Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Friday, September 3 at 5 p.m.

We are aware the province has made announcements this afternoon with new recommendations, including mandatory masking for in-person settings, part of the measures we already have in place.

MRU remains open and on-campus activities will continue as scheduled. Activities, including the Residence move-in days and the on-campus student vaccination clinics, will continue along with in-person services and support.

I recognize there will be many questions as we head into the long weekend with many unknowns. More information will be made available as we continue our work preparing for the fall semester.

Sent on behalf of Annalise Van Ham, Vice-President, Finance and Administration, and Amy Nixon, General Counsel and University Secretary

Thursday, September 2 at noon

As indicated last week, MRU will be initiating a mandatory rapid testing program for unvaccinated students, staff, and faculty who come to campus, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Fully and partially vaccinated members of the Mount Royal community can declare their vaccination status by Sept.10, 2021 to opt-out of the rapid testing program. As a university community, we trust people to be honest in declaring their vaccination status.

Who should declare: All staff, faculty and students (excluding Conservatory students under age 12) who have received one or both doses of an approved Health Canada COVID-19 vaccine should declare their vaccination status.

When to declare: Declare your status any time between now and Sept. 10.

How to declare:

1. Log into MyMRU with your mtroyal email address.
2. Click on the “COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration” banner.
3. Select either fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated from the drop-down menu.*

*In-between doses? You will be able to modify your status by submitting again after you receive a second dose.

How is my information used and stored? Vaccination status is kept securely in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Privacy Act. Access to this information is limited to those who will be required to facilitate the rapid testing program.

If you are vaccinated but do not wish to declare: Declaration is an important tool for us to monitor vaccination across campus to inform campus health protocols. You are strongly encouraged to declare. Those who choose not to declare will be required to participate in the rapid testing program.

If you are unvaccinated: Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most effective health measure we can take to protect ourselves and our community and you are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as early as possible. You will be required to participate in the rapid testing program.

Details of how the rapid testing program will be administered will be shared as soon as possible.

Get vaccinated

Visit the AHS website for more information and visit the MRU event calendar for on-campus opportunities to be vaccinated.

Stay home if unwell

Regardless of vaccination status, anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and anyone who is a confirmed positive COVID-19 case should stay home. If you stay home, contact:

Employee contact: your supervisor and Wellness at Work Business Partner at wellnessatwork@mtroyal.ca.

More information

As we quickly approach the official start to the fall semester, we recognize many of you have questions about the specifics of health protocols and the rapid testing program. Given the pace of new information, details will be communicated as the work unfolds. Updates will be provided at mru.ca/COVID19. Employees who have questions specific to your department, you should direct them to your immediate supervisor.

Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Friday, August 27 at 12:30 p.m.

During this pandemic, our mission has always been to prioritize the health and safety of the MRU community while delivering quality academic programs to students. Because this remains our focus as we welcome students back to in-person learning, new measures have been implemented to protect students, employees, and visitors.

We have said that we would monitor changes to the post-secondary sector and adjustments  would be made as we contend with shifts in COVID-19 case counts and vaccines.

Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces on campus

Effective Monday, Aug. 30, you must wear a mask in all indoor spaces on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, classrooms, labs, hallways, meeting/study rooms. Masks are not required while outdoors. For additional details on masking, including exceptions, please refer here.

Mandatory rapid testing

A rapid testing program will be required for all students, staff, and faculty who come to campus. People who are fully vaccinated can opt out. Details are still being confirmed but this is what we can share at this moment:

• All students and employees will be asked to declare if they have been fully vaccinated with an approved MRNA or viral vector COVID-19 vaccine.
• People who are fully vaccinated will not have to complete rapid tests. If you do not declare as being fully vaccinated you will be required to participate in frequent rapid testing and complete a daily self-check for symptoms before coming to campus.
• People who do not complete the declaration will be automatically submitted to a rapid testing program.
• More details on the rapid test program will be shared as soon as possible via email.

Vaccines work and simplify your visit to campus

The best way to protect yourself and your community, and not have to do rapid testing, is to get vaccinated. We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Additional details about vaccines can be found here.

The most immediate option to get vaccinated is to book an appointment through Alberta Health Services or go to a participating pharmacy.

Opportunities to get vaccinated on campus will be available in September. Students can get vaccinated at a walk-in clinic on the Cougars Concourse on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will also be a vaccination bus parked on campus at the East Gate on Wednesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional information and protecting the health of the campus community

Details related to rapid testing are still being confirmed and will be shared in future email updates. All updates are published on mtroyal.ca/COVID19, along with FAQs and other relevant information. We are working incredibly hard to keep the website and signage up-to-date as swift changes are implemented. Your patience is very much appreciated.

Please remember that it is important that you stay home if you are ill. If employees have symptoms or have COVID-19, please fill out this form. Coming this Fall, students will have a new process to report COVID-19 symptoms and get support. More details will be sent out soon.

I ask that you please continue to look out for each other and respect different comfort levels. If you notice someone struggling please be patient and respectful. Mount Royal is known for being a small community that supports each other. As we start the semester and learn to live with COVID-19, let’s hold onto and foster that culture of mutual respect.

Sent on behalf of Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor

Monday, August 16 at 11:30 a.m.

For many of you, today may be your first time getting back to work on campus full-time after a very long time. Allow me to extend a warm welcome. In the next few weeks nearly all of our campus community will return as Fall 2021 courses start. There may be some conflicting feelings about this, but I am hopeful there is a way to balance caution with optimism. 

Adjustments to masking requirements

Next to being vaccinated, masking is the best way to support in-person instruction, which we know many students are looking forward to. For this reason, the following decisions have been made and are effective immediately.

• Masks are mandatory in classrooms and labs.
• Masks are mandatory in any indoor gatherings of 20 or more people. 
• Masks are strongly recommended in common spaces, including hallways and meeting/group areas. 
• If you are not fully vaccinated, masks are strongly recommended in all areas on campus.
• If you are working alone in an office or similar work space, you do not need to wear a mask.

I believe people who work at and attend Mount Royal are informed and want to protect our ability to provide the many academic and service opportunities we offer. The requirement to wear a mask is akin to other health directives that we are all in the habit of following as employees of a large institution with high traffic throughout the day.

Let kindness lead the way when it comes to masking and personal boundaries. This will help everyone feel comfortable as we get used to being back on campus.

Get vaccinated

Vaccination is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself and others. We know vaccines are working and are the best defence against COVID-19, including variants. Mount Royal will continue to strongly encourage all employees and students to get vaccinated. We are working to have vaccination opportunities on campus early in the fall semester to make getting vaccinated as simple as possible.

There are many signs of change when it comes to requirements for people to disclose and/or be vaccinated. We will continue to monitor and assess these changes, as well as options for rapid testing and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE).

Stay home when unwell

We are taking steps to better understand how to live with COVID-19 and remain operational as a campus. Before the pandemic, it may have felt harmless to come into the office when slightly under the weather. A big part of adjusting to living with COVID-19 is to stay home when unwell. Under current provincial health measures individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms must isolate. Employees must stay home when ill or experiencing any respiratory symptoms and complete the self-isolation/case report form. Supervisors will connect with symptomatic individuals who need to quarantine to co-ordinate time off or remote work arrangements, whenever possible.

Keep up-to-date with COVID-19 protocols

It is a busy time of year and a lot of information is being shared. For the most current COVID-19 measures on campus, please regularly refer to the current measures on campus section available as a quick link near the top of the mru.ca/COVID19 homepage. This website is consistently updated.

A lot of thought and hard work has gone into modifying campus to reflect all of us being back. Everything from signs to direct traffic flow and hand sanitizer stations, to mention just a few, are in place. I applaud everyone who has worked to implement these changes. As well, MRU has a high-functioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It is continuously managed and monitored through building automation systems and regular inspections, and operates at the industry’s highest commercial level as recommended by health authorities.

Campus modifications and a top notch HVAC system are important, but at the end of the day, it will be the respectful spirit of our campus community that will make the biggest difference. Let’s be courteous and patient with those who might have different levels of comfort. Please get vaccinated, respect the measures that are in place and care for yourself and others.

Sent on behalf of Annalise Van Ham, Vice-President Finance and Administration

Tuesday, July 29 at noon

Activity on campus continues to pick up in preparation for students’ return in about one month’s time. This email has information you need to know as you transition back.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and the campus community

If you have not yet been vaccinated or received your second dose, please go here for more information. MRU strongly requests people attending campus be vaccinated.

Consideration of controls for the fall semester

As well, yesterday the province announced COVID-19 measures more in line with those associated with other respiratory viruses. You will recall that current University health protocols reflect fewer people being on campus during the summer. We will continue to monitor pandemic data, assess experiences in other jurisdictions and proactively encourage students to get vaccinated. Before classes begin, we will decide and communicate what controls will be put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus this fall.

As you return to campus

A reminder to be vigilant about self-monitoring for symptoms. If you feel unwell, stay home. Also if you haven’t already done so, please:

• View the welcome back orientation
• Read the COVID-19 hazard assessment, sign and return to your supervisor (This is required under provincial legislation and is the best way to document hazards and put in place controls to eliminate or lessen them. Please complete by the end of August.)
• Review the employee expectations and hosting a meeting documents
• Sign off using the employee EHS task/training completion form

Remember that resources to help you with the transition back to onsite work are available through Homewood Health.

Pilot of alternative work arrangements

This period of employees transitioning back to campus is intended to help people adjust to on-campus delivery of learning and support. With the exception of two groups (Payroll and select back-of-house functions in ITS) who need to continue to work remotely at this time, everyone is expected to be back on campus before students return.

A pilot of different working arrangements will start later in the fall, with intake currently targeted for mid-October. The criteria for roles that will be considered is being developed and participation will be reviewed by management. We want to do our due diligence as we explore these options and will provide more information in the future. In the meantime, your patience is appreciated.

Building access

Campus is currently open to employees from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You’ll need to tap in using your OneCard at building entrances other than East Gate, West Gate and Recreation. New card readers have been installed in many locations across campus

Submit requests to Facilities Management (FM) using Frontline

This online system is the best way to submit and track requests involving key/access cards, building maintenance and repairs, furniture requests and more. If a request is related to medical accommodation through HR, please note this in your request description. Employees can access Frontline from home following the simple steps described here. Please do not email your requests to individuals in FM.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system

MRU has a high-functioning HVAC system that is continuously managed and monitored through building automation systems and regular inspections. The system operates at the industry’s highest commercial level, known as MERV-13, as recommended by health authorities. Nevertheless, if there are concerns in specific areas, please submit a request through Frontline. HVAC concerns are prioritized.

Commercial services begin to reopen

• Jugo Juice on the Cougars Concourse is now open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Starbucks at East Gate is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Check with Wyckham House vendors for hours of operation there.
• Remember to download the Hot Spot parking app if you haven’t already as you will need it to park anywhere on campus.
• Desktop delivery of Grand and Toy orders of $50 or more also resume on August 17.
• For those areas still using bottled water dispensers, automatic delivery of Culligan water to office areas will resume on August 17. Delivery on demand is available in the meantime.

I thank everyone for your understanding as we transition back to working on campus. Please remember that we all have different comfort zones and be courteous and supportive of others’ choices, particularly as it relates to masking and respectful distancing. This will help us all with a smoother transition.

Sent on behalf of the 2021/22 planning team co-chairs, Annalise Van Ham, Vice-President Finance and Administration and Amy Nixon, General Counsel and University Secretary

Wednesday, July 7 at 11 a.m.

Aligning with current provincial regulations and municipal bylaws, Mount Royal no longer requires mask wearing in shared and public indoor spaces. Similar to the province and city, masks may still need to be worn based on the activity or the environment. If you are unsure, please ask your supervisor or staff in that area.

As well, many people will choose to continue wearing masks and practising physical distancing, where possible. We encourage the campus community to be supportive and respectful of these choices.

These changes are happening in the summer when there are fewer people on campus and the case numbers are relatively low. Public health requirements may change if there is an increase in local transmission rates. Provincial regulations and municipal bylaws will inform the COVID-19 measures that Mount Royal puts in place in the fall and these will be communicated in advance.

The most current information on campus restrictions can be found here. If you have a question, email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

The health and wellbeing of the campus community is very important. While many restrictions have been lifted, please remain vigilant and continue to practise health measures that reduce the spread of respiratory infections like COVID-19. The greatest of these is to get vaccinated.

Sent on behalf of the 2021/22 planning team co-chairs, Annalise Van Ham, vice-president Finance and Administration and Amy Nixon, general counsel and university secretary

Wednesday, June 30 at noon

After many months of imagining the time when our campus community would start to return, it is hard to believe that time has finally arrived. It will be great to start seeing everyone back in person over the coming weeks.

For now, this email is to say welcome back — and to share information that will help you settle back in.

Many of us have mixed emotions about returning to campus and this is understandable. We have all been on a roller coaster ride of progress and setbacks, and we know the ride is not yet over. Even though our campus is a familiar, special place, we’ve been away a long time and COVID-19 has not disappeared. But we are moving in a very positive direction.

A few quick reminders about returning to campus:

• View this online orientation and welcome back video to see what’s changed on campus.
• Bring a mask: these are currently required in all indoor shared spaces.
• Keep informed about current restrictions affecting campus as they evolve.
• Bring your OneCard. Card readers have been reset to full, normal access for employees.
• Sign up for a Homewood Health session to help with the transition back to campus.

Other helpful reminders:

• Summer hours take effect July 1: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a half-hour lunch.
• July 2 is a paid day off; an alternate date will be offered to those whose role requires them to work that day. Stampede parade day, July 9, is a paid half-day off.
• Download the HotSpot app for parking and register your vehicle. Parking is significantly discounted at a flat rate of $5 daily until Aug. 1, when rates revert to 2019/20 levels. Parking will have more information about renewing permits later this month.
• Starbucks at East Gate opens July 5. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• The Table is closed, and currently there is limited service in the Wyckham House food court.
• The Cougars Campus Store is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• Wifi capability has been expanded in outdoor locations so you can opt to work outside (Charlton pond, Gauthier Court, East Gate lawn and Memorial Garden).
• The RLLC has space indoors as an alternative location to work.

Alternative work arrangements

We continue to work on the components of an alternative work program and expect it to be piloted in select areas before making this opportunity available more broadly. Additional information will be available later in the year.

A special thanks to the many employees who remained on campus throughout the pandemic, keeping the home fires burning. Thank you for working responsibly and safely during that time. Your experiences helped inform planning for everyone else’s return.

No further installation of plexiglass

We have learned a lot about transmission of coronavirus over the last year and a half, and that it is closely linked to small, airborne droplets that can remain in the air for extended periods of time. While you will see some installation of plexiglass on campus, its use has been reassessed as a COVID-19 infection mitigation measure because of its impact on HVAC systems — in particular, that it can impede fresh airflow. The most effective ways to avoid infection, therefore, are through vaccines, masking and well-engineered HVAC systems with good airflow. Mount Royal’s HVAC system operates at the industry’s highest commercial level and the level recommended by health authorities. If you have a particular concern about your space, please speak with your manager.

We’ll have our bumps during this transition period back to campus, but also many happy reunions. We will get through this time with patience and good will on everyone’s part. If you have any questions, please contact returntoworkquestions@mtroyal.ca. Lastly, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as the best way to protect ourselves and each other.

Sent on behalf of Connie Young, Associate Vice-President, Finance and Commercial Operations

Monday, June 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Over the past year, Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) transitioned away from the previous parking system provider to HotSpot so people could pay for parking without having to touch payment terminals. This new system has several benefits for the customer and the institution, so PTS will continue to use HotSpot. Below is a Q&A outlining how parking will work going forward, along with information about OneCards and Starbucks reopening.

How do I set up the HotSpot app?

See these instructions to register through HotSpot.

Where can people park leading up to and including July 31?

Anyone wishing to park on campus may do so in Lots 2, 6A and the East Gate Parkade.

What are the parking rates up to and including July 31?

Until Aug. 1, daily parking will be available at a significantly reduced rate of $5 per day. Parkers can also choose a monthly permit at the cost of $105.25.

Where can people park starting Aug. 1?

We expect all lots will be open as of Aug. 1, but will confirm closer to that date.

What are the parking rates starting Aug. 1?

Starting Aug. 1, all parking fees (for daily parkers or permit holders) will revert to the 2019/20 rates.

If I have an unused flex pass what should I do?

You can bring it to the Cougars Campus Store for a refund.

I had a parking permit before the pandemic. What will happen going forward?

You can renew your parking pass for the same lot at the same price. Permit holders will receive an email two weeks before Aug. 1, 2021 to sign up for their previous location. If PTS does not hear back from you, the spot will be offered up on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are away in the last two weeks of July and want to renew your permit early, email parking@mtroyal.ca

• For those at Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning underground parking: You can resume parking using the RFID card you previously used. The HotSpot code is currently 1000. On Aug. 1, the code will change to 6000.
• For those at Riddell Library and Learning Centre (RLLC) underground parkade: The underground lot will not open until Aug. 1 as the HotSpot app is set up. Instead you can park in 6A in front of the RLLC and the code is 2000. You can renew your permit for the underground parkade two weeks before Aug. 1, 2021. If you are away in the last two weeks of July and want to renew your permit, email parking@mtroyal.ca.

How will payroll deductions for parking work?

PTS will work with ITS and HotSpot in July to make payroll deductions seamless so they are available starting Aug. 1, 2021. Instructions on how to set up payroll deductions for parking will be emailed in advance of Aug. 1. There will not be a convenience fee associated with the payroll deduction program.

How will parking tickets be managed?

As before the pandemic, all MRU parking lots are monitored by the Calgary Parking Authority. If you feel you have received a parking ticket in error, you may appeal your ticket through the Calgary Parking Authority website.

Where can I find the latest parking information? Where can I send questions?

Please visit our web page. Questions can be sent to parking@mtroyal.ca and your email will be responded to within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.

What is a OneCard and how do I get one?

The OneCard is the official identification card for alumni, faculty, staff and students at Mount Royal. All OneCard requests are to be submitted online through MyMRU. Here are the instructions. In-person photo submissions are not available at this time. First submit your request and image online. If you require your OneCard prior to Aug. 15, please email us directly onecard@mtroyal.ca. After Aug. 15 you can pick your OneCard up from the Cougar Campus Store.

When will Starbucks reopen on campus?

Starting July 5 the East Gate Starbucks will officially open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday for all of your coffee and pastry needs.

Thank you for your patience as we transition our systems to enhance your parking experience at Mount Royal, and as we plan our other service offerings for the return to campus.

Sent on behalf of Elizabeth Evans, PhD, interim provost and vice-president academic

Friday, June 11 at 11 a.m.

As you prepare for your well-deserved summer break, I’m writing first to acknowledge what an extraordinary academic year it has been. I am truly respectful of your dedication and resilience to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

Since the end of the winter semester you have actively engaged in the preparation for the delivery of our academic programs in Fall 2021. Thank you for working with your Deans, Chairs and colleagues in setting us up for what we value most, a mainly on-campus plan. Given the recent progress in reduced cases in Calgary and Alberta and particularly the vaccine rollout, we proceed with the important work that will support the delivery of our academic mission.

Throughout summer, our Campus 21/22 planning team will ready the campus for the return of staff, faculty and students, actively monitoring and guided by public health restrictions as they evolve. Work will be done to prepare spaces as needed — including areas for meeting with students, extended WiFi coverage to outdoor areas with additional seating, and developing and updating reorientation materials to share protocols and explain what our community will need to know about campus.

A specific update will be provided to faculty on your return in mid-August with the information for commencing a fall semester.

Resources to support you

Among the support available to you, Human Resources has arranged to have Homewood Health provide “Managing the Transition Back to the Classroom” sessions in August. I encourage you to sign up here to attend one of three sessions. Additional faculty wellness resources are available on the Wellness at Work website. A reminder that this instructor toolkit contains information you should know, and the MRU website has up-to-date information about campus in general. Information will be updated as needed through summer.

Most of you are heading into your vacation period, and I wish you a restorative break, however you plan to spend it. The past year and a half has been difficult, to say the least. I thank you for your dedication to our students and for your contributions to our community. 

