Tag: Professional Development

Job of The Week: Anatomy Resource Manager

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This week, we are featuring a job posting as the Anatomy Resources Manager for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (job posting 1041146). If you are interested in being a key resource for the Division of Human Anatomy and medical education programs across four campuses and overseeing the Willed Body Program (WBP), this may be the position for you.

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s mission is to provide world-class osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research to foster community across patient-centered medical care. MSU’s Willed Body Program (WBP) allows hundreds of medical students at MSU to continue their studies in anatomy through generous donations of one’s body for educational assistance.  

In this role, you will primarily supervise and direct the operation of the Human Gross Anatomy Lab and oversee the donations from the WBP. You will work closely with families, agencies, and medical staff to facilitate body donations, prepare cremation forms, maintain the collection and shipment of cremations, and maintain confidential records. Additionally, you will plan and oversee the annual WBP Memorial Service, schedule the Gross Anatomy Lab procedures, order supplies and equipment, and work with the administrative team, faculty director, and department administrators to develop policies and procedures to maintain lab usage. Find a complete list of job responsibilities on the MSU Careers website. 

This position requires a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, or Social Science, and three to five years of work experience related to business or public contact. Experience working in a medical school and with medical records, experience with Microsoft Excel and data development and maintenance, strong communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills are desired. 

Learn more about the Willed Body Program and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and three professional references, and should be submitted by May 27. 

Job of The Week: Assistant Director of Annual Giving – Telemarketing

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This week, we are featuring a job posting as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving-Telemarketing with the MSU Alumni Office of University Advancement (job posting 1038890). If you are interested in supervising student staff and managers of a student-run telemarketing program, Greenline, and increasing alumni engagement, this may be the role for you.

University Advancement looks to the future with optimism and a growth mindset, and its mission is to advance the Spartan impact. MSU Greenline, one of the largest programs in the Big Ten, is a student-run program that aims to reach 10,000 to 15,000 alumni and friends each shift, resulting in personal contact with over 175,000 alumni each year! In 2024, MSU Greenline secured more than $500,000 from over 6,000 pledges. 

In this position, you will primarily oversee student employees and managers at MSU Greenline and ensure the call center software (VanillaSoft) is working effectively and efficiently. You will develop and maintain comprehensive training, pledge processing procedures, and procedures to handle concerns and questions over the phone. You will also serve as the primary liaison for telemarketing issues regarding vendors, systems, and inquiries from other institutions. Additionally, you will create and monitor student work schedules, meet regularly with student managers, oversee hiring a diverse range of students, and update scripts, acknowledgement letters, and information for student callers. Find a complete list of job responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

This position requires a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Business, and one to three years of related work in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, higher education fundraising, or similar. The ability to foster a good working environment, recognize the importance of teamwork, and have excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills is desired. 

Learn more about University Advancement and MSU Greenline. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter and resume, and should be submitted by June 3.

Your Mental Health and Wellbeing Matter

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MSU is committed to supporting employees by providing benefits, programs, and a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and employee wellbeing. However, according to a 2024 SHRM study, “Employees are not taking full advantage of the benefits already being provided. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. workers said they are unaware or only somewhat aware of the available resources.” We want to ensure you know the resources available to support you and your family’s well-being and mental health. Check out these resources to help you prioritize and invest in your care and well-being.

Trained Mental Health Professional Benefit Resources: 

  • MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate and student employees, and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. MSU offers Zoom and in-person appointments to best fit your work schedule. Due to licensing regulations, individuals must be in the state of Michigan to access services.
  • MSU employees and their dependents (age 18+) currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc. This online medical care service gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. Teladoc’s services extend to behavioral health (anxiety, depression, grief counseling, etc.). 
  • If you are enrolled in an MSU health plan, refer to the Mental Health Care section of the health care plan summary (support staff or faculty/academic staff) for specific details about mental health benefits.

Wellbeing Tools and Resources:.

