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Your Mount Royal News
Feb. 2, 2023

Top stories

Crowchild Classic games thrill both sides

After a two-year hiatus, the annual “Crosstown Smackdown” returned to the Saddledome on Jan. 27 and the action kept fans on the edge of their seats.

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New labs propel cutting-edge science

Scientific inquiry at MRU is now supported by two new labs that will enable deep research into environmental forensics and foot and ankle injuries.

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New snow-removal plan targets high-volume areas

Launched Jan. 16, MRU’s updated snow-removal plan reallocates existing resources in a prioritized framework that responds to weather conditions.

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Advancing Indigenous women entrepreneurs

A December event held by the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, of which MRU is a regional hub, celebrated the chance for transformative change. 

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Announcements

New CIO joining Mount Royal March 20

Mount Royal University is pleased to announce that Tom Durnin will be its new chief information officer (CIO), starting March 20. A collaborative and creative leader, Durnin has 23 years of leadership and management experience within IT. He capped off his 19-year career at the University of Calgary by serving as director, IT Investment, PMO & Customer Engagement from 2019 to 2022. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business (2020) and an Electronics Engineering Diploma from Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ottawa.

Celebrate! Teaching & Learning at MRU: Call for Proposals

This year’s Celebrate! will be held in person on May 4. Faculty, students, staff and administrators are invited to celebrate by sharing your teaching insights, experiences, triumphs, hacks and more through presentations, panels, workshops, lightning talks and roundtables. The deadline for proposals is March 1. Submit your proposal now at mru.ca/Celebrate

Sustainable MRU Speaker Series

Join Sustainable MRU as Mount Royal explores a variety of interesting topics throughout the year. Speakers and topics will be updated frequently. Click here to sign up. Learn more.

EHS training deadline and follow-up

All employees — including those on contract — were required to complete their Environmental Health and Safety training by Jan. 31. Employees who have not done so and their managers will be contacted this month for follow-up. The training is also required for all new employees. If you need to complete your training, 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. 

Washrooms in T and Y wings closed Feb. 4 from 6 to 8 a.m.

All washrooms in the T and Y wings will be closed from 6 to 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 for plumbing repairs. Contact mrufrontline@mtroyal.ca with any questions.

Set and share personal pronouns across Google Workspace products

Soon you will be able to set your gender/pronouns and choose who can see them from your Google account. User-defined pronouns will appear in personal information cards displayed when hovering over or clicking someone’s profile photo across Workspace apps such as Gmail, Calendar and Chat. Support for pronouns in Google Meet will roll out in the coming months. Learn more.

Staying home when sick supports the campus community

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.

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: emergency, 403.440.5900; non-emergency: 403.440.6897. If it is an emergency, call 911, then Security. Learn more at mru.ca/Security, including details on SafeWalk and services to support employees and students who are working alone.

Cheer on your Cougars in February

The Cougars regular season concludes in February, with men’s and women’s volleyball and men’s hockey in the U SPORTS top 10. Take advantage of free tickets by bringing some friends and wearing blue at Kenyon Court or Flames Community Arenas to cheer on your Cougars. For the full season schedule and to claim your tickets, visit the Cougars’ website.

February Fitness Challenge, presented by FitKitchen

Looking for a great workout in a time crunch? Then try Recreation’s February Fitness Challenge, presented by Fit Kitchen, which follows an EMOM (every minute on the minute) format. Complete 50 metres on the Row-ERG, followed by 10 bodyweight squats and five push-ups, all within one minute. Rest for the remainder of the minute, but as soon as it expires, the next round begins. Strive to achieve as many rounds as possible to win prizes courtesy of Fit Kitchen.

Valenclimbs climbing challenge

Pick a partner and join Recreation for a free week-long climbing challenge from Feb. 13 to 17. There are fresh new routes and problems set throughout the Climbing Centre for a pair to try their hands (and feet, knees, elbows, shoulders, heads, hearts — whatever it takes!) at. It's a great way to blow off some steam with someone you care about right before the reading break.

Did you know?

Facilities Management’s Grounds department maintains Mount Royal’s nearly 120-acre campus, including 13 kilometres of sidewalks, 330 doorway entries, 16 accessibility ramps, 225 sets of stairs (including Residence) and more.

MRU in the Media — In case you missed it

New MRU labs explore 'environmental crime scenes', walking and running

CTV News – Gwen O’Sullivan, Michael Asmussen, faculty; Jonathan Withey, dean

Travel Alberta Creates Map Of ‘The Last Of Us’ Filming Locations Around The Province

ET Canada

Opinion: As Canada ponders a task force, solutions for reducing public transit crime already exist

Winnipeg Sun – Kelly Sundberg, faculty

How companies can improve the retention of employees returning from abroad

The Conversation – Adam Cave, associate dean, Michael Roberts, associate dean

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

Queen Elizabeth II honours two MRU employees

Pat Pardo, director of Access and Inclusion Services at MRU, and Latasha Calf Robe, program lead, research, scholarship and community engagement, with the Institute for Community Prosperity, were each recently awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal: Pardo in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of adult education and Calf Robe for her dedication to community development and eco-cultural restoration within the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Suncor Energy Transition Game creates connections

On Jan. 25, Nathan Maycher, Suncor Energy’s director of climate, disclosure and integration, along with five members of his team, ran Suncor’s Energy Transition Simulation Game at MRU with 20 students. The simulation game aims to integrate carbon risk into decision-making while at the same time advancing the energy dialogue. Each game is designed around one type of ‘energy future scenario’, which in our current world is the 'autonomy scenario', characterized by a much faster-than-expected transition away from fossil fuels. Special thanks to Dr. Felix Nwaishi, PhD, Institute for Environmental Sustainability; Diana Grant Richmond, Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; the Institute for Community Prosperity and the SDG Student Hub.

