Our Community ― April 15 to April 30, 2021

Our Community

Your Mount Royal News

April 15, 2021

LaunchPad 2021 lifts off once again

Mount Royal's premier match-up of dueling entrepreneurs, where students pitch their ventures to a panel of esteemed judges for their share of more than $70,000 in cash and services, has returned this year.

Vivacity 2021 focuses on 'tech for good'

A multidisciplinary and inter-institutional social innovation course, Vivacity 2021, delved into how user testing groups can make tech more friendly for marginalized citizens.

Catamount Fellowship Community Showcase

Catamount Fellowship students recently showed off the results of their year-long study into the root causes of community-identified ecological, social, economic and cultural issues.

Announcements

On campus approval processes move from Planning Ahead Team to operational leaders

Requests to access campus and have a department/unit activity/event on campus will now be reviewed/approved by your manager, chair or director. Plans to resume activities on campus will be reviewed/approved by your associate vice-president/dean and the vice-president. Plans must abide by health restrictions. Questions about interpreting restrictions can go to rsiklodi@mtroyal.ca.

Feedback on draft strategic plan requested

After a consultative process, Mount Royal’s draft strategic plan is now available for feedback. Three particular consultation questions are being highlighted: In what ways can the plan be bold over the next five years? Can the strategic directions be refined to clearly reflect the mission, vision and values, and how? And, what initiatives can Mount Royal undertake to build on our existing strengths in implementing the strategic directions? Submit feedback here. Sign up for a consultation session.

MRU Camps cancelled for 2021

Due to the evolving number of COVID-19 cases in the province and for the safety of Mount Royal’s campus community, the MRU Camps program will not be offered this year. We were optimistic that circumstances would allow us to host the engaging, fun and educational camps that we’re known for and recognize that this will be a disappointment to many employees. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to mrucamps@mtroyal.ca.

Fall plans include preparing for spaces and people

Work is underway to plan for the best use of space across campus this fall if Alberta moves to Step 4 of the government's phased return. This includes controlling foot traffic and minimizing congestion in line with restrictions. Peter Davison is leading space planning in his secondment as executive advisor, space readiness. AVP of HR Trika Macdonald is leading the planning for the return of employees. More information.

Drive-in style convocation ceremonies from June 7 to 10

The drive-in style convocation in Fall 2020 was such a success that this format will be used again in Spring 2021. Eight ceremonies will be held to celebrate graduating students’ accomplishments. With health restrictions, only 10 people will be on the stage and students and guests will stay in vehicles. Learn more mru.ca/Convocation. A celebration of Indigenous students’ graduation will also be held. More information is at mru.ca/IndigenousGrad.

Wellness at Work employee toolkit for ongoing support

Download this toolkit for handy reminders and quick links to the many resources available to support employees’ wellness at work. Current information is always available for staff, faculty and managers on the Wellness at Work website.

Training course in support of indigenization now available to all employees

The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation program is an online, self-paced course that takes about three hours to complete. Watch the trailer. To enrol, add your name and MRU email address to this Google sheet to receive an email welcoming you to the course.

The Table at MRU closed for spring and summer

The Table at MRU has closed for the spring and summer months. Please visit mru.ca/FoodServices in July for reopening details this fall. Select vendors remain open in Wyckham House.

Submit your 'Survivor Love Letter'

MRU and SAMRU are reaching out to the MRU community to write messages and create art that celebrates survivorship and shows survivors that they are believed, supported and loved. Survivor Love Letters is a movement for survivors of sexual assault and their allies to publicly celebrate their lives. Love letters can be done in any medium and submitted individually or by a group. Learn more.

Mandatory cybersecurity training must be completed by June 30

If you have not yet completed the Cybersecurity Awareness Training 2021 training course, please remember the deadline is June 30. You can complete the online course at your own pace. Alternatively, you may register for the Protecting Yourself Against Cybercrime workshop to complete the required training.

Bleed Blue

Former Cougars soccer captain recognized by province
Criminology Diploma alumna Jacquie Hertlein, former captain of the Cougars soccer team and the recipient of a 2019 Alumni Achievement Award, was recently selected as the 2020 recipient of the Alberta Soccer President’s Award. A legacy award, the Alberta Soccer President’s Award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding contributions and long-term dedication to soccer in Alberta.

Events

HREB Applications Submission Deadline

From now to Fri., May 14 ― ROMEO System
The submission period for Human Research Ethics Board (HREB) applications for research involving human participants requiring clearance finishes May 14. More information.

Circuitry Prototyping in Tinkercad

Thurs., Apr. 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. — Online
In this workshop you will learn about prototyping your own circuits and build a night light circuit that turns on automatically when it’s dark. Register.

3D Modelling in Tinkercad

Fri., Apr. 16 from 11 a.m. to noon — Online
This online workshop will explain the basics of how to create a 3D model, 3D modelling terms and techniques, as well as how to export your model for 3D printing. Register.

Make a Cell Phone Holder Using 3D Modelling in Fusion 360

Mon., Apr. 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. — Online
Navigate software to create a sketch and a shape, and save and export your model cell-phone holder for 3D printing. Register.

Program Arduino in Tinkercad

Tues., Apr. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. — Online
Learning Arduino can enable you to build systems that perform in interactive artwork, biofeedback, home automation or robotics projects. Register.

Emerging Technologies Consortium — Tech for Good: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Wed., Apr. 21 from noon to 1pm — Online
Together with MRU's James Stauch and Geoff Zakaib of Data for Good, explore how artificial intelligence is impacting society and what technology can do to improve our cities. Register.

Orientation to the Maker Studio

Thurs., Apr. 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. — Online
This basic orientation to the Maker Studio will introduce all of the tools and technologies and associated health and safety concerns. Register.

Trico Changemakers Studio Presents Changemaker Conversations

Thurs., Apr. 22 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Zoom
This second of a two-part Changemaker Conversations series will share the Calgary Foundation’s transformational journey to adopt a systems approach to create lasting change. Register.

Protohype x MRU Information Design: Virtual UX Design Jam

Fri., April 23 to Wed. April 28 — Online
This virtual weekend-long friendly design competition is open to all MRU students. No experience required. Registration ends April 20.

Finishing 3D Prints with Sanding and Paint

Tues., Apr. 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. — Online
Join the Maker Studio staff and learn how to sand, prime and paint your 3D prints. Register.

What's Wrong with Research Assignments — A Chat with Barbara Fister and Brian Jackson

Tues., Apr. 27 from 11 a.m. to noon — Online
This virtual conversation will feature information literacy scholar Barbara Fister, who will discuss her inaugural essay for the Project Information Literacy Provocation Series. Register.

Using KeePass

Tues., Apr. 27 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Google Meet
This informative one-hour workshop takes you through the basic steps of using KeePass so you can stop reusing passwords and safely store them. Register.

Make a Wearable Device with Circuit Playground Express

Wed., Apr. 28 from 1 to 2p.m. — Online
Learn how to create wearable electronic devices easily using the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express. Register.

Introduction to MRU’s Research Data Repository

Thurs., Apr. 29 from noon to 1p.m. — Online
In this workshop, take a tour of the data repository, discuss formatting of data and documentation for archiving, and explain the process of data deposit. 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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