Winter Events, Activities, Holiday Shopping and Courses

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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 4 – George 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 12 – Understanding 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.

Job of the Week: Administrative Business Professional

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from the Office of Research and Innovation for an Administrative Business Professional (posting 826872). The Office of Research and Innovation is responsible for recruiting outstanding faculty through MSU’s Global Impact Initiative, maintaining synergy between research and creative scholarship, and the education of graduate students through The Graduate School.

With more than 500 employees, the Office of Research and Innovation supports MSU’s research and creative activity by administering research funding, ensuring research integrity for both faculty and students, providing grant support services, fostering collaboration, licensing university inventions, and overseeing regulatory compliance. The Administrative Business Professional plays an important role in supporting the management of finance functions within the office and for reporting units. As a supervisor, this role will serve as Fiscal Officer on department general, gift endowment, and revolving fund accounts, and will also support the MAU Budget Officer. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The future Administrative Business Professional should be a self-starter with a four-year degree in a business related field. Their work knowledge should include three to five years of experience in office procedures and administration. The candidate should excel with creative thinking and problem solving in a deadline-oriented environment.

To learn more about the Office of Research and Innovation, visit research.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three professional references and apply here by November 29.

Job of the Week: Software Applications Developer/Information Technologist I

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from the College of Engineering for a Software Applications Developer (posting 825724). The College of Engineering is one of the oldest and largest colleges on MSU’s campus and a constituent of a major research and teaching university. 

The candidate will participate in all parts of the application development cycle. This will consist of client meetings to collect and analyze requirements, application preparation and implementation,  as well as database design and maintenance throughout the life of the application. They will be joining the Division of Engineering Computing Services. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The College of Engineering is seeking a team-oriented individual with a four-year degree in information technology or computer science. Their work knowledge should include support for internet and web applications and the ability to analyze and solve complex problems. The candidate should thrive in a collaborative environment and have a willingness to seek out new technologies to stay ahead of the curve. 

To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit egr.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume and apply here by November 22.

2022 Clerical-Technical Recognition Award Winner!

Published on by MSU Human Resources1 Comment

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing clerical-technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU clerical-technical employees.

This year’s winner is Jessica Thelen! Watch this video to learn more about Jessica:

Jessica is a Healthcare Assistant within the MSU Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic where she provides quality care for patients and families affected by cancer and blood disorders. Exceeding expectations, Jessica has been described as a critical link between the clinic, laboratory and radiology offices. 

Jessica goes above and beyond for patients by making the clinic fun, organizing and fundraising events and connecting them with organizations like Make-A-Wish, Children’s Special Health Care Services and more. Jessica’s coworkers describe her as an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated employee who provides the best possible care that the patients deserve.

The photos above were taken at a special reception held in Jessica’s honor. Congratulations to Jessica!

Don’t Forget Your MSU Discounts this Holiday Season!

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you during the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and enter your MSU email, click Get Started and then enter your password. First-time users will need to enter their email, click Get Started, and fill out the form. You will need your MSU ZPID number for the form, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Bombas: new users get 20% off their first order.
  • CanvasWorld: turn photos into art with 25% off plus free shipping.
  • Chordify: 60% discount on a Chordify Premium yearly subscription to access unlimited songs to learn for guitar, piano, or ukulele.
  • Dell: save up to 30% on select PCs.
  • Garmin: 20% discount on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: save up to 35% on small appliances with free delivery over $499.
  • Harry and David: 20% off your order.
  • HP: up to 52% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: 40% off your first month’s subscription.
  • Lenovo: laptops start under $400 with savings on top tech up to 70% off.
  • Sam’s Club: save over 55% on a new club membership.
  • Scott’s Cheap Flights: 50% off a premium membership.
  • Tickets At Work: save on movie tickets at dozens of participating theater chains.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find on-campus through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others.

For more information on discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Job of the Week: Communications Coordinator

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week’s featured job posting from MSU Human Resources is for a Communications Coordinator (posting 824939). Human Resources supports the university’s strategic imperatives by anticipating and meeting the needs of a changing community through high-quality, innovative services designed to advance student success and cutting edge research.

The Communications Coordinator will support the development and execution of strategies, campaigns, publications, web content and other materials for the Organization and Professional Development HR office. A successful candidate will be an organized and positive team member. For a list of all responsibilities, click here. 

The ideal candidate should have a four-year degree in communications or a related field. Their work knowledge should include internal communications, broadcasting, news, print media and creative services. They also need experience with Adobe, Illustrator and Indesign, and graphic design skills would be ideal.

To learn more about MSU HR, visit hr.msu.edu. Apply to this position here by November 15.

Submit a Nomination for the 2023 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Do you know an MSU employee pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree who deserves recognition for going above and beyond in their work and studies? Show appreciation for your coworkers and their outstanding work by nominating them for the 2022 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award! MSU is seeking nominations for this award and will accept nominations through January 20, 2023.

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree, while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. A stipend of $2,500 will accompany the award and may be used as determined appropriate by the recipient.

Last year’s Ruth Jameyson Award winner, Elizabeth (Lizz) Duran, is the MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator for the Children and Youth Institute. At the time of the award, she was pursuing a Master of Arts from MSU in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. Learn more about the 2022 Ruth Jameyson Award Winner and what her colleagues had to say.

Any university community member (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, or student) may submit a nomination. A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to MSU in a support staff position.

To learn more about the nomination process, and find the nomination form, visit the MSU HR website. The deadline for nominations is January 20, 2023.

