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Sept. 16, 2022

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Joan Snyder

Remarkable gift to support music and sports

In a planned gift to MRU, well-known Calgary philanthropist and businessperson Joan Snyder has donated $5 million in support of Mount Royal's Conservatory and the Cougars women’s hockey team. 

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2022 Alumni Achievement Awards

2022 Alumni Achievement Award recipients

This year, the MRU Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Awards are celebrating four remarkable Mount Royal graduates for the profound impact they’ve had on their communities and within their fields.

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Terry Clark

Conservatory brings in new director 

Dr. Terry Clark, PhD, has deep roots in Calgary and with the Conservatory, coming full circle from the Centre for Performance Science at the Royal College of Music in London where he was a Fellow.

Read more…

 

Announcements

Provincial day of mourning on Monday

Monday, Sept. 19 marks the provincial day of mourning in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. At 10 a.m. on that day, the provincial government will begin its ceremony in honour of her late Majesty’s passing with a moment of silence. The Campus' carillon will chime at 10 a.m., after which members of the Mount Royal community may wish to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of her late Majesty. The ceremony at the Alberta legislature will be live-streamed on alberta.ca and on Government of Alberta social media channels.

Contribute to campus health and safety

If you’re feeling unwell, are ill or have symptoms/tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home. Employees are encouraged to complete the self-isolation/case report form when experiencing symptoms/testing positive for COVID-19. Work with your supervisor/manager to determine if you are able to work from home or to discuss the appropriate leave as per the Collective Agreement or Terms and Conditions of your employment. Learn more.

Pay cycle changing Jan. 1, 2023 

Mount Royal is switching to a bi-weekly pay cycle, starting Jan. 1, 2023. Visit the Bi-weekly Pay Schedule Information link under the My HR Profile section on MyMRU for details. Materials include the 2023 pay calendar, FAQs and more. Information sessions this fall will detail a pay advance program for employees to bridge the time period between pay days from December 2022 to January 2023 as the system transitions.

Join in a leadership dialogue Oct. 5

With the start of a new semester, it feels like a good time for the Executive Leadership Team to host a dialogue. This is an opportunity for all MRU employees to join us as we update our community on current and new initiatives. There will also be time set aside for questions. A Mount Royal Dialogue will be held for employees on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Bella Concert Hall. There is no need to RSVP.

National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey results are in 

The results of the NCHA survey (released by the Alberta Post-Secondary Health Association) provides the largest data set on post-secondary health behaviours. The survey was conducted from Jan. 31 to Feb. 18 this year with a 35 per cent response rate. If your department or group is interested in receiving a presentation of the survey results, please complete this form.

Frontline: Submit a request, we'll find a solution

Welcome back to campus, to familiar spaces and faces. Frontline, Facilities Management's online system, is the best way to submit and track requests. We support a wide range of services including building maintenance and repairs, housekeeping, event support, furniture requests and more. Submit a request, and let us help you settle in. Access Frontline today. 

Complimentary continuing education courses 

From leadership and negotiating contracts to event planning and interior design, continuing education has you covered. As an employee at Mount Royal University, you have access to a ton of amazing personal and professional development courses free of charge. Check out the list here and register today. More information can be found under the Professional Development tab HR Toolkit on MyMRU, or call 403.440.6875.

Celebrate 20 years of Wellness Services

Wellness Services is celebrating 20 years of service to the community with a drop-in event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 6. This is an opportunity to meet the new director, Dr. Jody Arndt, and the wellness services professionals who support the community. In addition, learn about the many services that are available to students, faculty, staff and members of the public. The celebration will be held at Wellness Services (U216), and refreshments will be provided.

Jill Barber performance on Sept. 24

Get 15 per cent off tickets to see Canada's sweetheart Jill Barber by using the promo code MRUCOMMUNITY at checkout. See the full Taylor Centre Concert Series lineup.

Support our students — get a massage

The student-run Massage Therapy Practicum Clinic is open for appointments. Present your OneCard to receive a one-hour relaxation massage or therapeutic treatment for a reduced rate of $20. Massage Therapy Diploma students are trained to the highest national standards and the practical experience they gain is a critical piece of their education. Treatment fees support our student scholarship program. Book your massage today.

Looking for TVP literacy tutors

The Transitional Vocational Program (TVP) and the Adult Literacy Tutoring Service is recruiting tutors to assist learners on a one-to-one basis, focusing on numeracy, writing, reading and communication skills. Assisting as a volunteer tutor helps learners with mild disabilities to prepare for employment and independent living. For more information, please contact Hazel Diaz at 403.440.7246 or hdiaz@mtroyal.ca.

