Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Richard Human, associate professor of trombone, performs during the Starkville-Mississippi State University Symphony Orchestra's "Jazz at Renasant" outdoor concert last week. A nine-piece band and vocalists performed jazz, swing, blues, Latin and ballad standards during the 90-minute event on the Renasant Bank plaza in downtown Starkville. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Congressman Thompson speaks on campus Monday
Rep. Bennie Thompson will discuss his work in the U.S. Congress Monday as part of the Lamar Conerly Governance Forum. “I’m a big believer in the need to complement classroom education with real-world education, and when you can bring in someone of Congressman Thompson’s stature, it’s all the better,” said Whit Waide, assistant clinical professor for political science and public administration and head of MSU’s pre-law program.

Public reception Thursday for new mural
Faculty, staff, students and the local community are invited to the public unveiling of a new mural at Mississippi State's Longest Student Health Center on Thursday from 5-6 p.m. Refreshments will be served. McKinnon Herring, a Mississippi State senior in art/painting, developed the large wall painting after studying large-scale public art with her professor, Brent Funderburk.

New Habitat for Humanity shifts available
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 new Habitat for Humanity shifts, the President's Interfaith Service Campus Challenge, Brickfire's after-school program, ACCESS program peer mentors, 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, 10/19/15
Men's Golf competes Monday and Tuesday in the Mountaineer Intercollegiate at Morgantown, West Virginia... Men's Tennis starts play Friday in the SEC Invite at Auburn... Soccer visits Baton Rouge on Friday for a 7 p.m. match against LSU, and then travels to Tuscaloosa for a match with Alabama at 2 p.m. on Sunday... Volleyball faces Missouri in Columbia on Friday at 7 p.m., and then hosts Tennessee at Newell-Grissom at noon on Sunday... Football hosts Kentucky at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.... Women's Golf starts play on Sunday in The Alamo Invitational at San Antonio, Texas.

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.

Official grand opening of The Mill at MSU Monday
Mississippi State and the local community will celebrate the official grand opening of The Mill at MSU with special remarks from federal, state and local officials and university leadership on Monday at 11 a.m. Gov. Phil Bryant, U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), MSU President Mark E. Keenum, Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, The Mill developer Mark Castleberry and MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw are scheduled to speak.

University launches branding initiative
Mississippi State University launched a branding initiative that reinforces its standing as a premier research institution where students are driven to make a difference during a campus celebration last Tuesday. MSU President Mark E. Keenum, with the help of five distinguished university alumni, challenged the campus community to take active roles in shaping the future of MSU by sharing their success stories with broader audiences.

Benefits open enrollment underway
Benefits open enrollment is now available for eligible Mississippi State University employees. Open enrollment is required only if you are adding new coverage, changing existing coverage or canceling coverage. If you aren’t adding new coverage, changing existing coverage or canceling coverage, you do not need to participate in open enrollment, and your current benefits will continue into 2016.