Announcements

Testing crisis communications tools next week
From Monday to Wednesday next week, executive leadership and Marketing and Communications will be involved in crisis communications training. You may notice "test" messages on screens around campus, through the MRUNow app, on mtroyal.ca, MyMRU.ca announcements, desktop screens and work phones. Please disregard messages that say "test."

Hand washing is the most effective way to reduce the spread of germs
To reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, Alberta Health Service recommends: wash your hands often and well; avoid touching your face, nose or mouth; avoid close contact with people who are sick; clean and disinfect surfaces; stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill; if you are sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands. Learn more.

2020 SAMRU elections decided
The 2020/2021 Students’ Association of Mount Royal University representation executive council results are in. The new student representatives are Spirit River Striped Wolf, president, Luc Carels, vice-president external; Carly Bullough, vice-president academic; and Camille Rhose Tabacla, vice-president student affairs. See the full election results here.

Environmental Health and Safety wants to hear from you
EH&S wants to know how you perceive health and safety at MRU so the team can concentrate efforts to improve EH&S processes and communications on campus. Please take this five-minute anonymous survey. Share your thoughts on the University's responsibilities, your responsibilities and how you're involved in health and safety within MRU.

New 'phish bowl' offers more information on emails targeting MRU
The Phish Bowl is a collection of all the phishing emails targeting MRU over the past few years. Each post shows you what the email, the red flags, and how to deal with similar emails in the future. If you receive a suspicious email, you can now search the Phish Bowl for it. If the exact or similar email is posted, then you know It's malicious and can delete it.

Only you can use your MRU account
Don't give up control of your account by logging in for someone else. Information Technology Services can arrange access for anyone, such as a new employee, guest or visiting instructor. Learn more in the Credential Use Guidelines.

Remember to check your promotions tab in Gmail
Sometimes Gmail filters campus emails into the 'promotions' tab, not 'primary,' which means they won't show up in your main inbox. This can happen with Our Community, the cybersecurity newsletter and others. Watch for new messages under 'promotions.'

Acting chair for education announced
Assistant Professor Shannon Kell, PhD, will be serving as the acting chair of the Department of Education from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Associate Professor Kevin O'Connor, PhD, will be on sabbatical during this time.

New mural for Slate
Work started on a new mural for the Slate Innovation Lab (EB3121) in the Bissett School of Business was begun over the reading break. The local Calgary artist, Nicole Wolf, designed this mural to act as a brainstorming tool. As students look at it, they can let their minds wander and dream up their next big ideas.

Student registration for Research and Scholarship Days closes on Monday
Encourage your students to take part in Research and Scholarship Days. Those interested in sharing a poster, creative work or presentation as part of the campus-wide events on March 30 and 31 can register online until Monday, March 9 at midnight. View the complete schedule of events here.

New Scholar-in-Residence
The Office of Academic Indigenization is proud to partner with the Iniskim Centre, the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Arts, and the Department of General Education to welcome acclaimed human rights activist, writer and former International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Sheila Watt-Cloutier to campus as the 2020 Scholar-in-Residence. Read the story.

Did you know?

Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP) collects, analyzes, interprets and distributes knowledge to support and enhance data-informed decision-making at Mount Royal University. You can ask IAP for statistics including institutional performance data such as results from student experience and satisfaction (CUSC, NSSE, NCHA) and student perception of teaching (SPoT) surveys.

Bleed Blue – Celebrating MRU

Administrator of the Year award goes to MRU employee
Manager of Academic Advising for Enrolment Services Shea Ellingham will receive an Administrator of the Year award (Excellence in Advising — Advising Administrator) at the NACADA Region 8 Conference next week. NACADA is the global advising community and maintains professional standards for advisors, and many of the academic advisors at MRU are NACADA members. Ellingham will also be taking on a leadership role with NACADA as chair of Region 8 in the fall.

Melanie Peacock named to inaugural Global 100

Twenty leaders in the Canadian human resources space have been recognized on Human Resources Director’s inaugural Global 100 — the definitive list of the best and brightest people practitioners of 2020. Associate professor of human resources Melanie Peacock, PhD, was only one of two academics to be named to the list.

Student announced as a 2019/2020 Bank of Canada scholarship recipient

Bachelor of Computer Information Systems student Athina Sofocleous has received a Bank of Canada Scholarship, which are awarded to women, Indigenous students and students with disabilities. The scholarship encourages young Canadians to consider employment in fields related to the work of the central bank and assists them in furthering their education.

Students take third in Alberta Not-For-Profit Case Competition

Assistant Professor Catherine Pearl (social innovation) and Associate Professor Simon Magennis (accounting) coached four students to third place at the Alberta Not-For-Profit Case Competition last weekend. The competition is the first live, undergraduate, not-for-profit case competition in Canada. Two accounting students and two social innovation students represented MRU: Mia Baines, Jan Santiago, Kolten Nelson and Xander Jensen.

Events – More information at mru.ca/Events

International Women's Day
Fri., March 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ― Ross Glen Hall
Participate in workshops and take in a panel discussion plus keynote speaker Jenn Lofgren, a 2018 Alumni Achievement Award winner and one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Register.

Economics and First Nations Economies
Fri., March 6 from 11 a.m. to noon ― Ideas Lounge (EL1270)
Research economist Donna Feir, PhD, will discuss selected aspects of Indigenous economic systems including the economic impact of colonization and modern economic challenges.

Critiquing Design Thinking Film Screening
Fri., March 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)
In celebration of International Women's Day, join Natasha Jen (not in person) and three MRU maker scholars: AnneMarie Dorland, Kerry Harmer and Milena Radzikowska to reimagine design thinking. Register.

