February Events Round-Up

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

Throughout FebruaryBlack History Month Events: Per national tradition, every year Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month throughout February. This month is dedicated to highlighting the history of Black, African American, and African people throughout the United States. Colleges, units, and student organizations across campus will be hosting events throughout the month. 

Starts February 1William G. Anderson Lecture Series Slavery to Freedom (free, please register): An American Odyssey: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine presents the 24th Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series. The series gives the community opportunities to interact with multicultural leaders from education, business, industry, entertainment, and government. For 24 years, this series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement.

February 2- Winter Opening Party at the Broad Art Museum (free): Experience the many offerings of your campus art museum. You’re invited to explore our newest exhibitions while enjoying food, music, special guests, art-making activities, and more. All ages are welcome to this museum-wide party!

February 7- 2nd Annual Black History Symposium (free): Please join James Madison College as they welcome Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden, the first Black woman to serve as a Michigan Supreme Court Justice. Registration required.

February 6-11- “Funny Girl” at the Wharton Center: The Wharton Center will be hosting “Funny Girl” in the Cobb Great Hall. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website.

February 10 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: The Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China and is widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. This concert event features guest composer Shuying Li and the world premiere of her Rhapsody of the Awakening Dragon. Tickets can be purchased here.

February 13 –  Remembrance: Acknowledging that each person continues to process at their own pace and in their own way, student, faculty, and staff committees are planning opportunities to allow our community to again come together to remember those we lost, those injured and all impacted by the tragedy. As Interim President Woodruff wrote to the campus community, these Feb. 13 activities include an evening remembrance gathering and a day of kindness and service to the local community. Reflective spaces and counseling support will be available and there are ongoing resources available to the campus community.

February 21- From Detroit to the Cosmos: Carl Craig on Techno and Afrofuturism conversation (free): Presented in partnership with WKAR Public Media and moderated by MSU Museum curator Dr. Julian Chambliss, this unique program will explore Craig’s creative process and Detroit Techno’s fundamental role in shaping contemporary Afrofuturism. Registration for this free event is required

Learning Opportunities

February 1 Virtual Reality Open Hours (free): Whether you’re a first-timer or a VR professional, MSU Libraries VR Open Hours are for you! Take their HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and other headsets for a spin, connect with others, and learn about virtual reality. 

February 1 (start date)- Building a Framework for Resilient Leadership Seminar: Explore with other campus leaders some essential resilience skills required for effective leadership for the common good, including emotional intelligence, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, effective stress mitigation practices, and practices of compassionate accountability for self and others. Registration for this online four-part seminar (9 a.m.-Noon) is required.

February 8- Taming the Email Beast: If you would like to get control of your e-mail “beast,” you should attend this program featuring specific tips for Outlook and Gmail users, but applicable to ANY e-mail user. Registration for this online course is required. 

Health and Wellness

February 1 & 15- Deepening Your Essential Skills (free): This webinar is an opportunity for people who have completed any course offered by Spartan Resilience Education to continue their learning, ask questions, raise topics, and build community with other learners from across the MSU community. Registration for this free class is recommended

February Mondays and Wednesdays– Blue Cross Winter Warm-Up (free): Have fun getting fit and working toward your health goals with the Blue Cross® Winter Warm-Up. This 5K training program is free and open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. The eight-week training program involves attending two weekly one-hour run/walk sessions with certified Good Form Running and Walking coaches from the Playmakers Fitness Foundation. Registration for this free event is recommended. 

February 15- Active Office Workshop (free): If you work in an office setting, it can be hard to get enough movement during the day. Learn about the importance of physical activity and how you can combat the aches and pains of a desk job with this free interactive session.

Family-Friendly Activities

February 3- Family Day: VOICE: 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. Get loud and speak up! Join us as we make sculptures that amplify our voices. 

February 4- 2024 Lansing Polar Plunge: Brave the cold at the 2024 Lansing Polar Plunge and raise funds to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes and programs. All plungers must fundraise at least $100 to receive this year’s official plunge sweatshirt. Register and learn more here

February 15- Black History Month Teen Movie Night: “Soul”: Celebrate Black History Month at the library! The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” To celebrate, the East Lansing Public Library will be offering movie showings to teens throughout February that explore this theme, including “Soul.”

