Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Spring flowers bloom by the Chapel of Memories at Mississippi State earlier this month. The university will be closed on Good Friday [March 25] this week. PHOTO: Sarah Tewolde | Public Affairs

Deadline day to register a Big Event team
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 information about Humane Society orientation, Revolution Tutoring, Bulldogs on the Move, Emerson library volunteers, CARE Ministries moving volunteers, and more. Monday is the last day to register a team for The Big Event.

Bill Ferris to speak Monday evening
A nationally recognized leader in Southern studies, African American music and folklore visits Mississippi State this week. Vicksburg native William R. “Bill” Ferris will serve March 20-22 as a 2016 MSU Scholar-in-Residence. While on campus, he will be meeting with students and faculty members, as well as making a major address Monday in the McComas Hall auditorium that is free and open to all.

Assistant VP for enrollment forums continue
The search committee for the assistant vice president for enrollment invites all Mississippi State faculty, staff and administrators to attend candidate seminars that continue this week in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium. The two remaining sessions will be livestreamed online, and two sessions are available for replay.

Open forums set for international leadership post
The search committee for the Associate Vice President, International Programs/Executive Director, International Institute position invites interested faculty and staff to attend the remaining candidate seminars taking place this month. Each open forum will take place at 10 a.m. in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium.

Federal program officers visiting campus
As the research funding environment becomes more competitive, relationships with federal agency program officers are essential. Mississippi State faculty will have the opportunity to meet with two officers from the National Science Foundation next month. In addition to a presentation, each official will be available for one-on-one sessions for researchers who would like to pitch a proposal.

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, privacy and more.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 03/21/16
Men's Golf starts play Monday in the UTSA/Lone Star Invitational in San Antonio... Softball hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and Central Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and then travels to Knoxville for a weekend series against Tennessee with games on Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Baseball hosts Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. before Georgia visits Dudy Noble Field for games on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. ... Track & Field competes at the World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, beginning Thursday and at the Florida State Relays on Friday and Saturday... Women's Tennis plays Auburn on the road Thursday at 2 p.m., and then travels to Tuscaloosa for a Saturday match against Alabama at 1 p.m. ... Men's Tennis hosts Florida on Friday at 5 p.m. and Auburn at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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Pathfinders program receives national honor
Mississippi State’s Pathfinders program is being honored nationally for its role in promoting student success and the continued growth of the student affairs profession. The university’s freshman retention initiative is a gold recipient of a 2016 Excellence Award in the Housing, Residence Life, Contracted Services, Judicial and related category presented by NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.

Hagenston to read from award-winning collection
A nationally recognized member of Mississippi State’s English faculty shares excerpts this week from her newest award-winning short story collection. During a free Wednesday university program, associate professor Becky Hagenston will read from “Scavengers,” recipient of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ 2016 Permafrost Book Prize in Fiction. To begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union’s third-floor Fowlkes Auditorium, the event is sponsored by the MSU English department and its creative writing program.

Nominations wanted for distinguished staff awards
MSU Staff Council needs your help in nominating outstanding Mississippi State University employees for the 2016 Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards. Twelve winners will be presented with a plaque of recognition and a check for $1,000. Awards will be announced at the annual Luncheon in the Junction/Staff Appreciation Day in May.