Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

A $20,000 federal grant is enabling Mississippi State to implement a green infrastructure demonstration project on campus. Construction already has begun on a 1,500 square-foot bioretention basin, or rain garden, in the Department of Landscape Architecture courtyard.

SEC Network covering SEC Symposium
The Southeastern Conference last week announced that the SEC Network will provide coverage of the 2015 SEC Symposium, highlighted by a live SEC Network + stream of the student entrepreneurial pitch competition on Monday. Entitled Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Driving a 21st Century Economy, the 2015 SEC Symposium started Sunday and continues through Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

Applications sought for teaching excellence awards
Mississippi State University faculty who are interested in submitting applications for the 2016 Grisham Master Teacher Award, the Alumni Association Early Career Teaching Excellence Award or the Alumni Association Graduate Teaching Excellence Award have until Oct. 16 to do so.

Research facility changes to meet needs
Mississippi State University’s Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station is completing a transformation from the state’s premier dairy research facility to a site that focuses on land management. “When dairies began to close in the early 2000s as a result of the economic landscape, we took a look at what clients in the area could benefit from,” said Adam Rohnke, a wildlife biologist with the MSU Extension Service.

Don't miss MVC's fall volunteer opportunities
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 Art in the Park, American Cancer Society 5K, Starkville Soccer Association, B.E.S.T. robotics competition, Habitat for Humanity, fall break Delta trip, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this fall.

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.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 09/21/15
Volleyball is on the road to Tuscaloosa for a match against Alabama on Wednesday at 7 p.m., and visits Oxford on Sunday to face Ole Miss at 2 p.m. ... Soccer hosts Tennessee at 7 p.m. on Friday and Missouri on Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Cross Country competes Saturday in the Panorama Farms Invite in Charlottesville, Va. ...Football visits Auburn on Saturday with kickoff time TBA... Softball visits Troy for an exhibition double-header beginning at 2 p.m.

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.

President Keenum launches PowerTalks
Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum launched PowerTalks, a series of luncheon meetings designed to enhance communication and engagement with the campus community, last week. "PowerTalks are formatted to encourage candid conversations and give participants an opportunity to ask questions and voice new ideas as well as to air concerns," Keenum said.

Sebba honored with Steinway Artist celebration
A Mississippi State faculty member was honored last week with a reception celebrating her prestigious Steinway Artist designation. Rosângela Yazbec “Rose” Sebba, the music department’s professor of piano, theory and ear training, is among the select ranks of musicians who have chosen to play exclusively on pianos produced by Steinway & Sons.

MSU on the Move recognizes Health Heroes
Two current and one former Mississippi State staff members are being recognized for achievements at the university to encourage healthy lifestyles through regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Michelle Gerhart, Janice McReynolds and Annette Woods recently received 2014-15 Health Hero awards from the MSU on the Move program.

United Way campaign underway on campus
The 2015-2016 United Way campaign at Mississippi State is underway. Donations made to the United Way of North Central Mississippi remain in the community, and will positively impact hundreds of lives. All gifts and pledges are confidential and any amount given helps to make a difference in Oktibbeha, Choctaw, Winston and Webster counties.