  • The Spartan Resilience Education Program, through various media and seminars/webinars, seeks to ensure that resilience education is accessible, inclusive, and ever-present as part of the “Spartan Experience.” They aim to provide opportunities for any Spartan to develop (or strengthen) the skills needed to respond effectively to their unique collection of challenges.
    • Learning the basic principles presented in the Breaking Free from Stress course will help you experience less day-to-day stress and more joy and satisfaction as you increase your capacity to live your life in alignment with your deepest wisdom and greatest sense of purpose. 2025 session dates are out now!
    • Mindful STATE is a university-wide, collaborative initiative to further the practice of mindfulness and other contemplative practices among members of the MSU community. Join fellow Spartans Lisa Laughman, Meg Moore, or John Taylor for a brief meditation to help you return to a more mindful state. Meditation videos are available when you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried about someone, or stressed.
    • The MSU Grief and Loss Support Group meets weekly (virtually) to support individuals grieving the loss of a friend, loved one, pet, co-worker, or family member.
  • University Health and Wellbeing creates an inclusive, responsive work environment that respects and supports all employees’ wellbeing in their work and personal lives.
    • Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres. 
    • Set for Success: A 45-minute virtual webinar focusing on three key health topics—Sleep, Ergonomics, and Time Management. This series provides valuable insights and practical tips to help participants make positive lifestyle changes at work and at home.
  • Review the Well-being at Work Guide to learn how to create and maintain healthier and happier workspaces and teams.
  • The Beal Botanical Garden is a favorite place for campus and community members to unplug from the chaos of their everyday lives and enjoy the beauty of nature.
    • The Nurture Your Roots program invites you to connect mind, body, and nature with practices to enrich well-being.
    • Explore mindfulness through journaling with their Pocket Journal designed by Beal Scholar Elliot Pancioli. During the warmer season, they offer Yoga in the Garden. These classes are free, but registration is required. Watch the events page for more information. 
    • They also offer a Campus Meditation Map, which highlights places across campus where you can take a moment to center yourself and practice self-care or enjoy a beautiful view.

Local Resources: 

Work should never interfere with maintaining good mental health. If we missed any resources, let us know in the comments below!

Sources:

Agovino, T. (2024, May 3). Mental health, HR and the Workplace. Welcome to SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/all-things-work/mental-health–hr-and-the-workplace

May Events Round-Up

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

Campus Events

May 3 – Family Day: RESEARCH: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Investigate art materials as playful research and see what different things art materials can do, inspired by the MSU students in the 2025 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition. 

May 8 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Spring Ephemerals:  Join Arboretum and Invasive Species Coordinator Carolyn Miller for a garden walk to enjoy the spring ephemerals in their floral display and maybe even spot some birds on the way! 

May 10 – Museum Tour: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden  Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens, Maeve Bassett, to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection.

May 19—Rest With Music: Music can heal, calm, and regenerate our mind, body, and spirit. Hosted by Health Promotion and Engagement, Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music, live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres. Visit the website for available dates and times.

May 28 – Beal Footprints Walking Tour Series: Join Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum for lunchtime guided tours beginning at the Beal Pond. May’s tour is “Plant identification for everyone” by Director Alan Prather.

May 21 to June 1 – Hamilton: A revolutionary story of passion, ambition, and the dawn of a new nation, Hamilton is coming to the Wharton Center. Visit the Wharton Center website to read more about the musical and check out dates and ticket pricing. 

Greater Lansing Area Events

May 2—Teens and Adults with Disabilities Social Night: Teens and adults with disabilities can visit the Valley Farms Community Center for an evening of dancing, refreshments, and friends—old and new!  

May 17 – The Best of Lansing Festival: Celebrate the best of the best of downtown Lansing! This free event transforms Lansing into a playground of people of all ages coming together for huge inflatable obstacle courses on the Capitol Lawn, over 100 vendors featuring Lansing’s finest creations, and showcasing the Lansing City Pulse’s Top of the Town winners. 

May 17 and 18—East Lansing Art Festival: Visit the East Lansing Art Festival to celebrate its 62-year tradition of bringing high-quality art to the streets of East Lansing. Immerse yourself in the art, creativity, and culture of the Greater Lansing area community.  

May 22 – Thursday Night Live! Mason Outdoor Concert Series: “Thursday Night Live!” is a summer series of free musical entertainment hosted by the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce to bring various musical experiences and the community together. All ages are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to sprawl on the lawn and enjoy free entertainment with crafts, concessions, and more available. 