Stay well.

Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Tuesday, June 8 at 4p.m.

The state of the pandemic in Alberta has improved considerably over the past few weeks, and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hinshaw confirmed yesterday that the province will be lifting some restrictions according to stage 2 on June 10, which means managers will begin their phased return to campus between June 14 and June 30.

As I indicated a few weeks ago, staff and exempt employees will transition back over the summer, in a phased return that begins July 5 and ends with everyone back by August 30. This becomes possible once restrictions are lifted and we are at stage three.

What this means for you

Managers will be organizing the return of their teams, with the goal of having about one-third of their teams returning by July 26, two-thirds by August 16 and a full team complement by August 30.

Managers will determine what this looks like for individual teams, taking into account operational needs, vacation schedules, the nature of each role and individual circumstances. Some employees will want or need to return sooner than others, and managers have flexibility in this regard.

The summer is a transitional period, allowing us to phase back and restore our campus vibrancy ahead of students’ return. Human Resources has arranged to have Homewood Health support employees’ return with their “Managing the Transition Back to Campus” sessions in July and August. Please sign up to attend one of three sessions here.

Your manager will have information about next steps specific to your team, and the MRU website has up-to-date information about campus in general.

Get vaccinated

We are very encouraged by the pace of vaccines being administered, including second shots for all eligible Albertans. The best way to protect yourself and our campus community is to get vaccinated and to follow all public health measures that are in place.

We continue to monitor health restrictions and COVID-19 related developments. The well-being of the campus community is important, and planning continues based on credible sources of information on COVID-19. This includes preparing physical spaces, having managers return first and our development of reorientation materials. You’ll receive information in the coming weeks that will help you see what’s changed on campus and what to expect for the fall.

In the meantime, I thank you for all you have done during the last year and a half. Your commitment to MRU has allowed us to continue to deliver on our academic mission. There is no doubt this upcoming period will be a time of change but I am certain we will all be bolstered by a return to the campus.

Stay well.

Sent on behalf of the 2021/22 planning team co-chairs, Annalise Van Ham, vice-president finance and administration and Amy Nixon, general counsel

Wednesday, May 26 at 5 p.m.

Earlier today, the Government of Alberta announced “Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan” which outlines how restrictions will ease over three stages, depending on increased vaccinations and decreased hospitalizations throughout the province.

While Alberta will enter stage one on June 1, we will need to review the changing provincial restrictions to determine how we will adapt and adjust on our campus. We hope to have updated information for you in the coming days.

In the meantime, please continue to follow all existing public health measures: wear your mask on campus and in public, practice physical distancing, only come to campus when necessary and make your appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible. As a reminder, all Albertans over the age of 12 are now eligible to receive their first dose of vaccine.

We will share more information with you soon.

Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor, Tim Rahilly

Friday, May 14 at 11:30 a.m.

For many of us, it’s hard to imagine what September will look like in our province. Positive COVID-19 cases remain high, but at the same time, more and more Albertans are getting vaccinated. The most responsible thing we can do right now is remain vigilant in the present and plan for the future.

We continue to plan to deliver most programs in person in the Fall but recognize a wide-scale return to campus depends on reaching stage four of the government’s reopening plan (we are now at stage one). As recently as this week the Chief Medical Officer of Health indicated that she remains optimistic that we can return to campus in the fall with few restrictions. Accordingly, planning continues for a fall return and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Here are some of the high level plans and decisions so far:

Deciding course delivery format and communicating to students

We are continuing to plan for a significant increase to in-person course delivery. Recognizing that Fall 2021 will be a semester of transition, a mixed model of program delivery is the most sensible option. This will involve 70 to 80 per cent of course sections being in-person, with the remainder continuing to be offered through remote delivery. Through a set of shared principles, faculties are finalizing this work, with the intent of updating the timetable and providing information to students on June 1. This approach gives us the best opportunity to adapt and pivot, should the pandemic evolve in an unexpected way.

Transitioning employees back during the summer

We anticipate employees transitioning back to working on campus before students arrive. This will start with managers and other leaders returning as soon as restrictions allow, with an objective of doing so before July. This will enable leaders to prepare for the return of staff. We are currently planning to have staff return back to campus in a phased approach over the months of July and August. As in regular years, faculty will return after August 15 and prior to the first day of classes on September 7.

Adjusting to coming back to campus

I know that some of you will have mixed feelings about returning. Many employees have been away for nearly one and a half years and, for the most part, two years of students have not yet set foot on campus. Communication is being developed to help orient people to campus. Resources and reference materials are being developed which will help managers/chairs support employees, and faculty/instructors and student services support students.

Protecting the health and wellbeing of the campus

Planning is taking place based on credible sources of scientific information. Examples include:

• adjusting scheduling to reduce congestion in public spaces
• assessing work areas, particularly those with cubicles and adjusting when necessary
• expanding WiFi so people can use outside areas
• setting up the old Library and Ross Glen Hall for students to do online courses and gather with different density levels
• using online ordering, payment and pick-up for parking, food services and businesses
• adding signage/barriers to guide walking traffic flow and use of washrooms and elevators

Doing your part

The best way to protect yourself and our campus community is to get vaccinated and to follow all public health measures that are in place now, and in the fall.

As more information is known, we will share it with you. Just as we adjusted to remote working and learning, I know that we can successfully adapt to a wide-scale return to campus. Your patience and cooperation during this transition is greatly appreciated.

Sent on behalf of the 2021/22 planning team co-chairs, Annalise Van Ham, vice-president finance and administration and Amy Nixon, general counsel

Friday, May 7 at 10 a.m.

Further to the video and email from President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly this week, we wanted to remind you about the current reduction in campus access, and to encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as you are able.

Please do not come to campus unless it is required

Given the rising number of cases in Alberta, if your role does not require you to be on campus, please stay home. You will need manager or chair approval to come to campus if it is not required as a part of your role. If you must come, please remember that masks, physical distancing and hygiene protocols are mandatory. Be vigilant about self-monitoring for symptoms and stay home if you feel unwell.

Mount Royal strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and to end the pandemic. On Monday, all Albertans over age 12 are eligible to book a vaccination appointment. Information about walk-in or scheduled vaccinations and different vaccines is available here. If your appointment is during working hours, simply speak with your manager to cover off the time. Employees have access to three hours of paid leave if needed. Provincially, the easing and lifting of restrictions will be directly linked to the percentage of the population that is vaccinated. Being vaccinated will be key to us returning to a vibrant campus community.

We recognize this is a very challenging time for all of us. We want to extend our deepest thanks to you for your ongoing commitment to MRU.

Sent on behalf of Dr. Tim Rahilly, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor

Wednesday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

Yesterday, the Government of Alberta announced several measures to stop the spike in COVID-19 cases. One of those measures is that all learning at post-secondaries must be online for at least the next three weeks, with a few exceptions.

Mount Royal remains committed to aligning with all provincial restrictions. Any changes to our spring courses will be communicated directly to those affected.

For employees, consistent with my most recent video, please do not come to campus unless it is required as part of your job. If you are unsure, please speak with your supervisor.

As is being asked of all Albertans right now, please follow public health measures and get vaccinated when you are eligible. As always, we will continue to follow the directions of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Ministry of Advanced Education.

Sent on behalf of Dr. Tim Rahilly, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor

Thursday, March 4 at 3:30 p.m.

As I mentioned in Wednesday’s Town Hall, we will offer as many courses and services as possible in person and within public health guidelines starting in Fall 2021. While this is our intention, it will depend on the state of the pandemic recovery in coming months.

We are signalling this earlier than the original April timeframe because when continuing students access the registration system for Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 courses starting on March 8, in-person delivery details will be included.

It’s important to remember; however, that final decisions about course delivery formats for the Fall still need to be made. As well, with the pandemic, some students may need to continue to study remotely. Academic units will explore what offerings will be made available for remote learning in the Fall and Winter terms.

The transition back to campus must be well-organized and thoughtful. The Planning Ahead Team has wound up and functional areas around campus are working together on a coordinated plan, looking at ways to:

• maximize in-person learning and services for as many students as possible
• use technology to support blended and remote delivery while these options are needed
• reintegrate people back to campus safely and effectively
• consider the views of students and employees in pandemic surveys

While many will be thrilled to return to campus, some will feel nervous and many will feel a bit of both. These feelings are legitimate. Please know we will continue to have safety protocols in place that meet public health directives.

Current working arrangements will stay in place until at least June 30. As much as possible, the return to campus will take a phased approach. Each functional area will need to determine how best to support students who are returning to campus for learning and services.

Mount Royal prides itself on having a close-knit community that values face-to-face interaction. I look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to campus this fall. We just need to make sure this transition is done thoughtfully and efficiently.

One thing is certain. We are not returning to how our campus operated a year ago. A lot has been learned over the past year and this learning and growth will be very valuable as we go forward. Thank you for all you have done to remain focused on our academic mission through this challenging time.

Sent to all employees on behalf of Annalise Van Ham, Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Friday, February 26 at 2 p.m.

As the University solidifies our plans for the Fall semester and prepares for students beginning to register in March, I’m writing to provide some clarity, on behalf of the President's Executive Committee, that we will maintain a steady state with our current work arrangements, remote and on campus, until at least June 30, 2021.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, our decisions will continue to prioritize safety and will be guided by all public health directives. In the meantime I hope you, like me, look forward to the time when we can all safely return to campus.

Further information regarding plans beyond this interim period is forthcoming.

Sent to all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Tuesday, February 9 at 2:30 p.m.

In November, we sent out COVID-19 impact surveys to a random sample of 4,000 students and all employees. We wanted to know how people felt about the pandemic and MRU’s response to the pandemic so far, and seek suggestions on things we could do better to support the campus community. Faculty were asked additional questions about the teaching experience during the pandemic.

About 40 percent of employees and 40 percent of students responded to the survey. These strong response rates provide a very good sense of what people are thinking and feeling. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Below are high level summaries of the findings plus links on our website where you can find more details in infographics and the full report. The student survey will also be shared with the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University.

Student survey (infographic and report)

Employee survey (infographic and report)

Faculty-specific questions from employee survey (infographic and report)

Seeking the perspectives of students and employees during the pandemic was extremely helpful. While everyone is well meaning and doing their best in a situation we have never experienced before, there is always room for improvement. The intention is to continue to add to the list of actions taken in response to the survey results. As we all know, as part of a learning institution, we may not get it right the first time but we will keep on trying, asking for your patience as we go along.

We will have the opportunity to review these survey findings and resulting actions at our upcoming Community Town Hall (10:00 a.m. on Wed., March 3). We also plan to conduct a follow-up survey in March. In the meantime, if you have questions, please forward them to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Sent to all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Friday, January 8 at 10 a.m.

Colleagues,

Welcome back to the Winter 2021 semester! I hope many of you were able to enjoy some rest. I want to thank those who worked during the break, on campus or preparing for the semester. As we start a new calendar year and semester there is much to celebrate and look forward to.

To start, we surpassed Winter 2021 credit admission targets and registrations compared with last year. This is an amazing accomplishment. We did a survey with students on their experience in the Fall 2020 semester and this information will help shape how we continue to support students.

We do not know when we will be able to return to in-person course delivery but I am hopeful for a bigger return to campus in the fall and more on-campus experiences as permitted. Meanwhile, student recruitment is underway and l am optimistic these efforts will result in strong enrolment.

It’s not lost on me that many of you have not been on campus over the past 10 months. You will recall we surveyed employees in November. We will share the results with you and use your feedback, along with government restrictions, to begin to plan our eventual transition back to working on campus.

The pandemic has been a trying time, but it has also taught us a lot. We reinvented how we deliver an undergraduate education and how many services are provided. I expect many of the things we learned, like our comfort with technology, will serve us well post-pandemic too.

In speaking with other presidents at post-secondary institutions, I’m thankful we erred on the side of caution, putting many restrictions in place before they were mandated. This has served us well and I am confident that our processes and protocols remain robust and thorough.

The roll out of the vaccine gives us reason to hope and look at other positive signals at MRU. The provincial government approved the Bachelor of Social Work that many people worked on for several years and at this time we expect to begin intake in Fall 2021.

The government’s approval of this degree indicates they value MRU as part of Alberta’s post-secondary system. I’ve witnessed this as part of the review of the sector (Alberta 2030). You can share your views at a townhall the government is hosting for faculty and staff in post-secondaries on Jan. 11 at 4:30 p.m. If you are interested, register here.

As we plan for the future, we must also face the reality that we are being asked to do more with less and this will be reflected in the current year’s finances and next year’s budget. We have our work cut out for us to arrive at a balanced budget, but just like in other years, we will get there.

We are also getting close to sharing with you the next level of detail on the draft strategic plan. Out of necessity, it is more focused than the current version and clearly outlines what we will and will not prioritize going forward.

One of those priorities will be working toward having a more equitable, diverse and inclusive campus community. Some progress was made in 2020, but my expectation is that 2021 will be the year a strong framework is put in place and items discussed move to implementation.

I don’t want to gloss over the events taking place in the United States this week. It was alarming and adds to the stress we are already experiencing due to the pandemic. My advice continues to be let’s be kind to ourselves (mru.ca/employeewellbeing) and each other.

And let’s never forget being grateful — for an amazing MRU campus community who works so hard and cares so much about students and for students who continue to choose MRU and the unique undergraduate education all of you provide to them.

Wishing each of you a 2021 full of hope, kindness and gratitude.

Sent to all employees on behalf of Trika Macdonald, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources

Thursday, January 7 at 4 p.m.

Welcome back, everyone. I hope you had a restful December break.

As we commence the Winter semester, I want to thank the entire MRU community for their patience and diligence as we worked through the many challenges the pandemic brought us throughout 2020. As a community, we did an amazing job of minimizing the spread and ensuring that the campus was as safe as it could be despite high numbers of positive cases within and around our city. I want to provide you with an update about campus protocols related to the pandemic.

When a member of our campus community discloses that they have tested positive for COVID-19, the Planning Ahead Team, Human Resources and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) responds quickly to meet and exceed Alberta Health Services safety requirements to help prevent community spread. The EH&S team works with campus partners to:

• contact the individual who has tested positive
• conduct detailed contact tracing*, notifying all individuals who may have been exposed and advising them of the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days
• close off any rooms or spaces where exposure may have taken place
• post signage on exposed spaces to ensure no one enters before cleaning
• clean and sanitize all exposed areas 

*Alberta Health Services has taken a conservative approach to contact tracing, so our EH&S team stepped forward in 2020 to conduct in-depth contact tracing whenever a positive case is identified. Individuals on campus who have been in close contact with an employee, contractor or student who has tested positive are quickly notified by EH&S to help prevent community spread. If an individual is not contacted by EH&S, it is reasonable to assume that they have not had contact with anyone on campus who has tested positive.

I recognize that some employees are seeking greater detail regarding positive COVID-19 cases on campus, however, MRU is mandated to follow Alberta’s Health Information Act and must keep details of anyone’s health diagnosis private and confidential. Individuals who have tested positive have expressed legitimate concerns about their private health information being shared publicly, so all of us at MRU must remember to honour privacy legislation whenever positive disclosures are made.

I can share with you that a total of 66 employees, contractors and students have reported testing positive for COVID-19. Of those 66 individuals, only 16 were physically on the Lincoln Park campus within the time frame required for notification through contact tracing.

Your willingness to follow MRU’s enhanced protocols has created a safer campus for everyone. Throughout the pandemic, we have acted with diligence, often ahead of the public health measures imposed by the city and province. You will recall that we implemented a mandatory face mask requirement nearly two weeks before it became a City of Calgary bylaw, and we encouraged a return to work-from-home before it was provincially mandated.

Even as the provincial government considers lifting some public health restrictions next week, MRU will continue to follow higher level health and safety protocols, adapting as things change.

As always, please visit mru.ca/COVID19 for the latest updates and resources.

Sent to all employees on behalf of the Planning Ahead Team

Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m.

Given the rise in COVID-19 numbers in Alberta, yesterday the Government of Alberta announced additional measures — some which went into effect immediately and others that take effect on Sunday, Dec. 13. These measures have been put in place by the provincial government for a minimum of four weeks. All existing guidance, including closures put in place on Nov. 24 will also remain in place.

Existing and new measures include:

• Government has advised that employees must work from home unless a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness. To address the recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer, Mount Royal had already reduced the number of employees on campus, as of November 24th. Supervisors will advise employees if there are any changes to current working arrangements.
• Masks must be worn by employees, students and visitors at all times when inside a building, unless when in an office or study room alone where the door can be closed. If upon asking, an individual refuses to don a mask they will be asked to leave Mount Royal property and may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Workplace meetings are still allowed but in-person attendance, under the restrictions, should be limited to the extent possible and mask wearing and physical distancing must be followed.
• Guests are not permitted in Residence effective immediately, including indoors and outdoors.
• Group training and game play among Cougars varsity teams remain on hold.
• Private group lessons (including Chamber ensembles) in the Conservatory remain paused.
• Event and Theatre Services remains closed.

Campus closures, effective Sunday, Dec. 13:

• Recreation Centre

Remaining open on campus, now and after Sunday, Dec 13:

• The first floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre remains open for study space and  access to computers. Please note that print library materials and equipment continue to be available for borrowing via contactless pickup.
• MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic (except for massage therapy and athletic therapy services)
• Health Services Clinic
• Wyckham Pharmacy
• Wyckham House food services (for takeaway only)

Additional information:

There has been some confusion about what employees should do if you are symptomatic, self-isolating or have tested positive for COVID-19 or if you are contacted by a student experiencing those situations. Here is further clarity, but if you are unsure please email covid19@mtroyal.ca or ehs@mtroyal.ca.

Employees who are:

• symptomatic 
• self-isolating due to close contact or
• have tested positive (and have been on campus or at another site for MRU work in the last 14 days)

… complete the self isolation/symptomatic/positive case report form. If you cannot do this let your supervisor know and that person will fill out the form on your behalf.

Instructors who are contacted by a student who is:

• symptomatic
• self-isolating due to close contact or
• has tested positive (and has been on campus or at another site for MRU work in the last 14 days)

… fill out the student symptomatic/self-isolation form on their behalf.

The responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community and on our campus is shared by all of us. Your continued cooperation to follow these restrictions will help us return more quickly to the pre-pandemic times we all miss so very much.

Sent on behalf of the Elizabeth Evans, Interim-Provost and Vice-President Academic

Thursday, December 3 at 12:30 p.m.

Mount Royal University recognizes that the pandemic has increased the levels of stress and uncertainty among members of the entire campus community. Your patience and flexibility during the Fall 2020 term has been appreciated.

The University cares about your mental health and well-being. In consultation with the Mount Royal Faculty Association, the Mount Royal Staff Association and the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University, and as endorsed by the General Faculties Council, a decision has been made to move the first day of Winter 2021 classes from January 6 to January 11.

This decision was made to support the well-being of the campus community, but it also recognizes the impact government restrictions have on family obligations and personal responsibilities, including the delay of in-person K-12 schooling, and supports the government’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The University will officially resume regular operations on January 4, with faculty and staff available to support students and welcome them back to classes the following week. This change will, however, provide extra time to prepare before classes begin and may provide an opportunity for employees to use accumulated vacation time if circumstances allow for it.

The decision to start classes later impacts a number of other dates during the semester. These are noted below. If a date is not listed, it means it has stayed the same. Visit the Critical Dates page for a listing of all important dates.

Please note that a limited number of courses may have experiential learning or program accreditation requirements that will need an earlier start than January 11, 2021. The current Schedule of Classes will be updated with any date changes that are impacted by this decision. Students will see changes to the start and end dates of these classes in the near future and students registered in a course with in-person exceptions will also receive notification by email.

As well, in recognition of the challenges students have faced during the pandemic, Academic Standing decisions for the Fall 2020 semester will only apply to students eligible to remain in, or move to, Good Standing. Students on Academic Warning and Academic Probation will be held in the current standing. Student academic records will be reviewed and those students who would have fallen out of Good Standing, or who would have been required to withdraw, will be advised and provided with resources.

