Area Representative (AR) Spotlight – Cindy Helms

What is your job title?

Administrative Assistant

What department do you work in, what area of campus and building?

I work for University Outreach and Engagement, on the west side of campus, housed in the Kellogg Center.

How long have you been at MSU?

20 years

How long have you been an Area Rep?

5 years

Why is being a member of the Administrative Professional Association important to you?

Being a part of the Union means being part of history, past and present.  I cannot imagine what life would be If it were not for Unions.  One person alone cannot accomplish what the Union can accomplish.  For people who think Unions are not necessary, they need to research why Unions were started https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_Shirtwaist_Factory_fire

What words of advice do you have for the new hires at MSU?

New hires, or people who have been here for years, need to get involved to keep the benefits we have.  They need to go to community lunches and ask questions.  They need to go to the More You Know sessions for new information you will not get at orientation.  If you are new at MSU and have questions regarding your rights or your benefits, reach out to your Area Representative.  If they do not have the answer to your question, they will guide you who to call.  Go to the Administrative Professional Association website http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/  

What do you love about working at MSU?

I love meeting new people and working with people that are like family.  Every day is a chance to learn.  So much is going on here at MSU all the time.  There is so much diversity and the opportunity to learn about different cultures.  I would not have that opportunity if not for working at MSU.  MSU touches everyone in the state of Michigan and the world through research, teaching, and partnering with communities.  Before coming to work at MSU I had no idea how involved the University was around the world and the state.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I love being with my family.  We all love camping and boating.  My grandchildren are always doing something.  We do a lot of traveling for their activities.  Any time I have the opportunity to travel, I will.  I love working outside in my yard and flower gardens.  The busier I am, the better I feel.

The AR’s are appointed by the Executive Board and their role is to assist with distributing APA materials and information and to serve as a resource for members. AR’s are assigned to a geographic area of campus, so if there is not an AR in your immediate building, you can find one nearby. For a list of AR’s go to http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/about/area-representatives-2/