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Your Mount Royal News
Jan. 20, 2023

What to know about the Crowchild Classic

The ultimate crosstown smack down is back this year, with the Mount Royal Cougars and University of Calgary Dinos facing off on Jan. 27 at the Scotiabank Saddledome for a double-header match and bragging rights for the year.

Helping children exposed to domestic violence

An online training program developed by The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, with help from an MRU professor emerita, is giving workers who assist children the tools they need for better outcomes.

Exploring the horse/human connection in history

Dr. Carolyn Willekes, PhD, researches historic horse-human interactions and her participation in mounted combat reenactments helps her learn how past humans worked with and trained prey animals.

Student takes a 'LEAP' into Bachelor of Education

Malaika Kibonge immigrated from the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2005, took MRU's Language Education for Academic Purposes program and achieved her goal of pursuing a BEd.

Announcements

Submit to the Research Recognition Awards

As we gear up for the 2023 Research and Scholarship Days (March 27 to April 6), we are once again excited to celebrate some of our amazing faculty researchers. Please consider nominating a deserving individual in one of the Research Recognition Award categories: the Emerging Scholar Award, the Research and Scholarship Excellence Award, the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Supervision Award, the Community Engagement Award and the Knowledge Mobilization Award. More information is available here. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 31. The nomination form can be accessed here.

New payroll submission platform

Under the new bi-weekly pay system, payday is every second Tuesday, starting on Jan. 24. Visit the My HR Profile section on the employee tab of myMRU.ca for quick how-to videos on submitting and approving timesheets in the updated Employee Self-Service portal. Attend a virtual information session on timesheets on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. (employees) or Monday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. (approvers) for real-time support. Meeting links and information such as payroll calendars are available at mru.ca/NewPayroll.

Safety training deadline is Jan. 31

Environmental Health and Safety would like to remind all employees — including contract faculty — of the requirement to complete their safety training by Jan. 31. Get started now. Questions? We’ve got answers.

Nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Awards are open

The MRU Alumni Association is looking for alumni who create belonging, open minds, change and transform lives, act boldly, inquire about the world around them and lead authentically. Can you think of an alum whose character is reflected in everything they do? Celebrate them through an Outstanding Alumni Award nomination. Submit a nomination before March 3.

Bell Let’s Talk 2023

Bell Let's Talk 2023 is on Wednesday, Jan. 25, but at MRU we talk about mental health every day. Students can join the continuing conversation on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about supports available year-round and enter to win a $50 or $25 Everything Gift Card. They can also sign up for free yoga classes beginning at 3 p.m. Learn more about available supports on campus.

Action required for transition to D2L Brightspace

MRU has successfully transitioned to a new Learning Management System (LMS), moving from Blackboard (Bb) to D2L Brightspace (D2L). As part of this transition, Bb is scheduled for decommissioning early in the summer of 2023. Please transfer any remaining files from the Bb system by June 1, after which files will be permanently deleted. Exceptions to this are fifth (final) year candidate tenure dossiers (faculty applying for tenure will remain in Bb for their final evaluation) and content for Funeral Services Education. Find step-by-step instructions here. For assistance, contact the Academic Development Centre’s Sandbox at sandbox@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.7002.

Deadlines approaching 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). 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.

Feeling sick? Stay home

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

Get boosted at Wyckham Pharmacy

Stop by Wyckham Pharmacy for your COVID-19 booster (including the bivalent vaccine) and flu vaccination, if you are eligible. This on-campus resource is offering walk-in and booked appointments.

2023 SAMRU Representation Executive Council (REC) election period has begun

Please encourage eligible students (those with a cumulative GPA above 2.5) to nominate themselves for one of four REC positions. Applications are being accepted until Feb. 22. Campaigning will occur from March 12 to 16 and voting will take place from March 13 at 10 a.m. to March 16 at 5 p.m., online and in person. Elected students will begin their terms in May. Instructions on how to apply can be found at SAMRU.ca/Elections. Questions should be directed to elections@samru.ca.

