Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Newly installed bicycle shelters at Mississippi State serve multiple purposes. Not only are they designed as a covered area that offers weather protection, but they are strategically located at key points near bike routes to encourage cyclists to park their bikes at the corners of the Drill Field. Each shelter has a full service bike stand, repair kit and tire pump. Scooter racks also are included. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

MSU identifies Areas of Refuge for shelter use during severe weather
Mississippi State has designated numerous Starkville campus locations as Areas of Refuge available to students and employees seeking shelter from severe weather. These areas, marked by nearby signage, were structurally reviewed by an engineer and deemed likely to offer additional protection during extreme wind events. They are, in general, located centrally on the lower floors of their respective buildings and away from windows. Students and employees are encouraged to take the time now to make themselves familiar with the location of the closest Area of Refuge.

Type 2 diabetes workshop for MSU employees set for Feb. 23
Three Mississippi State University organizations -- Health Promotion and Wellness, University Recreation and Human Resources Management -- are sponsoring a workshop for employees living with or at risk of Type 2 diabetes from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Colvard Student Union’s Fowlkes Auditorium. Attendees will learn about healthy habits to prevent or live well with Type 2 diabetes. The event will feature free diabetes screenings, cooking demonstrations and an exercise activity.

2023-2024 Community-Engaged Learning Fellows applications due Feb. 28
Applications are now available for Mississippi State University's 2023-2024 Community-Engaged Learning Fellows program. The CEL Fellows program supports instructional faculty and staff in integrating community-engaged learning into their formal or non-formal teaching. The CEL Fellows program seminar will meet in May. Participants receive a $1,000 course or research development award, peer support and one-on-one assistance to design a new CEL course or modify an existing course. Program guidelines and application can be obtained via an email to michelle.garraway@msstate.edu. Submissions are due by Feb. 28.

Nominations open until March 1 for University Academic Advising Awards
Guidelines and nomination forms for the 2023 University Academic Advising Awards are now available. The deadline for nominations for these awards -- Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising Awards, Wes Ammon Outstanding New Staff Advisor Award and Foil-Wyatt Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Award -- is 5 p.m. on March 1. Nominations are to be submitted in PDF form to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President via email to lstricklin@provost.mssate.edu.

MSU Online Teaching Award nominations window open through March 8
The nomination window for the 2023 Mississippi State University Online Teaching Award is open through 5 p.m. March 8. The award, now in its fifth year, acknowledges and rewards an online instructor who employs best practices to engage, inspire and support students in an online environment. The nominee shall be a faculty member, instructor or lecturer of a Campus 5 course taught in the current academic year. The winner receives a $500 award along with registration to attend an online education-related conference similar to OLC, UPCEA or USDLA. Visit www.online.msstate.edu/faculty/online-teaching-award for nomination forms and submission requirements.

Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.

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Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron featured in MSU Global Lecture Series
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron spoke to a Mississippi State University audience last week about foreign policy, including his views on Brexit, NATO, China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and why his country’s alliance with the U.S. is imperative to both -- and the world at large. His speech was part of the university’s Global Lecture Series and sponsored by the Student Association. The program included a question-and-answer session moderated by MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter. His one-day visit also included a meet-and-greet with Shackouls Honors College students and one with university faculty.

Spring general faculty meeting Tuesday afternoon
The Office of the President and the Robert Holland Faculty Senate invite all faculty to the spring general faculty meeting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday [Feb. 14] in Colvard Student Union’s Foster Ballroom, Section U. Interested members of the campus community are also welcome. The program will include updates from President Mark E. Keenum, Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw, Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan, and Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble. The MSU Television Center will provide a livestream of the meeting at https://vimeo.com/event/2762401 for those unable to attend in person or who prefer to watch online.

MSU Alumni Association to recognize top chapters, outstanding volunteers during 2023 Leadership Conference
Mississippi State University Alumni Association is hosting its 2023 Leadership Conference on campus Feb. 24-25 at the Hunter Henry Center. The annual celebration recognizes contributions of alumni leaders and volunteer members, while cultivating meaningful engagement and investing in the association’s grassroots network. The Leadership Conference will be held Saturday [Feb. 25]. Throughout the day of volunteer training and sharing, participants will hear updates from key university representatives, including Alumni Association National President Patrick White, Alumni Association Executive Director Jeff Davis, Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and University Registrar John Dickerson, Director of Athletics Zac Selmon and others.