For planning purposes, please also note that Blackboard will be unavailable from Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021 to the end of the day on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 in order to do required updates.

These decisions are just one way the University can support the campus community. During these challenging times, resources are available at mru.ca/employeewellbeing and we can all find ways to support each other as colleagues.

Sent on behalf of the Planning Ahead Team

Wednesday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m.

With the provincial government putting in place enhanced measures yesterday, we wanted to communicate the impact to MRU and as a result to you. These measures have been put in place by the Government of Alberta for the next three weeks and will be reviewed in mid-December.

Students with in-person learning exceptions on and off campus, and many of you, the faculty and staff supporting them, can complete these for the fall semester. The safety measures have been followed and we are confident this will continue.

The announcement reinforced some measures that are already in place at MRU. This includes:

• working from home, where possible
• wearing masks on campus whenever others are around. The only time you do not have to wear a mask is when you are:
  • alone in a room where the door can be closed
  • seated and eating or drinking at The Table and Wyckham House at single-person tables
  • in the Recreation Centre using the track and cardio machines on the track and swimming in the pool
• continuing with services in Health Services and the MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic by appointment only
• students having access to study spaces and computers on the first floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, which will remain open. Print library materials and equipment continue to be available for borrowing via contactless pickup

New measures that will be put in place at MRU are:

• not permitting guests in Residence, effective immediately
• pausing private group lessons (including Chamber ensembles) in the Conservatory effective Nov. 27
• putting on hold group training and game play among Cougar varsity teams, effective Nov. 27
• adjusting Recreation Centre capacity to 25 per cent occupancy under the Alberta Fire Code, effective Nov. 27
• stopping Event & Theatre Services in-person services, effective Nov. 27
• awaiting whether Hockey Canada will seek/receive an exception for the hockey tournament between the Cougars men’s team and the Junior National team

A friendly reminder that if you are symptomatic, self-isolating or have tested positive (and you have been on campus or at another site for MRU work in the last 14 days) then, as soon as possible, complete the self-isolation form. It is confidential and when filled out (24/7) triggers the process of contacting appropriate individuals.

You’ve all been extremely co-operative in following the protocols put in place to protect each other’s health and safety. We are grateful and ask that you continue to observe these so all of us can return to that face-to-face student experience MRU is known for.

Take good care of yourselves and look out for each other.

Sent to all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Wednesday, November 18 at 5 p.m.

Hello everyone,

I want to start by saying I am grateful that we’ve had very few cases of COVID-19 originating on campus over the past nine months. This is because you have followed the protocols put in place. Thank you.

Nevertheless, the number of COVID-19 cases and the infection rate in Calgary is very high and the provincial government has put in place mandatory and voluntary restrictions. At Mount Royal we need to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and within our city.

We are doing this to protect each other’s safety and health, but also to do as much as we can to make sure students who have only three more weeks of in-person exceptions can complete their semester. This is a shared responsibility.

Along with existing protocols, additional measures are being put in place.

• For the next 28 days, after discussion with supervisors or managers, employees who can work remotely should do so. During this time, we will continue to assess and will provide an update on the situation prior to December 16.

Employees on campus must:

• wear masks at all times when others are present (in private and public spaces), unless alone in a room where a door can be closed
• use virtual meeting tools instead of meeting in person with others, whenever possible
• Along with earlier advice to limit travel for work outside Alberta, travel for work purposes within Alberta is strongly discouraged, unless required.
• Leaders of service and support areas that have reopened on campus must assess evolving government restrictions and adjust as required, with updates communicated to those they serve.

As well, more than ever, I ask each of you:

Please do not come to campus, if you are experiencing any symptoms, tested positive for COVID-19, been in close contact with someone who tested positive, or travelled outside of Canada. Here are self isolation and quarantine requirements, including a strong recommendation people experiencing other symptoms stay home too.

If you are symptomatic, self-isolating or have tested positive (and you have been on campus or at another site for MRU work in the last 14 days) then, as soon as possible, complete the self-isolation form. It is confidential and when filled out (24/7) triggers the process of contacting appropriate individuals.

I know this is a trying time. Not only are you adjusting to changes at Mount Royal, but many of you are also juggling personal responsibilities impacted by the pandemic. In uncertain times, there are things each of us can do to manage the stress.

I can’t encourage you enough to look at the resources available at mru.ca/employeewellbeing. As well, let’s be kind to each other. The extra effort to check in with a colleague or give someone a compliment can make a big difference.

I look forward to a time in the future when we can all be back on campus. In the meantime, planning ahead remains critical and I am asking all leaders to work within their units to develop return to campus plans. An updated People Plan will be shared that will support this work in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, I ask for your continued help to protect the health and safety of our campus and broader community. If you have questions, you can continue to email covid19@mtroyal.ca. We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt as the situation evolves.

I have seen such amazing resiliency within the Mount Royal community. What makes MRU special — a community that cares about each other — will also help us endure this together.

Sent on behalf of the Planning Ahead Team

Wednesday, October 7 at 2:30 p.m.

A key lesson we have learned from COVID-19 related reports on campus is the need for everyone to understand the process.

There are only two things to remember when reporting a COVID-19-related circumstance:

1. Employees who are working from home must self-report if they are experiencing symptoms that impact their ability to work.

Employees who, as part of their work duties, are required to be on campus must stay home and self-report if they are experiencing symptoms and/or have tested positive for COVID-19.

Ability Management (HR) will contact employees who self-report. These forms automatically notify the people who need to know.

2. The employee who receives the information about a student, visitor or contractor is to fill out the correct form based on whether the situation involves a student or visitor/contractor.

EH&S will contact these students and visitors/contractors. These forms automatically notify the people who need to know.

You may inform, without the person’s name or other identifying information, the relevant Associate Vice-President or Dean, but please do not email or otherwise share information about the symptomatic or COVID-19 positive person with anyone. Health information is private.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is responsible for contact tracing and notifying close contacts. We support AHS by following their guidelines.

Using this process will help ensure we respond appropriately to support employees and students whether they are symptomatic, test positive, or are confirmed as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.

Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m.

Dear colleagues:

I want to let you know about our decision regarding the Winter 2021 semester, as well as a brief summary of the updates shared in this week’s town hall.

Winter 2021 semester decision

To allow ample time for planning, the decision has been made to continue with primarily alternative delivery of courses for the Winter 2021 semester. Over the next month, work will be done to identify in-person course exceptions, prioritizing learning experiences that are cornerstones for student progression and those essential for graduating students.

While our teaching will primarily remain online, we are starting to explore ideas around gradually allowing more access to campus by employees, students and community members. No decisions have been made on this yet, but you can expect more communication in the coming weeks.

Of course, any decisions regarding the Winter 2021 semester or expanding access to campus will need to consider the evolving guidance from the health authorities and the provincial government. If you have a question regarding MRU’s ongoing planning around the pandemic, you can email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Budget updates

When we developed our budget in the spring, we did our best to estimate the financial impact of the pandemic. With the pandemic going on longer than expected, we have revised our financial estimates for this year. The result is a deficit of about $7.3 million, largely due to lower revenue from commercial operations and higher costs. To address this gap we are:

• deferring filling vacant positions 
• implementing wage rollbacks of five per cent for the president and vice-presidents and three per cent for senior leaders (such as deans and associate vice-presidents)
• reducing discretionary spending
• delaying some operational spending
• limiting reserve funding

While not budget-related but directly due to the pandemic, we also introduced temporary solutions like furlough leave and reducing some full-time positions to up to 0.7 of full-time.

In combination, these measures reduce our deficit to $1 million, so there is more work to be done. Our financial challenges are not small, but I am committed to getting us through this in the coming months. If you have a question about the budget, you can email budget@mtroyal.ca.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Today, I will have the first meeting with the President’s Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Like others, I am eager to advance this work, coming out of the Black Lives Matter movement and experiences of racism among those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. We are also in the process of hiring some key positions, including a term position for a special advisor for equity, diversity and inclusion and a senior person to oversee indigenization and decolonization. If you have a question regarding equity, diversity and inclusion, you can email comments@mtroyal.ca.

Employee well-being

During these unsettling times, with concerns about the budget, workload, family commitments and the pandemic (what I call “lifeload”) it is important to remember your own well-being. Human Resources has more support available at mru.ca/employeewellbeing. There are also resources for students at mru.ca/studentwellbeing. I have also asked all supervisors to have discussions with employees about workload, including looking at their own.

Alberta 2030

This is the government-led effort to review and improve Alberta’s post-secondary system. At mru.ca/Alberta2030info is the government website with more information and a survey you can fill out. I was invited to be part of the “Guiding Coalition” overseeing the initiative and ensuring a focus on the key priorities. If you would like to share your views with me, please go to Alberta 2030 MRU feedback and session registration.

There are more details on all of these topics at mru.ca/townhall. The slides and recording of the live stream will be up for the next week.

In closing and as I said during the town hall, when I step above all of these details my thoughts are around gratitude and compassion. I am so grateful for everything you are doing right now for Mount Royal. I urge each of us, to the best of our abilities, to be compassionate with ourselves and each other. With gratitude and compassion, we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Timothy Rahilly, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor

Sent on behalf of Dr. Elizabeth Evans, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m.

Colleagues,

Mount Royal University will continue with alternative delivery of courses for the Winter 2021 semester. The decision is being made now so that you can begin to plan your courses.

The Academic Development Centre has resources to assist you and the Library can help identify and acquire alternatives to print or physical materials for use in your courses.

Like the Fall 2020 semester, deans will work with chairs to identify in-person course exceptions. Essential learning experiences that are required for graduation will be prioritized, followed by experiences that are cornerstones for student progression. Faculty can expect to see this communication early next week, with a deadline of Oct. 20 to receive requests.

Additionally, faculty have to indicate if their classes will be taught synchronously, asynchronously or hybrid, no later than Oct. 30, so that course information can be communicated to students in the first week of November. Enrolment Services will work with deans and chairs to collect this.

As we continue to follow the People Plan for the gradual re-opening of campus, we are hopeful for increased access to campus for faculty and staff, even as our teaching remains primarily online. Opportunities to engage with our students outside the classroom setting are also being considered.

I recognize that the uncertainty of the pandemic has added stress in your personal and professional life. While the restrictions to campus are there to protect your physical health, your mental well-being is equally important. I encourage you to access resources as you need.

Thank you for your dedication to the teaching and learning environment at MRU. I continue to hear positive feedback from students who feel supported and engaged —  a testament to your efforts.

Sent on behalf of Trika Macdonald, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources

Friday, August 28 at 11:30 a.m.

While most of this email impacts staff only, I wanted to share it with all employees for your information.

Yesterday, the University and Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) agreed to an extension to the Furlough Leave Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It is posted here.

The key points in the new MOU are:

• The current MOU on Furlough Leave expires on Aug. 31. This new MOU extends Furlough Leave from Sept. 1 through to Dec. 31, 2020.
• After 180 consecutive calendar days of Furlough Leave, staff have the option of a severance payment to exit the organization or to remain on Furlough Leave.

Human Resources is working with managers to reach out to staff who are on Furlough Leave to let them know about the new MOU and how it affects them.

An addition to the MOU is that managers can reduce hours for full-time staff who no longer have enough work, or are able to return to work in a reduced capacity to no less than  0.7 of a full-time equivalent until Dec. 31, 2020. In most circumstances, a staff member's benefits and pension will not change. More details can again be found in the MOU.

Like all organizations, the pandemic has significantly changed the normal course of Mount Royal’s operations. For those staff with less work, we want to delay severing the employer and employee relationship for as long as possible and provide support to you through your benefits.

A friendly reminder to all employees to please fill out health declaration forms whenever you are coming to campus, attending field-schools, or participating in off-campus activities with colleagues. By scrolling down here, you can find other forms for employees too.

With gratitude for your continued dedication to MRU and wishing you all a healthy and successful semester.

Sent on behalf of Brent Mann, Director, Event and Theatre Services and Jason Unsworth, Director, Business Services

Tuesday, August 26 at 2:25 p.m.

Chartwells chosen as new food service partner: The Table opening up Sept. 3

As you may know, MRU Food Services has been working on a rigorous process to secure a food service partner on campus in time for the Fall 2020 Semester. I am pleased to announce that Chartwells was selected as MRU’s new food service provider.

With this change, The Table, located on the second floor of Main Street, will open Sept. 3, offering fresh, quick and nutritious on-campus dining. The Table will have extended hours of services providing breakfast, lunch and pre-made dinner options Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To help provide safe service, purchases can be made by debit or credit card. Cash transactions are unavailable at this time.

Introducing MRU Dining Plans using the OneCard

Working closely with Chartwells to provide the best on-campus experience, MRU Food Services is excited to announce new MRU Dining Plans using the OneCard. Dining plans are accessible to those living in Residence and to students with in-person learning exceptions, as well as employees.

The Table offers two food service platforms — one with a rotation of soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, along with a daily rotating lunch and dinner menu and the second featuring classic, hot-off-the-grill comfort dishes. There are also ‘grab n’ go’ sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and cold beverage options. The Tim Hortons Express coffee program will be available.

To learn more about the MRU Dining Plans and The Table’s full offering, visit the Food Services webpage.

Employee parking permits now available in Lots 3 and A starting Sept. 1

After receiving feedback, employees can purchase a parking permit for Lot 3 at the West Gate entrance and Lot A near the Grounds Building starting Sept. 1. Please see the parking map for where these lots are located.

Employees can sign up for a spot now using the MRU Parking Portal. If you are new to the portal, you can login using your MyMRU credentials. Simply click “Login” at the top right corner, then beneath “Customer Authentication” make sure to click “Affiliated Login”.

Permits cost $421 for the semester ($105.25 per month, $52.63 per pay period) including GST and can be processed through the payroll deduction system. If you paid in full for the Winter 2020 Semester and have a credit on file, please email parking@mtroyal.ca and we will apply these funds to your permit prior to payroll deductions taking effect. If you prefer to pay for the whole Fall 2020 Semester in advance, you can pay by Visa or Mastercard through the Parking Portal. The parking office will prepare the permits and deliver them to permit holders on campus.

Parking permits for the Fall 2020 semester in Lot 3 and Lot A are temporary.

When operations on campus return to normal, those who previously parked in Lot 3 and Lot A will have a first right of refusal for those lots.

Parking remains available in the East Gate parkade and Lot 2 based on 30 minutes free and then a flat rate of $5 per day using the HotSpot app. Learn more. We will continue to evaluate the need to open more lots based on demand.

Thank you for your patience as we work to find the best solutions for our campus community. If you have any questions, please email parking@mtroyal.ca.

Sent on behalf of Leona LaChance, Chief Information Officer

Tuesday, August 26 at 7:59 a.m.

In preparation for the fall semester I wanted to make you aware of some updates related to information technology.

Faculty and researchers: virtual computer lab now available for students

The new MRU Virtual Computer Lab (vLab) service by Apporto provides 24/7 access to specialized instructional and classroom applications such as SPSS, MATLAB, Minitab, ArcGIS, R Studio and more. All that’s needed is an internet browser running on your PC, laptop, Mac or Chromebook. Learn how to access and use vLab.

New, improved ITS website with apps for faculty and researchers, and staff

We’ve created easy to navigate webpages so faculty and researchers, staff and students can find the approved software and online tools they need to support remote work and learning. Information includes where to find online tutorials, how to apply for licensing for specific programs and more.

Higher number of calls to the ITS Help Desk

With call volumes high due to the start of the semester and the pandemic, if you do not have a request that requires immediate assistance instead of calling the Help Desk, email itservicedesk@mtroyal.ca or fill out a ticket on MyMRU / Employee / Resources and Timesheets / Work Tools / Online Service Request. As well, view our training tutorials.

New tool for remote file access

GlobalProtect and Webfiles are the new tools to upload and download files on the Mount Royal network remotely. They will replace SRAS and Pulse Secure. If you are using these tools, please move over to the new tools as soon as possible because the others will no longer function as of Sept. 7. Learn more.

New cybersecurity awareness training platform launched

All employees are required to do cybersecurity training upon being hired and annually. On Aug. 17 a new training tool from Proofpoint was launched. You can do the training online or in a virtual workshop format. Learn more.

Google upgrades during the summer: more to come

Building on upgrades over the summer, look for a new integrated G Suite experience in September. Integrated Gmail will house: Mail, Chat, Rooms (spaces that include shared chat, files and tasks to help groups more easily work on projects) and Meet (upcoming meetings that you can view and join). Visit Google's Learning Centre to review the new interface and best practices and to download a cheat sheet so you are ready when it rolls out.

Academic Development Centre resources and workshops

Please remember there are many resources to help faculty prepare for teaching and learning in an online environment. For more information go to mru.ca/ADC, where you can also find some valuable workshops.

Sent on behalf of Trika Macdonald, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources

Tuesday, August 18 at 7:30 a.m.

Mount Royal University recognizes the challenges that all employees have faced over the past five months. You have not only adjusted to working in new ways, but also balanced your work and home life responsibilities, including, for many, caring for others. I would like to thank you for your contributions and sacrifices made during these uncertain times.

As described in the Welcome Back site for employees, the best way to protect the health and safety of the campus community during the pandemic is to limit the number of people and the amount of time they spend on campus. Simply put, the norm will be for most employees to work remotely in the fall of 2020.

As students in grades K to 12 return to school in the fall, many of you are facing decisions about sending your children to school, participating in other delivery models offered by school boards and arranging for child care. We will support those of you with dependent children to the extent that we are able by making available several options.

• If you have been working from home and can manage your work duties and your personal priorities, you can continue to work from home until such time as it is determined you may return to campus. You will be notified by your manager at least two weeks prior to the return date. At that time, you can identify any challenges with the return with your manager, such as needing alternate arrangements.
• If you decide that you wish to remain home with your children to support their educational requirements or care, and you determine with your manager that:
  • you can not maintain your required job duties under those conditions, you can request a Leave of Absence Without Pay.
  • you can maintain a partial workload, discuss with your manager the option of an alternate work schedule or a temporary reduction in your work hours (FTE).

In both cases, requests will not be unreasonably denied. Please be mindful that a change in hours will impact your pay proportionately and may also impact your pension and benefits.

• If you require a self-isolation period either for yourself or your dependents that impacts your ability to perform your job duties, please notify your manager and complete the Self-Isolation Form as soon as possible.

Mount Royal’s priority is first and foremost to deliver on our academic mission but we are unable to do that without our valued employees. While ensuring we are able to meet our academic and administrative priorities we also want to support the individual needs of our employees and their families during this challenging time.

Sent on behalf of Jason Unsworth, Director of Business Services

Wednesday, August 12 at 6 p.m.

Please note the following update to our email of earlier today with further instructions for contactless payments for parking via the HotSpot app.

At this time, you can download the HotSpot app and set up your account by adding your personal and vehicle information, as well as credit card details; however, payments cannot be processed until Aug. 24. To get full access to contactless payments through the HotSpot app and load funds to your ‘virtual wallet’, you will need to register for a Hotspot membership. There are two primary membership options of either $2.00 plus tax per month or $20.00 plus tax per year.

After registering for your membership, you can load funds to your ‘virtual wallet’ and make parking payments, but the MRU parking lot zones will not be available until Aug. 24. You will find the zone numbers displayed in Lot 2 and in the East Gate parkade.

You also have the option to make payments by using the QR codes or NFC (near field communication) capability displayed on the signs that will be located in the parking lots. This is a pay-per-use method and no membership purchase is required. All transactions are subject to a $0.20 fee.

For those without access to a cell phone, you can create an account and make payments using your desktop by visiting htsp.ca. When creating your account, you will be required to purchase a membership to make payments.

We appreciate your patience as we implement the HotSpot app and make this transition. For any questions, please email parking@mtroyal.ca.

Sent on behalf of Jason Unsworth, Director of Business Services

Wednesday, August 12 at 2 p.m.

Starting Aug. 24, paid parking will resume on campus. Parking will be available in Lot 2 at the West Gate entrance and the East Gate parkade. All other lots will remain closed until further notice.

