Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

President Mark E. Keenum speaks with incoming freshmen participating in New Maroon Camp, which concluded Saturday. The new academic year at Mississippi State kicks off Wednesday, the first day of class for the fall semester. Fall Convocation will be held Thursday with a focus on this year's Maroon Edition selection, Hold On with a Bulldog Grip: A Short Study of Ulysses S. Grant. PHOTO: Logan Kirkland | Public Affairs

Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigning for local and statewide races currently underway, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several guidelines that employees of the university should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. The Office of General Counsel encourages each employee to review this policy in its entirety to make certain you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities.

The Park Cafe opens in Cochran Research Park
A new dining option has opened in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. The Park Cafe is open for lunch weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it’s located in the II-VI Building at 60 Technology Blvd., Suite 100. Additional information is available at www.facebook.com/theparkcafe19.

MSU Golf Course offering fall membership special
Throughout the month of August, the Mississippi State University Golf Course is offering a fall membership special. For $550, MSU students, faculty and staff can play unlimited golf with a golf cart and hit unlimited driving range balls for the entire fall semester. This membership special can be purchased in the golf shop until Aug. 31 and is valid through Nov. 30. Please contact Adam Scott at ascott@business.msstate.edu with any questions.

Collaborative seeks to improve tobacco-free policies
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation will host the University and College Tobacco-Free Campus Collaborative on Tuesday. The Foundation has invited top levels of leadership from Mississippi’s publicly-funded universities and community colleges to engage with prestigious healthcare and education experts about improving the health and well-being of students and personnel by adopting enforceable smoke-free and tobacco-free policies.

Construction for new parking garage underway, to continue through July 2020
Construction for a new parking garage on the north side of Mississippi State's Starkville campus is underway and expected to last through July 2020. During this time, those navigating campus are advised to use caution when approaching this construction area. Due to construction, a section of sidewalk along Bailey Howell Drive and adjacent to the construction site will be temporarily closed, requiring pedestrian traffic to be re-routed. Please see the accompanying map for details.

Lyceum mini-series tickets now available
Mini-series tickets for Mississippi State University’s 2019-20 Lyceum Series are now available for purchase. Mini-series tickets are available to the general public for $75 and $65 for MSU employees and senior citizens. The mini-series ticket option includes attendance to three programs and features guaranteed reserved seating at a discounted rate. The annual series supports performing arts in the Starkville and MSU communities.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

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New Bachelor of Applied Science degree program set to launch
Mississippi State University is unveiling a Bachelor of Applied Science program that will help more Mississippians earn a college degree and compete for the jobs of the future. Last week, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approved a new policy outlining requirements for state universities offering an applied baccalaureate degree program. MSU plans to submit its Bachelor of Applied Science program for board approval in the coming weeks.

MSU Dining Services opens new Steak ‘n Shake location, announces other updates for fall semester
Mississippi State’s Starkville campus is home to a new Steak ‘n Shake dining location. The new eatery is in the Roberts Building on Lee Boulevard in the former Burger King location. “Bringing Steak ‘n Shake to campus is a direct result of extensive market research into what students wanted on campus. And likewise, with the refresh of Pizza Hut, students will see new options that will address their request for more variety and the ability to customize their pizzas,” MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said.

University, Habitat for Humanity break ground on 11th Maroon Edition home
Mississippi State University and Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity broke ground last week on the 11th Maroon Edition home. Located on Azalea Lane, the home for Keyana Triplett and her family will be built this fall by volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and MSU. During Tuesday’s ceremony, MSU President Mark E. Keenum drove the ceremonial first nail and presented Habitat for Humanity with a $5,000 check from the university.

Fall general faculty meeting Aug. 28
The Office of the President and the Robert Holland Faculty Senate invite faculty to the fall general faculty meeting at 2 p.m. on Aug. 28 in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium. Interested members of the campus community are also welcome. President Mark E. Keenum will provide an update as a new academic year begins at Mississippi State University.