Our Community

Your Mount Royal News
Sept. 4, 2025

Mount Royal University

Top stories

Trickle-down effect

Summit
Trickle-down effect

Conservation and preparation are key to maintaining life-giving supply of water.

Read more ...

A collage showing the bottom half of a face and pink squiggly lines where the brain would be.

Summit
Grey matters

The human brain is beyond fascinating, but we still don’t fully understand it.

Read more ...

A mushroom growing out of the grass.

Rainy summer fuels fungi

Calgary’s wet weather leads to greater mushroom growth on campus.

Read more ...

Security Services branded hoodie and long sleeve

Security Services' update

New look includes refreshed uniforms and extensive training programs.

Read more ...

Visit the MRU Media Room for all of our stories.

 

Announcements

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Tuesday, Sept. 30. No classes will be held for credit students and it is a non-working day for employees. Journey to Indigenization is an opportunity to learn and grow together through events and opportunities that highlight how Indigenous knowledge is shaping curriculum and campus life.

 

Show your MRU spirit


Blue Crew is a way to celebrate our shared campus spirit by wearing blue or MRU gear every Friday. Whether you're on campus, online or beyond, get your outfit ready and be part of the crew. To celebrate the launch of Blue Crew, the Cougars Campus Store is offering 25 per cent off select MRU apparel from Sept. 2 to 12, 2025. Anyone with an active ONECard is eligible to receive this discount. Learn more.

 

 

MRSA bargaining update: tentative agreement reached

We are pleased to share that the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) and the Board of Governors of Mount Royal University (the Board) reached a tentative Collective Agreement on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. This outcome reflects the commitment and sustained effort of both negotiating teams. The parties will now follow the respective ratification processes of the MRSA and the Board.

We want to thank all those involved for their work and dedication to the collective bargaining process. Further updates will be provided by the MRSA and the Board as the ratification process unfolds. 

 

Ani to pisi (Human Spider Web)


You’re invited to participate in MRU's third annual Human Spider Web. Ani to pisi is a creation story that came from the late Elder Clement Bear Chief from Siksika Nation. It has been shared and utilized at many levels to create awareness and understanding that Indigenous creation stories are relevant in institutions such as MRU. Join us Sept. 24 at 11:45 a.m. at the soccer fields to bring it to life. Orange shirts will be available in limited quantities. Sign up to volunteer or register to participate.

 

 

Security Services: Updated uniforms, enhanced training

 

Security Services has introduced modernized uniforms designed for visibility and approachability, including name tags with languages spoken and preferred pronouns. Security representatives receive ongoing training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, anti-racism, unconscious bias, sexual violence response and the use of Naloxone/Narcan. You can also contact them for a SafeWalk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more.

 

 

Supporting Students in Distress workshop


Our recent Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey found that over 55 per cent of MRU students report feeling lonely and nearly one in four feel isolated often. As a trusted member of the Mount Royal community, you are uniquely positioned to make a difference. Join the final Supporting Students in Distress workshop on Sept. 22 to learn about common crises students face and gain practical skills for fostering connection and navigating tough conversations. Sign up.

 

 

Weeks of Welcome

 

Weeks of Welcome kicks off the year with music, food, games and community events. Join in to connect with new and returning students and help create a welcoming campus. Events run from Sept. 4 to 18. Check out the schedule to get involved!

 

 

Don't get lured in, spot and report phish

 

The more suspicious emails you report via Gmail’s built-in reporting system (or forward to reportphish@mtroyal.ca), the fewer you’ll get. Learn more easy ways to keep yourself and MRU cybersafe.

 

 

Become a faculty mentor


The Institute for Community Prosperity is seeking faculty mentors for the 2025–26 Catamount Fellowship. The program equips students to lead social change through innovation in movements, organizations, business and government. If you’re passionate about social change and community engagement, apply today to be a Catamount faculty mentor. Applications close Sept. 15, 2025. Learn more or contact Cordelia Snowdon-Lawley at csnowdon@mtroyal.ca with questions.

 

 

Apply for the Indigenization Access Fund

 

The Indigenization Access Fund supports Indigenous faculty with initiatives related to indigenization and decolonization, including curriculum development and delivery, conference or travel costs, event expenses, reassigned time and more. Apply for one major activity per application by Friday, Sept. 12. Non-Indigenous faculty are welcome to apply Winter 2026. Learn more and contact OID@mtroyal.ca with any questions.

 

 

G-wing update:

 

As work progresses on the renovation of G-wing into a hub of student services, demolition this month will cause disruptive noise at times. In other news, the Deep Services Replacement project is complete, preparing the way to lay the foundation for an inclusive space for work and engagement amongst the campus community.

 

 

Global Student Lounge


The International Student Support Centre has been renamed the Global Student Lounge to better reflect its role as a welcoming hub for all MRU students. The Lounge provides a vibrant space where international, exchange and domestic students can connect, study, practice language and participate in cultural and social activities.