January Events Round-Up

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

January 7- Museum Tour: Architecture (free): Have you ever wondered why the MSU Broad Art Museum looks the way it does? Learn more about our unique building and the Pritzker Prize-winning architect behind it through this tour led by Curatorial Research and Administrative Assistant ThaĂ­s Wenstrom. Registration for this event is encouraged.

January 12 – 19 – MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration (registration required for some events): Join in on some or all of the MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration events happening this week, including a MLK commemorative march at Beaumont Tower, community unity dinner, film series, coffee and conversations, and more! Find all event details on the MLK Calendar of Events webpage.

January 16-21- Mamma Mia!: The Wharton Center will be hosting “Mamma Mia!” in the Great Hall from January 16-21. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

January 5-28- Abrams Planetarium Public Feature Show: Experience the Aurora Borealis through Abrams Planetarium immersive show. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 4:00 pm. Tickets are available on the Abrams Planetarium website. 

Family-Friendly Activities

January 3- Lego Palooza at the Grand Ledge Area District Library (free): Come get creative with LEGO Bricks at the library! Each child will get a tray of LEGO Bricks and the challenge is to build their most fantastic creation from just those bricks! 

January 5- Double Clutch Karaoke (free): Karaoke is headed to High Caliber! Every Friday night from 7-11 PM you, your friends, or coworkers can come out and sing. Enjoy this new, totally free activity at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment located in the Meridian Mall.

January 6- Family Day: LIFT (free): 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. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

Learning Opportunities

January 17- Family Employee Resource Group (free): Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth: Join the WorkLife Office for a webinar aimed at parents, caregivers, educators, and allies who want to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. Led by parents and experts in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ kids and teens.

January 18- Craft Meet Up (free): Join the Makerspace on the third Thursday of the month to take a break and create with others. Bring your own crafts or use our supplies! Knitting, collaging, perler beads and more! Registration for this free event is recommended. 

January 24- WorkLife Office Seminar: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The WorkLife Office is hosting a virtual seminar with Tim Spedoske, the Director of Campus Health Services to learn tips on how to feel less alone and how to better your mental/physical health. Registration for this event is required. 

Health and Wellness

January 8- The Healing Power of Guided Energy: Guided imagery is a form of directed day-dreaming that relaxes the mind and engages the senses in the physical and emotional healing process. Register for this free class here

January 9- Chair Yoga: Spring (free): MSU Health4U is jumpstarting the new year with chair yoga classes beginning on January 9. Chair yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga while seated or standing with the help of a chair. Join this class via Zoom on Tuesdays from 11:15-11:45. 

January 22- Rest With Music (free): Join Monte Pride and Health4U to enjoy this series of live musical performances to help you relax during your busy workday. Registration for this free event is recommended.

October Events Round-Up

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 

October 3- To Kill A Mockingbird: The Wharton Center will be hosting “To Kill a Mockingbird” in the Cobb Great Hall from October 3-8. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

October 12- MSU Broad Art Museum: Game Changers (free): Take a tour through “Resistance Training: Arts, Sports, and Civil Rights” and discuss gender inequality in sports while learning about the “game-changing” legislation that redefined sports. 

October 12- Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Fall and Winter Plant Lore (free):  Join Beal Botanical Garden’s Educational Program Director, Maeve Bassett, for a lunchtime tour to learn how the plants stay protected in the colder months. 

October 29- MSU Men’s Basketball Charity Exhibition Game: The Spartans will be facing off with the Tennesse Volunteers for an exhibition game with all proceeds going to Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund to provide financial resources to local relief efforts.

Learning Opportunities

October 1- Midjourney AI Art Workshop 1: Introduction to Generative AI Art with Midjourney (free): This foundational session will serve as an introduction to AI art through guided demonstrations and exercises. 

October 12- Post-Parental Leave Employee Resource Group (free): Join this session to learn about what work-life balance looks like after parental leave. Learn about MSU’s remote and hybrid work policies and how to develop a flexible work arrangement. 

October 13- Open Virtual Reality (free): Whether you’re a first-timer or a VR professional, MSU Libraries VR Open Hours are for you! Connect with others and learn about virtual reality during this in-person course.