Parking will be free for the first 30 minutes and then a significantly reduced flat rate of $5 per day will apply (compared with $17 per day during normal operations). Hourly parking rates and the use of MRU-issued parking permits are unavailable until further notice.

If you previously had an MRU-issued parking permit, you will retain your right to park in the same specific lot in which the permit was held once on-campus activities are substantially resumed. A first right of refusal will be offered prior to permit lots being opened. Any unused parking credits held on your account from Winter 2020 will be applied to future permit payment.

For the health and safety of our campus community, payment will be contactless using the HotSpot app. The usual on-campus pay stations and ticketing system will not be running. This also means that parking gates in Lot 2 at the West Gate entrance and at the East Gate parkade will remain open at all times.

In order to pay for parking on-campus, please follow the steps below:

Option #1: Download the HotSpot app

• Download the HotSpot app from the Apple or Google app store
• Follow the prompts to set-up your own personal account and add money to your ‘virtual’ HotSpot wallet
• Enter the zone number indicated on signs in the parking lot to start paying for parking
• Parking payments will be automatically deducted from your HotSpot ‘virtual’ wallet

Option #2: Use the QR codes or use NFC capability on signs located in the parking lots

• Scan the QR code or simply touch your cellular device to the Fast Tap signs located in the parking lot
• You will be redirected to the HotSpot parking payment page
• Enter the zone number indicated on signs in the parking lot, along with your license plate number and payment information

Up until August 24, free parking is available in the East Gate parkade or Lot 2 at the West Gate entrance. View our parking map for lot locations.

Please note that reduced parking rates and available lots are continuously under review and subject to change. We will continue to keep you informed but you can also check the Parking and Transportation website.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we resume parking at a discounted rate on campus and transition to contactless payments in the interest of safety for our MRU community. Kindly note that the parking office remains closed for in-person services. For any other questions or inquiries, please contact parking@mtroyal.ca.

Sent to all employees on behalf of Jane O’Connor, co-facilitator of the Planning Ahead Team

Friday, August 7 at 11 a.m.

As we begin to transition into fall, activity on campus will expand somewhat, including a scaled-down reopening of Residence and the first floor of the RLLC for student study spaces. Other areas are being considered for partial reopening, however this will not change the working arrangements for the majority of employees, most of whom will continue to work remotely.

For information about the fall, please visit the new Welcome Back website, which is the source of up-to-date campus information for students, employees and community members.

Please make note of the following developments.

Working in remote locations

Employees working off campus are advised to remain in Alberta. There are many implications to working out of province, including Workers Compensation coverage, Sun Life benefits, healthcare issues across jurisdictions and compliance with evolving public health mandates, to name a few. Any requests to work out of province, and within Canada, should be discussed first with managers or chairs, who will then review on a case-by-case basis with deans or AVPs and Human Resources.

Expansion of cybersecurity training

IT Services (ITS) is expanding mandatory cybersecurity training to include everyone who does work for the University, not just full-time employees, through the use of a new, more cost-effective training tool: the Security Education Platform by ProofPoint. Between now and August 17, you’ll receive a notification email with instructions on how to access the course you’ve been enrolled in, which will be determined by your role. If you do not receive a notification email by August 17, visit the Cybersecurity Hub to register.

Phishing training has resumed

ITS’s phishing training program has been relaunched after being paused in March because of the pandemic. Phishing emails are sent quarterly to different employees to better assess how effectively people can spot and report a phishing email. When any suspicious emails arrive in your inbox, report them by clicking the new PhishAlarm icon (a small white envelope) in the task panel to the far right of your inbox. More details are available on the Cybersecurity Hub.

Improving online tools for fall

ITS has been working throughout the summer on new technology, and with Google on its G Suite features, to help support MRU’s continued requirements for off-campus work and learning. More information will be shared later this month. Help is always available through the IT Service Desk.

Do not bring friends or family members to campus

If you have to come to campus for an appointment or to pick up supplies or belongings, please come alone. For the health and safety of those who need to be on campus, access is restricted. Please do not ask Security Services to let others in with you. When you do enter, do not allow anyone else to follow you in. Each person coming to campus must speak with Security directly and give a reason for coming. Remember that masks or face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public spaces on campus.

These rules are in place to ensure as safe an environment as possible.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

Thank you.

Sent on behalf of Trika Macdonald, Associate Vice-President Human Resources to staff and exempt employees (faculty will receive a separate email in coming weeks)

Wednesday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m.

Mount Royal appreciates the efforts employees have made during this trying time. Our move from campus to a home office environment happened quickly and was initially thought to be a temporary situation. It is now apparent that for many employees working remotely will continue into the fall, if not beyond.

Bringing home some supplies and equipment

To appropriately support you while you work from home, you can coordinate with your supervisor to return to your office to obtain some office supplies or equipment that you and your supervisor deem necessary to more effectively work from home.

You can bring home:

• one external screen (monitor) and cables
• a keyboard and mouse
• office supplies, such as pens, paper and notebooks
• an office chair

You can not remove:

• desktop computers (These only work when directly connected to the MRU network.)
• sit/stand stations
• desks
• kitchen equipment, such as kettles, microwaves etc.

If your supervisor approves your requests, please work with them to set up a date and time you want to pick up equipment or supplies so we can maintain the campus health and safety requirements during the pandemic. You will need your OneCard to access buildings and be required to wear a face mask to enter buildings.

Supervisors will be asked to notify Security Services when employees are returning to pick up items and fill out this form to track equipment (not office supplies) removed from campus.

Being reimbursed for some expenses

You may be able to have some expenses reimbursed with approval from your respective dean or associate vice-president. In line with purchasing policies, these items would be considered appropriate:

• pens
• paper
• ink cartridges for personal printers if you have one
• postage or courier fees, if the sending of physical documents is required

Expenses that would not be considered for reimbursement include:

• purchasing of electronic equipment or laptops
• internet services or installation

Sent to all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Tuesday, June 30 at 2 p.m.

Dear colleagues,

With the nicer weather and gradual re-opening of some businesses and services in Alberta, more employees have unexpectedly returned to work on campus. It isn’t surprising when many restrictions in our day-to-day lives are being lifted somewhat. For post-secondary institutions; however, the provincial government has been very clear with us that campuses need to continue to have very restricted access.

For the safety and health of our campus community, I would appreciate it if you could please continue to work remotely for now and in the foreseeable future, except for those doing critical functions or as approved in specific areas. The Planning Ahead Team will reach out to all managers to identify and plan for which employees need to return to campus to support in-person class exceptions later in the summer. Because there are many points of integration, these plans will be approved by senior leadership. Just like the norm for students in the fall will be alternative delivery of classes, the norm for employees will be working remotely.

Until mid-August, campus buildings will only be only accessed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The Riddell Library and Learning Centre has physically closed for students during the summer but continues to provide online support and services and limited textbook pickup. Until restrictions on gatherings are removed by the government there will not be general access to campus by the public, with the exception of those with appointments at the Health Services Clinic, the MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic and health-related businesses that are open in Wyckham House.

As we move into summer, I hope many of you are taking a well-deserved break and thank you for your diligence in continuing to keep our campus community safe and healthy.

Sent to all employees on behalf of Jane O’Connor and Peter Davison, co-facilitators of the Planning Ahead Team

Friday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m.

The work of the Planning Ahead Team (PAT) is focused on coordinated institutional oversight for activities over the summer and into the fall, and is integrated with the campus community through an Academic Working Group and a Services Working Group. The Institutional Support Working Group has merged with PAT to ensure overall consideration, planning and management of workforce, safety, capacity and financial implications. All of these working groups are temporary, action-based teams rather than long-standing committees.

If you have opinions you would like to share for a particular area or topic, you can reach out to either of us as the facilitators of PAT or the working group facilitators (listed below), recognizing an openness to receive views but also a necessity to take recommendations forward for timely decisions.

The decision making process is both robust and consistent and involves:

• identifying major issues and decisions required
• evaluating based on common criteria to make sure implications are considered
• presenting an evaluation and recommendation within PAT
• recommending decisions to the President’s Executive Committee

The two overall priorities right now are as follows.

1. Determine limited exceptions for some in-person learning because the courses or activities cannot be done using alternative delivery methods and then develop a plan to communicate these to students, faculty and employees so everyone has time to prepare.
2. Develop a strategy for bringing employees back to campus safely, understanding it is highly unlikely this return will be en masse due to health restrictions and recognizing many employees continue to require flexibility to support family members.

These two priority areas need to be agreed upon first because they will directly impact the reopening of businesses, services and supports for the public, students and employees.

As the province progresses through the stages of the relaunch strategy, we understand the eagerness of some areas to reopen again. It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that we will open up these operations by the dates identified in the provincial relaunch strategy. There are still very strict guidelines in place that need to be carefully assessed against what is feasible and considering impacts to other areas of the University. Broad considerations include evaluating the financial impacts, the need for personal protective equipment, cleaning and signage, physical distancing protocols and access to technology, to name just a few.

Here are more details about the two working groups:

Academic Working Group (facilitated by Steve Price)

Along with identifying exceptions to alternative delivery, this group is planning and recommending solutions for Fall 2020, considering:

• synchronous and asynchronous class delivery (scheduling, communication)
• in-person research activities (protocols for on-campus work, etc.)
• recruitment, marketing and communications to increase enrolment and support students with alternative delivery methods

Services Working Group (facilitated by Ben Hall)

This group, which is key to supporting the academic mission and generating revenue, is focused on:

• moving through the decision making process for reopening (e.g. Recreation, Parking, Event and Theatre Services and the Library)
• expanding permitted services (e.g. MRU’s Injury & Prevention Clinic)
• ensuring that we meet Alberta Health Services requirements for all services that will resume (e.g. capacity restrictions in Residence)
• supporting exceptions requiring access to certain spaces (e.g. Recreation and the Library)

It is important to note that throughout this pandemic, we are all responsible for taking proper precautions when it comes to our own health and the safety of those around us, through proper hygiene practices, physical distancing and other public health measures.

As priorities are met and work is done, new priorities and areas requiring work emerge. In many cases, we cannot answer questions because the work is in progress. Nevertheless, if you do not see a question answered either by referring to the planning ahead site or on the appropriate subject page at mru.ca, please email that specific area or covid19@mtroyal.ca. If there is an answer we will share it and if the work is in progress we will let you know too.

Sent on behalf of Jane O’Connor and Peter Davison, Co-Facilitators, Planning Ahead Team

Friday, May 22 at 8 a.m.

As Alberta gradually reopens businesses and resumes activities, it is worth reminding employees that Alberta Health Services continues to advise remote working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Only employees doing critical functions are to be on campus. If you must pick up items, please check with your supervisor on a date and time, and remember there are limited entrances and campus hours (see Q&A here).

While there are many positive signals for the future, as employees all of us are asked to continue to:

• practice good hygiene and physical distancing as these requirements remain in place through all stages of relaunch
• stay home and get tested when exhibiting symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat
• wear non-medical masks when out in public places where keeping a distance of two metres is difficult

You may notice we are not writing as directors of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). While the EOC is still operating in the background on emergent issues as they arise, we have shifted away from an emergency response and into proactive planning for the 2020/21 academic year. A Planning Ahead Team has been formed to advise and coordinate the efforts of three working groups (academic, institutional support and services) so we can efficiently prepare for the months ahead.

As there are updates about MRU's preparations for the 2020/21 academic year, we will communicate them to you. If you have questions that are not on the mru.ca/PlanningAhead website or related links, please email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Sent on behalf of Phil Warsaba, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Students

Tuesday, May 5 at 10 a.m.

For the first time, Learning Strategists with Student Learning Services will be facilitating Academic Success workshops during the spring semester. The webinar series runs from May 11 to June 3, and the schedule and registration links are now live at mru.ca/SLSworkshops.

For instructors who wish to offer students an incentive to participate in the webinars, there is a new process in place. At the end of each webinar, students will be provided with a link to a form containing learning assessment and reflection questions. When students submit the form, they will automatically receive a copy of their responses. Responses can be forwarded to their instructor as a demonstration of student participation. If you have questions, please feel free to connect with us at sls@mtroyal.ca.

Learning Strategists can also support students through individualized 30-minute appointments via Google Meet (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). To book, please advise students to visit mymru.ca, click on the Academic Success link, and look for the blue "Book it" button.

Thank you in advance for raising student awareness of these opportunities to boost their academic success.

Sent on behalf of Peter Davison and Jane O’Connor, co-chairs of the Emergency Operations Centre

Friday, May 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Yesterday afternoon, the Alberta government shared its gradual relaunch strategy, outlining the careful phases of reopening for businesses and services. The plan continues to require physical distancing and limits the size of gatherings through all phases.

While a reintegration strategy is welcome news, it does not change our current operations or requirements for remote work. In other words, no one is to come to campus on Monday unless they are already working on campus. All remote work is to continue and all other restrictions to our operations remain.

We look forward to more details on the gradual easing of restrictions, in time. When a change to our operations is allowed, we will communicate our plans with the campus community, including what a gradual return to campus will look like for us.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued good work.

Sent on behalf of Trika Macdonald, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources

Monday, April 27 at 10 a.m.

The well-being of our campus community has been our first priority over the last several weeks as we have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly all of our activities have moved to online delivery or remote work. There are, however, some areas where work cannot be done remotely or where there has been a significant slowdown of our operations because of the pandemic. This has required us to expand provisions for unpaid leaves of absence.

This email concerns information about new or revised unpaid leave provisions for Mount Royal employees, beginning with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) that takes effect on May 1. The option for any employee, regardless of employee group, to request an unpaid leave of absence between now and the end of August is also explained.

1. Furlough Leave MOU signed with MRSA

To address the sustained change in our work environment during the pandemic, the University has reached an MOU with the MRSA for mandatory Furlough Leave (leave without pay) for employees whose positions cannot be performed at home or who have seen a significant reduction in work volume.

Furlough Leave is a mandatory — but temporary — suspension from work without pay, where the employment relationship between the employee and the University continues. We recognize these decisions have significant impacts on employees.

This agreement allows people to remain employees and have full benefits coverage, while still being eligible to access government support programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Record of Employment will be provided for people placed on Furlough Leave. Please see #3 below for a detailed explanation of benefits during unpaid leaves at this time.

Human Resources is working closely with managers to identify and notify people whose positions are impacted. Initial notifications to the people affected will start as early as today (April 27) and will be followed up with a detailed email from Human Resources. Employees will have the option to first use any available personal leave, vacation days and accrued overtime (accumulated time) before Furlough Leave takes effect.

Details are outlined in the MOU.

2. Any employee may request an unpaid leave of absence

Any employee, regardless of employee group, can request an unpaid personal leave of absence from their manager. Approval is subject to operational requirements and each will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with Human Resources. Requests will not be unreasonably denied.

If you have questions about this option, please speak with your manager.

3. Employee benefit premiums covered by the University for unpaid leaves of absence

For both Furlough Leave and requested unpaid leaves of absence, up to and including August 31, 2020:

• The University will continue to pay the employer portion of the life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefit premiums, as well as the employee and employer portion of health and dental premiums.
• Mount Royal will also pay the premiums of any optional insurance that an employee is currently enrolled in, including optional life insurance, optional spousal/dependent life insurance and critical illness (employee and spouse).
• Employees on unpaid leave will be required to pay the monthly premiums for long-term disability by setting up an Electronic Funds Transfer with the Benefits and Pension Advisor in HR after the leave is confirmed.
• During the leave period, employees will continue to be registered with the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) as a ‘Leave Without Salary’; however, contributions will not be made during the leave and employees will be able to purchase (‘buy back’) this service in Spring 2021 with LAPP.

These unpaid leave provisions are a direct result of the impact of COVID-19 on our University operations and will, secondarily, help to address the cost reduction requirements of the current budget year.

Please remember you continue to have access to Homewood Health, our Employee and Family Assistance Program. Homewood provides a wide range of wellness support and counselling services to you and your immediate family members.

We appreciate the MRSA cooperating and problem-solving with us during this process, and we thank all employees for their dedication throughout these difficult times.

Sent on behalf of Emergency Operations Centre Directors

Wednesday, April 22 at 5 p.m.

Starting on Thursday, April 23, campus hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Buildings remain closed on weekends.

Also please note that there will be no student access starting on Thursday, April 23 until Sunday, May 3 (inclusive), except if absolutely necessary and then students will need to go to the West Gate entrance and use the intercom to speak to Security.

Only employees doing critical functions should come to campus. Our goal is to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Sent on behalf of Emergency Operations Centre Directors

Thursday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Our top priority since the pandemic began is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus in order for employees, students and visitors to remain safe and healthy. Over the past few days there has again been an increase in employees coming to campus who are not performing the previously-identified critical functions.

As outlined by President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly in an email directive to managers on April 2, all employees who can do their duties from home were to leave campus Friday, April 3 and not return to campus unless advised.

Only employees doing key functions that cannot be performed from home should remain on campus. These include those:

• protecting the safety and security of people and building operations
• continuing crucial operations and business processes, without which would cause business interruption and reduced enrolment
• delivering the remaining online classes from campus
• responding to critical needs arising from the pandemic

The Emergency Operations Centre can track employee access to campus. For the health and safety of the community, employees not performing these key functions must return to working from home. If you are briefly returning to campus to recover personal property, this should be limited to only essential items.

Thank you for your cooperation and immediate attention to this issue.

Sent to all employees on behalf of Leona LaChance, Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice-President, Information Technology Services

Tuesday, April 14 at 2:45 p.m.

Mount Royal, along with organizations and people around the world, is seeing a significant spike in phishing emails from hackers looking to find and exploit vulnerabilities. With almost all of us working remotely now, ITS has less visibility of the threats that target employees at home. This increases the risks to our network, but it also leaves you more exposed.

Visit the cybersecurity newsletter archive to see some of the current threats. Please subscribe to the weekly newsletter to learn how to avoid becoming a victim and to stay on top of the newest phishing scams. You will better protect your personal information and keep your accounts secure.

Please remember that ITS will never email you asking for your password or to update or verify your email account. If you receive a request like this, it is a phishing email. Please forward any suspicious emails to abuse@mtroyal.ca.

Thank you.

Sent on behalf of Leona LaChance, Associate Vice-President, Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer

Friday, March 27 at 4:30 p.m.

The IT Service Desk has been receiving a high volume and range of calls that reflect the different challenges people are experiencing as they work from home. Some people are very accustomed to telework and require little or no help. Some people are using technology for remote work for the first time.

Supporting telework

While we are doing our best to support callers, some require a level of help that is difficult for us to sustain. To address this, the following steps were taken this week:

• We now have the ability to remote access into a home computer. With the user’s permission, we can join them virtually on their device to resolve issues.
• We are adding more material aimed at various levels of technical comfort to our ITS Training Tutorials drive — from the very basics (“Get started with remote technology”) to more advanced guides.
• Guides for secure remote access and virtual private network (VPN) access will be uploaded early next week, for those who require it.

Using Google tools

I need to reiterate the importance of using only Google applications, including Chat and Meet to adhere to provincial and federal privacy requirements. All video and audio streams in Google Meet are encrypted, and users can join securely even when they are off-site. As well, the Google Suite tools are immediately available with no additional integration or equipment required and at no additional cost. These tools are accessible when you log into your MRU Gmail account.

An important reminder that when using Google Meet, do not join by calling the U.S. long-distance number that appears in a Calendar event. Doing so causes the user and the University to incur significant long-distance charges. You can choose to join as audio only, which uses much less data. The instructions are here. Please see the screenshots at the bottom of this message for help. When setting up a meeting, please instruct guests to join by audio or video and not dial in by phone.

Please remember: MRU IT Services will never send you an email asking you for your password or asking you to update or verify your email account. Be vigilant about spotting phishing emails.

Thank you.

Sent on behalf of Trika MacDonald, Associate Vice-President Human Resources

Friday, March 27 at 11:30 a.m.

Supporting the well-being of employees is important to the University as we work through these extraordinary times. Leaves and working arrangements will continue to be as flexible as our circumstances require.

Dependent care and other personal responsibilities

If you are unable to work while you address family and other personal responsibilities, please advise the HR Business Partner for your area so that you can be appropriately supported or accommodated during this time. For the past two weeks, no one was required to use any leave to support family issues, and no one lost pay.

