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Your Mount Royal News
March 16, 2023

New bursary and proposed new program for aviation

The Government of Alberta has committed more than $10-million to help Mount Royal develop a Bachelor of Aviation Management and to establish a new aviation student bursary.

2023 writer-in-residence draws inspiration from work in the medical field

Bahar Orang, an author and psychiatrist-in-training, will present her new manuscript examining the creative and clinical life on March 20 online and in person, plus spend time mentoring and guiding MRU student writers.

Launch Pad provides platform for business success

The 2023 JMH Launch Pad Pitch Competition takes place April 5, and former participant Erin Creegan-Dougherty has seen her business blossom with the help of entrepreneurship funding and ongoing coaching.

Announcements

Join in the celebration of research and scholarship at Mount Royal

Celebrate inquiring minds at MRU’s annual Research and Scholarship Days from March 27 to April 6. Attend events such as the Lightning Talks and Research Recognition Awards and review some of the outstanding work of MRU’s students. Learn more and get involved in the celebration at mru.ca/ResearchDays.

Cheer on your Cougars at nationals

It's a big weekend for the Cougars, as the women's hockey and women's volleyball teams are both competing in the U SPORTS national championships. Women's hockey kicked off their nationals run today against the Toronto Varsity Blues, winning 3-2 to advance to the semis. The women's volleyball team takes on the Manitoba Bisons Friday evening at 9 p.m. Be sure follow the action with live streams on CBC Sports. Let's go Cougars! #WeAreTheCougars

New chair of SoNM to begin in July

Dr. Sandra Goldsworthy, PhD, has been selected as the chair of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, effective July 1. Goldsworthy is a nurse education leader who is internationally recognized as a simulation and critical-care expert, researcher and author. After receiving her PhD from UBC, Goldsworthy has held various leadership positions in nursing including associate dean, teaching chair, director of online and blended learning and a research professorship in simulation from UCalgary. She holds three national certifications: Canadian Nurses Association credentials in critical care and medical surgical nursing as well as a Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Canadian Certified Nurse Simulation Educator credential. Her research program focuses on the impact of simulation in building competence in recognition and response to the deteriorating patient, reduction of medication errors and improving health-team communication competencies through interprofessional simulation education.

More choice in washroom facilities

A pair of washrooms in the T-wing (T112 and T116) are now multi-stall, all-gender washrooms. This means anyone can choose to use them. This redesignation means these facilities now serve a wider group of our campus community, including the gender diverse, those with medical needs and caregivers. Learn more about this change for a more equitable and inclusive campus.

2022 benefit claims due March 30

All outstanding Extended Health, Dental and Health (or Personal) Spending Account claims from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022 must be received by Sun Life before March 30. Learn more.

International Women’s Day Speaker Series Continues — Working-From-Home: Risks & Rewards

Though employees have been working remotely for years, COVID created new opportunities and impetus for flexibility in how and where we work. Research shows that working from home or other flexible work options can be double-edged swords. Though flexible work options offer clear benefits to both employers and employees, there are risks and these risks can be greater for women and other marginalized or racialized groups. Join speakers and guests March 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for this important conversation. Learn more and register.

Get your sweat on for International Women’s Day

The final International Women’s Day event on March 29 is a HIGH Low Class taught by Michelle Hennebery, a former dancer for the Calgary Roughnecks Drill Crew and the Calgary Stampeder Outriders. This by-donation class will support students in need through SAMRU. All you need is proper footwear, a water bottle and room to move. Leg warmers are not mandatory, but they are encouraged. Register.

