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Nov. 24, 2022

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MRU Giving Day

Make a difference in the lives of students on Nov. 29

Nov. 29 is Mount Royal’s annual Giving Day, when we celebrate our incredible community and the impact of philanthropy. A major goal for this year is to grow MRU’s scholarship endowment to $50 million from its current status of $47.5 million. Fifty thousand dollars in matching funds will be used to match every donation up to $500.

Discover just how much your support makes a difference to our students in these Giving Day stories.

The first and last donors of the campaign will have the chance to win an MRU alumni-owned business gift basket, and in celebration of 50 years of the Lincoln Park campus, the 50th donor will also receive a gift basket. Future MRU alumni and those with cute pets are challenged to send in pics with themselves or their furry friends decked out in MRU blue.

Events for students on Nov. 29 include Cartoons and Cereal at the Leacock Theatre and Puppy Yoga. 

The popular 50/50 Cash Raffle has already started, and is currently sitting at an estimated $1,995 jackpot. 

Common Giving Day questions answered:

What area can I support? Do I have to give to a specific fund?

Any gift, any size, will count towards fundraising challenge goals. Is there a favourite program? Favourite Cougars team? A special scholarship? Support can go to any of these areas.

I’m not in a position to give right now. Is there another way to get involved?

Absolutely! Giving Day Champions can assist in spreading the word. Check out the handy Giving Day Toolkit for social media images to post, hashtags to share and accounts to follow.  

How do I make a gift on Giving Day?

Go to the secure Giving Day site to make a gift. Drop off a gift at the University Advancement offices (A150) or call in at 403.440.7700. A whole team is ready to help.


Watch the Giving Day website throughout the day for news and updates and help continue to give students access to world-class education at MRU.

 

Announcements

Mandatory employee safety training deadline is Nov. 30

All employees — including those on contract — must complete the Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment module by Nov. 30 and the remaining safety training modules by Jan. 31, 2023. Get started now. Questions? We’ve got answers.

Apply for the EDI Opportunity Fund

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) has recently published phase one of their new website. Community members are now able to access and apply for the EDI Opportunity Fund. The next step is to work on the review process. Clear direction will be given on when and how those who are awarded will be communicated with, as well as constructive feedback provided to those who were not. 
 
Submit employee payroll advance agreement by Dec. 2, Dec. 9 for contract employees

Eligible employees who have indicated their interest in Mount Royal’s optional payroll advance have until Dec. 2 to submit their agreement. Contract employees have until Dec. 9. The advance is to mitigate the delay in pay when the University switches to bi-weekly pay on Jan. 1, 2023. Those on contract have the later submission date to allow for the creation and signing of contracts for the winter term. Visit mru.ca/NewPayroll to learn more.

Feeling sick? Stay home

If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home. Doing so is an act of self-care, and caring for your Mount Royal community. 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.

Boost your protection now for the holidays

Staying current with your vaccinations reduces the risks 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. You can drop in or book an appointment at Wyckham Pharmacy on campus. Visit AHS to book online and for more information.
 
Find the right care at the right time with Pathfinder

Access the resources and supports you need through Pathfinder, the new digital platform of Mount Royal’s Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider Homewood Health. Launching Nov. 30, Pathfinder tailors personalized care plans and service recommendations based on your unique needs. Sentio, a new cognitive behavioural therapy program, will also be available to EFAP members that day. Learn more.

Discount for Winter Fantasia and Sounds of the Season

Use MRUCOMMUNITY at the checkout for Winter Fantasia and Sounds of the Season to get 15 per cent off tickets for these fun, seasonal events.
 
Cougars Campus Store closure due to new systems rollout

The Cougars Campus Store will be closed from Dec. 1 to 4, including online shopping. It will reopen with all regular operations on Monday, Dec. 5, along with a brand-new online shopping experience. Contact campusstore@mtroyal.ca with questions. 

Mask and rapid test pickup relocating to Security from Dec. 1 to 4

During the Cougars Campus Store closure, employees and students can pick up free-of-charge masks and rapid-test kits from Security, located by the West Gate entrance. Masks and rapid-test kits will be available at the store when it reopens Dec. 5.

New media experts site available

Mount Royal University faculty members speak with reporters, editors, producers and hosts on a variety of topics such as business, politics, health, science, justice, history, economics and much more. MRU’s communications team has gathered together a number of MRU experts for a new Media Experts page. If you are comfortable speaking with the media and would like to learn more and be included, or if you're just curious about the process, please reach out to mediarelations@mtroyal.ca
 
Catch Cougars action live

As the first half of the U SPORTS season comes to a close, join us to cheer on your Cougars at the final home games of 2022. 
-Volleyball vs. Manitoba: Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. (men’s) and 8 p.m. (women’s)
-Men’s hockey vs. Trinity Western: Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
-Volleyball vs. Manitoba: Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. (women’s) at 7 p.m. (men’s)
-Men’s hockey vs. Trinity Western: Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.
MRU students and employees receive free tickets. Get yours.

Cougars request your assistance

Cougars Athletics and Recreation would like to invite you to share your experiences by completing our Fan Experience Survey. Your feedback is incredibly important to us as we strive to improve game-day experiences for all Cougars home game attendees. Even if you don't attend Cougars games, we still want to learn more about you. Upon completing the survey, you can choose to be entered into a draw to win a Cougars Prize Pack, which includes a Garmin Vivoactive GPS watch (valued at $400) and Cougars swag. Take the survey.