'Stuff the British Stole'

Dr. Gabrille Weasel Head (Lindstrom), PhD, and MRU’s Elder Miiksika'am, were recently featured in the CBC documentary Stuff the British Stole, which delves into the choice between signing a deal with Queen Victoria or facing disease and devastation.

Events

Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Wed., Feb. 1 to Tues., Feb. 7  — Various locations on campus and online

A virtual bingo card of activities to explore ways to help tune into what our bodies and minds need to feel energized. Get involved.

Career Expo

All day Feb. 2 — Leacock Theatre

Faculty and staff are invited to attend the Career Expo pro panels and a keynote presentation. Learn more. 

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. Learn more and register.

Records and Information Management 101 Awareness Training

Thurs, Feb. 2 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — EA1054

An overview of MRU's Records and Information Management (RIM) program that includes transitory records, drafts and copies, records retention lengths, electronic records and off-siting records. Register.

Creative Commons Crash Course

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

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

Plastic Pollution Presentation: Jerry Gao from LEAF Environmental Products Inc.

Tues., Feb. 7 from noon to 12:50 p.m. — EL1270

Jerry Gao will provide updates on the current domestic and international issues associated with plastic pollution and discuss solutions. Learn more and register.

The Cybersecurity Roadshow

Wed., Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Main Street

MRU cybersecurity experts venture out onto Main Street to answer all of your cybersecurity questions. Learn more. 

Information Dis/Order in Contemporary Times

Wed., Feb. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. — Ideas Lounge (EL1270)

Join MRU faculty members Dr. Brooks DeCillia, Dr. Naomi Grant and Joel Blechinger as they discuss false information, popular myths and misconceptions in the current information ecosystem. Register.

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

Wed., Feb. 8 from 3 to 3:30 p.m., 
Tues., Feb. 14 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 15 from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
Tues., Feb. 21 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 22  from 3 to 3:30 p.m. 

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 the virtual sessions.

Reducing Implicit and Explicit Bias In Recruitment

Thurs., Feb. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wed., Feb. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. — Zoom

Learn how to identify your own biases and gain a deepened understanding of how your own social identity can impact your decision-making. 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.

Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Fri., Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon — EA1057
Tues., Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. — EB3134

Learn about harm reduction practices, the current state of the opioid crisis in Alberta, and how to respond to an opioid poisoning. Register.

AI Squared: Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity

Wed., Feb.15 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. — Lincoln Park Room

This panel discussion will highlight different perspectives on the impact of large language models like ChatGPT and DALL-E 2 on teaching and learning in higher education, including challenges and potential opportunities. Register.

Copyright Dough

Wed., Feb. 15 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Viz Classroom (EL1441)

Learn about Canadian copyright law, user exceptions to the law, and how copyright applies to your teaching and training all while modelling with playdough. Register.

Beginner’s Guide to Extended Reality (XR) at the Library

Thurs., Feb. 16 from 10 to 10:50 a.m. — Online

Explore educational applications, available library services and ideas for integration into classes. Register.

tea with oid 

thurs., feb. 16 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. Register.

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

Thurs., Feb. 16, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — EA1054

Learn the ins and outs of FOIP by attending the next 45-minute rapid-fire session on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. Register.

Menstrual Equity through Cloth Pad Making

Thurs., Feb. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245) 

Join us in the Maker Studio for this hands-on workshop to learn more about period poverty, menstrual equity and cloth pad making. Register.

Phoenix Rising Engagement Series Presents: Pandemics: Self and Community

Thurs., Feb. 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Ideas Lounge (EL1270)

A panel of six MRU Faculty of Arts experts will explore the conceptions of, and intersections between, the self and community in response to expectations, policies, and experiences related to pandemics and the societies that experience them. Register.

Faculty of Arts Distinguished Lecturer

Thurs., March 2 from 12 to 1 p.m. — Ideas Lounge (EL1270) or online

Join us for the Faculty of Arts Distinguished Lecture series featuring Dr. Syrus Marcus Ware. The topic is Black Futures. Trans Liberation. Disability Justice. Seeding Change. Register.

MRU Writer-in-Residence

Mon., March 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. — online

Join the Faculty of Arts for their writer-in-residence series featuring Bahar Orang. The topic of the event is “You Try To Write A Love Story: An Essay On Clinical And Creative Life." 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 joins members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening of music reminiscent of hometown honky-tonks and blazing city lights. Get tickets.

       

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