Health and Wellness

October 4- Mindfulness in the Workplace: Learn the basics of mindfulness and how you can benefit from a mindful work environment in this virtual course. 

October 4- Raising Good Eaters: The Feeding Relationship: This series will serve as a problem-solving course in learning how to feed your children and identify eating/feeding skills.

October 12- Open Enrollment Benefits Fair: 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. 

October 15- MSU College of Law Justice For All 5K Walk/Run: The second annual Justice For All 5K Walk/Run will be held at 1:00 PM on October 15. The course will lead participants through MSU’s campus with donations going to Legal Services of South Central Michigan.

Family-Friendly Activities

October 1- Meridian Heritage Festival: Celebrate the community’s history with a day of entertainment, demonstrations, games, and exhibits from Native American and early American cultures featuring games and a Civil War Reenactment Presentation. 

October 7- Family Day: TEAM: Make creative connections at the Broad Art Museum with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum.

October 7- Grand Ledge Fall Festival: Celebrate fall in Grand Ledge with crafters, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, pumpkins, handmade items, baked goods, pony rides, pottery, candles, jewelry, and much more. 

September Events Round-Up

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. 

June Events Round-Up

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.

April Events Round-Up

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

April 1MSU Science Festival: Print your own butterfly postcard! (free): Create a butterfly postcard with an illustration from Special Collections.

April 2 TEDxMSU (free): Visit the Wharton Center to hear from TEDx speakers, and visit pop-up shops, participate in giveaways and much more. 

April 5 2023 International Awards Ceremony: Join this recognition of individuals who are solving the world’s greatest problems, making the world a better place, internationalizing the student experience, and advancing knowledge and transforming lives around the world.

April 14 APIDA Heritage Month Community Dinner: Enjoy a community dinner honoring APIDA Heritage Month and enjoy an evening of community, food and activities. 

April 18 Clothing Repair-A-Thon (free): Give or gain help in the Makerspace system with any of your favorite pieces that need repairing. 

Learning Opportunities

April 2AI Sonic Art Workshop (free): Learn how to use AI and experiment with text-to-sound technology.

April 7 2023 Fatherhood Forum- The Evolution of Fatherhood: The annual Fatherhood Forum is aimed toward fathers who want to enhance their greatness as parents, their loved ones and supporters. 

April 11 Grammar Refresher: Strengthen your grammar and usage skills and present a more polished, professional image.

April 12 Maximizing the Spartan Experience: Gain a foundational perspective related to enhanced customer service delivery.

April 13 Post Parental Leave Employee Resource Group: Things to Consider or Plan for Before/While Returning to Work: Discuss what can be done to help you be best prepared emotionally, mentally, physically and organizationally before returning to work.

Health and Wellness

Starts April 5 Wellbeing Wednesdays (free): The Health4U program and WorkLife Office have partnered to bring you wellbeing in its many forms. 

April 18 Sleep: Understanding and Optimizing Your Nightly Reboot (free): Learn about the physiological importance of sleep and how to improve your sleep quality.

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts April 1Big Astronomy: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn more about a world-class observatory. 

April 1 Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

April 1 Pet Easter Egg Hunt: Soldan’s Pet Supplies is bringing back their Pet Easter Egg Hunt with thousands of colorful eggs on the lawn of their DeWitt location.

Starts April 2 A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn about the evolution of dinosaurs. 

April 3 Mother Daughter Dance: Head to Delta Township for a night of fun, music, refreshments and photos!

April 14Night at the Museums (free): Enjoy the MSU Museum and the Broad Art Museum with tours, art making and more.

April 25 Sensory Friendly Spartan Concert (free): Enjoy a chamber ensemble concert designed to serve the needs of all individuals. 

March Events Round-Up

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 5ANR 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 312023 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 7MSU 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 4Family 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 13Monday 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.

February Events Round-Up

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

February 13The Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Ceremony: Join the campus community in recognition of the exceptional and innovative contributions of students, staff and faculty in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching, research, programming, service, community outreach and organizational change.

Starts February 17Charlotte’s Web: Enjoy this classic story at the Fairchild Theatre from the MSU Department of Theatre. 