Register Today! Spots Still Available in Professional Development Courses

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

With a new year on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reflect on how you’re progressing with your professional development goals and what opportunities are still available this year to help you achieve them. HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department has spots open in the following courses to support your learning and development before the year ends.

Find a list of upcoming courses:

  • Maximize the Spartan Experience | November 8 | Virtual
    This engaging training provides a foundational perspective related to enhanced customer service delivery.
  • Payments to Non-U.S. Citizens and International Vendors | November 8 | Virtual
    Employees coordinating and preparing Disbursement Voucher payments to non-U.S. citizens/international vendors can learn about the documentation required.
  • Strategic Planning | November 15 | Virtual
    Participants will gain a foundational base for implementing strategic planning in a unit.
  • Records Management and Retention at MSU| November 16 | Virtual
    Learn the rules, regulations, and strategies to help manage university records. 
  • Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue | November 16 AND 17 | In-person
    This program teaches techniques that allow you to make room for different opinions and perspectives, find mutual respect and common purpose, and dialogue openly. 
  • Ready, Set, Change! | November 17 | In-person
    Based on April Callis-Birchmeier’s #1 Amazon bestselling book, Ready, Set, Change! discover a simpler and faster approach to help individuals and organizations adopt change to ensure objectives are met. 
  • Performance Management for Hybrid Teams | December 6 | In-person
    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.
  • Conflict Management and Non-Escalation | December 6 AND 7 | In-person
    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.
  • Writing Policies and Procedures | December 7 | Virtual
    Learn proven strategies and methods for successfully writing policies and procedures in clear terms that can be understood by all.
  • Identify and Maximize Your Strengths | December 13 | In-person
    Identify your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, so that you can discover what makes you exceptional and maximize your potential.
  • Managing and Leading Across Locations | December 13 | In-person
    Whether you’re currently supervising an existing hybrid team, preparing for changes related to MSU’s new remote work policy, or looking for strategies to address the unique challenges you may encounter while leading in our current environment, this session will help you integrate new skills into your leadership practice through interactive exercises and peer-to-peer learning.

You can find all the current Organization and Professional Development courses on the HR website. Class enrollment is completed within the EBS Portal. Employees may use available educational assistance funds towards course fees (if any). 

November 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 November 1 – Spartan Street Medicine Winter Supply Drive: Spartan Street Medicine will be collecting winter supply donations for local individuals in need until November 18.

November 15 – Clothing Repair-A-Thon (free): Visit the MSU Library to patch holes in your favorite clothes. There will be a sewing machine, thread and some fabric, but please bring any materials unique to your clothing.

November 17 – The Ascension of AAAS: Commemorate the MSU Department of African American & African Studies and its new space at this ribbon-cutting event.

Learning Opportunities

November 10 – International Employee Resource Group: Learning About Each Other’s Cultures: Connect with other Spartans on issues related to our international community. The goal of this group is to connect, build community and share best practices.

November 17 – Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group: Financial Planning with Brad Vauter, JD: Learn from this local attorney on a variety of topics like elder law, LGBTQ+ legal issues, probate and estate planning. 

November 18 – Disability Ecologies: The Art of Living on a Disabled Planet (free): Join this Zoom workshop to learn about water justice from communal organization, HIVES. 

Health and Wellness

Starts November 1 – Chair Yoga (free): Join this live class to learn strengthening and stretching practices you can do from your desk. 

November 2 – Wellbeing Wednesdays: Creative Holiday Appetizers: Hear from MSU dieticians to learn three simple appetizer recipes for the holiday season.

November 6 – SpARTan Wellness (free): Destress and unwind at the MSU Broad Art Museum with craft making. They have all the supplies you’ll need, but feel free to bring your own as well. 

November 16 – Handmade Soap-Making: Keep your skin hydrated and soft this winter! Create handmade soap with add-ins from MSU gardens and take home two bars of homemade soap. 

Family-Friendly Activities

November 1 – Sensory Friendly at Abrams Planetarium: Visit the planetarium this month for their sensory friendly hours. 

November 5 – Family Day: Celebrate the MSU Broad (free): Help the MSU Broad Art Museum celebrate their 10th birthday with crafts and a tasty birthday treat.

November 14 – MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House (free): View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

November 16 – Homeschool Day: Art Fieldtrip! (free): Bring the whole family to connect with other homeschooled students over crafts and learning at the MSU Broad Art Museum. 

Starts November 25 – Season of Light: Visit the Abrams Planetarium to learn how familiar traditions have an astronomical connection. 

Starts November 25 – George and Oatmeal Save Santa: Celebrate the winter season at the Abrams Planetarium with this fun show.

Job of the Week: Junior Analyst/Information Technology Professional

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources features a posting from Information Technology services for a Junior Analyst (posting 820942). MSU IT provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial and policy initiatives affecting IT across MSU. MSU IT and departmental IT staff offer technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.

The Junior Analyst will join a team that provides the primary leadership and technology support for IT across the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in a shared services model. The Junior Analyst is the front-line of the College and acts as a peer leader to improve processes, coordinate and direct work of peers within the team, triage incoming customer requests and handle customer escalations. They will work with university stakeholders to design, purchase, configure and distribute assets to meet business objectives. For a list of all responsibilities, click here.

IT’s future Junior Analyst is a highly self-motivated individual committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, with an Associates degree in computer technology or information systems. Their work knowledge should include computer networking, firewalls, switches and wireless technology. They also need strong customer service and written and oral communication skills.

To learn more about Information Technology services, visit tech.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume, cover letter, three professional references and apply here by November 8.