InsideMSU recently completed a reader survey to gain feedback on its performance over the past year. The annual survey included questions about our readers and their preferences. The survey’s purpose, of course, is to collect data and suggestions that can be used to improve the publication and other employee communications.

If you’re unfamiliar with InsideMSU, perhaps it’s quickly relegated to your email dustbin. But before you hit delete, here’s an introduction to the university’s official employee newsletter that might change your mind.

Launched two and a half years ago by University Communications, InsideMSU is a weekly email to all staff that covers a range of topics from key updates that impact every Spartan to noteworthy university news and events from our campuses in East Lansing and throughout Michigan.

Providing the most important and relevant information from all corners of the university is priority one. But almost as equally important is highlighting employee stories that explore the oftentimes unseen work they do. The newsletter helps break down silos and reinforce the social glue holding MSU together by amplifying the Spartan pride that unites us all in common purpose as members of a resilient and impactful community.

Read more: InsideMSU reader survey nets important feedback

Content for InsideMSU is curated by Managing Editor Carlos Acevedo (that's me), who pulls from various sources throughout the university, including MSU news, department bulletins and event calendars. Recent popular articles include the spotlight feature on MSU’s bilingual agricultural program, La Cosecha, and the new multicultural center’s construction kickoff.

InsideMSU has several sections, each serving a unique purpose. “What you need to know” summarizes the most critical information impacting the entire university, while “News from MSU” shares engaging information about developments in our community, such as new programs, cutting-edge research and visiting scholars.

The newsletter also is a venue for recognizing excellence with employee-provided “Spartan Shout-Outs” — giving you the opportunity to celebrate colleagues’ outstanding work — as well as “Honors, awards and grants,” which showcases recent accolades that university groups or individuals have received.

University podcasts are previewed in “Spartan voices,” while “Mark your calendar” details upcoming events. In addition, the newsletter’s “In memoriam” section helps keep employees informed about the passing of colleagues. Finally, InsideMSU wraps up each issue on a lighter note with “Parting pic” — showcasing a fun image from campus.

Whether you walk, bike or drive to work, you might be interested in InsideMSU’s newest feature, “The detour,” which debuts in this issue and outlines important construction updates and how they may impact your commute.

The thoughtful balance of targeted “need-to-know” and “nice-to-know” information makes InsideMSU stand out as a valuable part of the university’s broader communication strategy, complementing individual unit communications and promoting other platforms, including department homepages and MSUToday, the university’s main storytelling medium for internal and external audiences.

You don’t have to wait for the next survey to let us know what you think. Feedback from readers is always appreciated, and current employees are welcome to submit content for consideration by emailing Acevedo. Each suggestion is carefully reviewed and considered, ensuring the newsletter continues to be a relevant and engaging resource for employees.