Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The Randy J. Cleveland Engineering Student Center is nearing the end of a major transformation, blending modern amenities with historic character in the former Materials Testing Lab between the Walker Engineering Building and McCain Hall. Part of the university’s ongoing renovations and new construction projects, the updated space for the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering will feature a new second floor with a student maker space and team rooms designed to foster collaboration and hands-on learning. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

Part-time jobs fair Friday links students to positions across campus, community
The Mississippi State Career Center is sponsoring a part-time jobs fair for students seeking positions on campus and in the surrounding community. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday [Aug. 22] in Colvard Student Union’s Foster Ballroom, will feature employers seeking students for part-time, volunteer and research positions. If you or any of your reporting units are anticipating an opening for a student worker, research assistant or graduate assistant, please consider participating in this event. More than 800 students attended last year’s event looking for employment, which serves as a great way to connect to the university’s QEP efforts. The deadline to register is Aug. 13. Departments can register by visiting https://msstate-csm.symplicity.com/events/PartTimeFA25.

Airport shuttle departure schedule adjusted to meet airline baggage check changes
A 45-minute cutoff for checking baggage with Delta and American airlines has changed the express shuttle times offered by Mississippi State Transportation to Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The GTRA express shuttle now departs The Mill at MSU two hours before flight time and arrives at the airport one and a half hours before flight time. This is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule. Shuttle pickups from the Starkville campus and hotels along Highway 12 also can be scheduled with MSU if reservations are made at least 24 hours prior to the requested departure time from these locations. This service is available by emailing GTRShuttle@transportation.msstate.edu or calling 662-325-5204.

Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.

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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Renovated, historic Perry Food Hall reopens for a new era of MSU Dining
For more than 100 years, the arched wooden beams of Perry Cafeteria have watched generations of Mississippi State students pass through its doors. Now, after a year of careful renovations, the beloved campus landmark begins its next chapter as Perry Food Hall -- a new dining destination that honors its storied past while serving the next generation of Bulldogs. “Perry is one of our most iconic buildings -- it’s what many people think of when they picture Mississippi State University. This renovation preserves that history and builds on it to create a truly special space and unique experience,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “The renovation and re-opening of Perry marks an exciting new chapter for our campus,” Vice President of Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said.

Mississippi State’s TRiO Student Support Services awarded grant renewal from U.S. Department of Education
Mississippi State University’s TRiO Student Support Services program has gained new funding from the U.S. Department of Education, reaffirming its vital role in supporting first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds or with documented disabilities. Housed in the Holmes Center for Student Success within the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, TRiO provides critical academic, professional and personal development resources. “We are incredibly honored we are continuing to deepen our commitment to supporting students in achieving their educational goals. TRiO is more than just a program -- it’s a support system that helps students visualize and achieve a future beyond the classroom. In short, TRiO works,” said Timothy Hopkins, HCSS executive director.

‘I love my boys’: fraternity house chef, MSU administrators break ground on 17th Maroon Edition Habitat home
Danyell Latham watched as a crowd of Lambda Chi Alpha members celebrated the groundbreaking of her new home last week. Latham has worked for the university for nearly a decade and has served as a chef for the Lambda Chi fraternity house for about a year. By November, she and her sons, Robert and Kasen Kelly, will have the keys to a house built by volunteers from Mississippi State, Starkville Habitat for Humanity and the young men she sees every day at the university. MSU President Mark E. Keenum joined Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt, Director of Student Leadership and Community Engagement Kathy Jones and Starkville Habitat President Austin Check in celebrating the groundbreaking with the Latham family.

College of Business launches new entrepreneurship major this month
Mississippi State University’s College of Business is offering a new major in entrepreneurship, educating students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to launch their own ventures or bring innovative thinking to existing organizations. The new program builds on the college’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship education. “Many students come to Mississippi State with a plan to start something big,” said College of Business Dean Scott Grawe. “Some of these big things are new businesses, and some are new paths within existing organizations. Our new entrepreneurship major provides the knowledge to succeed on either path.” Entrepreneurship majors can enhance their studies through Mississippi State’s nationally recognized Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, commonly known as the E-Center/