Taylor Centre elevator out of order

The elevator located on the west side of the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts is out of service due to a mechanical issue. Please use the elevator on the east side of the building. We anticipate that repairs will take place at the end of October, depending on availability of parts. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Dell’s semi-annual sale is on

Access this signature sales event and save big on high-performance tech. These savings are only offered twice a year. Confirm your mtroyal.ca email at this link www.dell.ca/mpp/myroyal to receive a discount coupon. Some highlighted offers include savings on an Inspiron 16 Laptop$250, an Alienware m15 R7 Gaming Laptop and a Dell 27 Monitor.

Cougars Athletic Season is underway

The Cougars U SPORTS season has begun! Soccer is in full swing, with hockey returning at the end of the month. Check out the full season schedule, grab your friends, and join us to cheer on the Cougars!  

Wellbeing Champions Project — Bring your health initiative to life

The Healthy Campus Team is excited to pilot the Wellbeing Champions Project in fall of 2022. The Wellbeing Champions Project seeks unique initiatives from students, staff and faculty that contribute to the culture of wellness at MRU. These initiatives can be focused on mental health, physical health, overall wellness or anything in between. Learn more and get involved.

Did you know?

linda manyguns, phd, vice-president of indigenization and decolonization, explains the difference between a sundance and a circle camp in the Blackfoot culture.

 

Bleed Blue

Computing prof recognized for making a difference 

Dr. Faith-Michael Uzoka, PhD, mathematics and computing professor and researcher, has won an Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award. He will be honoured by the Government of Alberta at a Sept. 21 ceremony along with the other winners. In 2017, Uzoka and African student Gift Arnold Mugisha invented a smart pill dispenser doubling as an inanimate medical assistant that is equipped with remote communication capabilities between the patient and a medical professional. Read more.

RLLC wins technology award 

The Mount Royal University Riddell Library & Learning Centre won second place at the Regional Level of the 2022 ASHRAE Technology Awards. Smith + Andersen designed the building’s mechanical systems, prioritizing ultra-low energy throughout. The HVAC and plumbing systems respond to real-time building demands, reducing overall energy consumption by 54.9 per cent (as compared to an ASHRAE 90.1-2007 standard building) with an annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 68 kBTU/sqft; impressive in comparison to the EUI of a typical, general use post-secondary building (which is approximately 88.9 kBTU/sqft). Read more.

Prof elected as United Nations lead reviewer 

Dr. Ranjan Datta, PhD, assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in Community Disaster Research, was elected as one of the lead reviewers for the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report for the New Technologies, Ethics and Policy Engagement for Sustainable Development: Global Environmental Solutions (UN DESA).

 

Events (go to mru.ca/Events for more)

Beginner’s Guide to Extended Reality (XR)
Tues., Sept. 20 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Experience Lab (EL1355)
Explore educational applications, available library services and ideas for integration into classes. Register.

The Cybersecurity Roadshow
Thurs., Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Main Street
Our cybersecurity experts are available to answer all of your cybersecurity questions, look at an email for you, show you how to enable multi-factor authentication and discuss password managers. More info.

Viz Wall Technology Training
Fri., Sept. 23 from 9 to 10 a.m. or 10 to 11 a.m. — Ideas Lounge (EL1270)
The Library’s A/V technician Justin Hynum will break down the basics of using the Library’s Ideas Lounge. Register.

Copyright for Instruction (Faculty)
Fri., Sept. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online
MRU’s copyright advisor will provide an informative overview of copyright basics, how to navigate the use of third party works, helpful tips for online instruction, and more. Register

Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training
Tues., Sept. 27 from noon to 2 p.m. — EA 1057
Learn about harm reduction practices, the current state of the opioid crisis in Alberta, and how to respond to opioid poisoning. Register

Protecting Yourself Against Cybercrime Workshop
Wed., Sept. 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Location TBA
Gain the tools you need to keep you and yours cyber safe. Learn more.

MRU Rocks! An APEGA Rock and Fossil Event for Kids
Sat., Oct. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. — Rooms B208 and B213
Participate in three activities: Rock Identification (bring your favourite rock), Panning for Pyrite and Fossil Examination and Classification. The event will also include a tour of MRU’s Cretaceous Lands and Seas exhibit. Learn more and register

Mount Royal Conservatory co-presents Dame Evelyn Glennie and Land’s End Ensemble
Sat., Oct. 1 from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. — Bella Concert Hall or Live Stream
The Mount Royal Conservatory co-presents percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie alongside Land’s End Ensemble for a celebratory 25th anniversary performance. Get tickets

Calgary Police Half Marathon
Sun., Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon — Mount Royal University
Lace up your shoes and stretch your hamstrings, as the Calgary Police Half Marathon is scheduled to return. More info.

The Great Email Cyber-Heists(s) of 2021: How Stolen Emails Changed the World of Ransomware
Wed., Oct. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. — Ideas Lounge
Michael McDonnell shows you how one of the great cyber-heists went under-reported, how ransomware and phishing gangs use stolen emails in unexpected ways and how you can identify "the new face of phishing emails." Learn more and register.

 

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Summit and website stories

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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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