Philanthropy survey is coming your way

Get ready to share your thoughts and make a difference. We are excited to announce that a philanthropy survey will be hitting your inbox soon. This survey is an opportunity for you to provide valuable feedback to the Mount Royal University Foundation and help us gain a better understanding of how you see the role of philanthropy evolving on campus. Complete the survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Participation in Alumni Classroom Takeover doubled for Winter 2023

With 65 alumni sharing their experiences and advice with students through varying in-person and online formats, and 24 faculty members and organizers taking part, participation in the Alumni Classroom Takeover (ACT) has nearly doubled since Fall 2022. The Office of Alumni Relations developed ACT alongside professors as a way for Mount Royal University alumni to inspire the future generation of alumni through storytelling. Dates for next fall and winter will be announced in the spring.

Phoenix Rising Engagement Series Presents: (Up)Rising: A Mount Royal Performance

In the spring of 2013, it was announced MRU would be losing its theatre program along with several other diploma and certificate programs. Ten years later, an audience will return to one of Mount Royal’s beloved performance spaces. For one night only, the proverbial curtain will be raised, a spotlight will return to the dramatic arts and an audience will journey in time and space to reflect on one of the oldest forms of storytelling. Register for the event on Thursday, March 23, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Leacock Theatre.

Should I stay or should I go?

If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home. You will be looking after yourself and 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.

Scheduled maintenance due to fiscal year-end activities

Online student services, finance, payroll systems, Banner communication manager and FAST reporting will be undergoing maintenance on Friday, March 31, between 5 p.m. and midnight. These systems will be unavailable during the maintenance period. D2L Brightspace, email and student printing will remain available.

Big Bob's BBQ call for volunteers

Running for over 40 years, Big Bob's BBQ is an annual event that brings the MRU community together and highlights the Transitional Vocational Program. The Big Bob's BBQ planning committee is having its kickoff meeting on March 23 at 1:30 p.m. in EC 3117 and is seeking volunteers to please join the planning committee. For more information, contact dfotopoulos@mtroyal.ca.

Do you know a student who is excelling in their courses? Refer them to the Peer Learning Program

Learning Peers support other students in courses that they loved and excelled in. With a flexible schedule and time commitment of about two hours per week, volunteers join a supportive campus community where they gain leadership experience to earn branded swag and financial rewards. They can also participate in exciting events and professional-development workshops. Comprehensive training, rooted in evidence-based learning theory, is provided. Encourage any great students you know to apply at mru.ca/PLP by the last day of classes.

SAMRU is hosting a free tax clinic

Students meeting eligibility criteria can book an appointment to have their 2022 income taxes filed by a SAMRU volunteer. The free tax clinic will operate until April 28, with appointments running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each weekday. March appointments are in-person or online, while April appointments are online only. Students can view the eligibility criteria, download a documentation checklist and book their appointment at samru.ca/Tax.

Call for abstracts

The Liberal Education Conference 2023: Liberal Education in the Era of Migration, Refugee Crises and Decolonization is accepting abstracts until tomorrow. The conference is being held May 4 and 5 on campus. Learn more.

Did you know?

MRU community members can book a complimentary relaxation or therapeutic treatment massage until March 31 with MRU’s Student Practicum Clinic. Students are trained to the highest standards nationally with an accredited massage-therapy program awarded by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation. Note that when booking your appointment the system will state a cost of $30; however, the price will be adjusted to $0 when you arrive. Book an appointment.

MRU in the Media — In case you missed it

All the filming locations in The Last of Us — and how you can visit them

GQ Magazine

Flexibility key in return to work for businesses post-pandemic

Calgary Herald — Melanie Peacock, faculty

Calgary city council briefed on recall petition process

Global News — Lori Williams, faculty

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

Faculty representation on Commonwealth Games committee

Dr. David Legg, PhD, has been named to the Alberta 2030 Commonwealth Games committee, which will explore the feasibility of a joint bid with Edmonton. A professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, Legg is also a 2022 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

Events

MRU Writer-in-Residence

Mon., March 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Online or In-Person

Join the Faculty of Arts for their writer-in-residence series featuring Bahar Orang discussing the topic “You Try To Write A Love Story: An Essay On Clinical And Creative Life." Register.

