Announcements
Bargaining update
In order to continue the discussions between the Board and the Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA) negotiating teams that have been ongoing since February, talks have been extended through May. The negotiating teams will meet on Monday, May 13; Tuesday, May 21; and Tuesday, May 28, in addition to the previously announced meeting on Tuesday, May 7. For updates on the meetings between the Board and the MRFA and the MRSA negotiating committees, visit mru.ca/Bargaining.
Plan now to use your time by June 30
All Staff and Exempt employees are urged to work with their managers to plan and schedule accumulated time from 2023. As per Article 25.3 (g) of the MRSA collective agreement, any remaining overtime hours or accumulated hours as of June 30 from the previous calendar year will be paid out in full on the last pay period of July (July 23, 2024 pay). This process also applies to all Exempt staff.
Prepare & prevent
As this is National Emergency Preparedness Week, and Canada’s Safety and Health Week, May 6 to 11, take the opportunity to prepare yourself on what to do in case of an emergency on campus. Review mru.ca/Emergency and learn about preventing injury and working safely at Mount Royal at mru.ca/EHS.
Reminder: Changes to parking enforcement in effect
Until May 15, if you back into/pull through a stall to park, you will receive a maximum of two courtesy tickets while the campus community adjusts to these changes. Payment for parking is still required. Learn more.
See local jazz legend Al Muirhead
The final instalment of MRU Conservatory’s Jazz on Lincoln Park takes place Friday, May 17 at the Nickle Theatre. See longtime musician Al Muirhead take the stage with guests. Get tickets and learn more about the man behind the trumpet.
Summer Block Party
Take a moment to catch up with colleagues at the MRU Employee Summer Block Party Thursday, June 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m at East Gate Lawn. Employees are asked to RSVP before May 31. There will be small-batch ice-cream sandwiches by locally owned D’Served as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Drop by, grab a treat and have fun. Learn more.
Puppy Cuddle returns to campus
Due to the positive feedback from April’s Puppy Cuddle session, we’re bringing puppies back. Join Employee Wellness and the Cochrane & Area Humane Society on Wednesday, May 22 in the Cougars Campus Store courtyard from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Puppy Cuddles. There are still spots available for Yoga In The Park on May 16, 23 and 30 at 1:15 p.m. at the TransCanada Amphitheatre. Learn more and register now.
MRSA General Meeting May 29
The Mount Royal Staff Association Executive Board is holding its General Meeting in person and via livestream on Wednesday, May 29 from 10:45 a.m. to noon. Article 7.3 of the MRSA/BoG Collective Agreement allows for time off with pay — "up to a total of two and a half (2.5) hours to be used over two meetings to Association members for the purpose of attending the Annual General Meeting and the General Meeting provided these occur during the Employee's normal working hours." MRSA members are encouraged to attend, where operationally feasible.
Workshop: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
Learn tools to hold conversations in ways that promote healthy relationships and yield better results. Register for Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue, a workshop that takes place over three half-days, June 3, 5 and 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. The session has a capacity of 25 people. Learn more.
Call for scholarship donations
The Mike Clark Memorial Scholarship has been established by colleagues to honour the late Mike Clark, Instructional Assistant in the Department of Earth Sciences, for his extraordinary contributions to the geology program. This past April, his memory and life was celebrated on campus by hundreds of alumni, students, friends and family. The scholarship was designed to be a lasting tribute to Mike in recognition of his commitment to helping students, particularly those interested in geologic field work. Learn more and donate now.
Contribute to a clean and comfortable campus
If you notice a caretaking issue, let Environmental Services know by emailing mrufrontline@mtroyal.ca, calling 403.440.6417 or submitting Frontline request via MyMRU or the MRU Now app.
MRU Camps Impact Report
Did you know that MRU Camps hosted 1,855 campers, serving 1,401 families, last year? MRU Camps is one of Calgary’s largest summer camp operations and is a leader in creating fun, educational programs for its campers through a unique curriculum. The 2023 MRU Camps Impact Report is now out. Learn more.
Continuing Education wins two programming awards
The Faculty of Continuing Education was awarded both non-credit programming awards from the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education (CAUCE) for 2024. These awards recognize excellence in university continuing education programming across the nation. The two winning programs are Custom Workshops Program, Faculty of Continuing Education and the Employment Preparation Certificate Program. Learn more.