Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King participates in a civil rights march.
Dr. King participates in a civil rights march.

MSU has celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since 1980, six years before Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a national holiday. This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 19. MSU students, faculty and staff will join together in recognition of Dr. King’s life’s work; bringing publicity to major civil rights activities, emphasizing and encouraging peaceful protests, and providing leadership.

The tribute begins this Saturday, January 17 with a gala celebrating the commencement of Project 60/50, a year-long initiative focused on engaging the community in conversations about diversity. After the gala, a Union Activities Board event will be held to illustrate the student body’s talent and commitment to civil rights issues. On Sunday, January 18, free jazz concerts will be available as 60/50’s gift to the community. On Monday, a student leadership conference will run through the morning to be followed by a luncheon taking place in partnership with the Greater Lansing King Commemorative Celebration Commission. Other festivities include a commemorative march from the Union to Beaumont Tower and an exhibit at the MSU Museum.

As we look forward to paying homage to the heroic deeds of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., MSU HR salutes all those who have worked for equality; past, present and future.

Enhance Your Service With The Spartan Experience

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Said one participant, “[The Spartan Experience is] one of the most fun, memorable customer service classes I’ve attended.”
The Spartan Experience program addresses the key concepts, habits and vital behaviors that are universal to providing excellent service and creating outstanding experiences. The program provides the foundation and tools that equip staff supervisors and managers to define the service experience in their specific unit. It helps all participating understand how they help MSU distinguish and embrace a high-performance customer-service culture. Since its start in October 2013, over 1,600 employees have participated in The Spartan Experience from over 30 departments. More than 400 supervisors have attended Leading the Spartan Experience, designed to introduce them to the concepts and resources available.

Don’t hesitate, register for The Spartan Experience today! To do so, log into EBS and select the Training Opportunities quick link under your ESS tab.

This spring, there will be multiple classes held:

Dates:
Thursday, January 15
Friday, January 16
Friday, February 20
Monday, February 23
Tuesday, February 24
Thursday, March 12
Friday, March 13
Monday, March 16
Thursday, April 16
Friday, April 17
Monday, April 20
Tuesday, April 21

Location:
Suite 10, Nisbet  Building

Time:
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Also, for supervisors, Leading the Spartan Experience is available:

Dates:
Tuesday, February 3
Thursday, March 19
Monday, April 16

Location:
Suite 10, Nisbet Building

Time:
2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 

Unleash Your Inner Videographer— Across Generations: Video Fest

Often, the elders in our lives prove to be our most vital influences. What we gain from conversation with these role models is truly invaluable. To encourage such discussion, Project 60/50 has created the Across Generations: Video Fest contest. Project 60/50, an ongoing community conversation on civil and human rights, is committed to bringing attention to the experiences, viewpoints, contributions, value and rights of all persons, including older adults.Project 60.50.circle WITH msu wordmark CMYK

The Across Generations: Video Fest contest invites young people to tape a conversation with an important elder (anyone 60+ years of age.) This contest not only aids young people in learning more about the elders in their lives, but provides a platform for older adults to share their stories. All entrants and their elders will be invited to a ceremony in recognition of submitted films at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on February 21. One winner will be selected from each category: elementary (k-5), middle school (6-8), high school (9-12) and college. Prizes include a film screening at February’s ceremony and the East Lansing Film Festival as well as a $60.50 cash award.

Entries can be submitted at Project6050.msu.edu. The deadline is January 31. For more information, view the PDF.

Thank You MSU Student Food Bank

The MSU Student Food Bank, a partnership between MSU Student Health Services, the Council of Graduate Students, the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Feeding America, was the first campus-based food assistance bank in the country. In 1993, the food bank’s founders recognized a problem that many other universities fail to acknowledge; some students face food insecurity on a regular basis. Still operational 22 years later, the MSU Student Food Bank’s goal is to cut grocery bills in half.

At the MSU Student Food Bank, your donation goes a long way.
At the MSU Student Food Bank, your donation goes a long way.

While the holiday season is over, the MSU Food Bank’s giving spirit has not diminished. Each semester, the food bank holds multiple distribution evenings. During distribution evenings, 15 to 20 students help package food, stock shelves and generally serve MSU students, both graduates and undergraduates, as well as their families.  The bank distributes an impressive 50,000 pounds of food annually to students and their families. This month, the food bank will be holding two distribution dates; January 14 and January 28. Donations would be greatly appreciated prior to these events. To volunteer, contact the MSU Center for Service-Learning & Civic Engagement at 517-353-4400.

Thanks MSU Student Food Bank for all that you do!

Events Round-Up January 2015

Here are some events happening over the next month that may be of interest to MSU faculty and staff. Please visit the links for more information. Many events require registration.

