Announcements
Update your Homewood Health account now
If you have an existing account with Homewood Health on homeweb.ca, you will need to provide an invitation code on a one-time basis to access its services. Mount Royal’s code is MRU684. We previously shared incorrect information from Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider Homewood Health on the transition that took place Nov. 30. Learn more.
Congratulations on completing the employee safety training
Thank you to the more than 82 per cent of employees who have completed The Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment module in the University’s required safety training. Just over half of all employees have finished the program in its entirety. The deadline for completing the remaining safety training modules is Jan. 31, 2023. Get started now. Questions? We’ve got answers.
Payroll advance agreements due for contract employees
Eligible contract employees who have indicated their interest in Mount Royal’s optional payroll advance have until Dec. 9 to submit their agreement. The advance is to mitigate the delay in pay when the University switches to bi-weekly paycheques on Jan. 1, 2023. Sign in to MyMRU.ca and visit mru.ca/NewPayroll to learn more.
Holiday break
Mount Royal will be closed for the holiday break from Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022 to Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Winter Term commences on Jan. 3, 2023, with student orientation and classes beginning on Jan. 4, 2023. Please enjoy this time to relax, recharge and reconnect.
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.
Timesheets for December
Employees need to submit their timesheets by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 12 for the Dec. 15 pay date, and by 11:59 p.m on Dec. 15 for the Dec. 22 pay date. Approvers need to have timesheets in by noon on Dec. 13 and Dec. 16. These deadlines can also be found on the payroll calendar on MyMRU.
Get boosted at Wyckham Pharmacy
Increase your protection in advance of the holiday season by stopping in at Wyckham Pharmacy for your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination if you are eligible. This on-campus resource is offering walk-in and booked appointments.
Apply for the EDI Opportunity Fund
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) has recently published phase one of their new website. With publishing the site, Mount Royal community members can now access and apply for the EDI Opportunity Fund. The next step is to work with the EDI advisory committee on the review process. Clear direction will be given on when and how those who are awarded funds will be communicated with, as well as constructive feedback provided to those who were not.
Centennial Gold Medal nomination deadline is March 15, 2023
Nominate a graduating student for a Centennial Gold Medal before March 15. Nominees will be considered by the selection committee based upon their graduation from a degree program at the June 2023 convocation ceremonies and their earning of a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher. Nominate a student now.
Plan now for unused vacation time
Vacation time is important for employee well-being, and Mount Royal supports this time away to allow for life balance. Check the status of your unused vacation days under Pay Information/Leave Balances on MyMRU.ca (Employee > Resources and Timesheets tab). Unused vacation days that exceed your annual entitlement must be used by Jan. 31 (MRSA) or Feb. 28 (exempt employees) or they will be paid out. Learn about the importance of downtime in combatting burnout.
Poster policy
Reminder: posters and other printed materials are to be placed on approved bulletin boards only. Putting printed materials on painted walls can cause damage that then has to be repaired.
Get involved with Alumni Classroom Takeover from March 6 to 10, 2023
Are you a faculty member looking to inspire students through alumni storytelling and knowledge sharing? Sign up for the next round of the Alumni Classroom Takeover (ACT). Invite alumni into your classroom or back to campus to share how their Mount Royal experience has set them up for success in their careers. See the positive impact ACT has on students by watching this video. Fill out an application by Jan. 15 to get involved.
The Outstanding Alumni Awards: A new way to recognize MRU alumni
The Outstanding Alumni Awards (formerly Alumni Achievement Awards) is expanding and will provide more opportunities for alumni to be recognized. Mount Royal University is a community that celebrates authenticity, boldness, belonging, inquisitiveness and transformation, and we want to celebrate those who continue to represent the vision and values of their alma mater. See how the awards program has evolved for 2023 and beyond. Learn more.
Discounts for Tim Tamashiro and Heebee-jeebees at the Bella
Tim Tamashiro will present a nostalgic journey down memory lane that will take you back to your childhood Christmases on Dec. 21. The Heebee-jeebees will be here Dec. 22 and 23, true Canadian “A Cappella Hall of Famers” who are super-spreaders of holiday cheer. Employees can use the code MRUCOMMUNITY at the checkout for either event to get 15 per cent off tickets. Please also note tickets just went on sale for a very special concert coming up at the Bella on April 27 with Alberta’s Corb Lund and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
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.
SAMRU Stress Less Week
With a focus on providing resources and activities to help de-stress and practise self-care during final exams, SAMRU is holding variety of activities for students to participate in from Dec. 12 to 16, including an Exam Relief Snack Station, Take-Home Crafts, a Jazz Lounge at West Gate Social and more. See the full schedule at samru.ca/StressLess.
New online shopping experience at the Cougars Campus Store
We are excited to share that the Cougars Campus Store’s new online shopping experience is now live. It offers all the regular services with a new look and feel, an improved user experience, better navigation, search capabilities and product selection. To take advantage of the online checkout, use your MyMRU credentials to log in to your account. Check it out.
Recreation winter program registration is open
Recreation has a variety of programs that will positively impact your physical, social and mental well-being this winter season. We are focused on providing fun and enjoyable recreation and sport experiences to help foster a long-term love of movement. Register today.
December Fitness Challenge: SkiERG!
December’s new fitness challenge is to see how fast it takes to reach 500 metres on Recreation’s brand-new SkiERG. This machine mimics cross-country skiing movements and gets your heart pumping while developing core and full-body strength. Watch a demonstration and come down to the Fitness Desk to sign up for your chance to win some MRU swag.
Did you know?
Employees, staff and faculty are eligible to purchase the same MRU dining plans that are available to students. Check out the MRUeats Plan, which is a great, flexible option that loads funds 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.