If you are consistently completing your work duties while providing caregiving to dependents or other individuals, please continue.

Flexible schedules

If you are struggling to complete your work duties consistently, you are encouraged to talk with your supervisor and/or Human Resources about your particular circumstances. If you need flexible working hours while you care for dependents, you will be accommodated. Talk to your supervisor about working outside of normal business hours.

While working with others, let’s all keep in mind that these are exceptional circumstances. There may be times when you are on the phone or video conference and pets or children are demanding attention, and we will all need to be patient with each other as we do our best to manage.

Maintaining a schedule while working from home

If you are currently working from home, please continue to connect with your manager on a regular schedule to ensure you have everything you need. Discuss priorities and workload, including opportunities to take on additional projects if your usual work has slowed down due to our changing operations.

If you have been self-isolating due to illness or travel and have reached the end of your self-isolation period, please connect with your manager to discuss your work arrangements going forward.

Working on campus

If you have remained on campus since we implemented the physical distancing protocols, please continue to do so unless your manager informs you of a change.

Illness leaves

If you are unable to work due to illness, please continue to follow the usual leave reporting requirements set out in your Collective Agreement or Terms and Conditions of Employment. Effective April 1, if you are unable to work due to illness for more than five consecutive days, please advise your manager and complete this brief Short-Term Disability form to ensure you can access the time and benefits to support your health. You will not need a doctor’s note if you can’t obtain one.

Finally, please remember that Homewood Health provides helpful online resources, and the Employee and Family Assistance program continues to be available to employees whose benefits coverage includes this program.

Thank you, and stay well.

A message from the Emergency Operations Centre Directors to employees

Thursday, March 26 at 4:15 p.m.

We are now well into our second week of COVID-19 response, with all of you making significant and valuable adjustments in how you do your work. Our priorities remain to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and deliver our core functions as a university.

As of today, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus. We continue to reinforce with managers that employees who can work remotely continue to do so. We have put in place additional safety and health precautions for those employees who can only do their job on campus.

Here are some recent decisions and information to share.

Support while you work at home

Working from home can be an adjustment, particularly if you have not done it before. Supports are available for you. If you have advanced knowledge or a high degree of comfort with our technology tools, please consider reaching out to a colleague who may feel less comfortable.

There are many helpful instructions on technical support for working from home and a range of other software and hardware questions in these ITS training tutorials on Google Drive. Checking these tutorials before you reach out to the ITS help desk is appreciated because call volumes are high right now. New resources will be added to this folder in the coming days.

We also want to emphasize again that for remote work you should only use Google applications, including Chat and Meet. They were chosen because they adhere to provincial and federal privacy requirements. All video and audio streams in Google Meet are encrypted, and users can join securely even when they are off-site. As well, the Google Suite tools are immediately available with no additional integration or equipment required and at no additional cost. Other platforms should not be used. Remember that these are accessible when you log into your MRU gmail account.

It is vitally important that you not join a Google Meet by phone by calling the U.S. long-distance number that appears in a Calendar event. Doing so causes the University and the user to incur significant long-distance charges. You can choose to join as audio only, which uses much less data. The instructions are here. Please see the screenshots at the bottom of this message for help too. If you are setting up a meeting, please instruct guests to join by audio or video and not dial in by phone.

Some people are experiencing ergonomic issues while working from home. Remember to take frequent breaks and move around often. You can even take virtual coffee breaks with your colleagues. You can refer to this self assessment form. If you need to raise up your monitor or keyboard, you can always use boxes or other household items to create a comfortable elevation. You can also contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office at EHS@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.6038 for assistance.

Helpful information from Homewood Health on working from home is available here, along with new information that includes tips on self-isolation and managing anxiety related to COVID-19 concerns. 

Patience with one another is appreciated while we all work to function well remotely. 

Parking and personal items on campus

Effective April 1, payroll deductions for employee parking permits will stop until normal operations resume and employees can return to campus. For anyone who paid for the full year, a prorated credit will be applied that can be used in the future. Employees who are not returning to Mount Royal in the fall can contact parking@mtroyal.ca to request a refund. Additionally, should you wish to redirect your parking refund or payroll deduction to bursaries for students facing financial hardship right now, please email giving@mtroyal.ca.

For staff who need to return to campus to pick up belongings, please make arrangements through your manager so this can be done safely and consistent with physical distancing protocols and while campus is open. For all employees, please remember that you must not take desktop equipment or other office fixtures home — only laptops assigned to you. All other equipment must remain in your workspace.

There are also some employees needing to return items to campus. Please make arrangements with your manager on what date and time you will do this (when campus is open). If your manager remains on campus please return the items directly, but practice social distancing. If your manager is not on campus, please call 403.440.6897 and let Security know when you will drop off items at the Security desk near the West Gate, again when campus is open.

As well, you will not be charged to park if you must come to campus for any reason. All surface lots and the East Gate Parkade are open and free-of-charge. The parkade under the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning is now closed and the parkade under the Riddell Library and Learning Centre is only open for those with access.

In all cases, please remember to not come to campus if you are ill or are self-isolating.

Closure of buildings and transition of most services to online instead of face-to-face

One way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to move in-person supports, services and businesses to delivery online or by telephone. You can find out what changes have been made by either going to the specific webpage on mtroyal.ca or by referring to the Q&A at mru.ca/covid19.

We are also reducing the number of buildings that are open. The Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning (EC) is now closed until further notice. You will recall the Taylor Centre for Performing Arts and floors two through four of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre are closed too, though the main floor of the Library remains open (physically) with online supports available seven days a week.

The rest of the campus is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, all buildings, except Residence, are closed. More buildings may close in the future but we will let you know.

Yesterday we informed managers about a range of other topics including invoicing, mail delivery, and operating hours for Receiving and Document Services. Please ask your supervisor if you have questions about these.

Student grading decision

This may or may not impact you directly, but we wanted to let you know that yesterday the General Faculties Council decided to make temporary amendments to the Grades and Examination Policy for the Winter 2020 Semester. Once a letter grade has been assigned, students will be able to choose between the letter grade assigned or choose a pass/fail grade for each final course mark and on their transcripts for the Winter 2020 Semester.

This decision benefits students by offering them the flexibility to select which outcome best suits their individual needs as they continue their studies or take the next step in their careers. While  some may be happy with this result, others may not. It was a decision not made lightly, but based on Mount Royal’s commitment to academic rigour and student success.

This information was provided to students this morning and more detailed answers to questions will be in the Q&A at mru.ca/covid19 in coming days.

I know we have said it many times but it is worth saying again. Your flexibility in moving to new ways of working and your commitment to supporting students as they carry on with their studies is greatly appreciated.

Sent to all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Monday, March 16 at 9:15 p.m.

Mount Royal is a community where you belong. I know this is an unsettling time for all of us, but we will get through it together. Whether we are together or apart, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves and each other. 

The health and safety of our campus community remains our top priority. We’re doing our best to contain the spread of COVID-19 in line with directives from Alberta Health Services. There are many decisions to be made and we are working through them quickly but also thoroughly. This can be frustrating, but we ask for your patience. We also appreciate the extraordinary efforts being made by many people. 

The most important thing you can do right now is to stay home if you are sick. There is a zero-tolerance policy on coming to work with symptoms. If you are ill, you will be able to access sick leave without a doctor’s note but need to complete this Self-Isolation Declaration Form. Employees will have access to all available forms of leave according to their Collective Agreement or Terms and Conditions. Additional leave options will be made available as necessary.

Please work with your manager to determine if it is operationally viable for you to work from home, given you have the required tools and equipment. No one will be sent home, but working from home is encouraged as a social distancing measure. Most employees can work remotely with an internet-connected device. Please see the flexible work arrangements section of the Q&A at mru.ca/covid19 for more details.

If you are coming to campus to work this week, there are important steps you can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands thoroughly and well. Keep a distance of two metres between yourself and others. Supervisors will work with employees on social distancing strategies, such as rotating schedules, staggered hours, relocating workspaces and using Google Hangouts Meet videoconferencing or Google Hangouts Chat. Do not hand-deliver paperwork. Scan and email documents to other departments.

It is important that you do not bring your children with you to campus. Use this week to make long-term childcare arrangements. There will be no impact to your pay or leave balances this week. You will not need to report your time. Casuals will also be paid regardless of whether they are asked to work this week.

Nobody will be disadvantaged financially because of these changing circumstances this week. Payroll will continue under all circumstances.

Information on ITS platforms is found at mru.ca/covid19 in the flexible working arrangements section. This includes: 

• Faculty uploading videos to Google drive not Blackboard

• Instructions on how to remote access into voicemail 

• How to get support from the ITS Service Desk and from analysts.  

Campus is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice. Only essential personnel are allowed on campus after 8 p.m. The Library is open. Please go to mtroyal.ca/library to get hours. Recreation is closed. The Cougars Campus Store is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please see mru.ca/covid19 for more information on what is open.

I walked around campus today and very much missed the energy of having students around. I am very grateful to all students for adapting to this unprecedented situation. I am immensely grateful to faculty for their efforts to move to alternative delivery. A huge thanks to staff for your ongoing support to our campus community.  

Please do your best to stay healthy and support members of the MRU community as we weather this pandemic.

Tim Rahilly, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor

Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Monday, September 13 at 11 a.m.

In partnership with other post-secondary institutions across the province, we are implementing an additional safety measure to build on our collective response to COVID-19. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, Mount Royal University will require everyone coming to campus to be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Mount Royal’s existing health measures, including masking, vaccination declaration and rapid testing, will continue for the fall semester.

While the rapid testing program will continue this fall, as of Jan. 1, 2022 it will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination, except for campus community members who cannot be vaccinated based on medical or other protected grounds outlined in the Alberta Human Rights Act.

These decisions were not made lightly. Vaccinations are the most effective health measure we can take to protect ourselves and our community against COVID-19. Every member of our campus community — students, faculty, staff and visitors — must be a part of the effort to provide the safest environment possible given the seriousness of the fourth wave of the pandemic and the ongoing threat to public health and the health care system.

The vast majority of our campus community is reporting that they are fully vaccinated, with another sizable contingent on their way with one shot (see the latest numbers by logging into myMRU.ca). Thank you to those who have already contributed to campus safety by being vaccinated.

I understand that some of you will not agree with the decision to require proof of vaccination to come to campus. At the same time, it is the University’s duty to provide the safest possible learning, studying, researching, working and living environment on our campus. By providing you with the vaccination requirement in advance of the Jan. 1 deadline, you can make informed decisions.

Opportunity to get vaccinated

On Wednesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 23, a vaccination bus will be on the roadway between the Library and the EA building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your Alberta health card or government-issued ID.

You can also book an appointment through the Alberta Health Services website or by calling 811, as well as at doctor’s offices and many pharmacies.

As the fall semester gets underway, please revisit these safety requirements: 

• Masks must be worn in all indoor spaces on campus, with limited exceptions.
• Be vigilant about self-monitoring for symptoms and stay home if you feel unwell. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest information and requirements by reviewing:

• mru.ca/COVID19, including the answers to your frequently asked questions
• The Fall 2021 Campus Health Measures Student Guide

In closing, I have confidence that the Mount Royal community will continue to work together to meet the ongoing challenge that is COVID-19. Together, we have shown that we can rise to the occasion and do our best to protect ourselves and one another.

Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Friday, September 3 at 5 p.m.

We are aware the province has made announcements this afternoon with new recommendations, including mandatory masking for in-person settings, part of the measures we already have in place.

MRU remains open and on-campus activities will continue as scheduled. Activities, including the Residence move-in days and the on-campus student vaccination clinics, will continue along with in-person services and support.

More information will be made available as we continue our work preparing for the fall semester.

Sent on behalf of Phil Warsaba, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Students

Thursday, September 2 at noon

As indicated last week, MRU will be initiating a mandatory rapid testing program for unvaccinated students, staff, and faculty who come to campus, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Fully and partially vaccinated members of the Mount Royal community can declare their vaccination status by Sept.10, 2021 to opt-out of the rapid testing program. As a university community, we trust people to be honest in declaring their vaccination status.

Who should declare: All staff, faculty and students (excluding Conservatory students under the age of 12) who have received one or both doses of an approved Health Canada COVID-19 vaccine should declare their vaccination status.

When to declare: Declare your status any time between now and Sept. 10.

How to declare: 

1. Log into MyMRU with your mtroyal email address. 
2. Click on the “COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration” banner. 
3. Select either fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated from the drop-down menu.*

*In-between doses? You will be able to modify your status by submitting again after you receive a second dose. 

How is my information used and stored? Vaccination status is kept securely in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Access to this information is limited to those who will be required to facilitate the rapid testing program. 

If you are vaccinated but do not wish to declare: Declaration is an important tool for us to monitor vaccination across campus, which informs campus health protocols. You are strongly encouraged to declare. Those who choose not to declare will be required to participate in the rapid testing program.  

If you are unvaccinated: Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most effective health measure we can take to protect ourselves and our community and you are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as early as possible. You will be required to participate in the rapid testing program.

Details of how the rapid testing program will be administered will be shared as soon as possible.

Get vaccinated

Visit the AHS website for more information. Learn more about the student vaccination clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and Thursday, Sept. 9.

Stay home if unwell

Regardless of vaccination status, anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who is a confirmed positive COVID-19 case should stay home. If you stay home, contact:

Your instructor and, should you need additional support, studentaffairs@mtroyal.ca.

More information

As we quickly approach the official start to the fall semester, we recognize many of you have questions about the specifics of health protocols and the rapid testing program. Given the pace of new information, details will be communicated as the work unfolds. Updates will be provided at mru.ca/COVID19.

Sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Friday, August 27 at 2:30 p.m.

During this pandemic, our mission has always been to prioritize the health and safety of the MRU community while delivering quality academic programs to students. Because this remains our focus as we welcome students back to in-person learning, new measures have been implemented to protect students, employees, and visitors.

We have said that we would monitor changes to the post-secondary sector and adjustments would be made as we contend with shifts in COVID-19 case counts and vaccines.

Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces on campus

Effective Monday, Aug. 30, you must wear a mask in all indoor spaces on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, classrooms, labs, hallways, meeting/study rooms. Masks are not required while outdoors. For additional details on masking, including exceptions, please refer here.

Mandatory rapid testing

A rapid testing program will be required for all students, staff, and faculty who come to campus. People who are fully vaccinated can opt out. Details are still being confirmed but this is what we can share at this moment:

• All students and employees will be asked to declare if they have been fully vaccinated with an approved MRNA or viral vector COVID-19 vaccine.
• People who are fully vaccinated will not have to complete rapid tests. If you do not declare as being fully vaccinated you will be required to participate in frequent rapid testing and complete a daily self-check for symptoms before coming to campus.
• People who do not complete the declaration will be automatically submitted to a rapid testing program.
• More details on the rapid test program will be shared as soon as possible via email.

Vaccines work and simplify your visit to campus

The best way to protect yourself and your community, and not have to do rapid testing, is to get vaccinated. We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Additional details about vaccines can be found here.

The most immediate option to get vaccinated is to book an appointment through Alberta Health Services or go to a participating pharmacy.

Opportunities to get vaccinated on campus will be available in September. Students can get vaccinated at a walk-in clinic on the Cougars Concourse on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will also be a vaccination bus parked on campus at the East Gate on Wednesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional information and protecting the health of the campus community

Details related to rapid testing are still being confirmed and will be shared in future email updates. All updates are published on mtroyal.ca/COVID19, along with FAQs and other relevant information. We are working incredibly hard to keep the website and signage up-to-date as swift changes are implemented. Your patience is very much appreciated.

Please remember that it is important that you stay home if you are ill. If employees have symptoms or have COVID-19, please fill out this form. Coming this Fall, students will have a new process to report COVID-19 symptoms and get support. More details will be sent out soon.

I ask that you please continue to look out for each other and respect different comfort levels. If you notice someone struggling please be patient and respectful. Mount Royal is known for being a small community that supports each other. As we start the semester and learn to live with COVID-19, let’s hold onto and foster that culture of mutual respect.

Sent on behalf of Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor

Wednesday, August 25 at 3 p.m.

As we prepare for your arrival in September, this is a very exciting time for the campus community. Our enthusiasm for the start of a new academic year and our anticipation of the energy you bring to our community cannot be understated.

While we are looking forward to welcoming you, we are also focused on the health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Our response reflects the changing nature of COVID-19 in our broader community. That is why we have decided to make adjustments to our on-campus health measures, effective immediately.

Adjustments to health measures

In addition to current measures, like frequent cleaning, hand sanitation stations and one-way traffic controls:

• Masks are mandatory in classrooms and labs.
• Masks are mandatory in any indoor gatherings of 20 or more people.
• Masks are strongly recommended in common spaces, including hallways and meeting/group areas.
• If you are not fully vaccinated, masks are strongly recommended in all areas on campus.
• If you are working or learning alone in an office or similar work space, you do not need to wear a mask.

Please bring your own mask. If you forget, masks are available at Security at West Gate, in laboratories and in instructor podiums in classrooms. Students who require a medical exemption related to masking should contact Access and Inclusion Services. If a student refuses to wear a mask when required, the instructor will ask the individual to obtain a mask or leave the classroom or lab.

Your responsibility

The health and well-being of the campus community is a shared responsibility. In addition to following the campus health measures, complete the student on-campus orientation before coming to campus. You can also get an overview of what our campus will be like by watching our Welcome Back video.

The most effective way that you can protect yourself against COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. If you have not yet received your first or second vaccine dose, please visit the AHS website for more information. MRU strongly requests people attending campus be fully vaccinated.

Our response to COVID-19 is ongoing and information related to on-campus health measures can change.

Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 protocols

It is a busy time of year and a lot of information is being shared. For the most current and up-to-date COVID-19 measures on campus and available supports, please refer to mru.ca/COVID19 regularly.

Remember, let’s be courteous and patient with those who might have different levels of comfort with in-person learning. Please respect the measures that are in place, get vaccinated, and care for yourself and others.

Sent on behalf of Chris Rogerson, Executive Director, Student Affairs

Friday, July 20 at 3 p.m.

The MRU team is hard at work to welcome you and the return of more on-campus activities. While preparations are underway, I am reaching out to highlight a couple important things you can do now that will have a powerful impact on the success of your studies at MRU.

Your physical wellness

Your academic success is directly tied to your physical health, which allows you to focus and fully participate in your studies.

Don’t risk getting ill and disrupting your studies. You can control your own success by getting fully vaccinated now!

As Alberta’s chief medical officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw recently posted on social media, “If you are 20 to 39, and think you aren’t at risk, 1,400 plus ABs your age have needed hospital care over the last 17 months and 200 ICU care. If you haven’t gotten both doses yet, this is the time. Vaccines will protect you, those around you & will keep AB safer in the months ahead.”

Getting fully vaccinated now ensures you have the least chance of missing coursework and can access the greatest number of curricular and optional activities such as study abroad, work placements and other on- and off-campus activities.

If you are already fully vaccinated, congratulations on taking an important step towards your academic success. If you still need your first or second dose, check out Alberta Health for information on your vaccine options. If you live outside of Alberta please check with your local health authority.

We will let you know before classes start what other health measures will be in place on campus to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Your academic preparedness

Finally, you’ve got this! Spending time now to ready yourself for the start of classes sets you up for success and we are here to help you prepare for the rigours of university life.

Get familiar with the many academic and personal supports available to you throughout your MRU studies. Research has shown that students who access services and participate in campus activities are more likely to succeed in their studies. Plan to take advantage of the many resources available to you and remember, we’re here for you.

Sent on behalf of Dr. Elizabeth Evans, PhD, Interim-Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Thursday, March 4 at 4 p.m.

As we continue to plan for the next academic year, I want to let you know that we intend to offer as many courses and services as possible in person and within public health guidelines starting in Fall 2021. While this is our intention, it will depend on the state of the pandemic recovery in coming months.

We are signalling this earlier than the original April timeframe because as a continuing student when you access the registration system, you will see that Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 courses include details related to in-person delivery. It is important to note that final decisions about course delivery for these terms have not been made.