Community Events

Thursday, January 8

Anton Chekov- The Seagull, 2 p.m., Lansing

Friday, January 9

The Fenner Nature Center Snowshoe Hike, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Lansing

Saturday, January 10

Lansing Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m., Wharton Center

Friday, January 16

The Blue Man Group begins, 8 p.m., Wharton Center

Saturday, January 17

Cross Country Skiing Class, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Lansing

Sunday, January 25

New Beginnings Dance Performance by Dance Lansing, 1 p.m., Lansing

Development, Training, & Wellness

Tuesday, January 13

New Supervisor Essentials, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Suite 10, Nisbet 

Friday, January 16

Sexual Harassment for Supervisors, 8:30 a.m.- noon, Suite 10, Nisbet

Tuesday, January 20

Is Your Course Syllabus Accessible, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 210 Computer Center

Thursday, January 22

Active Stretching begins,12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m., IM Circle Dance Studio

Wednesday, January 28

Desire2Learn Advanced Features, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Main Library Basement Instr Room

A Year in Review

Farewell 2014! We are looking forward to discovering what 2015 will bring.
Farewell 2014! We are looking forward to discovering what 2015 will bring.

While many of you may be counting down to the new year, join us in counting down 2014’s most popular blog posts on SourceLive! Our readers learned how to deal with stress, how to prevent themselves from contracting the flu, how to get a massage during lunch break, interesting locations to enjoy a meal on campus, and the true difference between sick time and family sick time, among other topics. Thank you for your readership and we look forward to further informing you in 2015!

#5: How to Deal With Stress

Stress can cause headaches, anxiety and tension. Learn how to manage stress and reduce its negative impacts on your life with this video from Employee Assistance Program Counselor Lisa Laughman.

Read the full post.

#4: 2014 Campus Flu Clinics

The Office of the University Physician offered flu clinics at various campus locations in October and November. Flu vaccines administered at the flu clinics were subsidized by Human Resources for MSU faculty, staff, and retirees.

Read the full post. 

#3: New Services at Olin!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s natural to feel stress and anxiety. Luckily, Olin Health Center is offering three new services that are sure to help! You can now receive reflexology, reiki, and massage therapy services through Olin Health Center.

Read the full post. 

#2: Unique Places to Eat at MSU

Are you tired of your regular lunch break routine? There are delicious and affordable meal options all over MSU’s campus, you just have to know where to look. Here are a few options that we recommend trying out on your next lunch break!

Read the full post.

#1: Sick Time vs. Family Sick Time

Have you ever wondered how sick time balances relate to family sick time balances? Family sick time is not a separate bucket of hours to be used independently. It is a subset of sick time available to use for the illness of a member of the immediate family or other household members.

Read the full post.

Happy Holidays from HR!

This holiday season, we hope that you spend well-deserved time with loved ones, allow yourself the opportunity to relax, and eat some delicious meals! Beaumont Tower in winterWith that being said, it is important to remember that this time of year presents a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude. Here at MSU Human Resources, we would like to thank all of our dedicated faculty and staff for their outstanding performance! Michigan State would not be the great university that it is without the work that you do on a daily basis and we are thankful for your talents and service.  Happy holidays from MSU HR!

Winter Exercise Alternatives

As temperatures drop lower and lower, it can be tempting to stay inside, curled up in front of the TV, surrounded by unhealthy holiday treats. However, with the right methods in place, exercising during the winter can be a breeze! There are many creative ways to get active.

  • Indoor Walking Tracks
    Indoor walking tracks provide low-impact exercise while avoiding winter’s bitter cold temperatures. IM Sports East features an indoor track for public use.

    Skating at Munn Ice Arena is great exercise option.
    Try skating at Munn Ice Arena for your next workout.
  • Indoor Pool
    Swimming is a great form of total-body exercise and can help you imagine being in a tropical oasis as opposed to an arctic wasteland. Visit IM Sports Circle or IM Sports West for indoor swimming.
  • Ice Skating
    By skating at an indoor rink, you can work off those holiday meals without freezing. Munn Ice Arena holds open skate sessions for the public.
  • Yoga, Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, etc.
    MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness Services holds group exercise classes every week. These classes are a great way to exercise indoors without being bored. Be brave and try something that you’ve always wanted to! View a schedule of courses.
  • Exercise at Work
    You can even exercise at work; all you have to do is think outside of the box! Try walking up and down the stairs in your building for a simple workout. You can also stretch from your desk chair.

Health Mattters: Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia affects two to four percent of people.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals. Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures also sometimes help. There is no test to detect this condition, but lab tests or X-rays are usually conducted to rule out other health problems.

If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or are facing a medical decision, Best Doctors is here to help.

Call 1-866-904-0910 or visit www.bestdoctors.com/members

Read the entire PDF by Best Doctors.

Job of the Week 12/12/14

This week we are highlighting an Operations Supervisor (Posting #0579) in College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will supervise, schedule, and assignMSU Jobs Icon the work of employees; trains, evaluates, and disciplines employees, including student employees; serves as a liaison with clients, customers, vendors, and university departments to provide expertise pertaining to the Swine Farm; assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures; oversees operations to maintain quality control, and meet deadlines; performs duties to facilitate operations, to include: directs and assists workers in maintenance and repair of equipment and physical facilities; inspects buildings, supplies and equipment to determine work to be performed; oversees cleaning of agricultural facilities; prepares reports on equipment, and materials; keeps records and prepares estimates to forecast needs and order supplies to maintain inventory levels; will transport or arrange for transport of animals, equipment, feed, and/or supplies; maintains health and safety standards to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal and AAALAC rules and regulations.

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search.