 

 

Turf replacement update: Increased construction traffic

 

As work continues on replacing the turf in Stadium Field, there is increased construction traffic on Mount Royal Gate and in Lot A. Please follow all directions from workers and signage, including walkways, for the safety of all community members. Parking is limited in Lot A for the duration of the project, which is expected to be complete this fall.

 

 

New CIO welcome

 

Please extend a warm welcome to Michelle Hu, MRU’s new associate vice-president, Information Technology Services and chief information officer. Hu joined Mount Royal on Aug.18, bringing 19 years of experience in IT, cybersecurity and data/AI strategy. Her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our technological infrastructure and services.

 

 

Leadership Matters: Driving Change and Innovation in Higher Education and Healthcare

 

Join this free international webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The webinar is co-hosted by Associate Professor Liza Choi of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and features Dr. Julian Barling, PhD (Queen’s University, Smith School of Business), Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, PhD (University of British Columbia, School of Nursing) and Dr. Leigh Chapman, PhD (Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, Health Canada). Registration is free but limited.

 

 

 

Measles: Stay informed

 

While there are currently no reported cases on campus, reported outbreaks in Calgary and area remind us to stay informed. Knowledge is your best defense. Learn more at mru.ca/Measles.

 

 

ITS update: Windows 11 upgrade this month

 

Mount Royal will begin upgrading all remaining Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 by Oct. 14 to ensure security, continued support and compliance. Look for more information in the coming weeks on this important upgrade.

 

Upcoming Employee Wellness events


This fall, Employee Wellness is focusing on ways to manage stress and promote well-being. Kick off September with the three part Burnout and Resilience workshops — virtual and in-person options are available. On Sept. 24, Oct. 22 and Nov. 19 the Canadian Blood Services Life Bus will be providing transportation to and from Campus for a Group Blood Donation.

 

 

Calgary Police Service on campus for guided tours

Uniformed members of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) District 2 will be on campus for guided tours by the Security Services team for nine consecutive Fridays between 4:30 and 6 p.m. starting Sept. 5. This will help ensure CPS have the necessary knowledge to respond on campus in a timely and coordinated manner, further familiarize these officers with the campus and various muster points, and enhance the relationship between CPS and our security representatives. 

Employee discount on Food Services

As an employee, you can receive 10 per cent off purchases at The Table, Jugo Juice and Barrow Coffee when paying with an MRUeats flexible dining plan account. Dining plan funds are loaded to your ONECard and you can add custom amounts. Learn more.
 

MRU in the media — In case you missed it


How an Alberta teachers' strike may affect kids and parents, according to experts

Calgary Herald — Joanne Park & Michelle Briegel, faculty

 

Alberta's fourth addiction recovery community opens in Calgary

Calgary Herald — Christina Tortorelli, faculty

 

Climate change is speeding up polar bear aging

The Wildlife Society — Levi Newediuk, faculty

 

Calgary restaurant draws attention over prep, packaging fee on receipt

Global News — Eric Myers, faculty


Mount Royal University, faculty, students and alumni are often featured in the media. To subscribe to the daily MRU Media report, email mediarelations@mtroyal.ca.
 

Bleed Blue

The 55 Minutes

Launched in May, The 55 Minutes is a publication co-produced by the Institute for Community Prosperity and ATCO, and co-authored by MRU alumna Anna Johnson. Described as “an atlas to navigate problems, reveal systems and ask beautiful questions in a radically shifting world,” the book has reached readers in more than 300 cities across 50 countries. It’s also being used as a course text at institutions including Dalhousie University, the University of Calgary, Cape Breton University and the University of Oxford.

 

Featured event

Journey to Indigenization event.

Sept. 20 to Oct. 4
Connect and learn: Journey to Indigenization

Step into a space of deep learning and connection through a series of events, presentations, tours and interactive activities to engage with Indigenous culture, teachings and perspectives. Plus, learn how Indigenous ways of knowing are woven into curriculum and campus spaces at Mount Royal. Join the collective journey towards reconciliation.


Check out all the events happening in and around campus on our new events calendar.

 

Have a story, announcement or info to share?

Summit and website stories

We would love to hear about your story! Go to the online story submission tool and guidelines.

MyMRU announcements

Please send announcements for MyMRU's homepage to mymru@mtroyal.ca. Review the guidelines.

Start of semester emails, with option for distribution list
sign-up

As each semester begins (August/September and December/January), areas with ongoing employee activities can send an email to all employees describing their semester activities. Employees can then choose to opt in to that area's distribution list (Google Group) for regular updates. If you would like to send an email and/or set up a Google Group for your area, please contact Marketing and Communications for guidelines.

X icon  Facebook icon  LinkedIn icon  Instagram icon  YouTube icon

4825 Mount Royal Gate SW | Calgary, Alberta | T3E 6K6, Canada
ourcommunity@mtroyal.ca | mtroyal.ca

Copyright @ 2025 Mount Royal University, All rights reserved.

Privacy policy | Manage your email subscriptions | View as webpage