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March 31, 2022

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Research

Join in the celebration of research and scholarship at Mount Royal

MRU’s annual Research and Scholarship Days run from April 4 to 8. Get involved in the celebration at mru.ca/ResearchDaysCheck out the full schedule to learn more about faculty and department-specific happenings as well as popular events such as the JMH LaunchPad Competition and the Map the System MRU Finals.

Cougars

Cougars make history

Mount Royal’s women’s volleyball team’s hard work, focus and dedication took them to a second-place finish at the U SPORTS National Championship, the first-ever national medal for a Cougars team. 

Read more ...

Calgary Captured

Biodiversity in focus

The MRU-affiliated Miistakis Institute took part in three-year wildlife monitoring project called Calgary Captured, which used motion-activated camera traps placed in natural environment parks and movement corridors.

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Marva Ferguson

Documenting the Black experience

Assistant professor of child studies Marva Ferguson has launched the first episode of a new podcast series that will amplify the voices of Canada’s Black community.

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Raptors

From MRU to the NBA

Physical literacy alumnus Noah Lewis, once captain of the Cougars’ men's basketball team, is in the midst of an incredible mentorship opportunity with the Toronto Raptors.

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Chancellor's Corner

Straight to the source

MRU’s chancellor Dawn Farrell has been attending on-campus classes to converse directly with students in order to be able to better advocate on their behalf.

Read more ...

 

Announcements

MRU Transitioning to bi-weekly pay

In the last two weeks, employees have received notifications regarding MRU’s June, 2022 transition to a bi-weekly pay schedule. Sign in to MyMRU using this link to go directly to the page to find up-to-date information regarding this transition. The team would like to thank employees for their support and we appreciate the feedback we have received. We continually update MyMRU based on the emails received and look forward to further inquiries to hrpayrollproject@mtroyal.ca. Additional notifications will be sent to employees as new information is available.

Approved Budget:  2022/23 Fiscal Year

The Resource Planning and Client Services team in Financial Services would like to thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of the 2022/23 through 2024/25 budget plan. The Board of Governors approved the budget plan on March 17, which includes assumptions for sustained enrolment, additional faculty positions, a return to more on-campus activities and continued investments in learning environments. Find the approved consolidated budget here. For historical financial information, please see the MRU Annual Report for 2020/21.

Provide feedback on proposed revised policies

In accordance with the University's policy framework, a draft of the following proposed revised policies have been posted on the policy website for the 30-day consultation period: Grades Policy, Examinations Policy, Examinations Policy — Procedures and Credit Curriculum Approval Policy. Click directly on the policy name and a form will appear to be filled out. The deadline for providing feedback is April 16.

Extra discounts for spring sale for Dell computers

MRU’s Employee Device Purchase Program has been advised of an upcoming Dell Spring Sale Event running from April 1 to April 15. Request your Member Purchase Program coupon at www.dell.ca/mpp/myroyal, and then shop online using the link in your email. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for the URL to launch. The coupon can be applied at checkout or by contacting Canada_MPP@Dell.comView the English flyer. View the French flyer.

Annual electrical maintenance shut down

This year's annual electrical maintenance shutdown is scheduled from Saturday, June 11 at 8:30 p.m. to Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 a.m. The main building will have normal power only. During this time, only operational staff will be granted access, office fridges will be without power and remote VPN will not be available due to PC power being impacted. Remote PC power downs and power ups will be managed with the help of ITS as needed. All directly impacted end users and system stakeholders have been engaged by Building Operations for mitigation as required: Security, IT, Enviro Service, Recreation, BRS, ETS, FS, Parking, PPD, SAMRU, S&T and Health Services. 

Help us replace KeePass

ITS would like to know what password manager you use, what you like about it and what you don't like. Please complete this short password manager survey. Input will help determine what new password manager to choose.

Documenting the Pandemic

Share your thoughts and experiences of living, working and studying during the COVID-19 outbreak for the Library's Community COVID-19 Collection. This project will tell the stories of the MRU community by collecting experiences and artifacts of life during these uncertain times and preserving them for the historical record.

Encourage great work to enter the Library Awards for Research Excellence

Do you know a student who has completed an outstanding project, paper or creative work while attending MRU? Encourage them to apply to this year's Library Awards for Research Excellence for a chance to win cash for their hard work. More than $3,000 in awards are available to students. Deadline to apply is May 12.

Recreation customer service desk renovation

Recreation is excited to announce that the customer service desk will be receiving much-needed renovations in April. Not only will the area receive a new look, but the renovation will provide a more inclusive and accessible experience for our members. Daily operations and services will continue during this time, with no anticipation of operating hours being impacted. 

Help send kids to MRU Camps

As part of the MRU family, you already know about the excellent programming provided through MRU Camps. There are many children in the community who would love to go to camp, but their families cannot afford the program fees. Make a donation to help send these children to camp and your gift will be matched by up to 50 per cent by Shaw Birdies for Kids Presented By AltaLink. Donate through Shaw for a limited time.

SAMRU looking for one more governing board member

SAMRU is looking for an additional MRU student to sit on the Student Governing Board, which is legislated by the provincial government as the highest decision-making authority at SAMRU responsible for overseeing all aspects of its operations and representation functions. An honorarium of $200 per month is paid for the non-board work conducted by the governors. Encourage exceptional students looking for governance experience to apply by 5 p.m. on April 15. Find out more at samru.ca/SGB.

Did you know?

