January 2015 – SourceLive Home

Wear Red and Support Women’s Health

Published on January 29, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

13890586638ajmn — Celebrate Go Red Day in recognition of the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Red is a powerful color that is often associated with energy, strength, passion and love. For this reason, and as a result of the fact that heart disease equates to one in three female deaths in the U.S., the American Heart Association uses the color as a mechanism to raise awareness for women’s heart disease each February. The association’s campaign, Go Red for Women, inspires participants to make heart-healthy choices. Initiatives of the campaign include a call for increased research in regard to heart disease as well as a much faster course of action when fighting heart disease. This year, Wear Red Day will fall on Friday, February 6. To show your support for women’s health, consider donning red or participating in any of these steps that support the campaign.

While heart disease exists as a menacing threat, especially for women, it doesn’t have to be. Be a part of the Go Red movement and help inspire change! To learn more, visit the American Heart Association’s webpage. Also, visit MSU’s Health eGuide to discover how women can reduce their risk of heart disease.

Schedule an Office Clean-Out for Recyclemania

Published on January 28, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

RecycleMania is an annual competition that encourages college campuses to rally together in order to increase recycling rates. This year, the event will take place from February 1 to March 28. During the eight-week competition, students are encouraged to be adamant in their recycling efforts. MSU Sustainability will make appearances on campus in order to award those “caught” green-handed.

The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center is encouraging faculty and staff to participate in the festivities by scheduling an office clean-out. Office clean outs include a morning delivery of two hampers to your work space; one for confidential shred, one for everything else including paper, cardboard, boxboard, plastics, books and electronics. The hampers will be available for the entirety of your scheduled clean-out and will be picked up the following morning. Surplus items can also be picked up simultaneously if this need is vocalized in advance.

Office clean-outs present a wonderful opportunity to be Spartan green and to organize your work space. To schedule a clean-out, call MSU Sustainability at 517-355-1751.

For additional information visit http://msusurplusstore.blogspot.com/2013/02/office-clean-outs.html or view the PDF.

A Look Into the Past: MSU Retirement Traditions

Published on January 22, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The tradition of presenting a book to retiring employees is one that MSU HR has carried on for years. Recently, a current HR employee brought in her great-grandfather’s retirement book, circa 1969, to share. Tucked inside the book’s pages were old employee photographs, images depicting the timeless beauty of MSU’s campus and a letter from President John Hannah. Also included was a pamphlet distributed at MSU’s Seventh Annual Retirement and Service Award Ceremony. This recognition program, an integral part of MSU’s dedication to honoring hardworking employees, still occurs annually each spring. Now, employees are able to select a personal gift that fits their unique preferences.

While many years have passed since the first retirement books were passed out (53, to be exact) it is important to note that MSU has stayed true in its values. Technology, fashion and the community are things that change with time, yet MSU’s dedication to employee appreciation is something that will not falter.

President's Letter — A letter from MSU President John A. Hannah

Seventh Annual Retirement Program pamphlet. — Seventh Annual Retirement Program pamphlet

Breathe Easy and Embrace Your Health

Published on January 21, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Do you want to quit smoking but aren’t quite sure what course of action to take? While smoking can be one of the most difficult health behaviors to change, it doesn’t have to be. MSU Health4U has the perfect solution. Breathe Easy, a totally free tobacco and nicotine cessation program, offers behavioral support and medical evaluation to help you kick your bad habits to the curb—for good. One of the best attributes of Breathe Easy is the fact that the program can be tailored to fit the needs of each participant. For example, participants can elect to enact a medication-free quitting plan. In order to participate in Breathe Easy, an employee needs to be benefits-eligible or be the adult, benefits-eligible family member of an MSU faculty, staff, graduate student assistant or retiree.

If you qualify and are ready for the challenge, please register to attend this spring’s pre-enrollment information session on January 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in room 247, Olin Health Center. Being present at this session does not obligate employees to enroll. Rather, attendees can expect a thorough overview of the program. You may register in person at 330 Olin Health Center, by phone at 517-353-2596 or by email at health4u@msu.edu.

For more information, view the entire PDF.

The minute you quit smoking, you being to regain your health.

New on the Human Resources Website

Published on January 20, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

It’s been a busy month for new items on the HR website.

There’s a new university-wide policy on Relationship Violence & Sexual Misconduct that replaces the policy on Sexual Harassment. Information surrounding Guidelines for Maintaining Critical Functions and Services at MSU is also now available. The electronic I-9 system is fully implemented and a new page with information about the Form I-9 process, compliance training and system access guidelines has been created.

To help new employees understand the benefits available to them, we have created a Benefits Overview toolkit, a quick reference about benefits available to MSU employees. There is also a complete 27-page presentation that provides information previously given at the benefits/retirement orientations.

Job of the Week 1/16/15

Published on January 16, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week we are highlighting a Communications Manager (Posting #0688) in Residential & Hospitality Services – Info Services. The communications manager will coordinate, assemble and distribute information pertaining to the division and its operating units, which may include online communications, news and press releases, digital billboards and the full scope of print materials; writes, edits, and proofs copy for online, print, and digital media; plans, creates, produces, photographs, edits, and proofs draft releases and feature materials for online communications, media, and publications to inform the division, university, and public of divisional issues and events; identifies sources of information; will research, survey, and interview to obtain information; will work with colleagues to track projects throughout the creative process; maintains and updates files including statistical report, daily clippings, and monthly media reports; will use AP Style to write press releases, and gain necessary unit, divisional, and university-level approvals and does routine follow-up with all appropriate media; will contribute to weekly online intranet postings, monthly divisional newsletter, and quarterly divisional magazine.

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.

Pay it Forward Weekend!

Published on January 15, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This Friday, January 16, “Pay it Forward Weekend” begins. This celebration is the third of its kind. “Pay it Forward Weekend” urges participants to take part in at least on random act of kindness. The only condition is that this act must be carried out without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Last year, 484,743 individuals participated in this unofficial celebration. This year, organizers hope to increase reach tenfold.

Participating in random acts of kindness creates a ripple effect. We all benefit from good deeds!

So how can you get involved? First, join the event on Facebook. If you are not a Facebook user, don’t worry! You are not barred in any manner from participating. Next, brainstorm an act of kindness. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pay for someone’s meal in the fast food drive through.
• Leave a bouquet at the hospital for the nurses to distribute.
• If you are in a long line, invite the person behind you to go first.
• Offer to help carry someone’s groceries.
• Tell a manager about how stellar a certain employee is.
• Load extra change into the vending machine.
• Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger.
• Give a large tip to your server when you dine out.
• Let another driver take your parking spot.
• Leave a copy of a good book with a note on the bus.

This list is just the start- random acts of kindness are simple but their impact is outlasting! Consider challenging yourself to carry out one or more random acts of kindness during “Pay it Forward Weekend” and then extending this altruism throughout the year. In life, the littlest things make the biggest difference. Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments section of this post.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Published on January 14, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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

Published on January 13, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

tse — 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

Published on January 8, 2015 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

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.

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.