Family-Friendly Events

May 11 and 21—Impression 5’s Sensory Friendly Hours: You and your family can visit the Impression 5 Science Center’s select exhibits, which have been altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a small group capacity, pop-up activities, and maps designated for these select areas.

May 29 – The Spongebob Musical: Visit the Riverwalk Theatre in Lansing to see The Spongebob Musical – a cartoonish romp by Kyle Jarrow and Tina Landau. 

Select Dates in May – Lansing Lugnuts Home Game: Cheer on your local Lansing Lugnuts at a home game this season at Jackson Field! 

Recurring Fridays and Saturdays – Toddler Time at Launch Lansing: Visit Launch Lansing Trampoline Park during select times to enjoy children’s music, visits from Joey the kangaroo, and a special toddler section with your little ones. 

Learning Opportunities

May 1 – Conflict Management:  Learn how to resolve conflict, de-escalate situations, and manage crises in the workplace. This training will help you apply these tactics to real-life situations. 

May 6—Grammar Refresher: This virtual workshop will strengthen your grammar and usage skills and help you present a more professional image in the workplace. 

May 7 – Webinar – How Can I Afford College for my Kids or Grandkids? Hosted by TIAA, register for this webinar for helpful insights into how to make the best decisions when saving for a child’s future education. Learn why saving for college is essential, how to get started, how to avoid debt, and more. 

May 8—Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Part 2 Unlock the Full 34: In this series, you will learn to identify personal talents through the CliftonStrengths Full 34 Report, evaluate how these talents impact work relationships and performance, and determine how to develop further natural talents through the given tools. 

May 8, 15, 22, and 29 – Breaking Free from Stress: This four-part virtual series explores how awareness of your thoughts can bring your personal and work life together. Become a wise leader of your personal and work life, move beyond anxiety and depression, stay steady in difficult times, embrace change, and more in this webinar. 

May 13 – Records Management and Retention at MSU: Learn the rules, regulations, and strategies to help manage university records. 

May 14, 21, and 28—Setting Healthy Boundaries: This webinar teaches signs to know when it is time to set a boundary, the different types of boundaries we need to set, how to manage negative emotions that may come up when discussing boundaries, and more. 

May 15 – Webinar: Financial Wellness and Mental Health:  Learn the relationship between mental and financial well-being in this webinar hosted by the TIAA. Gather insights on how financial problems can impact mental health, how mental health impacts decision making, the importance of developing a personal wellness plan, and resources that are available to help. 

May 28 – Maximize Your Concur Travel Skills: Recommended for new-to MSU employees, this course teaches how to understand the Concur systems, create a travel request, book travel, reconcile travel expenses, and more. 

May 29 – Mandatory Reporting Obligations for RVSM: MSU’s Prevention Outreach and Education (POE) presenters will review the University’s  Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy and employee expectations under the policy. This training will also provide attendees with practices and support for those affected by RVSM. 

Job of The Week: Human Resource, Operations and Facilities Manager

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This week, we are featuring a job posting as a Human Resources, Operations, and Facilities Manager for the MSU College of Law (job posting 10095517).  If you are looking to provide HR expertise as a member of the leadership team of the College of Law, this may be the position for you.

The MSU College of Law is a driving force for justice and excellence rooted in equitable opportunity. It has a mission to transform legal practice and policymaking and apply legal expertise for the greater good. With 2,500+ graduates fighting crime and advocating for social justice, MSU College of Law gives students hands-on opportunities and fosters like-minded communities to learn to be leaders in the legal profession. 

In this position, you will manage and provide human resources expertise within the College of Law and partner with central and unit HR representatives to ensure alignment with all policies and procedures. You will represent the college in grievances, arbitrations, and workers’ compensation hearings, and you will resolve complex problems with staff and faculty. The manager will develop and oversee training programs and organize/conduct orientation programs, tours, and related activities for incoming employees. Additionally, you will maintain employment data to analyze and provide recommendations to employees, collaborate with the College of Law units on Talent Management, and address issues and develop strategies to address them, including internal complaints. Find a complete list of job responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.

