Fall 2022 message from the president
Posted Sept. 12, 2022
Hello everyone, Tim here and I’m in the Centennial Sundial Garden on our beautiful Mount Royal campus. I acknowledge, honour and respect the land, people and cultures here in Treaty 7 territory.
As we start the new semester, I’m taking some time to rediscover our campus community, its places and spaces. For those of you who don’t know this hidden gem, it’s just off the T-Wing, outside of the Iniskim Centre and the office of indigenization and decolonization. It’s a quiet spot to have an informal meeting or enjoy lunch this fall.
I’m so excited to see everyone back on campus as we navigate being fully back together. The lessons we have learned during the global pandemic continue to inform our practices.
Mount Royal is known for being a community that supports each other and fosters a culture of mutual respect and I’m filled with optimism for the 2022/23 academic year.
I am so grateful for everything you’ve done — and continue to do — for our students and for each other.
I sensed renewed energy and excitement when we gathered together for the East Gate Social at the end of August. It was a great way to connect with new colleagues, say hello to old friends and get ready for the year.
I’m pleased to share that we are growing our roster of star academics.
We welcomed over 60 new professors and lecturers to support our in-demand programs. I had the chance to welcome them at New Faculty Orientation and I know we all wish them well as they embark on their first semester at Mount Royal.
Administratively, over the last six months we have filled a number of vacancies on our leadership team.
There are also many additions to our support staff teams throughout campus and I extend a warm welcome to all who are new to Mount Royal.
Our campus will be brimming with activity over the next few months and I’d like to highlight a few events for you to discover.
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, there will be no classes on September 30 and it is not a workday. You have the option to recognize the lost children and survivors of residential schools in your own way. Please go to mru.ca for a complete schedule of activities on the Journey to Indigenization 2022. I believe this is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge, reflect and learn about the history of residential schools and to consider how we can advance reconciliation in our lives and work.
There will be other occasions for us to come together this semester. On October 5, the executive leadership team will be hosting an MRU dialogue — a time for us to update the community on key initiatives for the year ahead. I will be sending more details in coming weeks on ways you can participate.
And at the end of November, we are planning a holiday reception. Look for your email invitation later in the semester.
Finally, I am excited to be reappointed to a second term as your president and vice-chancellor. It’s a privilege to be a part of this caring university community. MRU is opening minds and changing lives and I look forward to working together to achieve our next milestones.
Please stop me as I walk around campus and say hello!
Stay well, and I’ll talk to you very soon.