Announcements
Holiday Mix and Mingle
Join us for some festive fun at the annual Holiday Mix and Mingle on Thursday, Nov. 28 at Ross Glen Hall. From 2 to 4 p.m., all employees are invited to connect with colleagues, enjoy light refreshments and celebrate the holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there!
Scheduled maintenance: Banner upgrade Nov. 8 to 10
Course registration, fee payments, timesheets and FAST will be unavailable from 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 to 11 p.m. to Sunday, Nov. 10 due to the annual fall update of Banner Admin and Self-Service. Gmail, D2L Brightspace and student printing will continue to function normally.
Fire alarm testing Nov. 8
Fire alarm testing is scheduled for Friday, Nov 8 at 5 p.m. on the main campus and will last about 10 minutes. Evacuation is not required. There will be no bells or strobes, and the test will repeat three times. A notice will confirm that it’s only a test.
Campus closed for Remembrance Day
A reminder that Monday, Nov. 11 is Remembrance Day and campus is closed.
Alumni Program Assistance Fund helps connect students with alumni
Connect students and alumni with in-kind and financial support through the Alumni Program Assistance Fund! From speaker series to workshops and networking events, this fund is here to help elevate the student experience and strengthen student to alumni connections. Apply now for financial and collaborative support for winter 2025, by Nov. 22, 2024.
Métis Week
To commemorate Métis week from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16, the University will host a series of events to honour and celebrate Métis people, culture and history. These initiatives aim to enhance Métis representation, validate Métis knowledge within our campus and further our commitment to decolonization and Indigenization. Learn more.
Traffic signal installation at Richardson and Bishop ways
A new traffic signal that will improve safety is being installed at Richardson Way and Bishop Way S.W. Expect traffic congestion in the area. As the crosswalk might be closed at different times during this project — which is expected to last four to six weeks — pedestrians should follow signage and detours for alternate routes.
GreenShield Health is our Employee and Family Assistance provider
Mount Royal’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider has transitioned from Inkblot Therapy to GreenShield Health as of Monday, Nov. 4. There will be no changes to the current resources, eligibility or sponsored hours. If you enrolled with Inkblot, you’ll have access to your currently matched clinicians and coaches. Learn more.
Keeping our campus clean
Facilities Management is dedicated to creating a cleaner, more welcoming campus. With an updated cleaning schedule and enhanced oversight, we're working hard to improve the cleanliness of all areas and ensure a clean environment for everyone. Visit the Environmental Services site for updates.
Register for this month’s wellness events
Join Employee Wellness for nutrition-focused events in the month of November. Register for the workshop Caffeine and the Body with MRU’s Dr. Robyn Madden on Nov. 13 in E161 from 11 a.m. to noon. Also on Nov. 13 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., join the virtual session How To Manage and Overcome Emotional Eating presented by Green Shield Health. Alsoon Nov. 20 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., join thesession on Digestive Health presented by Grassroots Naturopathic in I115. Learn more and register now.
Reminder to vote: International Photo Contest
Remember to cast your vote for your favourite photo between Nov. 18 to Nov. 20.
International Education Week 2024
Celebrated worldwide since 2000, International Education Week showcases the impact that international education has in preparing students for the world and supports international engagement efforts. From Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, International Education at Mount Royal will host a celebration of the international campus community and showcase the diverse backgrounds of our staff, faculty and students! Read more about the scheduled events.
MRSA Annual General Meeting Nov. 27
The Mount Royal Staff Association Executive Board is holding its Annual General Meeting in person and via livestream on Wednesday, Nov. 27 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.
HSA/PSA choice for eligible employees
Eligible employees have until midnight on Sunday, Nov. 17 to choose how to direct funds allotted to their health spending account (HSA) or personal spending account (PSA) in 2025. Visit the Benefits page on the HR Information Hub to learn more. Note that you must be signed into your mtroyal.ca account to access the Hub.
Phish gone bad?
Reporting a malicious email lets Information Technology Services know it’s a phishing attempt and reduces the chances others will get it. mru.ca/CyberSecurity
Winter's not far off: Snow and ice management
As winter approaches, reducing snow and ice hazards is a top priority for Facilities Management and the University. Facilities Management ensures that sidewalks, roads, handicap access routes and main entrances are cleared daily The Pridewalk has been painted with grit to improve traction. Learn more about clearing priorities, notification procedures and how to report areas that need attention at mru.ca/Snow.
Mark’s savings program is back
All MRU employees and their families are able to receive a Mark’s savings card that offers 10% off all regular priced items, in-store. Mail Services will be distributing physical cards throughout department offices across campus. These savings cards can also be picked up at Receiving. When shopping in-store, simply show the card to receive the discount on the purchase.
Faculty can apply for an Open Educational Resources Grant
The Academic Development Centre (ADC) and the MRU Library invite applications for the Open Educational Resources Grant program. Grant recipients can receive up to $2,000 in funding that can be used toward locating, updating and testing open materials, as well as in-kind support from both the Library and ADC for effectively incorporating open pedagogy and materials into your course. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 17, 2025. Learn more.
Publish Open Access with reduced or no fees
Are you an MRU researcher looking to publish open access at no or reduced cost? Use the Library's new OA Fee Finder Search Tool to find journals where article processing charges can be waived or discounted, thanks to our open access agreements with top publishers, including: PLOS, Cambridge, Elsevier, SAGE, Canadian Science Publishing, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Company of Biologists and Oxford. You can also find key details like payment options and licensing terms to guide your decision. For more information, visit our Open Access Publishing Support page or contact your Subject Librarian.
Save the date: MRU Camps Spring Break & PD Day registration opens Nov. 18
Don't miss out on fun, educational programs at MRU Camps from January to May. MRU employees enjoy a 10% discount — just email mrucamps@mtroyal.ca with your employee ID number after registering to receive your refund. Visit mrucamps.ca for next season's offerings and stay tuned for summer camp details coming soon.
Access to Justice: Building Relationships panel
The Faculty of Arts and Department of Economics — Justice and Policy Studies is hosting a student-led panel discussion that will engage criminal justice professionals in exploring strategies for building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders. All are welcome to attend! The event takes place on Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Jenkins Theatre.
ETOL Film Night
ETOL Film Night is an annual student-led event showcasing the outdoors and all the fun we have out there. Films are submitted from a range of independent artists, outdoor companies, and even students themselves! So bring your friends, your family, and your adventure buddies to enjoy another fun night of outdoor films. Tickets and information.
Winter registration for Continuing Education programs opens Nov. 12
The registration period for Continuing Education courses begins on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Complimentary registration is available to MRU employees in many courses. Explore program offerings to build your professional skill set or discover a new passion! View courses and programs to learn more or share with your network.
Giving Day is Dec. 3
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the University will host its annual Giving Day, a 24-hour celebration of philanthropy highlighting donor impact. Support MRU students by purchasing a 50/50 ticket for a chance to win up to $10,000. Learn more and buy tickets now.