This position requires a degree in Human Resources or similar and three to five years of work experience in accounting, management, budget preparation, and database system analysis and maintenance. It is desired that you are knowledgeable of faculty and support staff hiring processes, have a strong ability to maintain confidentiality, the ability to foster a cooperative work environment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to enter, manage, track, and maintain sensitive data and manual records. 

Learn more about the MSU College of Law here. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and three professional references, and should be submitted by May 6.

Job of The Week: Nurse Clinician I

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Nurse Clinician I for MSU Health Care  (job posting 1033014). If you are looking to work as a registered nurse with patient care as a top priority, 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 evaluate patient status and implement care within the facility. You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team and are expected to uphold ethical and safe processes while keeping patient care as a top priority. Additionally, you will provide safe, effective, and culturally competent patient care while aligning with organizational policies and procedures. This position requires significant physical effort, involving lifting and maneuvering patients, extensive walking and standing, and visual and hearing acuity to communicate with patients. 

This role requires a degree in Nursing and one to three years of related or progressively more expansive work experience in nursing. This role also requires the possession of a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Michigan. Experience in surgery, heart and vascular, or urology practice setting is preferred. 

Learn more about MSU Health Care here. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and proof of a valid State of Michigan RN license and should be submitted by April 22.

Job of The Week: Assistant Director of Production

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for an Assistant Director of Production for the Department of Athletics (job posting 1031692). If you are interested in leading high-end cinematography, working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment, and taking part in producing a new docuseries this fall, this may be the position for you. 

The Department of Athletics is seeking an individual who will help shape the visual identity of MSU Athletics through multiple forms of impactful content across all digital platforms. The Assistant Director’s creativity, technical skills, and storytelling abilities are crucial to bringing to life the stories of Spartan student-athletes and traditions for a diverse audience. You will be the lead producer for one of MSU’s flagship team docuseries under the Spartans All-Access umbrella. Additionally, you will film and edit game recaps and highlights, collaborate with producers to shoot, edit, and produce digital content, and mentor and support student employees engaged in post-production roles. You will deliver high-quality content under tight, sometimes “day of” deadlines, ensure brand consistency, and uphold color standards for Spartan Vision’s post-production workflow across all produced content. 

This role requires knowledge that is normally acquired by completing a degree in TV production, telecommunications, digital media, film production, or similar, and a minimum of three years of experience in producing video content for an athletic department, team, agency, or media brand. Additionally, you should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and PC environments and have experience with Sony camera systems. This position also requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work flexible hours on-site, including nights and weekends.

Learn more about the MSU Department of Athletics here. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of work, and should be submitted by April 29.

5 Ways to Engage with Your Performance Evaluation Beyond an Annual Review

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Part of MSU’s appeal as a residential, land-grant institution is our vast array of programs, specializations, and priorities — not just for students but for staff and faculty. This diversity makes us great, and it also requires a need for case-by-case definitions of success and achievement from unit to unit and from person to person. 

One way to ensure you, your supervisor, and the university recognize and record your efforts is to tell your story through the Performance Excellence (PE) process. When many of us in non-supervisory, support staff roles discuss PE at MSU, we think of a supervisor-led annual review. In reality, PE encompasses an ongoing cycle of: 

  1. Performance Planning — Goal Setting and Development Planning 
  2. Continuous Feedback, Coaching, and Development 
  3. Annual Review — Collaborative Meeting with Employee and Supervisor Contributions 

Below are suggestions for ways to engage as an employee in the PE process and tell your story with confidence. 

1) Set SMART, HARD Goals and Find Ways to Measure Them 

On one hand, we know each employee’s experience and accomplishments extend well beyond quantitative data and one review each year. On the other hand, we also know that specific measurements — especially those backed by accurate numerical data — are a powerful and widely accepted way to determine success. 

One way to ensure the full picture of your story is told during the PE process is to take the lead when it comes to your own goal setting and measurement. Setting SMART, HARD goals is a great place to start. Consider the following: 

  • Your personal goals 
  • The goals of your department/unit goals 
  • Organization-wide goals/university strategic plan 

Goals are not something that should be determined solely by a supervisor and then assigned and evaluated once a year during your review discussion or performance planning session. Generating and adapting goals throughout the year is a collaborative process and one way you can contribute toward the narrative of your achievements. 