Flexible on-campus dining plans available

Did you know that employees and faculty are eligible to purchase the same MRU Dining Plans available to students? Check out the MRUeats Plan, which is a great, flexible option that loads funds on to your OneCard for use at participating vendors on campus including The Table Food Hall, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Barrow Coffee (EL) and Jugo Juice. Visit mru.ca/DiningPlans to learn more. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities quiz

As the MRU community recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities this week, test your knowledge of disability-related facts by completing a quiz for a chance to win a $25 Good Earth Coffee Shop gift card. Two winners will be announced on Dec. 12; one faculty/staff member and one student based on the highest score. In the case of a tie, the winner will be drawn.

Winter Recreation Programs are open for viewing

Visit mrucougars.com to take a look through the Recreation winter program offerings to plan what you wish to sign up for. Options include aquatics and swim lessons, aquatic leadership certifications, climbing and adventure programming, first-aid and CPR certifications, intramural sports and group training. Choose your favourite programs then mark your calendar for Dec. 6 at 8 a.m. for registration. We look forward to seeing you this winter!

SafeWalk is available 24/7

If you’d like an escort to your car, bus stop, Residence, classroom or office, SafeWalk will help. Stop by Campus Security at the West Gate, call on a Mount Royal information phone or dial 403.440.6897. Give the dispatcher your name, location and destination. Personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Learn more.
 
Take MRU’s cybersecurity survey and win

Complete this cybersecurity survey by Jan. 2, 2023, and you can enter to win a wireless powerbank/charger. Help determine the direction of Mount Royal’s cybersecurity awareness program for next year with your input. 

Slow and steady on the snow and ice

We drive more slowly in winter conditions, and we should walk more slowly, too. Take your time and use the penguin shuffle if there is snow and ice about. 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.
 
Banner update this weekend

Student (registration, payments and admission applications), employee and finance self-service will be unavailable from 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, until 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27.
 
Black Friday Dell sale

Dell’s sale of the year starts now. Go to www.dell.ca/mpp/myroyal to access exclusive member savings, with deals lasting until Nov. 26. Cyber Monday is coming soon, as well, and will take place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4.  

Did you know?

MRU's Lincoln Park Campus turned 50 in 2022. To celebrate we asked our alumni what their favourite songs were over the decades to create a Spotify Playlist. View the list or sign in to listen. 

 

Bleed Blue

Professor Lynn Moorman garners two medals

Geography professor Lynn Moorman, PhD, recently received the Charles Camsell Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) in recognition of her service to the Society and geography community, particularly through education initiatives. Other medallists included the Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien (former prime minister) and astronaut Josh Baldwin. Next week Moorman will receive Alberta’s Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, which is awarded to those who have shown dedication to their province. 

ETOL students to compete World Cup

Ecotourism and outdoor leadership (ETOL) students Jenna Sherrington and Jared Schmidt are both representing Canada at the Alpine World Cup — Sherrington in biathlon and Schmidt in ski-cross. Schmidt also represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

 

Events

Giving Day — Cartoons & Cereal

Tues., Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon — Leacock Theatre

Students are invited to a special screening of old-school cartoons and a delicious cereal bar filled with all your childhood favorites.

Giving Day — Puppy Yoga

Tues., Nov. 29 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. — U155
Tues., Nov. 29 from noon to 12:45 p.m. — U155

This pilot Puppy Yoga class is where students can enjoy a relaxing 45-minute yoga class surrounded by puppies. Register.

XR Toolkit Series: Editing 360-Degree Photos and Videos

Tues., Nov. 29 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Online

A basic introduction to processing, editing and viewing 360-degree videos and photos. Register.

Extended Reality (XR) Support Hours

Each Wednesday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. — Experience Lab (EL1355)

Get answers to your questions about Extended Realities (XR), the Metaverse and/or 360-degree photography/videography. Schedule.

Finishing School

Each Thursday from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22  from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — The Bubble (EL3249)

A weekly drop in where participants bring their own fibre projects to work on in a supportive and social setting. Learn more

BIPOC Support Network

Fri., Dec. 2 from noon to 1 p.m. — Cultural Inclusion Centre (Room Z203) or online

This network seeks to facilitate a sense of belonging on campus by providing a support network for faculty, employees and students who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour. Virtual meeting link

The Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts presents Matthew Good

Fri., Dec. 2 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. — Bella Concert Hall

Join an evening with popular Canadian singer/songwriter Matthew Good, who rose to prominence in the mid-'90s. Tickets.

Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Mon., Dec. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. — 0222

Learn how to administer naloxone, the medication used to reverse opioid poisonings. Register.

Conversations That Matter — Share Your Voice

Mon., Dec. 5 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. — E131

Feel empowered to exchange and speak courageously with your mind and heart as part of MRU's overall strategy for an inclusive community. Register.

Tea and Bannock Talking Circle

Tues., Dec. 6 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203)

Meet new people and enjoy tea and bannock while participating in discussions of a wide variety of Indigenous and international issues. 

Blackfoot Lunch & Learn: Pommotsiiysinni

Wed., Dec. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. — EB3013 or Online

Join Elder Hayden Melting Tallow as he shares his knowledge of Blackfoot history, language and worldviews. Learn more and register.

Immersive Relaxation Sessions

Thurs., Dec. 8 and 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Immersion Studio (EL3345)

Relax in a 360-degree mindfulness experience, including forest and ocean scenes.

Finding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Data

Mon., Dec. 12 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. — Viz Classroom (EL1441)

Learn about key sources of data related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada, and how we can critically examine data with an equity mindset. Register.

tea with oid

thurs., dec. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. — t123

join the office of indigenization and decolonization (oid) for tea as a way to get to know each other, share stories, listen and enjoy catered bannock. rsvp.

 

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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