Announcements
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.
Big Bob’s BBQ May 30
The Transitional Vocational Program (TVP) warmly invites you to attend Big Bob’s BBQ on May 30. This fun, inclusive event is in support of TVP’s programming for adults with developmental disabilities. Proceeds will be directed to TVP student bursaries. There will be burgers (of course), live music and valuable door prizes. Even better, the barbecue is an opportunity to gather and enjoy the company of the Mount Royal community. Learn more and get tickets.
Upcoming Employee Wellness events
Come and relax with Employee Wellness for one more Yoga Nidra session from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. on May 30 in U111. Then, get moving in Zumba class on June 6 from noon to 12:50 p.m. in U111. Learn more.
Bargaining update
For updates on the meetings between the Board and the MRFA and the MRSA negotiating committees, visit mru.ca/Bargaining.
Complete your cybersecurity training by June 15
Employees have until June 15 to complete the annual cybersecurity awareness training. Once you log into the training platform with your mtroyal email account you will see any training modules assigned to you. Simply click on the first module to get started or click the Start Assignment button. If you have any questions, contact the IT training security analyst at 403.440.6329 or email securityawareness@mtroyal.ca.
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 on June 3, 5 and 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The session has a capacity of 25 people. Learn more.
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 the 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.
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.
MRU welcomes new director, Office of the Vice-President, Finance and Administration
Naomi Grattan is joining Mount Royal in the new role of director, Office of the Vice-President, Finance and Administration on Tuesday, July 2. With more than 20 years of experience in public sector leadership, Naomi brings a values-driven approach to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts — Rhetoric and Professional Writing (Honours, 2001) from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Arts in Leadership (Distinction, 2017) from Royal Roads University.
Annual electrical maintenance shutdown
The main campus building (MB), including A-wing and Recreation, will be closed from 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, to 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 16, due to an electrical shutdown. The remaining buildings on campus will be without power from 11:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Sunday. Office fridges will be without power and remote VPN will not be available. Remote PC power downs and power ups will be managed with the help of ITS as needed. Email fm@mtroyal.ca with any questions.
Welcome to your MasterClass
Are you ready to enhance your skills and gain valuable insights? Look no further! MRU is offering two-month MasterClass courses hosted by industry experts. These courses, which run this year and next, cover essential topics that will empower you personally and professionally. Each MasterClass course has a capacity of 20 people. Learn more.
Your ticket to IT support
Visit Information Technology’s online Service Desk to submit and check the status of your IT help requests; access resources on common IT problems; and manage your experience with a user-friendly interface. Learn more at mru.ca/ITShelp.
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 major. This past April, his memory and life were celebrated on campus by hundreds of alumni, students, friends and family. The scholarship is designed to be a lasting tribute to Clark 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 a Frontline request via MyMRU or the MRU Now app.
National Physiotherapy Month
If you experience constant pain, can't move the way you used to or can reproduce your pain with a specific movement, physiotherapy might be the right fit for you. Book appointments at MRU Injury & Prevention Clinic and take advantage of employee rates.
Donations to MRU Camps are matched up to 50%
In 2023, MRU Camps awarded $27,000 worth of complimentary registrations, which brought 69 kids whose families were experiencing financial hardship to campus. You can help by donating to the bursary program. Up to 50% is matched through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink. Donate today.
Registration for Conservatory Summer and Fall programs is open
Take part in performing arts education on campus at the Conservatory. Whether it’s for yourself or your children, there are a variety of engaging music and speech arts programs to choose from. Explore summer and fall programs now.