Announcements

Strategic Planning Framework

President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD, is pleased to announce the launch of Opening Minds, Changing Lives, MRU’s new strategic planning framework. After extensive development and consultation, the framework was approved by the Board of Governors last year and is now available. This concludes our first planning phase and includes our vision, mission and values that will lead to institutional goals. Our commitments to the future are outlined across five strategic directions. Please visit mru.ca/Strategy to view the framework and keep an eye out for your opportunity to engage in the consultation process on the next strategic planning stage.

Government of Alberta Budget 2022

On Feb. 24, the Province of Alberta unveiled Budget 2022, which highlighted investments to expand enrolment for in-demand programs needed to support the economic recovery. While funding has yet to be allocated, we are working with the province on what opportunities this funding presents for MRU.

MRU's Campus Alberta base grant was reduced by 1.9% which equates to $1.7 million, a slight improvement over what was reflected in the Province's past three-year funding commitment. While budget cuts are always difficult, the predictability of this year’s reduction has allowed us to plan for the upcoming fiscal year.  We are also pleased to see Capital Maintenance Renewal funding support restored to historical levels of $3.6 million for MRU. Read more. 

Celebrate! Teaching & Learning at MRU: Call for Proposals

The Celebrate! Teaching & Learning at MRU event will take place both in-person and virtually on May 4 and 5 this year. Faculty, students, staff and administrators are invited to celebrate by proposing a spark talk, roundtable, individual or collaborative presentation. This year we invite proposals that best connect us to the core values of MRU — Authenticity, Belonging, Boldness, Inquisitiveness and Transformation. The deadline for proposals is April 4.

T4s are now available

The 2021 T4s are now available on MyMRU. After logging in, click on the Employee Resources tab, then click on the T4 link on the left-hand side (under My HR Profile). If you had more than one type of employment at MRU in 2021 (e.g., a casual position and a staff position), you may have more than one T4. Please ensure you print all T4s associated with your employment.

SAMRU Tax Clinic

Each year SAMRU hosts a free tax clinic run by CRA-certified volunteers to ensure students have barrier-free access to tax help. Any MRU student can use this virtual service from March 7 to April 29. Appointments are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, excluding weekends and April 15 and 18. Please visit samru.ca/tax for more information.

SAMRU Gender Bender 2022

The Gender Bender Callout is aimed at students who want to perform numbers that blur gender lines, promote body positivity and celebrate sexuality. All performance types are welcome including dance, drag and more. No experience is necessary — beginners are welcome. The deadline for performers to sign up is March 7 at 5 p.m., and the event takes place on March 24 from 8 to 10 p.m. and is free for MRU students. Government-issued ID required; 18+ only. 

Events 

3D Printing: Introduction
Fri., March 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)
Learn the basics of 3D printing, modelling and software, different types of printing and how to integrate 3D-printing into academic projects. Register.

International Women’s Day
Tues., March 8, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Online
Join in the conversation by watching this mix of pre-recorded panel conversations as well as a live-streamed panel conversation with MRU's chancellor, Dawn Farrell. Learn more at mru.ca/IWD.

International Women’s Day — Women and Men Leading Together by 2030 in the Energy Business
Tues., March 8 from 1 to 2 p.m. — Online
Join MRU’s chancellor, Dawn Farrell, and this panel of highly influential women business leaders as they reflect on how to aspire to a place where men and women lead together. Live stream link is available at mru.ca/IWD. No registration required.

The Cybersecurity Roadshow
Tues., March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Main Street
Our cybersecurity experts are available to answer all of your cybersecurity questions. More information.

Copyright Support Drop-In
Tues., March 8, 15 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. —  Library Service Desk Consultation Point A
Meet with Copyright Advisor Taylor Stevens to discuss copyright questions related to assignments, projects and more. Learn more.

Copyright Dough for MRU Employees
Wed., March 9 and 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Viz Classroom (EL1441)
Learn about Canadian copyright law, user exceptions to the law, and how copyright applies to your education — all while modelling with playdough. Register.

Managing Breakups Discussion Series
Wed., March 9, 16 and 23 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online
These one-hour sessions will look at different topics surrounding relationships and breakups. Register.

Stampede: Sex Tourism, Slut-Shaming and Gender-Based Violence
Wed., March 9 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Online
Associate Professor Kimberly A. Williams, PhD,  will expose some of the material realities behind, and often negative gender-based consequences of, this annual event. Register.

Beginner’s Guide to Virtual Reality
Thurs., March 10 from 11 a.m. to noon — Maker Studio (EL1245)
Explore Virtual Reality (VR), learn about the VR options and discover ways to integrate VR into classes, teaching and research. Register.

Sitting in Truth Hosted by Jody and Judy Bear
Thurs., March 10 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online
Sisters Jody and Judy Bear will share their story of the impact of residential schools and overcoming intergenerational trauma. Register.

3D Printing: Software Settings for Successful Prints (Beginner)
Fri., March 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)
This workshop will explain the common settings and how to adjust 3D print software for the desired result. Register.

Protecting Yourself Against Cybercrime
Tues., March 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Online
This fascinating and informative 90-minute workshop will gives those new to MRU all the tools to keep you and yours cyber safe. Register.

Blackfoot Lunch & Learn
Wed., March 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Online
Join Elder Hayden Melting Tallow as he shares his knowledge of Blackfoot history, language and worldviews. Register.

decolonize your mind
wed., march 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — online
this facilitated group seeks to engage readers’ minds with works from Indigenous authors to raise awareness about the decolonization of thought. join.

3D Scanning: Introduction (Beginner) 
Fri., March 18 from 11 a.m. to noon — Maker Studio (EL1245)
Join us in the Maker Studio to learn how to use the two 3D-scanning devices and their possibilities. Register.

Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training 
Fri., March 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. — EA 2030
Participants learn about harm reduction practices, the current state of the opioid crisis in Alberta and how to respond to an opioid poisoning. Register.

The Cybercafé 
Wed., March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Online
Drop in, join the conversation, ask a cybersecurity question or get help enabling multi-factor authentication. Learn more.

Beginner’s Guide to Social Connections in VR
Wed., March 23 from 11 a.m. to noon — Online
Learn how social virtual reality platforms (AltspaceVR, VR Chats, Facebook Spaces) are changing the way we connect with one another. Register.

The Kind Men Campaign — Discussion Circle 
Thurs., March 24⋅from 11 a.m. to noon — TBA
Discuss issues of manhood, male socialization and roles men can play in preventing gender-based violence. Register.