Women's Volleyball Canada West Bronze Medal Match
Fri., March 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. — MRU Kenyon Court
Cheer on the Cougars’ women's volleyball team at the Canada West Playoffs’ bronze medal match versus Thompson Rivers University. Tickets available at the door.

Elmer Isler Singers
Sun., March 8 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ― Bella Concert Hall
This 20-voice choral ensemble has built an enviable reputation with a performing repertoire that spans 500 years and a focus on Canadian composers. Tickets.

Witness Blanket Art Exhibition
From March 9 to April 30 ― Fourth Floor, Riddell Library and Learning Centre
The Witness Blanket is a powerful art installation created by master carver Carey Newman recognizing the atrocities of the Indian Residential School system, honouring the children and symbolizing ongoing reconciliation. More information.

Creating a Quiz Using Google Forms
Tues., March 10 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. ― T104
Learn to create a quiz using Google Forms. Attendees will learn how to add form fields, share the form and work with form data. Register.

Photos for a Fiver
Tues., March 10 from 10 a.m. to Thurs., March 12 at 2 p.m. — Main Street
Photojournalism students will take your picture and then, with a donation of a non-perishable food item or $5 (suggested) that goes to the SAMRU food bank, will email the photo to you.

Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training
Tues., March 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ― EA1055
Be informed about the current state of opioid use in Canada and the harm reduction responses being employed. Register.

Blackfoot Language Lunch and Learn
Wed., March 11 from noon to 1 p.m. ― EB3013 (Trico Changemakers Studio)
This program provides participants with a safe space for questions and dialogue led by a local Blackfoot elder.

3D Sculpting and Rapid Prototyping with Oculus Medium
Thurs., March 12 from noon to 1 p.m. ― EL1355 (Experience Lab)
Create 3D prototypes in virtual reality and print your model in the Maker Studio. Register.

QPR ― Suicide Prevention Training
Thurs., March 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. ― EA1055
Recognize signs of distress and build awareness of suicide. A certificate of completion will be provided and can be used towards social work practicum hours. Register.

Creating Virtual Reality Experiences With Google Tours
Fri., March 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. ― Experience Lab (EL1355)
Learn how to create your own interactive 360-degree tours that can be viewed in virtual reality using the Google Tour Creator platform. Register.

Dervish: Co-presented With the Irish Cultural Society
Sat., March 14 from 8 to 10 p.m. ― Bella Concert Hall
As one of the world's most renowned and imaginative interpreters of Irish folk music, Dervish have devoted the last three decades to gently reinventing the traditional songs of their homeland. Tickets.

Sustainability Fair
Tues., March 17 and Wed., March 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ― Main Street and J301
Find out more about MRU's social and environmental sustainability successes. Sign up to build a terrarium and take a greenhouse tour. Speakers will present on March 18. More.

Using KeePass
Tues., March 17 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. — T104
Learn how to use KeePass to safely store your passwords. Register.

Beginner's Guide to Virtual Reality
Wed., March 18 from noon to 1 p.m. — Experience Lab (EL1355)
Explore virtual reality, and learn about the MRU Library Experience Lab, available library services, and how to integrate them all into your classes and research. Register.

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence
Wed., March 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. — EA2031
Receive the knowledge, skills and tools to effectively respond when someone discloses that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed. Sign up.

The Climate Crisis and You
Thurs., March 19 from noon to 2 p.m. Y222
This panel discussion will address what fires, floods, melting glaciers and rising seas mean and what can be done.

Beginner's Guide to Augmented Reality
Mon., March 23 from noon to 1 p.m. — Experience Lab (EL1355)
Explore augmented reality and learn about 3D modelling, development tools and available content, and how to integrate them into your classes and research. Register.

Blackfoot Language Lunch and Learn
Wed., March 25 from noon to 1 p.m. — Trico Changemakers Studio (EB3013)
This program provides participants with a safe space for questions and dialogue led by a local Blackfoot Elder.

Ask the Cybersecurity Awareness Expert
Tues., March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Main Street
Would you like to know how to get network access for a guest, if your router is secure, or what the best password manager is to use? The IT Security Training Analyst can answer all your questions. More information.

Learn a Programming Language: Python
Wed., March 25 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Maker Studio (EL1245)
Learn the fundamentals of Python, the most beginner friendly, high-level programming language that is used by developers. Register.

Using Google Docs
Thurs., March 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. — T104
Learn how to use headers and footers, create hyperlinks, insert comments and suggestions, wrap text, view previous versions, and add a table of contents in Google Docs. Sign up.

Protecting Yourself Against Cybercrime
Thurs., March 26 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. — E229A
This fascinating and informative 90-minute workshop gives you all the tools you need to keep you and yours cybersafe. Register.

Budget 301 Information Session
Fri., March 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. — J301
Evan Cortens, manager Academic Initiatives, together with Connie Young, associate vice-president, Finance and Risk Managment, will present an overview and answer questions about the University's budget development process.

Beginner's Guide to 360-Degree Cameras: Storytelling in 360-Degree with Photos and Videos
Fri., March 27 from noon to 1 p.m. — Experience Lab (EL1355)
Learn how to use 360-degree cameras (Ricoh Theta V, GoPro Fusion and Vuze 3D 360 4K VR video camera) to create highly immersive environments for education. Register.

Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training
Fri., March 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. — EA1055
Be informed about the current state of opioid use in Canada, the harm reduction responses available, and how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses. Register.

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. Here are 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.

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