Announcements
Parking changes on campus
Permits for the 2023/24 academic year are on sale now through the Hotspot App. Current monthly parkers have the option to automatically renew their parking through the app. Select 'Enable Auto Renew' for your permit to be renewed on Sept. 1, 2023. Your current permit will expire Aug. 31, 2023. Questions? Visit mru.ca/parking.
Register for Inkblot, MRU’s new EFAP
By registering with Inkblot, Mount Royal new Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), you can access timely counselling, as well as resources in the areas of work and career, health and nutrition, legal and financial, life transitions and more. Employees will continue to have access to Homewood Health, Mount Royal’s previous EFAP, through Aug. 31. Learn more. Attend an online information session: Employees, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m., register now; leaders; Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2 to 3 p.m., register now.
New environmental services/custodial contractor effective Sept. 1, 2023
Mount Royal is pleased to announce that BEST Services Pros will be the new contractor for cleaning services at Mount Royal University, effective Sept. 1, 2023. There will be a transition period from Sept. 1 - 30 where both BEST Service Pros and the current contractor, Scot Young, will be on campus for a smooth handover of responsibilities and ensure minimal disruption to daily operations. Learn more. If you notice a caretaking issue, let us know at mrufrontline@mtroyal.ca; 403.440.6417; or submit a Frontline request via myMRU.
Building understanding: Employee EDI training course now available
As faculty returns to campus, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is delighted to share that employees can access the University’s broad-based (introductory) EDI awareness and skills building training course, the latest step in our ongoing journey of creating a more informed and equitable campus community. Learn more at mru.ca/EDItraining. Access the course now through the Employee Training area of myMRU.
Mandatory cybersecurity training now available
Updated cybersecurity training for employees and contractors is now live. New employees have 60 days to complete their cybersecurity awareness training in addition to 30 days for Payment Card Industry (PCI) training. Current employees who successfully complete a pre-test assessment can opt out of some or all of their training requirements. Current employees who are required to complete cybersecurity training have until June 15 to do so. Learn more.
New EDI Education and Development Specialist appointed
The Office of EDI is delighted to announce that Dr. Lisa Daroux-Cole has joined the team as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Education and Development Specialist. In this role, she will lead development, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and intersectional EDI training portfolio aligned with MRU strategic plans. This will include delivering EDI-related educational programming on campus that is anti-oppressive and intersectional, including workshops, seminars and more. Lisa comes to us with over 18 years of undergraduate teaching experience, most recently in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Mount Royal.
New Facilities Management AVP begins in September
Mount Royal welcomes Colette Winter as associate vice-president of Facilities Management, starting Sept. 18. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership in facilities management, Colette’s client-centric focus, strategic leadership capacity, uplifting and collaborative approach to team building, and strong technical skill set will prove invaluable to the University.
With a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the University of Saskatchewan, and on track to complete a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph, Colette’s experience, background and knowledge will be of tremendous value to Mount Royal as we look to evolve Facilities Management.
Save the Date — East Gate Social
Join fellow MRU employees at the East Gate Social. This casual get-together is a time to catch up over locally made cool treats before the start of the Fall 2023 semester. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. (drop-in) on the East Gate Lawn. RSVP before Aug. 23 to reserve your treat!
Have Crucial Conversations this August
If you’re not getting the results you want, it’s likely an important conversation hasn’t happened or hasn’t been handled well. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue, a workshop that takes place over three half-days in August, gives you the tools to hold conversations in a way that promotes healthy relationships and that can yield better results. Learn more.
University event calendar demonstration
MRU’s new event calendar will be launching on Tuesday, Aug. 22. Two 30-minute demonstrations of the new event submission form and the calendar are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 21; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in T104. Please email Rob Petrollini to RSVP. Questions can be directed to Rob Petrollini or your department’s marketing strategist.
Journey to Indigenization: Truth, Reconciliation and Decolonization
Mount Royal University commemorates the Signing of Treaty 7, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in Spirit Day within a series of institutional activities over nine days. Join one of numerous on-campus educational opportunities from Sept. 22 to Oct. 4 to start or continue your decolonization journey. Learn more.
Sidewalk repair around campus
As part of the Facilities Management sidewalk repair program, several sidewalks on campus are closed through Aug. 25. There will be some noise and the presence of trucks on campus. Learn more at mru.ca/BuildingNotifications.
Roofing repairs
Facilities Management has a contractor on-site through the end of October to address various roofing leaks across campus. There will be some noise associated with these necessary repairs. Learn more. Questions can be directed to fm@mtroyal.ca.
Cougars Campus Store — Staff Appreciation Aug. 29
Gear up for fall with the Cougars Campus Store's Staff Appreciation Sale on Aug. 29. Check out the new apparel in a wider selection of colours and designs, fun branded giftware and Cougars athletic gear. Bring your Employee ONECard and get 25 per cent off the regular price of apparel. This sale is available for in-person shopping only. The Cougars Campus Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join in welcoming new students
As the upcoming school year comes into view, preparation for New Student Orientation (NSO) is underway. NSO volunteers are key in supporting new and returning students. Volunteer roles come with varying time commitments, so please take a look to find one that works best for you! Browse roles and sign up.
Fall Rec program registration is open
MRU Recreation has numerous programs available including intramurals, climbing, swim lessons, group training and outdoor adventures. Programs are open to students, staff and members of the community. Register for fall programs today.
Alumni Classroom Takeover returns October 2023
Calling all faculty members! MRU Alumni are ready to inspire and connect with your students by sharing their life and career experiences. This round of Alumni Classroom Takeover will run for the month of October. Don’t have alumni connections? No problem, The Office of Alumni Relations will help you find a suitable alum speaker. Sign up by Sept. 8 to inspire the next generation of alumni.
August Fitness Challenge presented by Fit Kitchen
Test your coordination, endurance and strength by challenging yourself to climb the height of the Calgary Tower (626 feet) using MRU Recreation’s Jacob Ladder. Individuals who can climb the distance the fastest will win prizing courtesy of Fit Kitchen. To learn more about the fitness challenge, speak to a member of the Fitness Team. Happy climbing!