Dear Valued Colleagues:
As we reflect on the past year, I write to express my sincere gratitude for the work you do for MSU in support of the research mission. Life has looked quite different since March of 2020 and many of you have had to navigate difficult work and home life challenges during this time.
Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. From supporting applications for grant funds, to caring for animals, it takes everyone within the Research & Innovation team to keep the organization moving forward. These behind-the-scenes activities do not always receive the recognition they deserve, but please know that your work is critical to the success of research – research that is solving some of today’s most difficult problems and bringing enhanced quality of life to people locally and globally.
Check out this great wrap up of research successes currently featured on MSU Today!
From work-life balance to getting a vaccine, it’s important that you take care of yourself, too. MSU offers many services and programs to staff that I hope you will take advantage of if you haven’t already. Be sure to view the WorkLife Office website and the Staff Professional Development courses to learn more.
A reminder that we have scheduled an MAU Wellness presentation on Tuesday, April 27th at 1:30. Please be sure to register in advance. I hope you can attend this valuable session.
And please do consider receiving a COVID-19 vaccine when available to you. The Together We Will website hosts a list of area vaccine providers. The more individuals who receive a vaccine, the safer our campus will be for everyone this fall.
I’m sure many of you are anxious to hear about plans for returning to work in-person. We are currently reviewing our MAU’s critical staffing needs and how those coincide with the State’s recently extended work from home directives. Our critical needs along with the recommendations of the Remote Work Initiative will guide us in our in-person staffing decisions. We will be sure to share more details as soon as these plans progress.
Again, I want to thank you for your hard work over the past year, and your continued commitment to Michigan State University.
Sincerely,
Doug Gage
Interim Vice President for Research & Innovation