Announcements
Convocation change of date
As part of the approved 24/25 Academic Schedule, Convocation has been rescheduled to take place from June 12 to 14. This adjustment, approved by the General Faculties Council in October 2023, shifts the celebration to the second Friday in June, along with the preceding Wednesday and Thursday. Learn more
2023 employee tax slips
Employees can access 2023 tax slips the week of Feb. 19 by visiting the Tax Information in the My HR Profile section of the Employee Resources & Timesheets page on myMRU. Look for reminders on MyMRU and notices in Our Community once the tax slips become available.
Collective Bargaining
This month, the Mount Royal University Board of Governors will begin the next round of collective bargaining with both the Mount Royal Faculty Association and the Mount Royal Staff Association. Updates on the bargaining process will be shared on mru.ca/Bargaining and in Our Community and the Provost’s Bulletin.
Community Update on myMRU
Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor, along with other key leaders, provided important updates to the MRU community. You can view the video of the event on the Employee Resources and Timesheets page of MyMRU.
RLLC elevator repairs
Two of the three elevators in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre (RLLC) will be repaired during Reading Week (Feb. 20 to 23). Please take the stairs if you are able as this keeps the working elevator available for those with accessibility needs (visible and non-visible). Learn more.
Staying cybersmart protected MRU
Recently, the Mount Royal online community was blanketed twice by a credential harvesting attack. A PDF in the email contained a link to a Google Form asking for MRU login credentials to be entered before the compensation document could be "viewed." This would expose our system to outside forces. Thanks to our security systems and employee reports, the emails were identified as malicious and neutralized by Information Technology Services on the same day. Learn more.
Salary schedule change 1: February 2024
The Government of Alberta has not confirmed the Feb. 1, 2024 amounts listed in the MRSA Collective Agreement Salary Schedule. Per Appendix I, the amount will be considered approved once the government confirms that the Gain Sharing Conditions have been met. This information is not expected before the end of the month and will be tied to the provincial budget shared in the Economic Forecast on Feb. 29.
Focus on mindfulness this month
Join Employee Wellness for slow, intentional movement during a Tai Chi session in the Immersion Studio on Feb. 22. On Feb. 21, join the Inkblot webinar Mindfulness presented by CJ Calvert, motivational speaker, author and life coach. On Feb. 28 join the Inkblot webinar Let’s take a break: Mindfulness and therapeutic writing presented by Lavlet Forde, registered psychotherapist, wellness educator and writer. Learn more.
Furniture cleaning and reupholstering
The concrete-base furniture located in the main building, as well as in EB and EC, will be thoroughly cleaned during Reading Week. This work involves a generator, which may cause some noise and odour. Signage will be posted in affected areas. Additionally, some soft seating in common areas throughout campus will be reupholstered over the next two months. Temporary seating will be placed in high-traffic areas while this work is being done.
Leaving it? Lock it!
It takes a second to lock your computer screen. It takes 30 seconds to compromise your data. If you’re stepping away from your computer, lock your screen to protect yourself and the University. Learn more.
Celebrate! 2024: Call for Proposals
Share your teaching insights, experiences, triumphs, hacks and more through lightning talks, presentations and roundtables. Celebrate! will be held May 9 at the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning. Proposals are welcome until March 1. Submit your proposal at mru.ca/celebrate
Nominate a star student for the Centennial Gold Medal nominations by March 15
Do you know someone graduating from a degree program at the upcoming Spring Convocation who has a GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrates leadership through involvement in campus and community activities? Nominate them for the Centennial Gold Medal by March 15.
Dell’s Innovation That Wins sale is live
Seize exclusive limited-time offers by obtaining your Member Purchase Program coupon at www.dell.ca/mpp/myroyal. Redeem it online through the coupon email link for extra discounts. Note: Coupons can't be combined with limited-quantity offers.
The Peer Support Centre: Main Care Cupboard Donations Drive!
The Peer Support Centre is collecting donations until March 29 to help students facing food insecurity. All credit students can access these community-funded donations. Participate in the weekly faculty competition and drop off donations at various campus locations or at the Peer Support Centre in Wyckham House. Your generosity strengthens the MRU and SAMRU community. Request a donation bin now.
Student Governing Board Applications open
Encourage students to explore impactful roles on the Student Governing Board. Applications for 2024-25 are open until March 1. Students can enhance their resume, engage in campus policy and amplify credit students' voices.
Launch Pad
The 12th annual JMH LaunchPad Pitch Competition will take place April 3. If you know a budding student entrepreneur, let them know about the informative sessions hosted by the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Students can win a share of $70,000 in cash and in-kind services. Learn more.
Cheer on the Cougars in the playoffs
Our No. 3-ranked Cougars men's and women's hockey teams enter the Canada West quarter-finals this weekend. Cheer them on at Flames Community Arenas for an exciting best-of-three series beginning on Friday with the women at 2 p.m. and the men at 7 p.m. Tickets for MRU students and employees are free. Youth wearing their hockey jerseys receive free admission using the code COUGPLAYOFFS.
MRU Camps discount
Did you know that MRU Camps opened registration last week? This year, MRU Camps is offering PD Day, Spring Break and Summer Camp sessions, all of which are filling fast! Take advantage of the MRU employee, student, and alumni discount by registering through the MRU Camps Parent Dashboard and emailing mrucamps@mtroyal.ca with your MRU ID for 10% reimbursement.
Participate in Research and Scholarship Days
The Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement is proud to present this year’s Research and Scholarship Days from March 25 to April 5. Faculty are invited to encourage students to participate and join in the celebration of research at Mount Royal. Presentations of student work from across the University will be showcased through engagement events around campus. Learn more.
Office of Indigenization and Decolonization offers two learning opportunities
Join the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization for two learning sessions: Engaging Elders and Knowledge Keepers on March 13, 20 or 27, and 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course debrief on April 2 or 23. Learn more and register.
MRU Conservatory presents Jazz on Lincoln Park
Jazz on Lincoln Park kicks off this Friday at the Nickle Theatre.Take advantage of the code MRUCOMMUNITY to get 15% off tickets. The new series will feature some of Calgary’s most talented jazz musicians. Learn more.