EDI Strategies to Help Deal With Systemic (Racial) Discrimination in the University

Tues., March 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. — Lincoln Park Room (J301)

Featuring guest speaker Dr. Imogen Coe, this EDI Conversations that Matter attempts to create a welcoming space where people should feel empowered to exchange and speak courageously with their mind and heart. Register.

Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Thurs., March 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. — EA 1055

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

tea with oid

thurs., march 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.t123 — t123

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

Vivacity Showcase: Creating a City for Everyone

Thurs., March 23 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Central Library 800 3 Street SE

See the results of two months of student research into Calgary’s immigrant- and newcomer-serving ecosystem to explore their barriers and challenges and how to increase awareness of their contributions to our city. Learn more.

SAMRU Gender Bender: Queer Prom

Thurs., March 23 at 8:30 pm — West Gate Social

Gender Bender allows students to explore and express their gender identity in a safe and supportive space while watching local drag kings and queens perform, as well as student performers. Email pridecentre@samru.ca by noon on March 20 to register.

Menstrual Equity Through Cloth Pad Making

Tues., March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon — Maker Studio (EL1245)

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

Advanced Topics in Biological Anthropology: Conference Panels

Wed., March 29 from 8:30 a.m. to Wed., April 5 at noon — EA 1022

Students will present their projects on the topic “Paleodemography of the Holocene,” with each panel in this conference-format presentation series organized around themes that address human demographic aspects in the last 10,000 years. Learn more.

Dr. Lisa Lix: Information-Rich Environments for Population Health Research — Challenges and Opportunities

Wed., March 29 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Ross Glen Hall

This talk will highlight initiatives to improve data fitness for use, expand data collaborations and networks and build capacity in machine-learning and data-visualization methods. Register.

Amy Spark: Careers in the Sustainability Sector

Thurs., March 30 from noon to 1 p.m. — EL1270 (Ideas Lounge)

Learn how to get into the sustainability sector, credentialing and how to navigate this rewarding (yet sometimes challenging!) sector. Learn more and register.

Reducing Implicit and Explicit Bias in Recruitment

Thurs., March 30 from 10 a.m. to noon — Zoom

This session aims to support recruitment teams in first identifying their own biases and provides a deepened understanding of how their own social identity can impact their decision-making. Register.

Traditional Thinkers Speakers Program

Thurs., March. 30 from 2:15 to 4 p.m. — Ideas Lounge

Dynamic storyteller, motivational/inspirational communicator, actor and traditional dancer Travis D. Bellerose will be sharing his style of open-space learning with a focus on the responsibility of the truth and reconciliation process.

2023 Lightning Talks and Research Recognition Awards

Fri., March. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Ross Glen Hall

Celebrate our 2023 faculty Research Recognition Award recipients and enjoy Faculty Lightning Talks during this celebratory lunch. Register.

Faculty of Business and Communication Studies Research Spotlight: Exploring the Crucial Role of Innovation for Achieving Environmental Sustainability

April 6 from 8:45 to 10 a.m. — EL1441 (Visualization Classroom)

A showcase of the exciting research work of several members of MRU's business faculty exploring the critical role of innovation in achieving environmental sustainability. Register.

Anthropology Honours Presentation

Thurs., April 6 from 1 to 1:40 p.m. — B341

Maddi Tolmie will present "Religion in a Time of Crisis: An Ethnographic Account of Wiccan Religious Experience During a Global Pandemic" (Supervisor: Mary-Lee Mulholland).

Sociology Honours Presentations

Thurs., April 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. — B341

Enjoy three presentations from sociology honours students on topics such as personal pronouns, NIMBY interference in homeless housing services and Alberta’s Mental Health Act.

Faculty of Business and Communication Studies Book Launch: A Celebration of Scholarship and Writing

April 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — EC1060

A showcase of authors from the School of Communication Studies will share a brief introduction to their books and offer insights into the academic research and fiction publishing process. Register.

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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