February 17 DIE/GEST Opening Reception (free): Visit the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to see the opening of this interactive mixed media installation. This will include a special live music and spoken-word performance by jazz musician, Albert Marquès and Keith LaMar, a writer, artist and activist who has spent almost 30 years in solitary confinement on death row in Ohio.

February 26National Geographic Live: Head to the Wharton Center to learn all about whales.

Learning Opportunities

Starts February 7Implicit Bias Certificate (free): This series allows participants to examine the multiple facets of implicit bias and the impact on our community through a series of modules.

Starts February 7 Crucial Conversations for Accountability: This in-person series teaches nine powerful skills for resolving performance problems, strengthening trust and reliability and eliminating inconsistency through group discussion, real-time practice, and group support and coaching.

February 7 Disbursement Voucher Processing (free): This virtual class will provide detailed information about processing a disbursement voucher (DV) in KFS. 

February 8Building Cohesive Teams: Learn tactics for building collaboration within a team and skills for improving team performance in this virtual course.

February 10An Introduction to MSU Commons (free): This workshop will provide an introduction to the new open access platform, MSU Commons. This platform allows you to deposit your educational and scholarly work and connect with others. 

February 14Adoption Through Foster Care (free): The Family Resource Group is hosting this Zoom presentation to discuss the process of adoption through the foster care system.

February 15 Building a Framework for Resilient Leadership: Explore with other campus leaders some essential resilience skills required for effective leadership for the common good.

February 15Emotional Intelligence as a Foundation to DEI Work (free): As part of the “Confident Women Series,” this Zoom session will help you develop a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence as it relates to DEI.

February 15Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: This assessment identifies your natural patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, so that you can discover what makes you exceptional and maximize your potential.

February 16 Creating and Sustaining a Positive Workplace: This humorous virtual session will cover the seven habits of negativity.

February 20Cultural Competency (free): This in-person session will cover cultural awareness and inclusivity skills that strengthen cultural competence.

February 21 Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals (free): This class will explore strategies to more efficiently allocate your minutes, streamline workflow and relieve some pressure in the process.

February 22 Strategic Planning: Learn how to move from ideas to action in this virtual workshop.

Health and Wellness

Starts February 8Boundaries (free): This weekly Zoom workshop will help you learn how to establish boundaries in the workplace and at home.

Starts February 1Food and Nutrition Counseling (free): Take advantage of a one-on-one session with a registered dietitian to discuss how your lifestyle and eating habits may impact your health.

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts February 3Skywatchers of Africa: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn about the diversity of African astronomy in this new show. 

Starts February 5A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to see this fictional story about real-life dinosaur evolution. 

February 4 Family Day: EDIT (free): Join the MSU Broad Art Museum for their monthly family day. For this month’s theme, copy, cut and paste to see something new.

Starts February 11 Ice Safari: Visit the Potter Park Zoo to see ice sculptures and some of your favorite winter animals.

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

Starts February 25 Greater Lansing Orchid Society Show and Sale (free): Enjoy the beautiful flowers and exhibits while learning how to grow orchids.

January Events Round-Up

Happy New Year! Are you looking for activities for you and your family to kick off the new year? 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

January 17Sharks of the Arctic and Other Fossil Surprises (free): This MSU Museum program will explore fossil records and get a rare look at 50-million-year-old shark specimens.

Starts January 20 Blue Man Group: Experience a performance from the iconic group at the Wharton Center. 

January 21 Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Cook Recital Hall with MSU artists and guests as they perform works by composers of Asian descent. 

January 22Celebration of the Beautiful Voice, Opera Theatre: Enjoy MSU Vocal Arts performances of scenes from operatic masterworks at the Fairchild Theatre.

January 29 2023 Running Start Live Pitch Competition (free): Witness student entrepreneurs in action as they pitch their innovative projects and music business ideas to a live audience and panel of judges. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. 

Learning Opportunities

January 10How to Talk to Your Kids About Race (free): The Family Employee Resource Group is hosting this Zoom session to teach parents and caregivers about bias and racism.

January 12 Stable Links Workshop (free): This Zoom workshop will guide participants through the process of integrating journal articles, e-book chapters or streaming media into their course(s).

January 23Mendeley Demonstration and Q&A (free): This online session will allow participants to ask questions and learn how to utilize the Mendeley citation management program. 

