Despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for Mount Royal University's programs from health and education to business, sciences, arts and aviation remains strong this fall as students, faculty and staff return to the in-person learning the University excels at.
Mount Royal students will return Sept. 9 to a blend of in-person and online classes, as well as one virtual reality offering. Across all programs, 75 to 80 per cent of courses are being delivered in person. Along with classes, most campus services, from student advising and wellness to food services and recreation are also open for in-person interactions again.
MRU is currently projecting an enrolment rate for the 2021-22 academic year that will match, or slightly exceed, the 15,000 students who took advantage of a Mount Royal education last year. The University continues to see strong demand for degree and diploma programs across a range of disciplines. Mount Royal recorded a 5.3 per cent increase in enrolment from 2019-20 to 2020-21 and, since the beginning of the institution's growth trajectory in 2014-15, MRU has increased overall Full Load Equivalent (the equivalent of one student for a year of study) by a remarkable 20.5 per cent.
Many more students are pursuing diplomas and lifelong learning opportunities through Continuing Education and the Conservatory.
"Faculty and staff went above and beyond to make sure students' education and experiences, while different, remained exemplary during the pandemic. We're thrilled to welcome them back to campus with new measures and an expectation we will adapt to an ever changing situation," said Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor. "We continue to weather this unprecedented time together but the demand for our programs stayed strong and our enrolment is proof of that."
Mount Royal requires masks to be worn indoors. Additionally, a rapid testing program is being put in place for those who are unvaccinated as early as possible in the fall semester. Details are being worked out but students, faculty and staff need to indicate their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated individuals can opt out of mandatory testing while unvaccinated individuals will be required to participate in frequent rapid testing and do a daily self-check for symptoms before coming to campus.
Students who need to can get vaccinated at walk-in clinics on the Cougars Concourse on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and Thursday, Sept. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will also be a vaccination bus parked on campus at the East Gate on Wednesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for students to get their shot if they still need to do that," Rahilly said. "The best way to protect yourself and your community, and not have to do rapid testing, is to get vaccinated. We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated."
With the health and well-being of the campus community at the forefront, a Welcome Back campaign is now providing information for the campus community, while a New Student Orientation has been making students feel welcome.