We recommend you register early to ensure the best selection of courses for the upcoming academic year and remember that details related to mode of delivery are subject to change, depending on the nature of the pandemic. When final decisions about mode of delivery have been reached, all students will be notified. Wherever possible, the days and times of course sections listed in the current schedule will remain the same, regardless of the final decision that is reached.

With the pandemic, some students may need to continue to study remotely. Academic units are exploring what offerings will remain available for remote learning in the Fall and Winter terms. If you have any questions I encourage you to contact your academic advisor.

The transition back to campus must be well-organized, so we are working on a plan that:

• maximizes in-person learning and services for as many students as possible
• uses technology to support blended and remote delivery while these options are needed for students who cannot return to campus
• reintegrates people back to campus safely and effectively
• considers the views of students in pandemic surveys

While many will be thrilled to return to campus, some will feel nervous and many will feel a bit of both. These feelings are legitimate and we will continue to have safety protocols in place that meet public health directives.

Mount Royal prides itself on having a close-knit community that values face-to-face interaction. I look forward to safely welcoming as many students as possible to campus this fall.

Sent on behalf of Elizabeth Evans, Interim-Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Tuesday, February 2 at 11 a.m.

Happy February! We have seen a busy start to the Winter semester and I expect that many of you are looking forward to Reading Week. It is my hope that each of you are able to use the Feb. 16 to 19 break to catch up on your studies, recharge and step away from your computers for some relaxation time. The MRU community is rooting for you and we are confident in your ability to succeed.

Throughout the month of February, you can expect to see more information about supports that are available. Stay tuned to the MRULife social media channels and your email for details. If you need help but aren’t sure where to start, use this form to help you navigate some of the many support services available to you.

In addition to ensuring you have the support you need, we recognize that the ability to plan ahead is equally important to you. We are writing to let you know that MRU will continue delivering most classes online during the Spring and Summer 2021 semesters, with some exceptions.

Alternative delivery in Spring/Summer

Like past semesters delivered by alternative format, the list of on- and off-campus exceptions requiring in-person components will be posted by the Office of the Registrar in the first week of March. You are only required to attend in-person classes if you are registered in one of the courses listed on the exceptions list.

Students who currently have courses with in-person components can expect these and similar courses to also include in-person components in the Spring/Summer semesters. Students will be notified by email when the list of exceptions is complete and course-specific information will be provided by instructors and program coordinators.

Fall 2021

We know many of you are already looking ahead to the next academic year. Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, a decision has not been made yet regarding delivery for the Fall semester, but we hope to be able to communicate this to you by late April.

More information

Information and answers to frequently asked questions are updated regularly. Review technical requirements, how to order your textbooks, on-campus protocols and access forms on MRU’s COVID-19 website. Questions not answered here can be directed to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Did you know?

MRU has smaller classrooms because of our smaller average class sizes. Because of this, there are actually very few classrooms on campus that are large enough to accommodate a full class of students when these students must be physically distanced from one another. We look forward to welcoming you back to these classrooms for face-to-face learning as soon as it is safe to do so.

Sent to all students on behalf of the Planning Ahead Team

Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Given the rise in COVID-19 numbers in Alberta, yesterday the Government of Alberta announced additional measures — some which went into effect immediately and others that take effect on Sunday, Dec. 13. These measures have been put in place by the provincial government for a minimum of four weeks. All existing guidance, including closures put in place on Nov. 24 will also remain in place.

Existing and new measures include:

• Masks must be worn by employees, students and visitors at all times when inside a building, unless in a Riddell Library and Learning Centre (RLLC) study room alone where the door can be closed. If upon asking, an individual refuses to don a mask they will be asked to leave Mount Royal property and may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Guests are not permitted in Residence effective immediately, including indoors and outdoors.
• Group training and game play among Cougars varsity teams remain on hold.
• Private group lessons (including Chamber ensembles) in the Conservatory remain paused.
• Event and Theatre Services remains closed.

Campus closures, effective Sunday, Dec. 13:

• Recreation Centre

Remaining open on campus, now and after Sunday, Dec 13:

• The first floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre remains open for study space and  access to computers. Please note that print library materials and equipment continue to be available for borrowing via contactless pickup.
• MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic (except for massage therapy and athletic therapy services)
• Health Services Clinic
• Wyckham Pharmacy
• Mount Royal Dental Choice
• Wyckham House food services (for takeaway only)

Additional information:

There has been some confusion about what students should do if you are symptomatic, self-isolating or have tested positive for COVID-19. Here is further clarity, but if you are unsure please email covid19@mtroyal.ca or ehs@mtroyal.ca.

Students who are:

• symptomatic
• self-isolating due to close contact or
• have tested positive (and you have been on campus or at another site for MRU learning or work in the last 14 days)

… inform your instructor and they will fill out a form on your behalf.

The responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community and on our campus is shared by all of us. Your continued cooperation to follow these restrictions will help us return more quickly to the pre-pandemic times we all miss so very much.

Sent on behalf of the Planning Ahead Team

Wednesday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m.

With the provincial government putting in place enhanced measures yesterday, we wanted to communicate the impact to MRU and to all of you. These measures have been put in place by the Government of Alberta for the next three weeks and will be reviewed in mid-December.

Students with in-person learning exceptions on and off campus can complete these for the fall semester. There may be adjustments that are made at some workplaces but we are not aware of any that would need to stop because of the new measures. The safety measures have been followed on campus and we’re confident this will continue.

The announcement reinforced some measures that are already in place at MRU. This includes:

• wearing masks on campus whenever others are around. The only time you do not have to wear a mask is when you are:
  • alone in a room where the door can be closed
  • seated and eating or drinking at The Table and Wyckham House at single-person tables
  • in the Recreation Centre using the track and cardio machines on the track and swimming in the pool
• having access to study spaces and computers on the first floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, which will remain open. As well, print library materials and equipment continue to be available for borrowing via contactless pickup
• continuing with providing services in Health Services and the MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic by appointment only

New measures that will be put in place at MRU are:

• not permitting guests in Residence effective immediately
• pausing private group lessons (including Chamber ensembles) in the Conservatory, effective Nov. 27
• putting on hold group training and game play among Cougar varsity teams, effective Nov. 27
• adjusting Recreation Centre capacity to 25 per cent occupancy under the Alberta Fire Code, effective Nov. 27
• closing Event & Theatre Services in-person services, effective Nov. 27
• awaiting whether Hockey Canada will seek/receive an exception for the hockey tournament between the Cougars men’s team and the Junior National team

A friendly reminder that if you are symptomatic, self-isolating or have tested positive (and you have been on campus or at another site for MRU in the last 14 days), inform your instructor or program director as soon as possible. They will fill out the necessary form, which is confidential and will trigger (24/7) the process of contacting the appropriate individuals.

You’ve all been extremely co-operative in following the protocols put in place to protect each other’s health and safety. We are so grateful and ask that you continue to observe these so all of us can return to that face-to-face student experience MRU is known for.

Take good care of yourselves and look out for each other.

Sent on behalf of the Office of the Registrar

Thursday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m.

Students,

Late yesterday, the decision was made to extend the Fall 2020 semester withdrawal deadline from Nov. 20 to Dec. 9. This decision was made after consultation with the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University.

The reason for extending the deadline is to recognize the impact of the pandemic on everyone, including taking your first four-month semester primarily online, an increase in mental health and academic concerns and possible interruptions for some due to rising case numbers. You now will have more time to make decisions about your academic record prior to the final examination period.

If you withdraw from a class prior to the new Dec. 9 deadline, you will receive a “W” on your transcript, but it will not affect your GPA. You will not receive a tuition refund. Before you withdraw it is recommended that you:

• talk to your professor
• meet with your academic advisor to see how withdrawing will affect your academic timeline
• check with Student Awards and Financial Aid if you currently have a student loan or have completed a confirmation of enrolment form

Learn more about withdrawal from a course.

Sent to all students on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Thursday, November 18 at 6 p.m.

Hello everyone,

I want to start by saying I am grateful that we’ve had very few cases of COVID-19 originating on campus over the past nine months. This is because you have followed the protocols put in place. Thank you.

Nevertheless, the number of COVID-19 cases and the infection rate in Calgary is very high and the provincial government has put in place mandatory and voluntary restrictions. At Mount Royal we need to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and within our city.

We are doing this to protect each other’s safety and health, but also to do as much as we can to make sure that the students who have three more weeks of in-person exceptions can complete their semester. This is a shared responsibility.

For this reason, I would like to remind you about the protocols we have in place.

• Our campus is open to students for in-person learning exceptions, to access services and supports like Recreation that remain open, and to use study spaces and internet connections. If you need access, it is available. That said, if you do not have to come to campus, it is not recommended.

If you come to campus:

• wear masks at all times in all spaces when others are present (*new*), unless alone in a room where a door can be closed
• sanitize your hands on entering and leaving a building
• preferably use virtual meeting tools instead of meeting in person with others (especially for the next four weeks) and try to keep your in-person studying to small cohorts

Do not come to campus or attend a workplace (for practicum, clinical or other work-integrated learning), if you are experiencing any symptoms, you tested positive for COVID-19, you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive or if you have travelled outside of Canada. Here are self isolation and quarantine requirements, including a strong recommendation that people experiencing other symptoms stay home too.

I know this is a trying time. Not only are you adjusting to changes at Mount Royal, but many of you are also juggling personal responsibilities impacted by the pandemic. In uncertain times, there are things each of us can do to manage the stress. I can’t encourage you enough to look at the resources available at mru.ca/studentwellbeing.

While now is not the time, I look forward to when we can all be back on campus. Meanwhile, I ask for your continued help to protect the health and safety of our campus and broader community. If you have questions, you can continue to email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

I have seen such amazing resiliency within the Mount Royal community. What makes MRU special — a community that cares about each other — will also help us endure this together. As we get close to the end of classes and you prepare for final exams and assignments, I wish you all the very best.

Sent on behalf of Elizabeth Evans, Interim-Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Monday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.

Students,

Earlier in the semester I informed you that Mount Royal University will continue delivering most classes online during the Winter 2021 semester, with some exceptions. The list of on-and off-campus exceptions requiring in-person components is now posted online.

Your responsibilities for in-person learning

If you are registered in any of the courses on the list you will be required to follow protocols, including wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distance, among other responsibilities outlined in the on- and off-campus protocols. Course-specific information will be provided by instructors and program coordinators.

Note: As of Friday, Oct. 30, students no longer need to complete the daily health declaration form before coming to campus. However, refer to the AHS symptoms every day and do not come to campus if you have any symptoms.

Understanding course delivery and schedule information

You are only required to attend in-person classes if you are registered in one of the courses listed in the Winter 2021 in-person course list.

Course information is available on your course schedule. Follow the steps detailed online to identify how each of your courses will be delivered. Your instructors will also provide more information on your course outlines.

Academic advisors are available to help you with course selection, program planning and educational goal setting. Connect with your advisor if you require assistance.

Staying connected

While adhering to all health and safety guidelines, we continue to look for opportunities to gradually expand on-campus activities so you can connect more with one another and the MRU community. Stay tuned for programs being offered by the many campus services throughout this semester and the next.

More information

Information and answers to frequently asked questions are updated regularly. Review technical requirements, how to order your textbooks, on-campus protocols and access forms on MRU’s COVID-19 website. Questions not answered here can be directed to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Take care of yourselves and one another. As exams wind up and you look toward the end of the semester, we are here to support you and encourage you to access academic resources and Wellness Services as needed.

Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m.

Students,

I hope your studies have gone well over the past month as we all continue to adjust to learning during a pandemic. We have been receiving many questions about how the Winter 2021 semester will be delivered. With the safety of the campus community in mind, we have made a decision.

Mount Royal University will continue delivering most classes online during the Winter 2021 semester, similar to the Fall 2020 semester. On-campus and off-campus exceptions will be considered for those courses requiring in-person learning components.

Over the next month, faculty members will decide on courses with in-person learning exceptions. A list of these will be posted online in the first week of November so that you can prepare. If your course is not listed on the Winter 2021 in-person courses list, you are not required to engage in in-person learning.

On-campus activities

We want to gradually expand on-campus opportunities so you can begin to connect more with one another and the MRU community. Work is underway to see where we can safely do this within the health guidelines. More information will be provided to you on these.

Academic advising

Our academic advisors are available to help you with course selection, program planning, and educational goal setting. Connect with your advisor if you require assistance.

Your well-being

We recognize the uncertainty of the pandemic has added stress in your personal and academic life. While the restrictions to campus are there to protect your physical health, your mental well-being is equally important. We encourage you to access resources from Wellness Services as needed.

Campus services and supports

As a reminder, campus services and supports remain available to you, including the newly reopened Recreation Centre. Take advantage of academic resources to stay on track with your online learning.

Struggling but not sure where where to start? Early Support helps students find the right support on campus — academic, financial, personal — all from one place. Don't let small issues turn into big problems.

More information

Information and answers to frequently asked questions are updated regularly. Review technical requirements, how to order your textbooks, on-campus protocols and access forms on MRU’s COVID-19 website. Questions not answered here can be directed to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

While not likely a surprise, this decision may be disappointing to some. Many of you chose to study at MRU because of our face-to-face teaching and learning. It is why our faculty and staff choose to work at MRU too. Right now, the health and safety of our campus community must come first, but please know we miss you. Hopefully with these decisions we can welcome you back as soon as possible.

On behalf of all the faculty and staff, thank you for choosing to study at MRU.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Evans, PhD
Interim-Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Friday, August 14 at 12:30 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Fall 2020 semester in a few weeks. If you haven’t had a chance, please go to the Welcome Back website for students where the following information, as well as any updates, will always be available to you.

This is a long email but there are some very important updates for you about:

• reopening of the Recreation Centre to students who pay the recreation and athletics fee
• picking up and shipping of textbooks and class materials
• ordering and picking up OneCards for those who need access to campus buildings
• accessing parking in limited lots and at reduced rates 

A. MRU STUDENTS WHO PAY THE RECREATION AND ATHLETICS FEE CAN ACCESS THE RECREATION CENTRE IN SEPT.

We are excited to announce that in early September (a specific date has yet to be set) some of the Recreation Centre facilities will be available to MRU students who pay the Recreation & Athletics fee as a part of student fees. Due to the pandemic, a number of safety protocols will be put in place. As a result, the experience will be different than what you may be accustomed to.

If this first phase of re-opening is successful, Mount Royal will re-open Recreation Centre access to other valued user groups. Planning for the next phase is already underway but there is no date set for phase two at this time.

More details are available in the FAQ at mrucougars.com and the specific re-opening date along with additional information will be announced by August 28 at mru.cougars.com. Cougars Athletics and Recreation remains committed to safely re-opening our facilities for your use and appreciates your patience.

B. UPDATES FROM THE COUGARS CAMPUS STORE ON SHIPPING AND PICK UP OF TEXTBOOKS

Students have until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 23 to take advantage of free shipping. The Cougars Campus Store has a new option for free contactless pickup. More information is below.

Contactless pickup and shipping

As of Aug. 17, free contactless pickup will be listed as an option when placing orders online through the Cougars Campus Store until Oct. 15. To allow time to fulfill orders, the first pickup opportunity will be Aug. 20 in Lot 4. Free contactless pickup is available to all those living in the Calgary area, including all surrounding communities within the Cochrane, Airdrie and Okotoks borders.

Step 1: When you place your order online and select “contactless pickup” under shipping options, you will receive an initial email confirming that we’ve received your order. Keep your order number handy because you need it to select a time slot and present when you pick up your order.

Step 2: Once we have fulfilled your order, you will receive a second confirmation email notifying you that your order is ready for pickup. This second confirmation email will include a link to a private Eventbrite page where you will select your pickup time slot. The earliest pickup opportunity will be 24-hours from when you click the Eventbrite link. You will not get access to the link or be able to book a pickup time until you receive this email. You will need your student ID and order number to complete the registration process on Eventbrite.

Step 3: You will receive a third confirmation email from Eventbrite with your digital ticket showing your time slot. While you do not need to present your digital ticket upon pickup, you do need to arrive during your selected time slot as your order may not be ready outside of that time slot.

Step 4: When you arrive on campus, proceed to Lot 4. View our parking map for the lot location and look for the tents and directional signage when you enter the parking lot; staff will be present to assist you upon arrival. Please have your order number and a piece of government-issued photo ID or your OneCard ready to show through your window. Please keep your window closed and open your trunk. A Cougars Campus Store representative will retrieve your order and place it in your trunk. If you need to get out of your car to open your trunk, please do so while the Cougars Campus Store representative is retrieving your order to ensure physical distancing.

Pedestrian pickup is available in Lot 4 for those who do not have access to a vehicle. You will receive the same instructions outlined above and will need to select a pickup timeslot.

The purpose of booking an appointment for contactless pickup is to limit the amount of traffic coming to campus at any one time and alleviate wait times. To facilitate this safely, pickup time slots are limited to 120 people within a two-hour window between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Shipping charges go into effect on Aug. 24

Until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 23 you can take advantage of free shipping. After that date, all online orders placed by those living in the Calgary area, including all surrounding communities within the Cochrane, Airdrie and Okotoks borders, will be fulfilled by the free contactless pickup described above or be shipped at a flat rate of $10.00 (regardless of the purchase amount).

If you live outside of the Calgary area, we will ship your order, with free shipping on orders over $100. Flat shipping rates before GST are as follows:

• Canada: $10.00 CAD
• USA: $14.95 CAD (applicable on all orders) 
• International: $19.95 CAD (applicable on all orders)

How to make contactless returns

Contactless returns will be available to those living in the Calgary area including all surrounding communities within the Cochrane, Airdrie and Okotoks borders from Sept. 14 to Oct. 2 in Lot 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Students who need to make a return by mail are asked to email campusstore@mtroyal.ca by Oct. 2 with proof of shipment to confirm the return. We will process the refund once the item(s) is received. Textbooks ordered after Oct. 2 are non-refundable.

Visit the campus store’s Fall 2020 Remote Services and Supports page for the latest information about online orders, textbooks, shipping, contactless pickup and returns, order fulfillment, OneCard, print services and sponsored student support. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on that page, you do not have a credit card or have other questions regarding payment or shipping and pickup, please email campusstore@mtroyal.ca.

C. INFORMATION ON ORDERING AND PICKING UP ONE CARDS

The MRU OneCard is the official identification card for the Mount Royal University community. You will need to bring your OneCard with you anytime you are on campus to get building access. You do not need your OneCard to take advantage of any remote services and supports, including those offered by the Cougars Campus Store.

All OneCard requests are to be submitted online (instructions below) and are limited to those who require building access on campus. All OneCard requests submitted from Aug. 17 onward will be available for pedestrian pickup starting Aug. 20 in Lot 4. You will receive a confirmation email when your OneCard is ready for pickup. Please do not come to campus until you receive your pick-up confirmation email. You will need to present this email confirmation to pick up your card. You will not be required to select a pickup time slot. As of Aug. 20, OneCards will no longer be available for pickup from the Security office.

While you can opt to drive through the contactless pickup line, we recommend that you park in Lot 2 at the West Gate entrance and walk to the pedestrian pickup station in Lot 4 to get your OneCard. We expect a high volume of contactless pickups and parking is free in Lot 2 for the first 30 minutes. Please bring government-issued photo ID and your confirmation email to pickup your OneCard. View our parking map for lot locations.

OneCards for new students with in-person course exceptions or requiring building access

To get a OneCard, submit your photo to onecard@mtroyal.ca and complete the cardholder agreement form. Be sure to follow the photo guidelines provided under question 3 of the OneCard FAQ and include “New student OneCard request” in the subject line of the email. You will receive an email confirmation when your card is ready for pedestrian pickup in Lot 4. Please allow a minimum of three business days for processing.

OneCard for returning students

If you are a returning student with a OneCard that has an April 2020 expiry, it has been automatically renewed until April 2021. You do not need to come to campus to get a validation sticker and your OneCard will function as usual.