January 25The 2nd Annual Malcolm X Muslim Studies Community Forum (free): This MSU Muslim Studies Program event will feature Leading American Muslim Scholars, Imam Omar Suleiman and Imam Abdullah Oduro.  

Health and Wellness

January 15SpARTan Wellness: JOURNALING (free): Come to the MSU Broad Art Museum and create a journal to help focus and reflect on your goals, hopes and anxieties in the new year. 

Starts January 23Blue Cross Winter Warm Up (free): Engage in physical activity during the winter months with this 5K training program. The program is open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. 

Starts January 25Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals (free): This Zoom class will explore strategies to more efficiently allocate our minutes, streamline workflow and relieve some pressure in the process.

Starts January 31Active Office Workshop (free): Join this Zoom course to learn the best practices for staying active in an office setting. 

Family-Friendly Activities

January 4Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!! (free): This virtual event will feature musical therapists from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and allow those of all ages and abilities to move around. 

Starts January 6Ice Worlds: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn about the Arctic and Antarctic regions. 

January 7Family Day: DREAM (free): Join the MSU Broad Art Museum for their monthly family day. For this month’s theme, you’ll be creating dream worlds where anything can happen.

January 14Let’s Warm Up – Kids Cooking Class: Sweet Encounter Bakery is teaching children eight and up how to make some of winter’s favorite dishes.

January 15Sensory Friendly at Abrams Planetarium: Visit the planetarium this month for their sensory friendly hours.

Winter Events, Activities, Holiday Shopping and Courses

As the weather gets colder and holidays are fast approaching, check out the following opportunities on campus or in the Greater Lansing area. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

December 3 Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats – The Holiday Variant: See the Food Network and Netflix star cook and experiment live at the Wharton Center.

December 7 Night of a Thousand Donuts (free): Enjoy coffee and donuts in the Main Library and Gast Business Library.

December 15 International Employee Resource Group: Potluck Lunch (free): Share your favorite food and recipe card with other international employees at Linton Hall. 

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts December 1 Lansing Holiday Light Show: Enjoy dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family.

Starts December 2 Season of Light: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn how familiar traditions have an astronomical connection.

Starts December 4George and Oatmeal Save Santa: Celebrate the winter season at the Abrams Planetarium with this fun show.

December 10 Cocoa and Collection (free): Bring the whole family to the MSU Broad Art Museum to warm up with hot cocoa and art-making activities inspired by wintery works of art.

December 17 Kids Cookie Decorating Class w/ Michigan Made Treats: Brink the kids to this cookie decorating class at the Allen Neighborhood Center.

Music 

December 10 MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series: Telling the Story: Christmas Oratorios by Bach & Saint-Saens: Listen to inspiring and uplifting holiday sounds from the MSU Choral Union, University Chorale and State Singers with the MSU Symphony Orchestra.

December 11 Holiday Pops: Seasons Greetings: Listen to American Idol finalist, LaKisha Jones, sing your favorite holiday tunes and traditional carols. 

December 17 MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series: A Jazzy Little Christmas: Enjoy a performance of festive favorites from MSU Professors of Jazz with special guests.

Holiday Shopping

Starts December 1 Michigan Made Holiday Art Exhibition: Showcasing established and emerging artists, enjoy holiday shopping and opportunities to support makers in the local economy.

December 3 Holiday Art/Craft/Farmers Market: Enjoy the annual South Lansing holiday market featuring holiday gifts from a variety of vendors. 

Learning Opportunities

Starts December 6 MSU Grief and Loss Support Group (free): Learn about available resources and connect with other grieving community members every Tuesday. 

Starts December 8 Deepening Your Essential Skills (free): Connect with others in the MSU community to ask questions and raise topics.

Starts December 12Understanding Shame and Building Shame Resilience (free): Gain skills to understand shame and build skills to bounce back from it every Monday.

December 13 Family Employee Resource Group: Safe Infant Sleep (free): Learn how to create a safe sleep environment for your infant(s) from the Infant Safe Sleep Program Coordinator, Colleen Nelson. 

December 21 Explorations in Eating (free): Learn from an MSU Health4U registered dietician for a conversation about nutrition.

December 29 Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group: Caring for the Caregiver (free): Connect with other adult caregivers to discuss how to take care of yourself.