Announcements
Transition in Finance leadership
Following a comprehensive search, Mo Sadek has been appointed MRU’s next associate vice-president of Finance, effective May 15. Sadek joined the University in 2023, as director, Budgets and Planning. A dedicated member of the MRU community, he has more than 16 years of finance experience in the public sector. As the AVP of Finance, Sadek will lead MRU’s dedicated team of finance professionals in delivering exceptional service to the wider MRU community. Terry Smith will remain with MRU into June to support the transition. The University extends its deepest gratitude to both Smith and Sadek for their leadership and commitment.
Big Bob’s BBQ
Come out to the annual Big Bob’s BBQ on Tuesday, May 27, in support of the Transitional Vocational Program (TVP). Enjoy burgers, salads, desserts and more, plus music and door prizes included with every ticket. The BBQ takes place at the TransCanada Amphitheatre beside Charlton Pond, named after ‘Big Bob’ Charlton. It’s a great chance to gather, hear from students and connect with the MRU community. Proceeds support TVP student bursaries, helping students pursue their post-secondary goals at MRU. Visit Big Bob's BBQ for details and tickets.
Save the date: Summer Block Party
Mark your calendar and swing by the East Gate Lawn on Wednesday, June 4, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to catch up with colleagues and friends. Enjoy some sunshine and sweet treats before summer officially kicks off.
ITS updates: Banner and other system outages May 9 to 11
Banner services, including course registration, fee payments, timesheet submission and FAST, will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 9, to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, for critical system upgrades. Other outages include the online ITS help desk, DegreeWorks Production, Infosilem and Destiny One.
Impacts to parking over the spring and summer
From May 9 to 19, annual parking lot maintenance will take place in all lots, including the Riddell Library and Learning Centre Parkade, Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Parkade and the East Gate Parkade. Some or all of these lots will be closed at varying times. This work will be done as weather conditions allow. In addition, ongoing construction on the G-Wing renovation project and MRU Camps will impact parking Lot 5. All permit holders impacted by the maintenance work and increased activity in Lot 5 will be redirected and have received an email with instructions. Learn more.
Library Awards for Research Excellence
Encourage students to submit their outstanding research projects that were completed between the Winter 2024 and Winter 2025 semesters for a chance to receive one of three awards: a $1,000 Individual Research Excellence Award, a $750 Individual Honourable Mention or a $1,500 Group Research Excellence Award. The application deadline is May 5. Learn more.
MRSA General Meeting May 28
The Mount Royal Staff Association Executive Board is holding its General Meeting both in person and via live stream on Wednesday, May 28, 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.
Bargaining update
For updates on the meetings between the Board and MRFA and MRSA negotiating committees, visit mru.ca/Bargaining.
Employee Wellness events in May
On May 14, registered provisional psychologist Sara Lapp-Smelski will host a session on the Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health from 10 to 11 a.m. in EA1010. On May 21, Employee Wellness teams up with the Maker Studio to offer Creative Projects To Support Mental Health with time slots available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Also on May 21, the Canadian Blood Services Life Bus will again shuttle participants to and from the blood donation centre. Learn more and register.
G-wing update: Construction on Main Street
The wall on the north side of the second level of Main Street, originally scheduled for construction in April, will now be built later this month. Work will take place overnight. For your safety and the safety of others, please follow all posted signage. Learn more.
Emergency Preparedness Week: May 5 to 10
Be prepared. Know your risks. National Emergency Preparedness Week and Canada’s Safety and Health Week provides opportunities to talk about the importance of being prepared in case of an emergency on campus or during off-campus activities, as well as preventing injury and working safely at Mount Royal. Learn more about proactive safety planning resources.
MRU and UCalgary to co-host global nursing conference
Nurses from around the world will gather in Calgary from July 28 to 30 for the 7th International Global Network of Public Health Nursing Conference. Co-hosted by Mount Royal's School of Nursing and Midwifery and the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing, the event will focus on finding solutions to urgent public and population health issues. Learn more.