Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Agricultural professionals from Pakistan look on during a visit to Mississippi State University as dairy herder Kenneth Graves rakes sand at the Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center earlier this month. PHOTO: Kat Lawrence | MSU Ag Communications

Sign up today for faculty/staff meal plans
MSU Dining invites faculty and staff to sign up for a new meal plan to save money and enjoy rewards. There are several options available. Faculty/staff meal plans never expire, and you may choose payroll deduction to pay over time.

University hosts campus multihazard training
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 taught Mississippi communities many lessons about preparedness, but the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007 revealed the need for college campuses to develop their own crisis plans. Ryan Akers, assistant Extension professor in the MSU School of Human Sciences, organized a recent training sessions for institutions for higher learning in Mississippi.

ZZ Ward to launch Lyceum Series Thursday
Mississippi State’s 2015-16 Lyceum Series begins this week with a concert featuring singer-songwriter ZZ Ward. As with most Lyceum events, the performance begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Kick of fall with the Maroon Volunteer Center
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community on its website and in its newsletter this week, including Get Swept Up!, Skool of Hard Nox 50, fall break trip to the Delta, Habitat for Humanity Maroon Edition, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this fall.

Parking and transit changes in place for fall
MSU Parking and Transit Services is excited about the new academic year and would like to welcome everyone back to campus. A few parking and transit changes have occurred over the summer, including limited access to Creelman St. and President Circle and an expansion of the SMART shuttle system.

Hardy Rd. traffic re-route now in place
Hardy Rd. from Etheredge Hall south to Morrill Rd. on Mississippi State's campus will be rerouted through December 2016 while an addition to Mitchell Memorial Library is under construction. During this time, all traffic will be rerouted around Herbert St. and re-enter Hardy Rd. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are advised to plan their daily commutes accordingly.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With local and statewide campaigns underway this fall, 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.

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.

MSU fans seek to break world record at Cowbell Yell
Mississippi State football fans will attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for most people ringing cowbells simultaneously during the university’s Cowbell Yell event on Sept 10. All fans -- students, employees, alumni and the community -- are encouraged to attend and help the university continue its record-setting reputation.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 08/31/15
Volleyball hosts Stetson at 7 p.m. on Friday, and then Mississippi Valley State at 1 p.m. and Chattanooga at 7 p.m. on Saturday... Soccer hosts Nicholls State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Southern Miss at 6 p.m. on Sunday... Cross Country competes Saturday in the Memphis Twilight... Football opens the 2015 season on the road in Hattiesburg with a 9 p.m. kickoff against Southern Miss on Saturday (Fox Sports 1 broadcast).

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.

Jackson named assistant AD of academics
Christine Jackson, the director of student services at the University of Louisville since 2012, has been named Mississippi State's new assistant athletic director of academics, Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin announced last week. “I am delighted that we have attracted Ms. Jackson to head our athletic academics,” said Provost Jerry Gilbert.

Varco new Triplett Chair holder in agronomy
An award-winning Mississippi State researcher is receiving another campus recognition. Professor Jac Varco has been selected for the Dr. Glover B. and Imogene C. Triplett Endowed Chair in Agronomy. He is a faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ plant and soil sciences department, as well as the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station.

'Get the Scoop!' Monday with MSU Staff Council
Mississippi State staff are invited to stop by and meet their MSU Staff Council representatives and learn more about the council's activities during a meet-and-greet on Monday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Hunter Henry Center's Parker Ballroom. Attendees will be able to make their own mini-sundaes with MSU ice cream and an assortment of toppings.

Employee assistance program available
Life is filled with change, opportunities and challenges. Just 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 employee assistance program (EAP) and work-life services may be able to help.