Announcements
Field of Crosses installation to go up today
Join us at the Dr. John H. Garden Memorial Park at 4 p.m. today for the annual installation of the MRU Field of Crosses, which honours 30 members of the MRU community who have lost their lives in service to our country. The MRU Field of Crosses was made possible through the generosity of Murray McCann, who also established the Field of Crosses Memorial Project. Help remember Mount Royal’s fallen through the Military Memorial Bursary Program.
Interested in Mount Royal’s optional pay advance?
When Mount Royal switches to bi-weekly pay on Jan. 1, 2023, there will be 32 days between the last pay of 2022 (on Dec. 22) and the first pay of 2023 (Jan. 24). Eligible employees can choose to receive an optional pay advance on Jan. 13, 2023. Visit mru.ca/NewPayroll to learn more, including dates of virtual information sessions starting Nov. 3. The deadline to submit your interest in the advance is Nov. 18.
Learn more about students at MRU during COVID
The Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) 2021 Survey of Graduating Students provides insight into students’ behaviours and perceptions of Mount Royal. Access summary reports to learn how the student experience changed at MRU while learning remotely in 2020/21. Topics include perceptions of Mount Royal’s response to the pandemic, experiential learning and overall satisfaction with various aspects of the University.
Faculty of Continuing Education launches new online registration system and website
The Faculty of Continuing Education and Conservatory recently launched a new online registration system, which provides an improved customer experience and makes course registration faster and easier for current and prospective students. All continuing education and Conservatory students will manage their course registrations, account information and course details in the new Student Portal. We encourage you to check it out and explore the programs and courses.
See something? Say something
We all contribute to safety on campus. If you see suspicious behaviour, report it to Security via the MRU Now app or by phone: emergencies at 403.440.5900 and non-emergencies at 403.440.6897. If it is an emergency, call 911 first, then Security. Learn more at mru.ca/Security, including details on the SafeWalk service.
Feeling sick? Stay home and access supports if you need them
If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home. If you have symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, complete the Employee COVID Self-Isolation Report Form. Please do so even if you are working remotely. Visit Human Resources and COVID-19 for more information.
Complete employee safety training before Nov. 30
It's time to update your mandatory safety training. All employees must complete the Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment module by Nov. 30. The remaining modules must be completed by Jan. 31, 2023. Get started now. Questions? We’ve got answers.
Get boosted now for added protection
Staying current with your vaccinations reduces the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. All Albertans 18 years of age and over can book a booster dose with the bivalent vaccine at least five months after their second/previous dose. Appointments can be made via Alberta Health Services online or by calling Health Link at 811. The AHS link allows you to book at pharmacies such as Wyckham Pharmacy on the Mount Royal campus, which is also doing drop-in boosters and vaccinations until one hour before closing.
Save the date — Winter reception Nov. 30
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate! Mount Royal employees are invited to a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. in Ross Glen Hall on Nov. 30. Drop in, grab a bite to eat and connect with colleagues from around campus. More details will be shared in the coming days.
Managing snow and ice on campus
The Grounds team works hard to reduce snow and ice hazards on campus when the white stuff starts falling and the temperature drops. Clearing sidewalks, roadways, disabled access points and main entrances are prioritized under Mount Royal’s Snow and Ice Management Plan. Learn more, including how to report an area that requires attention.
Crane work on campus Oct. 28
On Friday, Oct. 28, a crane will be working in the area adjacent to the Gauthier Courtyard behind Recreation from approximately 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Doors exiting to Gauthier Courtyard by the Stanley Gym will be closed and access to this area will not be permitted.
Water off in areas of B-wing on Oct. 30
The hot and cold water (domestic) will be turned off in labs, washrooms and kitchens in the new expansion of the B-Wing and washrooms B236 and B234 on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to fix a leak. Signs will be posted.
Work in G 100 on Oct. 30
On Sunday, Oct. 30, there will be concrete cutting taking place in G100 (the old library). The work will begin at 8 a.m. and is scheduled to last all day. Please be aware that this work will be noisy.
Cheer on the Cougars in the playoffs this weekend
The Mount Royal women’s and men’s soccer teams are the Canada West Regular Season Prairie Division Champions. Join us in congratulating our Cougars and read more about the women's team's accomplishment. The Canada West quarter-finals will be held this Saturday for both the women’s and men’s teams at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, at MRU’s Stadium Field near West Residence.
Cougars basketball is back
Don your blue at Kenyon Court on Nov. 11 as the MRU women's and men's basketball teams kick off their home season versus Grant MacEwan University. Tip-off starts at 6 p.m. (women's) and 8 p.m. (men's). Tickets are free for MRU students, faculty, and staff. Get your tickets today.
Don’t forget to use up your health benefits
Use your health benefits by the end of the year by visiting the MRU Injury & Prevention Clinic for massage, chiropractor, physiotherapy, sports medicine and athletic therapy services. Co-ordination of health plans is available, or you can use your health spending account. Book online.
Participate in the November Fitness Challenge
It's a new month, which means a new fitness challenge. For November, visit the Fitness Centre Desk to sign up to battle rope for time — move those ropes for as long as you can. Participate as many times in the month as you'd like to get your best possible time for a chance to win an MRU swag pack. See you in the gym!
Don't forget your OneCard for access to MRU Recreation
Your OneCard is MRU's official campus identification credential and must be used to access university services, such as the MRU Recreation Centre. If you wish to use the facilities, you must have your OneCard with you. Those who do not have their card will not be permitted access. Questions? Email recreation@mtroyal.ca.
SAMRU student survey
The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) is asking students to fill out a Member Check-In Survey to understand how the association can better serve students and improve the MRU experience overall. Please ask your students to visit samru.ca/Survey to fill out the survey and be entered to win $500 for their time.
Open Access Week
Open Access Week takes place from Oct. 24 to 30 to promote open scholarly publishing, help make educational resources more accessible, and champion open information sources on campus. Making the products of research freely available encourages knowledge production while increasing the impact of that work. Libraries, researchers, students, publishers and learning centres work collaboratively to promote and support open practices and dissemination. Open Access, Open Data and Open Educational Resources are all part of a movement to ensure broad access to information and scholarship.
Noisy work expected in the T-Wing courtyard on Sunday, Nov. 6
There will be noisy work carried out in the T-Wing courtyard on Sunday, Nov. 6, all day. This is pre-construction work that will involve drilling, which is co-ordinated by Facilities Management. A control zone will be set up around the construction area. Contact Keith Marpole at kmarpole@mtroyal.ca with any questions or visit mru.ca/Renovations.
Did you know?
The time is ripe to unearth some of the most ghoulish items from the Mount Royal University Archives and Special Collections. Enjoy some ghastly glimpses of the past and explore the dark magic of witchcraft, some of the world's wickedest plants, and tales of horrific crimes and torturous punishments. Check out the creepy archives.