SAMRU AGM to be held Feb. 8

The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University’s (SAMRU) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. At that time, SAMRU members will vote for student volunteers to serve on SAMRU's Student Governing Board, find out what SAMRU accomplished the previous year and audited financials will be shared. Recommended bylaws changes will be put forth for approval. Everyone who registers and attends will receive a $10 Wyckham House food court gift card, as well as be entered to win a grand prize of $500 cash. Register.

The Crowchild Classic is back

After three long years, the annual Crowchild Classic between the MRU Cougars and the U of C Dinos returns to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Jan. 27. This highly anticipated crosstown smack down features a doubleheader in women's and men's hockey. You won't want to miss this event, so get your tickets today.

Volunteers are needed for the Crowchild Classic

Volunteers will have the opportunity to attend the Crowchild Classic on Friday, Jan. 27 from 3:15 to 9:30 p.m., and will have access to a volunteer lounge in the Saddledome with snacks, specialized training (Bystander Intervention and Naloxone training), a volunteer shirt and recognition of volunteering hours. Please sign up here.

Train with MRU personal training and win

MRU Recreation wants you to feel your best as you move into the new year, and personal training can help you get there. Sign up for personal training in January and earn a chance to win. Fill out the personal training intake form at mrucougars.com/pt and purchase personal training sessions up until Jan. 31. After purchasing, your name will be entered into a draw to win four personal training sessions (a $300 value). The lucky winner’s name will be drawn on Feb. 1.

Kick-start your movement goals with MRU Small Group Training

MRU Small Group Training Classes are back, with brand-new instructors and more scheduled classes for 2023. Included with your MRU Recreation membership, these classes are a great opportunity to stay consistent, try new exercises and meet new people. Visit the Recreation website to learn more about our small group training classes, including our 55+ training options.

Did you know?

Mount Royal community members can access additional savings for Dell’s Winter Sale, on until Feb. 2. Request your Member Purchase Program coupon at www.dell.ca/mpp/myroyal, then shop online using the link provided in your email.

MRU in the Media — In case you missed it

Canadian travel concerns heading to Sinaloa state in Mexico

CityNews – Joe Pavelka, faculty

The Last of Us, HBO's big-budget series shot in Alberta, premiered Sunday

CBC News

Some firms are offering unlimited time off for employees. Will it work? What experts say

Global News – Rachael Pettigrew, faculty

Crowchild Classic hockey featuring Dinos-Cougars returns to 'Dome

Calgary Sun/Calgary Herald

Mount Royal University, faculty, students and alumni are often featured in the media. To subscribe to the daily MRU Media report, email mediarelations@mtroyal.ca.

Bleed Blue

Delivering more effective sick-day guidance

Professor Mohamed El Hussein (nursing) and his research colleagues were recently awarded a $277,000 Alberta Innovates grant along with a $100,000 grant from CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) to develop and test a novel mobile health intervention for sick-day guidance in patients with kidney disease, diabetes and heart disease taking medications that can cause adverse events when not stopped during acute illness.

Bridging the generation gap

The third event for MRU's Intergenerational Speaker Series took place Jan. 18 with a sold-out talk by Calgary food writer Julie Van Rosendaal. Through this series, organized by MRU's chair in Older Adult Health Jocelyn Rempel and the Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners, Mount Royal is broadening community connections and becoming a more age-inclusive community by fostering learning across generations. Events are followed by a small group of seniors and students having a facilitated discussion to discover what different generations can learn from each other and how we can set aside possible stereotypes to appreciate our similarities and respect our differences. For more information, contact Jocelyn Rempel at igss@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.8846.

New publication on energy resilience in Indigenous communities

Assistant professor Ranjan Datta, PhD, MRU’s Canada Research Chair II in Community Disaster Research in Indigenous studies, and colleagues have recently released a new publication titled Northern Indigenous Community-Led Disaster Management and Sustainable Energy. Enter the code AFL01 at checkout for a 20 per cent discount.