OneCards for returning students with in-person course exceptions or requiring building access

If you are a returning student and your OneCard is lost, stolen or damaged, we can issue a replacement card. There is a $20 fee on replacement cards, payable by Debit, Visa or Mastercard upon pickup. Please submit your student ID number and a photo of a piece of government-issued photo ID by email to onecard@mtroyal.ca with “Request for replacement card” in the subject line of the email. You will receive an email confirmation when your card is ready for pedestrian pickup in Lot 4. Please allow a minimum of three business days for processing.

Visit the OneCard FAQ for all other questions about OneCard or email onecard@mtroyal.ca.

D. PARKING ACCESS TO LIMITED LOTS AT REDUCED RATES WITH CONTACTLESS PAYMENT

Parking is available in the East Gate Parkade and Lot 2 at the West Gate entrance. All other lots will remain closed until further notice. View our parking map for lot locations.

Up until Aug. 24, parking is free. Effective Aug. 24 parking is free for the first 30 minutes and then a significantly reduced flat rate of $5 per day will apply (compared with $17 per day during normal operations). Hourly parking rates and the use of MRU issued parking permits are unavailable until further notice.

Payment will be contactless using the HotSpot app (fees apply). The usual pay stations will not be running. Directions on how to make payments are below. Please note that reduced parking rates and available lots are continuously under review and subject to change.

Contactless payment options

To complete payment through the HotSpot app, please follow the steps below:

Option #1: Use the HotSpot app

• Step 1: Download the HotSpot app from the Apple or Google app store
• Step 2: Follow the prompts to set-up your own personal account and purchase a Hotspot membership ($2.00 plus tax per month or $20.00 plus tax per year)
• Step 3: Add money to your ‘virtual’ HotSpot wallet
• Step 4: Enter the zone number indicated on signs in the parking lot to start paying for parking. Please note that MRU lot zone numbers will be displayed in Lot 2 and the East Gate parkade as of Aug. 24.
• Step 5: Parking payments will be automatically deducted from your HotSpot ‘virtual’ wallet
• At this time, you can download the HotSpot app and set up your account by adding your personal information, vehicle and credit card details, however, payments cannot be processed until Aug. 24. 

Option #2: Use the QR codes or use NFC (near field communication) capability on signs located in the parking lots

• Scan the QR code or simply touch your cellular device to the Fast Tap signs located in the parking lot.
• You will be redirected to the HotSpot parking payment page. Note that this is a pay-per-use option and subject to a $0.20 fee per transaction. No membership is required.
• Enter the zone number indicated on signs in the parking lot, along with your license plate number and payment information.

Option #3: Visit htsp.ca to make payments from your desktop

• If you do not have a smartphone, visit htsp.ca to create an account and use your desktop to make payments. Note that you will have to purchase a membership to make payments.

Parking permits

If you previously had an MRU-issued parking permit, you will retain your right to park in the same specific lot in which the permit was held once on-campus activities are substantially resumed. A first right of refusal will be offered prior to permit lots being opened. Any unused parking credits held on your account from Winter 2020 will be applied to future permit payment.

Residence parking permits will be handed out on Aug. 29 and 30 when you move-in and pick up your room key. Residence parking permits can be paid for at the Residence Office located in Residence Building B from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. Please refer mru.ca/ResidenceParking for full details.

Kindly note that the Parking office remains closed for in-person services. For any other questions, please contact parking@mtroyal.ca.

Sent on behalf of Emergency Operations Centre Directors

Wednesday, April 22 at 5 p.m.

Starting on Thursday, April 23 until Sunday, May 3 (inclusive), campus will be closed for student access to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Returning Library laptops and other loaned equipment: go to the Library west entrance (across from EA) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. weekdays. Leave the equipment with the Security representative at the door who will record the receipt.
• Picking up OneCards and SAMRU emergency hampers: go to the West Gate entrance and use the intercom to speak to Security.
• Getting textbooks for spring classes: these are being shipped free of charge.
• Cleaning out lockers: you will receive an email with a time to pick up items from your locker after May 3. If you are returning in the fall, you may leave items in your locker.

If access is absolutely necessary, students need to go to the West Gate entrance and use the intercom to speak to Security, who will provide access only if it is for a critical reason between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only. Campus buildings are closed on the weekends.

Thank you for your co-operation.

A message from the Emergency Operations Centre Directors to students

Thursday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Our top priority since the pandemic began is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus in order for students, employees and visitors to remain safe and healthy.

Over the past few days there has again been an increase in people on campus for non-urgent reasons. The direction from the Chief Medical Officer and Alberta Health Services is clear that people must not gather in public places.

Individuals must stay two metres apart at all times and all hygiene practices must be performed. Those not abiding by the Chief Medical Officer’s directions will be asked to leave campus.

Thank you for your cooperation and immediate attention to this issue.

A message from the Emergency Operations Directors to students

Tuesday, April 7 at 11:30 a.m.

With final exams beginning tomorrow, we want to reach out to you about VERY limited campus access for writing exams.

Our number one priority is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to keep our campus community safe and healthy. The direction from the Chief Medical Officer and Alberta Health Services is clear that no more than 15 people can gather in one space and individuals must stay two metres apart at all times. Individuals must be screened before entering campus buildings, and computers must be sanitized before and after use.

For this reason, students are not to come to campus for exams.

Only under extremely extenuating circumstances will students be permitted to write exams in a computer lab. Space is very limited, with only three computer labs available, so please investigate all other options first.

If you have no other options, please fill out and submit this form as soon as possible so we can allocate these limited spaces. You will then be notified of the location to write your exam. To facilitate accommodation, forms for tomorrow’s exams must be received by 4:30 p.m. today; for all other exams the deadline for submission is 24 hours prior to the exam.

Once again, this option is only available for very few students. Please do not submit a request if you can write your exam elsewhere.

Thank you for your cooperation and best wishes as you complete the winter semester.

A message from the Emergency Operations Directors to students

Thursday, March 26 at 4:30 p.m.

We are now well into our second week of COVID-19 response, with all of you making significant adjustments in how you learn. Our priorities remain to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and deliver our core functions as a university.

As of today, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus. We continue to reinforce that students not come to campus unless necessary.

Here are some updates for students.

Don’t incur long-distance charges on Google Meet

It is vitally important that you do not join a Google Meet by calling the U.S. long-distance number. Join by video or audio only so you don’t incur long distance charges. Instructions are here.

Transition of most supports and services to online instead of face-to-face

One way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to move in-person supports, services and businesses to delivery online or by telephone. To find out the specifics for each area please go to the specific webpage on mtroyal.ca or refer to the Q&A at mru.ca/covid19.

While the Cougar Campus Store is now closed, most items and services are offered online and free shipping is available for orders within Canada. The Cougar Campus Store is committed to helping you navigate these challenging circumstances and ensure your needs are met. For more information on inquiry response times, please visit the latest Q&A here.

For students still requiring printing services and for OneCard inquiries, please email bookstore@mtroyal.ca or refer to the Q&A at mru.ca/COVID19.

Parking

Effective April 1, credits for parking fees will be deposited into parking accounts until students are able to return to campus. Credits can be used in the Fall Semester and will secure your current parking lot. This means that you will be guaranteed parking for the Fall Semester and you will not need to sign up for parking in July 2020.

At this time, if you have to come to campus for any reason, you will not be charged to park. All surface lots and the East Gate Parkade are open and free-of-charge. The parkade under the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning is now closed and the parkade under the Riddell Library and Learning Centre is open for those with access.

If you are not returning to MRU in the fall, please email parking@mtroyal.ca to request a refund. For all other parking inquiries, please contact parking@mtroyal.ca or visit this link for more information.

Cleaning out lockers

To encourage social distancing protocols, we are extending locker cleanout from April 30 until June 30, 2020. If you have a locker and need to collect personal belongings, please come at your convenience while campus remains open. Lockers will be prepped for the Fall Semester starting in July. For all locker-related inquiries, please email parking@mtroyal.ca.

Closing some buildings and campus hours during the week

The Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning (EC) is now closed until further notice. You will recall the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts (ED) and floors two through four of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre are closed too, though the main floor of the Library remains open (physically) with online supports available seven days a week.

Campus hours

The rest of the campus is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, all buildings, except Residence, are closed. More buildings may close in the future but we will let you know.

I know we have said it many times but it is worth saying again. Your flexibility in moving to new ways of learning is greatly appreciated.

Academic decision to temporarily amend the Grades and Examination Policy as part of MRU’s COVID-19 response

Thursday, March 26 at 11 a.m.

Students,

Yesterday evening we held an emergency meeting of our General Faculties Council (GFC), the academic governing body of our institution, where I brought forward a motion to temporarily amend the Grades & Examination Policy. Similar to some of our post-secondary peers, it was decided to provide students the opportunity to select their normally evaluated Letter-Grade OR a specialized Pass or Fail grade for courses taken during the Winter 2020 semester.

The regular process of student evaluation, as outlined in your approved syllabus, remains in effect for this semester. This change provides you with additional flexibility for grades, as detailed below:

• Instructors will continue to evaluate students under the current Grades and Examinations Policy, delivering a letter-grade that corresponds with the student’s performance.
• Students can expect to receive their letter grades within normal timelines for the Winter term.
• Following grade submissions, you will be provided the option to keep a letter grade or to replace that letter grade with a Pass/Fail indicator on your transcript.

Please note that the process to deliver the options to students is still being worked out with the Office of the Registrar and my office. You will be informed regarding the next steps for you as details become available.

These options will allow you the flexibility to select which outcome best suits your needs and it recognizes the tremendous impact that this pandemic has had on students. However, we understand that while some may be happy with this result, others may not. It was a decision not made lightly but based on Mount Royal’s commitment to student success. That said, as you consider what option best suits you, I strongly encourage you to also consider the short-term and long-term impacts that a Pass/Fail may have on progression within your current program as well as your aspirations for future study.

A more fulsome Q&A will be updated to include this information as details are determined. Please visit mru.ca/covid19 for new answers as indicated by date. If you don’t see the answer to your questions there, you can email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

I want to take a moment to thank you, for your focus and astounding patience during these unprecedented times of change.

Sincerely,

Lesley A. Brown, Ph.D
Provost & Vice-President Academic

Sent to all students on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Monday, March 16 at 9:15 p.m.

Mount Royal is a community where you belong. I know this is an unsettling time for all of us, but we will get through it together. Whether we are together or apart, let’s remember that Mount Royal is a welcoming community. Even in difficult times we will be kind to ourselves and each other.

The health and safety of our campus community remains our top priority. We’re doing our best to contain the spread of COVID-19 in line with directives from Alberta Health Services. This means prioritizing decisions to critical items. Thank you for your patience.

It is extremely important that you do not come to campus if you are ill. If you are on campus please stay two metres away from other individuals, and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

Current status of courses for Winter 2020 Semester for credit students

• All face-to-face lectures are cancelled. Your instructor will reach out to you to let you know when and how your course will continue through alternative delivery methods. 

• Instructors will reach out to provide information for students in courses requiring specialized equipment and software.

• Decisions for all off-campus practicums will be made by the employers or agencies. If the practicum is cancelled, students can work with their program to determine the next steps to meet the requirements.

• Please go to mru.ca/covid19 in the section for Classes and Academics under Credit for more Q&As.

Continuing Education students will receive more detailed information from their instructors. In the interim, please go to mru.ca/covid19 in the section for Continuing Education to receive high level information. 

Conservatory students will receive more detailed information from their instructors. In the interim, please go to mru.ca/covid19 in the section for Conservatory.

Transitional Vocational Program students will receive more detailed information from their instructors. In the interim, please go to mru.ca/covid19 in the section for Transitional Vocational Program.

Campus remains open, but students are advised not to come unless necessary.

• Campus is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice. Only essential personnel are allowed on campus after 8 p.m.

• The Library is open. Please go to mtroyal.ca/library to get hours. 

• Recreation is closed. 

• The Cougars Campus Store is open from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.  

• Residence is open and information is going directly to those students. It is extremely important that students in Residence practice social distancing of two metres apart.

Updated information

• Please go to mru.ca/covid19 to see most current information

• Email covid19@mtroyal.ca if you have a specific question.

I walked around campus today and very much missed the energy of having students around. I am very grateful to all students for adapting to this unprecedented situation. I am immensely grateful to faculty for their efforts to move to alternative delivery. A huge thanks to staff for your ongoing support to our campus community.  

Please do your best to stay healthy as we weather this pandemic.

Tim Rahilly, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor

Monday, November 30 at 2:30 p.m.

Eighteen members of the Mount Royal University Cougars men’s hockey program, including coaching staff, recently tested positive for COVID-19. The University is supporting them as they recover and the names of the individuals will not be shared for privacy reasons. The team ceased training when the first individual experienced symptoms and members are self-isolating. MRU did contact tracing and notified impacted MRU individuals.

Cougars teams were training under multiple safety protocols beyond those required by the provincial government. With new government restrictions, no varsity programs will be training until after the new year. An exhibition series against the Junior National team scheduled for Dec. 5 and 6 was already cancelled by Hockey Canada.

MRU is communicating this to you because this is the first instance of a COVID-19 spread among the campus community. Individual cases on campus will not be communicated broadly. The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and other MRU Cougars staff is our top priority.

Sent to all employees on behalf of Trika Macdonald, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources

Friday, October 30 at noon

This email contains a number of important updates to campus operations and addresses questions employees have been asking.

MRU is awaiting a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) decision on Form T2200

Many employees have been asking Finance and Human Resources for more information about claiming expenses for working from home. Employees should be aware that CRA-allowable claims are in fact very restricted. The following cannot be claimed:

• Anything that was reimbursed by the employer, such as office supplies
• Anything deemed 'capital purchases', such as phones or computers
• Anything that the employer provided, such as a desktop or laptop
• Mortgage payments (but a portion of rent can be claimed)

The CRA has acknowledged that Form T2200, which normally must be completed by the employer, is too complicated and needs to be simplified. No change has been communicated yet and MRU is awaiting further direction from CRA. Employees will be advised when any new information has been received.

COVID-19 daily health forms no longer required and simpler process for one-off visits

The Planning Ahead Team (PAT) no longer requires employees to complete the daily health declaration form. Employees are still required to refer to the AHS symptoms every day. Do not come to campus if you have any symptoms.

As well, anyone wanting to come to campus for a one-off purpose no longer needs to receive approval from PAT or notify Security. Please let your manager or chair know and remember to scan in using your OneCard to support contact tracing if required. Importantly, your OneCard is non-transferable. Only you can use it to get access to MRU buildings and available services.

These changes will be updated in the People Plan next week.

Parking on campus, snow removal and other modified service levels

Because of reduced resources and less foot and vehicle traffic on campus, there will be no widespread removal of snow this winter. As a cost-saving measure, snow clearing will be limited to building entrances, roadways and parking lots that are open. Priority is given to accessibility ramps, sidewalks and parking. Roads and sidewalks will be cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall as required in City bylaws. Please avoid the areas not being cleared.

Parking lot 2 will be closed from Sun., Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. to Fri., Nov. 6 at midnight. On Nov. 4, 5 and 6, MRU will host drive-in style convocation ceremonies using lot 2 due to the pandemic. If you have children in the Child Care Centre, please use lot 1 when you are picking up or dropping off your children. Those going to the Health Services Clinic or the MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic, please use lot 1. If you are on campus to go to the Recreation Centre, please use lot 3 near West Gate. If it is full you can also use lot 4, and, if necessary, lots 9 and 6 are also plowed.

With fewer people on campus, fewer washrooms are being cleaned to save time and money. In-service washrooms are disinfected regularly for everyone’s safety. Employees working on campus are reminded to clean their own belongings and workspaces, as well as shared office amenities such as kitchens and photocopiers.

Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA) annual general meeting Nov. 18 

Article 7.3 of the MRSA/Board of Governors Collective Agreement gives Association members time off with pay to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) if it occurs during normal working hours. The AGM will be livestreamed Nov. 18 from 10:45 a.m. until noon. Managers and chairs are asked to encourage and support staff to view the AGM, where operationally feasible.

Additional vacation carry-over utilization period for staff in MRSA

All managers and employees continue to be urged to work together now and plan how to schedule vacation time to avoid carry-over beyond annual entitlements into the new year. Please note, however, that staff covered under the MRSA agreement have a one-time exception to the carry-over utilization deadline and have until June 30, 2021 to use these amounts. Still, ensure you are mindful about 2021 accruals as this extension does not apply to the following year. You can check your leave balances on MyMRU / Employee tab.

Updating the MRU online directory

With changes to many departments, managers and administrative employees are asked to ensure the online MRU directory is kept up to date. This is especially important with so many employees working remotely, making it harder for people to be aware of changes. The directory is available on MyMRU / Employee / Resources.

Please continue to read Our Community every two weeks for campus news. Stay safe and well.

Wednesday, September 16 at 3 p.m.

We want to inform our community of an important update. We have been advised that a member of the MRU community who was on campus last week has tested positive for COVID-19.

For privacy reasons we cannot share the name of the individual. The individual is now self-isolating.

We have been in contact with AHS and partner agencies to facilitate notification to other members of the MRU community who were in direct contact with this person. This individual has also notified other individuals where there was direct contact. Employees will be supported by the Ability Management office in Human Resources and students will be supported by Wellness Services.

If you don’t receive notification from MRU or AHS, you have not been in contact with this individual.

Our primary focus right now is to support this individual in making a full recovery, and help AHS notify those who were in contact with this individual quickly to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and attend to their own health and safety.

While it is concerning to have a case on campus, it is not surprising and it is realistic to expect that despite our best efforts there may be more. Mount Royal’s rapid response plan and on-campus protocols can be found in the People Plan.

If you develop COVID-19 signs or symptoms while on campus or doing off-campus activities:

• Notify your manager/chair, or instructor, researcher
• Arrange to get home safely. Do not use public transportation or ride-sharing services and avoid using a taxi if possible. Isolation spaces are available on campus, if you cannot drive yourself home and must wait to be picked up. If you are at an off-campus activity, your supervisor will find a place for you to safely wait.
• Follow AHS guidance
• Employees complete the Self Isolation Confirmation Form and contact the Ability Management Consultant
• In the case of students, the instructor or researcher fills out the Symptomatic Student Report and students contact Wellness Services

More information can be found here. Should you have questions, email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Please remember that all of us have a shared responsibility when we are on campus. Here are 10 ways you can help the MRU campus community stay healthy and safe.

Before you come to campus:

• Complete this orientation before coming to campus for the first time
• Fill out the student or employee health declaration form each day you come to campus

While on campus:

• In public indoor spaces, wear a mask
• Limit socializing and only go where you need to go on campus. Do not go into closed or restricted areas. Study spaces are in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre.
• Stay at least two metres away from others
• Disinfect hands when you enter a space
• Follow campus floor markings and signage
• Keep personal belongings with you: do not share food or personal items
• Clean your own space and follow protocols for sanitizing shared spaces and equipment
• If you begin to have symptoms on campus, let your supervisor or instructor know

Please send any questions to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Sent on behalf of

• Elizabeth Evans, acting president and interim provost and vice-president, Academic,
• Lee Easton, president of the Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA)
• Michelle LoGullo, president of the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA)

Wednesday, July 22 at 11 a.m.

In support of reducing the risk of the spread of COVID-19 among the campus community, Mount Royal has mandated, with the support of the MRFA and MRSA, that masks or face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces on campus effective immediately. This applies to employees, students, contractors and visitors. It does not apply to private spaces where individuals can physically distance or have other protective measures in place.

Masks are recommended in outdoor spaces where a two-metre distance from others cannot be maintained.

As has been widely shown, the wearing of masks — particularly by asymptomatic people — lowers the rates of transmission and offers some protection to healthy people.

You are asked to bring your own mask. Review how to safely don a mask.

If you have concerns about the safety of wearing a mask during a particular activity please contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for advice at ehs@mtroyal.ca. If you require a medical exemption contact abilitymanagement@mtroyal.ca.

Thank you for your cooperation in this initiative. MRU, MRFA and MRSA believe this is a necessary step in helping reduce risk on our campus. We want to protect the health and safety of the campus community (employees, students, contractors and visitors) and, in turn, everyone’s families.