For more than two decades, Canada geese have chosen Mount Royal as their home and are back on campus in light of the warm weather. While the affection for the breeding pairs of geese is admirable, moderation is the key. People are asked not to get too close or to feed the wild birds. Read more about how to avoid an aggressive goose attack

 

Bleed Blue

Essential equipment donated to journalism and digital media program

MRU’s journalism program has been gifted two equipment kits from Bert Crowfoot, the publisher and founder of the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta. Crowfoot donated equipment to support Indigenous students in the journalism and digital media program. The MRU Foundation continues to collect funds for equipment kits through the Blackfoot Emerging Communicators Fund, an active giving campaign that was kick-started by MRU journalism alumni Kelsey (Solway) No Runner and Trevor Solway.

 

Events

Research and Scholarship Days: Catamount Community Showcase
Fri., April 1 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Online
Engage with the Catamount Fellows on the systemic issues they've been exploring. Register.

Research and Scholarship Days: University-wide Student Oral Research Presentations
Mon., April 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  — Online
Students from across the university will virtually present their research live via Google Meet. View the schedule for more information. Google Meet Room A.  Google Meet Room B.

Copyright Dough for Everyone
Mon., April 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m. — Library Boardroom (EL4371A)
Join MRU’s Copyright Advisor to learn about Canadian copyright law, user exceptions to the law, and how copyright applies to your education. Register.

Research and Scholarship Days: University-Wide Student Poster and Creative Work Research Presentations
Tues., April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Main Street
Get a snapshot of undergraduate research at MRU by checking out  student posters and creative works along Main Street. View the full schedule.

Copyright Support Drop In
Tues., April 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. —  Service Desk Consultation Point A
Meet with Copyright Advisor Taylor Stevens to discuss copyright questions. No appointment needed. Learn more.

Research and Scholarship Days: Faculty of Science and Technology Research Showcase
Wed., April 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Online
Students will be presenting their research via virtual posters and in a virtual poster hall with video conferencing for each presenter. Learn more.

The Cybersecurity Roadshow
Tues., April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Main Street
Our experts are available to answer all of your cybersecurity questions. More information.

Building Working Relationships
Wed., April 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. — Online
Homewood Health will review key tools to help you address challenges that may arise in the workplace. Register.

XR Toolkit Series: Creating Augmented Reality Experiences with Adobe Aero
Wed., April 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. — Online
Learn how to build, view and share interactive augmented reality experiences using your Apple device. Download the Adobe Aero iOS app here. Register.

Rethinking the ‘Business’ of Social Change: How Might Social Innovation Solve Our Priciest Problems?
Wed., April 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. Ross Glen Hall and online
Challenge your thinking, ideas and mindsets and learn new approaches to apply to your work. Learn more and register.

Research and Scholarship Days: Anthropology Honours Thesis Showcase
Thurs., April 7 from 11 a.m. to noon — Online
Tune in to hear research presentations from the honours thesis students in the anthroplogy department. Join.

ReconciliACTION with Dion Simon
Thurs., April 7 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online
Simon will discuss what’s next on the journey to reconciliation: putting your learning and unlearning into action. Register.

Walk and Talk
Thurs., April 7 from noon to 12:30 p.m. — East Gate
Join some of your MRU friends for a 25-minute outdoor walk around campus to get moving and connect with others. Email for more information.

Inclusive and Accessible Research and Scholarship Practices
Thurs., April 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. — Online
Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai will share insights and promote reflection on inclusivity and accessibility of research and scholarship practices. Register.

Research and Scholarship Days: JMH LaunchPad Pitch Competition 10th Anniversary
Thurs., April 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Ross Glen Hall and online
Watch the top MRU student ventures as they compete for their share of $70,000 in cash prizes and in-kind services. Register.

Research and Scholarship Days: Map the System MRU Campus Final
Fri., April 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Ross Glen Hall
Four undergraduate student teams from across the MRU campus will present their findings, followed by questions from judges. Register.

Research and Scholarship Days: Psych 2022 Research Showcase
Fri., April 8 from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Hybrid
This event will feature the work of the 2021/22 psychology honours class, as well as independent research by senior students. Learn more.

Research and Scholarship Days: Research Recognition Awards Celebration
Fri., April 8 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online
Celebrate your 2022 faculty Research Recognition Award winners and hear them present their research in a lightning-talk format. Join.

Inside Schindler’s Factory — Stories of Resistance, Humanity and Small but Mighty Acts of Kindness 
Mon., April 11 from noon to 1 p.m. — EA1031
Hear a testimony by Holocaust survivor Benek Herman, with a live presentation by his granddaughter Claire Holman. Learn more.

Blackfoot Lunch and Learn
Wed., April 13 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., april 13 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 educate and raise awareness about the decolonization of thought. join.

A Community Sharing Circle
Thurs., April 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. — Online
Prepare a new path forward honours work done by the WilderFutures team, MRU, early learning and child care capstone students, and alliedFutures. Learn more and register.

The Mount Royal Conservatory Presents Invictus
April 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. Bella Concert Hall
Celebrate the resilience of all the people who worked so hard to pull us through the pandemic. Use the discount code MRU_20 for tickets

Aquaponics, Alum and Agriculture
Wed., April 20 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online
This conversation with MRU alumni will explore emerging technologies employed in aquaponics and changing approaches to food security and sustainable farming. Register.

 

Have a story, announcement or info to share?

Summit and website stories

We would love to hear about your story! Go to the online story submission tool and guidelines.

MyMRU announcements

Please send announcements for MyMRU's homepage to mymru@mtroyal.ca. Review the guidelines.

Start of semester emails, with option for distribution list
sign-up

As each semester begins (August/September and December/January), areas with ongoing employee activities can send an email to all employees describing their semester activities. Employees can then choose to opt in to that area's distribution list (Google Group) for regular updates. If you would like to send an email and/or set up a Google Group for your area, please contact Marketing and Communications for guidelines.

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