Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Ebony Jones, 4-H agent with the Tunica County Extension Service (left), receives instruction on operating a moisture meter from David Jones, assistant Extension professor with Mississippi State University's Forest and Wildlife Research Center. The Extension Service trained agents to test for moisture in buildings and homes recently affected by the flooding in the Delta. The training will allow agents to provide clients with current information and help them return to their flood-affected homes safely. PHOTO: Scott Corey | Ag Communications

Student Financial Aid launches call center
The Department of Student Financial Aid at Mississippi State has launched a new call center. With growing enrollment and increasing need for financial assistance, many students and parents want to speak with financial aid staff to better understand the process.

'Avoiding Heat Stress' employee program offered
The Office of Regulatory Compliance and Safety is offering a new program to university employees titled "Avoiding Heat Stress," which addresses the considerations of working in hot environments both indoors and outdoors.

Parking permit registration, renewal underway
Mississippi State faculty and staff may register or renew their parking permits using myBanner by logging into the myState portal. Current permits expire Aug. 10.

Spotlight shining on Cunetto theatre exhibit in July
The spotlight is shining on a new University Libraries exhibit. "Selections from the Dominic J. Cunetto Collection: Mississippi State University Theatre Productions" is on display throughout the month of July in Mitchell Memorial Library's Information Mall.

Service DAWGS Day coming up Aug. 16
Mississippi State's Service DAWGS organization is designating Aug. 16 as a day to contribute to the Starkville community through various volunteer projects. Breakfast in the Junction will kick off the day at 8:30 a.m.

Jack Cristil book orders being taken now
Orders are now being accepted for the biography of Mississippi State's legendary sports broadcaster. "Jack Cristil: The Voice of the Bulldogs" is written by university alumnus and veteran newsman Sid Salter. Best-selling author and fellow alumnus John Grisham is providing the book's foreword.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With statewide political campaigns underway this year, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel reminds employees to be aware of the university's policy on political activities.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to Jim Laird.

New MSU record: $80 million in private gifts
Mississippi State is announcing a new milestone of $80.3 million in outright private gifts and pledges during the just-ended fiscal year. "I never cease to be amazed by the generosity of our loyal alumni and friends," said President Mark E. Keenum.

Athletic Department sees record-breaking year
The Mississippi State athletic department received a school-record $37.6 million in gifts and pledges through the Bulldog Club and Bulldog Foundation during the 2010-11 fiscal year, Mississippi State director of athletics Scott Stricklin announced last week.

Faculty, PIOs, post-docs invited to NSF workshop
Principal investigators, early-career researchers and engineers, graduate students, post-docs, and public information officers at Mississippi State are invited to attend a free National Science Foundation workshop Aug. 29 to learn more about communicating science to the media and general public.