks, develop a project plan using RAPID methodology, adopt facilitation best practices, and identify key elements of project success.
  • June 14 – (TIAA Webinar) Financial Finishing Touches for Women: am I ready to retire? How do I know if I have enough? How do I plan my income? What should I look out for as I plan and even after I am retired? Financial success can often complicate your life, and we are going to try to help you answer these questions and more.
  • June 14 – Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: the CliftonStrenths Assessment identifies your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving so that you can discover what makes you exceptional and maximize your potential.
  • June 16 – (TIAA Webinar) Saving for Your Ideal Retirement: find out how retirement savings, planning, and the real benefit of time are essential features of retirement investments.
  • June 17 – Engaging Teams for Maximum Performance: methods of building trust, setting goals, and providing feedback to help enhance employee engagement and working relationships will be shared.
  • June 22 – Performance Management for Hybrid Teams: this class will share best practices, and identify tips and strategies for developing strong and high-performing hybrid teams using MSU’s Performance Excellence process.