Events

Conversations Matter — Share Your Voice

Thurs., Jan. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. — W231

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

pipe ceremony

thurs., jan. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. — T123

join induction ceremony traditional thinkers with ceremonialist cal williams.

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act 101 Awareness Training

Thurs., Jan. 19 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — EA 1054

Learn the ins and outs of FOIP by attending this rapid-fire session on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Register.

Copyright for Instruction

Fri., Jan. 20 and Thurs., Jan. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. — Online

A 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.

mru big smoke

from fri., jan. 20 at 6 p.m. to sat., jan. 21 at 7 a.m. — mru east residence housing community hall

bringing positivity to campus, students, faculty and staff for the new semester. more.

Graphic Design: Convert an Image to be Usable in the Maker Studio

Tues., Jan. 24 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)

Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to import and vectorize (create points and lines) an image. Register.

Phoenix Rising Engagement Series Presents: Subjects that Matter — Environmental (De)Evolutions and Recoveries

Wed., Jan. 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Ideas Lounge (EL1270)

A panel of five MRU Faculty of Arts experts will explore the human-environment impact of the 21st century. Register.

The Cybersecurity Roadshow

Thurs., Jan. 26 and Wed., Feb 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Main Street

Cybersecurity experts will look at an email for you, show you how to enable multi-factor authentication and/or discuss password managers and you can pick up some swag, enter a contest or win a prize. Learn more.

Beginner’s Guide to 360-Degree Cameras: Storytelling in 360 Degrees with Photos and Videos

Thurs., Jan. 26 from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. — Experience Lab (EL1355)

Learn about 360-degree cameras, opportunities to create immersive content for education and how to view, display and share your content. Register.

Changemaker Conversation with Melissa Roy, Shane Gauthier and Simon Ross

Thurs., Jan. 26 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Virtual

A Right Relations & Racial Equity-themed Changemaker Conversation with Melissa Roy and Shane Gauthier of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, along with Simon Ross of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Register.

tea with oid

thurs., jan. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. — t123

join the office of Indigenization and decolonization (oid) for tea to get to know each other, share stories and listen. rsvp.

Menstrual Equity Through Cloth-Pad Making

Thurs., Jan. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)

Learn more about period poverty, menstrual equity and making cloth pads. Register.

Intro to LibrarySearch: How to Find Academic Sources in MRU Library

Thurs., Jan. 26, Tues., Jan. 31, Wed., Feb. 1 and Tues., Feb. 7 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. — Online

Learn how to find scholarly peer-reviewed articles and books, how to access electronic and print resources in our collection, how to save your search results and more. Register for Jan. 26. Register for Feb. 1. Register for Feb. 7.

Career Expo

All day Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 — Leacock Theatre

Faculty and staff are invited to attend the Career Expo pro panels and a keynote presentation featuring influential Calgarians shaking up the future of business. No registration needed. Check out the panel topic and schedule.

XR Toolkit Series: Editing 360-Degree Videos

Wed., Feb. 1 from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m. — Online

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

Protecting Yourself Against Cybercrime

Thurs., Feb. 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. — TBA

Gain the tools you need to keep you and yours cyber safe. Register.

Sewing Machine: The Basics — Making a Tote Bag

Thurs., Feb, 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)

Learn how to thread the machine, thread a bobbin, basic stitches, how to iron and how to make a seam. Register.

Creative Commons Crash Course

Tues., Feb. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. — Library Boardroom Day (EL4371A)

Learn when and how you can reuse Creative Commons-licensed resources in your own work. Register.

FAST Financial Reporting and FOAPs

Thurs., Feb. 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. — Google Meet

This introduction to the chart of accounts (FOAP) and hands-on practice with the web-based FAST Reporting Application used at MRU is useful for anyone responsible for monitoring or managing a budget. Register.

An Evening with Corb Lund

Thurs., April 27 at 7:30 p.m. — Bella Concert Hall

Juno and CCMA Award-winning country and western singer-songwriter Corb Lund will join members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening of music reminiscent of hometown honky-tonks and blazing city lights. Get tickets.

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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