Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Jon Clark, director of football operations for Mississippi State, led a number of faculty and staff members on a tour of the new Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex as part of MSU Faculty Day last week. The group also had an opportunity to attend the evening's spring football practice and hear from Head Football Coach Dan Mullen. PHOTO: Russ Houston | University Relations

'Diversity in Research' panel discussion Tuesday
On Tuesday, the MSU President's Commission on the Status of Minorities will host “Diversity in Research: A Panel Discussion” from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union Foster Ballroom. This event is open to all, and refreshments will be provided. A panel of MSU faculty and administrators has been assembled to discuss the components of successful research activity. This discussion will focus on topics such as building teams, funding opportunities, collaboration across disciplines, and recruiting minority students into research.

Don't miss Chris Myers Asch Monday in the Union
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Cotton District Arts Festival, CDC Water Wars, Odd Fellows Cemetery cleanup, and more. Also, don't miss Chris Myers Asch in the Union at 6 p.m. on Monday.

Refresh Leadership Live 2013 simulcast next week
Human Resources Management at Mississippi State University, in conjunction with Express Employment Professionals of Starkville, will host a simulcast of Refresh Leadership Live 2013 on April 17 in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium. The half-day session starts at 8 a.m.

New employee assistance program available
Life is filled with change, opportunities and challenges. The issues may be large or small. Knowing that you have someone who can listen, understand and suggest next steps can make a big difference. And that is where Mississippi State University's new employee assistance program (EAP) and work-life program will help, beginning April 1.

Avoid cyberfraud during year-round phishing season
With spring finally on the calendar, many of us are contemplating when it will be warm enough to go fishing. But be aware that a dangerous form of bait lurks on the Internet waiting to hook you. This type of fishing is known as phishing, and the Internal Revenue Service reports that fraudulent phishing attacks are at an all-time high this year.

Policy reminders from University Health Services
University Health Services at Mississippi State reminds the campus community of several important policies for its patients to keep in mind when seeking treatment, parking, refilling a prescription online, and privacy.

Maroon Alert: Sharing emergency updates with MSU
During this time of the year, weather becomes more of a factor in our day-to-day lives at Mississippi State University. The Maroon Alert system is how we communicate with the campus community about emergency situations that may arise on campus. Maroon Alert is a family of communication outlets to communicate about emergency situations. In most situations the primary means of communication are web, e-mail and sometimes instant messaging.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 04/08/13
Men's Golf opens play in the Old Waverly Collegiate Championship in West Point on Monday... Baseball plays Ole Miss in Pearl at Trustmark Park at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and then travels to College Station to open an SEC weekend series against Texas A&M on Friday at 6:35 p.m.... Men's Tennis plays LSU in Baton Rouge on Wednesday at 3 p.m., and then travels to Texas A&M for a match Friday at 6 p.m.... Softball hosts Ole Miss in an SEC weekend series beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday (ESPNU)... Women's Tennis hosts Texas A&M on Friday at 3 p.m. and Missouri at 1 p.m. on Sunday... Track and Field competes Saturday at the Battle on the Bayou in Baton Rouge.

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.

2013 Outstanding Women awards presented
Seven campus and community women are being honored with 2013 Outstanding Women Awards. The university President's Commission on the Status of Women recently announced the group and hosted a reception for them. "Congratulations to these women, just a few of the many who are helping to make our university so special. We're going to continue to look to you and lean on your guidance and counsel," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum, keynote speaker and awards presenter.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigning for local elections underway, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel reminds employees to be aware of the university's policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity.

University hosting PERS seminar Wednesday
Human Resources Management at Mississippi State University is hosting a PERS pre-retirement, full-day seminar on Wednesday at Bost Extension Center. This seminar offers general information on a range of topics including estate planning, Mississippi Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust, Social Security benefits, and PERS benefits and options.

Faculty leadership program seeks nominations
For the 2013-2014 academic year, the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President will again be conducting an academic leadership program for selected faculty at Mississippi State. This program has been very successful in the past, and many of its participants serve in key leadership positions on campus today. For the upcoming year, attendance will be limited to approximately 12 individuals who will be chosen from those who apply.