Announcements
Save the Date — Leaders’ Dialogue: Celebration for Elizabeth Evans and welcome to Chad London
MRU employees are invited to join President Tim Rahilly, PhD, for the second Leaders’ Dialogue of the year. Chad London, PhD, will officially step into the role of provost and vice-president, Academic, in January and this is a chance for employees to get to know him, learn what he is most looking forward to and the opportunities he plans to pursue as he settles in. It will also be a time for the MRU community to thank and recognize outgoing Interim Provost Elizabeth Evans, PhD, for her contributions. Mark your calendars for this talk followed by a reception in the lobby of the Bella Concert Hall, where you will have an opportunity to say hello to Chad.
Jan. 16, 2023
Bella Concert Hall
From 2 to 4 p.m. (Leader’s Dialogue and reception)
Access to campus over the holiday break
Mount Royal will be closed for the holiday break from Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, to Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Employees can use their OneCards at entry doors with card readers to gain access to campus if needed. Recreation will be operating under holiday hours. The winter semester commences on Jan. 3, 2023, with student orientation and classes beginning Jan. 4, 2023. Please enjoy this time to relax, recharge and reconnect.
New MRSA Collective Agreement posted online
The new Mount Royal Staff Association Collective Agreement for the period of July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2024, can be found online. Many people contributed to the arrival at a new collective agreement. Thanks to the MRSA and Board bargaining teams for their diligence and hard work over many months, and for always keeping the best interests of students and the University at heart.
Winter weather on campus
Reducing snow and ice hazards on campus are top priorities for the team at Facilities Management and the University. Keeping the sidewalks, roadways, disabled access points, main entrances and parking lots clear of snow and ice is done on a priority basis. Learn more about Mount Royal’s Snow and Ice Management Plan, including how to report an area that requires attention.
Tick safety training off your end-of-year to-do list
Thank you to everyone who has completed The Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment module in the University’s required safety training. The deadline for completing the remaining safety training modules is Jan. 31, 2023. Get started now. Questions? We’ve got answers.
Get ready for Research and Scholarship Days
Research and Scholarship Days will be held from March 27 to April 6, 2023. As faculy plan for winter courses, please consider incorporating undergraduate research and participation in this celebration of research into course work. Further details will be coming in the new year.
Update your Homewood Health account now for continued access
If you have an existing account with Homewood Health on homeweb.ca, you 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.
Plan now for unused vacation time
Vacation time is important for employee well-being, and Mount Royal supports this time away to allow for work-life balance. Check the status of your unused vacation days under Pay information/leave balances on MyMRU.ca (Employee/Resources & 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.
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 as a resource. 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.
Highlights from the Maker & Media Commons
Students, faculty and staff at Mount Royal are using the Maker & Media Commons to complete exciting research and creative projects. There are many opportunities for collaboration, including assignment/project development, lectures, customized workshops and software instruction. See stories on what can be produced in the Maker & Media Commons underneath “Project Spotlight.”
The Crowchild Classic returns
After a two-year hiatus, the annual Crowchild Classic hockey double-header returns. For only $5, join in as your Cougars take on our cross-city rivals, the Calgary Dinos, at the Saddledome on Jan. 27 at 4 p.m. Tickets go on sale Jan. 9. Stay tuned to @mrucougars and the Cougars Athletics website for more information, including happy-hour deals and the announcement of the $5,000 tuition contest.
Four Cougars teams in top 10
As we enter January, four of our six varsity teams are in the U SPORTS top 10. Staff and faculty receive free tickets to all Cougars home games, so gather your friends and visit Kenyon Court or the Flames Community Arena to cheer them on in the new year.
-Jan. 6, 2023, basketball vs. Lethbridge: women at 6 p.m., men at 8 p.m.
-Jan. 6, 2023, hockey vs. Alberta: women at 7 p.m.
-Jan. 7, 2023, basketball vs. Lethbridge: women at 5 p.m. and men at 7 p.m.
-Jan. 7, 2023, hockey vs. Alberta: men at 7 p.m
January Fitness Challenge, presented by FitKitchen
It's time for a new fitness challenge, as presented by FitKitchen. For January, see how many slider mountain climber reps you can do to get your name on the leaderboard. Come down to the MRU Recreation Fitness Desk to sign up for your chance to win this month’s challenge, and prizing courtesy of FitKitchen.
Winter Program Registration is open
Registration for MRU Recreation's winter programs is open now. There are a variety of programs available that will positively impact physical, social and mental well-being this winter season. We are focused on providing fun and enjoyable recreation and sport experiences that help to foster a long-term love of movement. Register today for intramurals, small group training, climbing programs and more.
Train with MRU Personal Training and win
Jump start your 2023 wellness journey with MRU Recreation personal training and win. Here's how it works:
1. Fill out the personal training intake form at mrucougars.com/pt.
2. Sign up and purchase personal training sessions between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, 2023.
3. Your name will be entered into a draw to win four personal training sessions (a $300 value).
4. The name of the lucky winner will be drawn on Feb. 1.
Student division Open House for faculty — Helping you to help our students
The student division is hosting an open house where faculty will have the opportunity to learn about mental-health resources on campus and how to engage them when students need help. Drop by the Lincoln Park room on Jan. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.
mru big smoke — jan. 20, 2023
bringing positivity to campus, students, faculty and staff. guidance sessions for those who wish to participate in the big smoke teachings sessions will be located in the oid office. please see the times and dates on the oid website: mru.ca/oid. read more about the 2022 big smoke.
Did you know?
If there is an issue with system performance, you can visit Information Technology Services’ new system status page at mru.ca/ITSUpdates. This page features real-time info on system performance issues and planned maintenance.