Read related article: When SMART Meets HARD: Setting Goals that Matter 

2) Track and Document Your Accomplishments 

Setting and measuring goals is a great place to start, but tracking and documenting your progress toward these goals is key. Block off some time on your calendar to regularly check results, generate data and document your progress in a way that makes the most sense for you and your role. You know your work, efforts, and accomplishments better than anyone else, which makes you the ideal person to collect and report this information. 

Read related article: What’s Your Plan? Six Steps to Align Your Goals with What’s Important to You 

3) Schedule Regular Check-ins 

In this environment of rapid change, it’s more important than ever to regularly check in with your supervisor to discuss progress, review and reevaluate goals, and receive feedback. Regular, continuous coaching allows an opportunity for you to reconnect to your unit’s and the university’s mission and ensure your goals continue to be aligned with this larger vision and objectives. 

As a university, we are working to shift the perception of PE from one yearly review to a wider focus on ongoing coaching, feedback, and goal setting. There’s no need to wait for your supervisor to schedule a meeting for you to touch base on these topics. You have the option of reaching out to your supervisor and setting up check-ins on a schedule that works for both of you. Even a brief 15-minute check-in can go a long way toward staying on track with goals and sharing the story of your work. 

TIPS 

  • Go to these meetings prepared with the documented progress and accomplishments mentioned above. 
  • Bring questions to help guide the conversation and make the time as useful as possible for both you and your supervisor. 

4) Contribute Toward Your Review 

Did you know that, as support staff, you have the opportunity to contribute toward all your PE discussions and submit documentation to include along with your official review forms? 

Review documentation that is imaged and kept on file with central HR includes your reviews (annual, probationary, and interim) and performance improvement plans. You have the option to include a self-review and/or other statements along with your documents on file. On an ongoing basis, this may be a summary that features the data you’ve been tracking throughout the year to share specific achievements and outcomes. 

TIPS 

  • Keep it brief. Unless documenting extraordinary circumstances, a 1–2-page document will be impactful and share the story of your performance. Due to system storage limitations, submitting a large quantity of documents with your review could possibly lead to some documents being excluded from imaging. 
  • Reference any additional documents on the official PE forms. Include a statement within the “Employee’s comments” section of the Annual Review to “See attached ______” (e.g., self-review, list of achievements) and indicate the number of additional documents. This helps central HR know an employee’s wishes for those documents to be imaged alongside their review. 

5) Utilize Your Resources 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department offers online PE resources and documents geared toward both employees â€Żand supervisors that can help guide and support you in all components of the PE process. OPD is in the process of reworking this online content for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and usefulness for all support staff, and we look forward to sharing these changes with you later this year. 

Additional recommended resources are listed below. Your MAU’s HR representative, central HR and OPD, and your union representatives are all available to work with you and help you share your story should you need specific guidance or assistance at any point during the PE cycle. 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES 

Opening photo provided by Disability:IN.

Job of The Week: Generalist Counselor

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a generalist Counselor for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) (job posting 1031414). If you are interested in providing direct mental health services to MSUCOM medical students and are passionate about helping others, this may be the role for you.

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s mission is to provide world-class osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research to foster community across patient-centered medical care. The Wellness and Counseling Office is committed to supporting MSUCOM medical students throughout their medical school journey by offering various mental health resources and wellness initiatives in a safe and confidential environment.

MSUCOM’s Wellness and Counseling Office is seeking a compassionate and skilled generalist counselor to provide direct mental health services to MSUCOM students. This part-time, on-call position offers a flexible 20-hour work week, 1039 hours in any twelve-month period. You will provide in-person and telehealth counseling support to students within the medical school throughout their education, clinical rotations, and across many different campuses. This role will provide support for a wide range of personal, academic, and professional struggles, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, burnout, family worries, trauma, grief, and loss. You will implement strategic planning to help students through these individual issues and to enhance their overall health and well-being. 

