Inclusion Week 2026 runs from Jan. 26 to 30
Inclusion Week is a campus-wide celebration where students, faculty and employees come together to explore what it means to create a community of true belonging.
Mount Royal’s third-annual Inclusion Week is set to take place from Jan. 26 to 30. Guided by the theme Conversations That Connect, the five days will act as a catalyst for important conversations and education on inclusion and belonging.
Participants in Inclusion Week 2026 have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of topics, including leadership and self-advocacy, rethinking leadership and belonging, turning awareness into action, intersecting barriers to inclusion, neurodiversity and ADHD, women’s health across cultures, the Seven Sacred Teachings and more.
Sessions will be led by students, faculty, employees and community members, offering diverse perspectives and lived experiences that enrich learning and dialogue. It’s a campus-wide celebration where students, faculty and employees come together to explore what it means to create a community of true belonging. Inclusion Week offers opportunities to learn from one another and take action toward building a more connected and caring MRU community.
Learn more and register to attend events.
Prior to Inclusion Week 2026, Narissa Jessa, education and development specialist with MRU’s Office of Community and Belonging, provided her thoughts on the events and their significance to the MRU community.
How did the Inclusion Week initiative arise and why is it important for the MRU community?
Inclusion Week was created to intentionally bring people together across campus and beyond to have meaningful conversations about community and belonging. It highlights the ways we can support each other, celebrate differences and strengthen the ties that make our community feel connected. It encourages curiosity, open dialogue and connections that continue beyond the week itself. It gives everyone the chance to explore new perspectives, grow in understanding, and take part in shaping a community that is welcoming, supportive and connected.
What does inclusion and belonging mean to you?
To me, inclusion and belonging mean recognizing our shared humanity and creating spaces where people can connect, be respected and learn from one another. It’s about building a community where everyone feels seen and valued, where differences are acknowledged and appreciated and where people are supported in meaningful ways.
Inclusion and belonging aren’t just ideas. They show up in how we listen, how we respond and how we show up for each other every day. It’s about taking the time to understand others’ experiences and working together to create a campus where everyone has the chance to participate and contribute.
Where did the theme Conversations That Connect come from?
The theme Conversations That Connect reflects the idea that inclusion begins with dialogue and relationship building. It recognizes the power of creating spaces for open, respectful conversations that help us better understand one another. The theme encourages people to engage, listen and connect across differences as a way to strengthen our sense of belonging on campus.
Education is a core focus of the week. Through workshops, panels, creative sessions and interactive experiences, Inclusion Week invites people to build understanding, reflect on their own perspectives and learn from the experiences of others. It also reinforces that inclusion and belonging are not one-time efforts, but an ongoing journey we continue together.
Who can attend Inclusion Week events?
Inclusion Week is open to everyone, including students, staff, faculty and community members. Everyone is welcome to join! Whether you attend one session or the whole week, Inclusion Week is a great opportunity to learn, connect and be part of conversations that bring our community together.
Special thanks goes to all members of the Inclusion Week Committee, who have worked tirelessly to prepare for a meaningful and successful week:
- Anna Hopson, Instructor, Addiction Studies Extension Certificate Program
- Ashley Lazette, Academic Advisor
- Christine Brownell, Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Hina Arshad, Coordinator, MRU Child Development Lab
- Khatereh Ramouzi, Campus Engagement Coordinator
- Khethwen Woo, eLearning Developer, Academic Development Centre
- Dr. Kristen Schaffer, PhD, Assistant Professor, Bachelor of Education
- Dr. Lisa Daroux-Cole, PhD, Assistant Professor, Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
- Megan Gillies, Physics Laboratory Instructor, Bachelor of Science
For questions or additional information, please contact
njessa@mtroyal.ca.
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