This position requires maintaining confidential documentation of student sessions and completing case notes in compliance with MSUCOM policies. In addition, you will actively participate in weekly staff meetings and student orientation events, white coat ceremonies, and graduation. You will engage in clinical supervision, professional development opportunities, and other various duties needed to support MSUCOM’s Wellness and Counseling Office’s goals and student support. 

Desired qualifications include completing one or two years of graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree, such as a Master’s in Social Work or a Licensed Professional Counselor, and one to three years of related experience in a counseling/mental health support setting. It is also recommended to have State certification as a Social Worker, Professional Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMSW, LPC, LMFT). 

Learn more about the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Wellness and Counseling Office here. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your current State of Michigan licensure and should be submitted by May 2.

Your Guide to MSU Resources for Stress Reduction

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April is Stress Awareness Month! Daily stress can seriously impact both our mental and physical health. Taking control of our stress is key to living a balanced and healthy life. MSU offers a variety of resources designed to help you manage and reduce stress:  

Activities

  • Campus Meditation Map: Beal Scholar Anhad Viswananth created this incredible meditation map to highlight the best spots to meditate around campus. 
  • Staying Active: Watch your stress dissolve as you become more active this spring. Warmer weather is on its way, and it’s the perfect time to get outside and run, kayak, walk, or swim. Join a biking group in the Greater Lansing area or an MSU Recreation group fitness class to stay motivated. 
  • Finals Flex Midday Movement: Stop by the MSU Main Library to wind down from the school year and de-stress. Bring a mat or a towel, and get ready for breathing, stretching, and mobilizing exercises. 
  • Desk Decompress: Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 7 to May 1, join this 15-minute virtual class to relax and decompress while stretching and strengthening the wrist, shoulders, and spine. Register here for Desk Decompress for a midweek pick-me-up!
  • Walking at MSU: There are many things to see and do on MSU’s 2,100-acre campus. Follow these various MSU campus walking tours to make the most of our beautiful campus and gardens. 
    • On April 5, join the Red Cedar River Environmental Walking Tour and learn about the environmental history of the river at the heart of MSU’s campus. This 1.2-mile round-trip walk will start at the MSU Main Library and describe some interesting historical and environmental features of the river.
    • On April 10, join the Beal Botanical Garden for a Sensing Spring tour to learn about the science of nature exposure benefiting physical and mental wellbeing and how plant communities support each other, plus some ways we can be supportive in return.
    • On April 23, join Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum for lunchtime guided walking tours on the fourth Wednesday of each month, April through October.
    • On April 25, join IPF and Landscape Services for Arbor Day and help install native plant material along the riverbank, creating a new pollinator garden along the banks of the Red Cedar River.
  • Rest with Music: Music can heal, calm, and regenerate our mind, body, and spirit. Hosted by Health Promotion and Engagement, Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music – live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres. Visit the website for dates and times available for you.

Learning Resources

  • Breaking Free from Stress Course: This course will help you become aware of how your own thought world operates to bring you your personal reality of your work and personal life.  Learning the basic principles presented in this course will help you see how to be less reactive to other people and events and how to live your life from a deeper perspective of common sense and wisdom. Eligible employees may use their Educational Assistance funds for this course.
  • Spartan Resilience Education Programs: University Health and Wellbeing provide opportunities for any Spartan, anywhere, to develop or strengthen the skills needed to effectively respond to their unique collection of challenges. Through a variety of media and teaching formats, they seek to ensure that resilience education is accessible, inclusive, and ever-present as part of the “Spartan Experience.”
  • How to Disconnect from Work: Taking time away from work, in the forms of breaks, vacation time, or strengthening boundaries around employees’ workdays, is important. View these resources to learn more about balancing your time and work schedule. 
  • Stress Reduction: MSU Health4U has plenty of resources to help you reduce your stress levels. Learn more in their Stress Reduction series of articles. 
  • Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential short-term counseling and referral service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, graduate assistants, retirees, and their insurance-eligible dependents who are located within the state of Michigan. Classes and resources to help reduce stress are updated on the EAP website often.
  • Avoiding Burnout: This article will help you learn how to avoid burnout and what to do if you’re experiencing it.

Stress can look different for each individual, so take care of yourself using these resources and beyond. Have another resource you’d like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Opening photo of the Beal Botanical Gardens by MSU University Communications.