A message from Tim Rahilly, PhD

Monday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you that we are preparing for alternative delivery as our primary form of instruction and services in the Fall 2020 Semester, and would make a final decision on June 30. Since then, we have received information from the provincial government and we have learned what is required for post-secondaries to protect the health and safety of the campus community.

With this knowledge, we have made the definitive decision that Mount Royal will deliver instruction and services primarily using alternative delivery in Fall 2020, with limited exceptions.

It’s safe to say that all of us would prefer face-to-face delivery of courses, as well as student supports and services. Mount Royal is known for high quality face-to-face delivery of courses and services, and this is what we do best. We look forward to returning to in-person interactions with students and our entire campus community when we safely can.

I want to emphasize though, that unlike the Winter 2020 semester when the transition to alternative delivery was fast, we now have time to take what we learned and strengthen the student experience. I am confident after speaking with many faculty and staff that, in view of the current pandemic we’re all facing, we are excited to further hone not just teaching and learning, but also how we provide remote support and services to enable students’ success.

Students, we are committed to delivering a high-quality and transformative education. More than anything, MRU cares deeply about your success, and we will carry that focus into our planning.

There are still many details to work out, however there is some additional information below my signature of what we either know right now or are in the process of working out. As we firm up plans, we will communicate them to you and update the appropriate pages on our website with links from the mru.ca/PlanningAhead pages. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, remember you can always email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

Take good care everyone!

Note: The information below is current as of today (June 1, 2020) - Any questions may be directed to: covid19@mtroyal.ca

Exceptions for some in-person learning

• There are some courses or activities where it is not possible to use alternative delivery methods.
• Where students need to meet a very specific learning outcome, require a specific program component to graduate on time or to meet an accrediting body standard, and we can deliver that element safely and viably, we will make exceptions, but these will be very limited.
• More information on these exceptions will be available to students by June 15, so you can make suitable arrangements.

Residence

With this in mind, Residence will open with occupancy restrictions and physical distancing in line with the Chief Medical Officer’s requirements. As we get more information, it will be posted by Residence Services.

Student services and new student orientation

We continue to provide a wide range of services and supports so students can be successful, along with some new ones that include:

• Workshops to prepare students for online learning
• A New Student Orientation that will be online with workshops, tutorials and program prep starting on June 5
• A brand new program is being developed to help support international students transition to university in Canada
• Some in-person services and non-academic activities may be planned later in the fall, pending government approval to do so

Tuition and fees

Tuition will not change, nor will non-instructional fees for student supports and services that continue to be provided. We are presently reviewing student fees based on what will be available to students in the fall.

Access to campus spaces

Based on what we know at this time, we continue to recommend that people not come to campus unless necessary.

• More details on what buildings are open and during what hours will be provided in coming weeks.
• The Health Services Clinic and the recently renamed MRU Injury and Prevention Clinic are open right now, as are some businesses in Wyckham House Student Centre including Dental Choice and Wyckham Pharmacy.
• All food services on campus are presently closed. There may be food services available in the fall, but this is still to be determined.
• Similar to the winter semester, faculty will be permitted to come to campus as required, as long as we remain in line with the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines. There may need to be coordination among departments to enable this.
• Staff doing critical functions will also continue to be on campus. We are looking at different options for staff, management and exempt employees whose work does not require them to be on campus. Details will be provided.
• Computer labs will be available on a restricted basis for those who need it, but it’s not likely that physical study spaces will be open.
• We are currently making plans for limited parking.
• We recommend students and faculty prepare to take and deliver exams remotely.

Textbooks and course materials

• The Cougars Campus Store will continue to provide textbooks and course materials online, with shipping free of charge.
• There may be some form of on-campus pick up.
• The deadline for faculty to let the Cougar Campus Store know what is required for the fall is June 15.

Technology platforms

• Blackboard and the Google suite will continue to be the main platforms for alternative delivery of materials.
• We are pleased to let you know that Google has enhanced a number of web-conferencing features over the past few months, improving the remote learning and working experience for you.
• Our Help Desk will continue to provide support for students, faculty and staff.

Library, recreation facilities and programs, and theatres

Right now the government is advising us that gyms and recreation facilities, theatres and libraries will only re-open in Phase 3 of the transition period and with strict guidelines. Given this, it is safe to assume at this point they will not be opened at the start of the Fall semester.

• The Library will continue to provide online services and support. The Library is making plans for those services that we know are important to support students academically.
• Recreation facilities remain closed. For Cougars fans, supporters and partners, Canada West has approved modified season sport formats, however schedules and schools participating are being finalized over the coming weeks.
• Until the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts can reopen, some excellent online concerts are offered at Taylor Centre Online.

A message from Tim Rahilly, PhD

Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m.

Good morning: The question I have heard most often over the last few weeks is, “How will MRU deliver classes in the fall?” Understandably, you want some certainty and time to plan.

Just like many things during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no clear answer right now. The Alberta government has shared the gradual relaunch strategy for the province and is working on the details of the early phases for some services and businesses. We anticipate that it will be some time before post-secondary institutions receive direction on a return to face-to-face learning and activities.

Nevertheless, our read is that it’s highly likely post-secondary institutions will continue to provide alternative delivery formats in the Fall 2020 semester. We could wait to get a definitive answer, but that will not give all of you — students, instructors and staff — time to prepare. For this reason, we’re proceeding with plans that the entire Fall 2020 semester will be delivered primarily using alternative formats, not in person. We will make a final decision by June 30th based on direction from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, however it is prudent for us to invest our time this spring and summer to plan for an alternative delivery arrangement.

What will this preparation look like? It means we can begin deciding what courses will be offered in the fall and adjust program schedules. We can evaluate courses that, given program learning outcomes or accreditation requirements that require a face-to-face experience, can be done safely and are necessary for students near graduation. We can evaluate if there is some research that could be done safely. Unlike the fast transition in March, instructors now have more time to transition course materials for alternative formats with the help of the Academic Development Centre. Students have more time to adjust to this likely reality and think about living arrangements, course loads, etc. Staff can contemplate how supports and services might look, and the University can start more detailed discussion about what working from home and on campus will look like in coming months.

You might wonder why we have to make a call like this for the whole Fall semester, instead of changing from one format (alternative delivery) to in-person if the government permits it in the middle of the semester. This is complicated and can negatively impact students. For example, what happens to the student who isn’t living in Calgary or the student whose health does not permit them to be in class? There are many other scenarios where a quick switch disadvantages some over others.

If we have learned anything over the past few months it is that patience and flexibility are necessary from all of us — to adjust to new and changing information, to always put our health and safety first, and to accept that all solutions are imperfect. I expect you will all have many questions. We have refreshed the website so it is more manageable. If you don’t see your question answered there, please continue to email covid19@mtroyal.ca. I am committed to continuing to communicate what we know as we know it.

I am reminded at times like this that Mount Royal’s history is long. Since 1910, we’ve endured and adapted many times. Even as we changed and grew, our essence stayed true. We care about and for each other. Just like in the past, we’re doing all we can to keep you safe, to be transparent, to provide you with the best education, experience and workplace we can given the circumstances and to make sure you have the support you need to succeed.

Thank you everyone, for your flexibility and commitment to our shared success at MRU.

A message from the Emergency Operations Directors to students

Friday, April 3 at 11 a.m.

Commencing immediately, only three computer labs will be open to students on weekdays. These include EB1011, EB1015 and EL1470. Secondly, only the computer lab in EL will be accessible; all other study spaces in EL are closed. Starting Monday, EL hours are changing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Before entering computer labs, students will be asked whether or not they have travelled in the past 14 days, are feeling ill or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19. Students will need to use a sanitization station upon entering and leaving the computer lab. As well, each computer will be cleaned before and after use.

Although these labs are open for those requiring them, health authorities have been very clear that students should not come to campus unless absolutely necessary. If you are ill, have travelled in the past 14 days or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, it is extremely important that you not come to campus.

Our priority remains on preventing the spread of COVID-19 for the safety and health of Mount Royal’s campus community. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

A message from the Emergency Operations Directors

Monday, March 30 at 7 p.m.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in line with the provincial government’s restriction on gatherings of 15 or more people, the campus is changing access to buildings to include only students and employees effective Tuesday, March 31. Public will no longer have access to campus unless they are patients of the Health Services Clinic or Optimal Therapy Clinic (appointments only) or patrons of the Wyckham pharmacy. Anyone visiting these services can access the building using the intercom at West Gate.

Around campus, students and employees can access certain entrances by using their OneCard. If you do not have your OneCard with you or do not have one, on a temporary basis you can use the intercom access at either East Gate or West Gate. In the longer term, you will need to get a OneCard by filling out the cardholder agreement here. Please allow 48 hours for processing. New OneCards can be picked up at the Security Services Desk at West Gate by presenting photo ID.

Please see the table below, which also includes hours buildings are open. There will be no access to any buildings overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays, and all buildings except for Residence are closed on the weekends.

Sent to all students and all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Wednesday, March 18 at 9:15 p.m.

Hello everyone. We’re all a couple of days into adjusting to our new way of learning and working — even a new way of living. It is challenging, but I appreciate how patient and flexible you’ve all been.

I wanted to let you know about a couple of changes on campus:

First, all buildings with the exception of the Residences will close on weekends. For now, the campus will remain open on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. As learning has moved to alternate methods of delivery, so have many campus services. For students, before you come to campus, please check the mtroyal.ca website for information about the specific campus service you need or call the service area directly. 

Second, the Library (physically open weekdays) continues to provide support and service online, seven days per week. In response to changing demand for support:

• The circulation of physical materials including equipment is temporarily suspended.  
• Due dates for all currently borrowed materials are extended. Please hold onto any borrowed materials until further notice.  
• A process for digitizing and providing alternative formats for Course Reserve materials is being developed. More details to come.
• Online access to books, journals, databases and archival materials remains unchanged. 
• The main floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre remains partially open during campus open hours, but the second through fourth floors are closed.

Please visit mru.ca/library for updates or contact your subject librarian if you have questions.

I don’t want to overwhelm you with other updates that may be of interest to just a few of you, so I recommend you go to the Q&A at the bottom of mru.ca/covid19 and do a scan for those that have been added or updated over the last few days. They are identified as new or updated in the list. And if you don’t see something there, you can email covid19@mtroyal.ca.

It’s not surprising to me that we are all feeling a mix of emotions individually and collectively. But it’s amazing to me how many positive things I have heard this week, directly or indirectly. There remains lots of encouragement, lots of laughter and lots of appreciation. The Mount Royal campus community continues to impress me. I’m glad I’m here with all of you to get through this together.

Tim Rahilly, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor

Classes cancelled Monday. Campus remains open.

Sunday, March 15 at 9:15 p.m.

Earlier this evening, we let you know that Mount Royal University is adapting quickly to changing directives from Alberta Health Services to help contain the spread of COVID-19. This is what we know right now:

ALL classes will be cancelled on Monday, March 16. All face-to-face classes, all practica, all clinicals and all alternative delivery classes are cancelled on Monday. We will begin to transition to alternative delivery methods of course delivery starting on Tuesday. For students, while campus remains open, please only come to campus if you must be here.

For employees, please come to work if you are able, in order to assist with our response efforts. If you cannot come to work because you are impacted by the K-12 school and child care centre closures, please reach out to your supervisor. We will not financially disadvantage employees who are adversely affected by COVID-19 in any way.

As always, please remember to not come to campus if you are ill. Follow the Alberta Health Services guidelines, use the self-assessment tool, and call 811 if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. When you are on campus wash your hands frequently and often. We will continue to post updated Q&As at mru.ca/covid19 as soon as possible. If your question doesn’t appear there, please send it to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

As you have undoubtedly heard in news reports, we are in unprecedented times, and we thank you for your patience as we work to determine answers for all questions. This is a stressful time for everyone, so please look after your mental health. Employees can call Homewood Health and access online resources. Students can visit mru.ca/mentalhealth for information on available resources. To those who are supporting others on the front-line and in response to this situation, thank you. Please look after yourselves also.

We will continue to keep you informed as decisions are made. The health and safety of our campus is our top priority.

Sincerely,

Tim Rahilly, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor

Sent to all students and all employees

Sunday, March 15 at 5:45 p.m.

Mount Royal University is quickly adapting to changing directives from Alberta Health Services to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Effective immediately, no students are to attend face-to-face classes on Mount Royal's campus. Further information regarding alternative delivery methods and student services will be shared as soon as it is known.

According to the directive, all employees are expected to be at work, however work from home protocols are under development for any employees who are now without childcare.

More information will be shared by 10:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

Sent to all students and all employees on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly

Saturday, March 14 at 6:20 p.m.

To help protect our campus community from the spread of COVID-19, and guided by the latest information provided by Alberta Health Services, we are beginning the transition from face-to-face course delivery to alternate methods of instruction, as appropriate, starting Monday. Campus and its services remain open and courses are not suspended or cancelled.

It will take some time for instructors to change to different formats, and not all delivery types (ie. labs, clinicals, practica, etc.) can be transitioned to alternative methods. Your instructor will let you know details about your classes. On campus computer labs, specialized equipment and software, support services etc. are still available to you. High traffic spaces are receiving enhanced cleaning.

As campus remains open, work continues for all employees (faculty and staff). This includes administrative offices, student-facing services, Recreation, the Library and campus businesses. If employees have questions about how the change will impact their work they can speak to their supervisor.

As always, please remember to not come to campus if you are ill. Follow the Alberta Health Services guidelines and call 811 if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. When you are on campus wash your hands frequently and often. We will continue to post updated Q&As as soon as possible. If your question doesn’t appear there, please send it to covid19@mtroyal.ca.

This is a challenging time, and we thank you for your patience. Our goal is to keep our campus community healthy and safe, while delivering an outstanding education.

Sincerely,

Tim Rahilly, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor

Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

This situation is evolving constantly and further updates will be provided through the weekend.

There is new information on travel for the campus community:

• University-related travel outside of Alberta is suspended for all employees (faculty and staff) and all students unless approved by a Vice-President.
• All international field schools and student exchanges have been cancelled until further notice. Students who have paid for their travel or received grants will be contacted by the International Education office with next steps.

This information remains current:

• Guided by Alberta Health Services directives, MRU remains open with classes taking place as usual. This is the same for all other post-secondary institutions in Alberta, with the exception of the University of Calgary, University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge which all have class sizes of 250+.
• At this time, Alberta Health Services has not advised us of any confirmed cases in the campus community. Nevertheless, we are working on plans should we need to close campus at a later date.
• All non-instructional gatherings on campus with 50 people or more are cancelled. We are giving two-weeks rolling notice and longer for larger events and those requiring travel. Meetings with under 50 people should be held virtually or by teleconference.
• All people returning from outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. Students should contact instructors and employees should contact supervisors. If you are well and can work/study remotely, you will be asked to do so.

• The most effective way to get questions answered is by going to the Q&A at the bottom of this page to see if your question is already there. Given collective efforts around campus response, individual leaders will not be able to respond to every email. We are updating the Q&A as quickly as possible, but if you do not see your question there or have concerns, email covid19@mtroyal.ca. Key updates will be sent to you by email and posted at the top of this page.

• Before you request VPN access from ITS, check with your supervisor who follow these guidelines.

Please remember:

• If you are ill do not come to campus. This includes not going to Wellness or Security. Please go home. If you have COVID-19 symptoms follow the Alberta Health Services guidelines and call 811.
• For employees only: please complete a Self-Isolation Declaration Form if you are unwell and staying home from work in self-isolation
• If you are on campus wash your hands frequently and often.

This is a stressful time for everyone; please look after your mental health also.

• Employees can call Homewood Health and access online resources.
• Students can visit mru.ca/mentalhealth for information on available resources.
• To those who are supporting others on the front-line and in response to this situation, thank you. Please look after yourselves also.

Mount Royal classes remain open in line with Alberta Health Services directives on gatherings of 250+

Friday, March 13 at 8 a.m.

Classes at MRU will remain open until further notice. Other post-secondary institutions in our province (University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge) have cancelled classes on Friday, March 13 because these institutions have class sizes of over 250 students, and they will decide if these closures will be extended.

The health and safety of our campus community is our top priority and we continue to follow the advice of Alberta Health Services. We’re continuing to work with the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Health as this matter evolves.

For all students and employees

Thursday, March 12 at 11 p.m.

Campus remains open

• There is understandably much concern among the Mount Royal community right now.
• As guided by health and travel authorities, campus remains open. 
• At this time, Alberta Health Services has not advised us of any confirmed cases in the campus community. 
• If there was a case, they would let us know quickly, provide direction on what closures and cleaning are needed and contact individuals who need to self-isolate. 
• Nevertheless, we are working on plans should we need to close campus at a later date. 

Today the Government of Alberta made two decisions about events and people returning to Canada. To follow these decisions, at Mount Royal: 

All non-instructional events on campus with 50 people or more are cancelled.

• We will try to give at least two-weeks rolling notice of continued cancellations.
• For large events and those requiring travel, we will try to give as much notice as we can. 
• Areas are now working on the details of cancellation and refunds.
• For meetings under 50 people, it is encouraged that they be held virtually or by teleconference.

 All people returning from outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. 

• Students in this situation are asked to please contact their instructors.
• Employees are asked to please contact their supervisors. 
• If you are well and can work/study remotely, you will be asked to do so.
• There will be cancellations for international groups coming to Mount Royal. 
• The International Education office will work with students leaving or returning on a case-by-case basis.

Updated information

• Key updates will be sent to you in emails and posted at the top of mru.ca/covid19. 
• If Q&As at mru.ca/covid19 are updated or new, they will be marked with an asterisk daily. 
• Don’t see your question there or have a concern? Email covid19@mtroyal.ca. 
• If there is information for specific groups, such as faculty, supervisors and students in different faculties or places, we will send it as quickly as we can. 

You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19

Please remember: 

• if you are sick do not come to campus
• if you are on campus continue to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. 

This is hard but we will work through it together

• Thank you for taking precautions. 
• We are preparing for changes to this situation. 
• The health and safety of students, employees and visitors to campus remains our number one priority.

A message to students, employees and visitors to campus from President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD

Wednesday, March 11 at 5:29 p.m.

I want to give you all an update on Mount Royal’s activities and preparations in light of a growing number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Calgary and Alberta. It is understandable that there is concern and a desire for more information. 

At this point in time, we have not had any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the MRU community. 

The health authorities continue to emphasize the risk in Alberta remains low. For this reason, campus remains open and all operations continue as usual. Nevertheless, we need to take precautions and prepare, so our emergency operations centre has been activated to support an effective MRU response. 

Here are some of the things that are being done:

• Our health and safety protocols are being guided by Alberta Health Services and the Public Health Agency of Canada. We are also part of ongoing briefings by the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.
• HR and ITS have developed work-at-home guidelines and shared them with supervisors.
• We are doing comprehensive contingency planning for academic impacts and critical support functions.
• Our Health Services clinic is working closely with Alberta Health Services. If you have symptoms please do not go to the clinic but follow this guidance.
• We are ensuring high touch areas are prioritized for cleaning, in addition to following Alberta Health Services guidelines for cleaning protocols.
• We have enhanced signage around campus on handwashing.
• The travel suspension remains in place, aligning with advice from Alberta Health Services, and Global Affairs for higher risk countries and regions.
• The International Education office is responding to questions on a case-by-case basis and is readying for changes.
• Residence is preparing for a situation should there be a need for self-isolation there.

We have an expanded Q&A. Many of the answers say we are monitoring closely and continuing our current practices. This is true, but I want to reassure you that by including these questions we are aware of the concern, watching it closely and are ready to respond if the situation changes.

The Q&A contemplates the most asked questions, but if there is not a question there that you would like answered you can email covid19@mtroyal.ca. If it is specific we will get back to you directly. If it is more common, we will add it to the Q&A and let you know. 

Here is how you can greatly help reduce the risk of COVID-19 on campus.

If you are ill, please stay at home. As usual, let your supervisor or instructor know. They will give you guidance, following current policies (these may change) but also being as accommodating and flexible as possible.

If you are on campus, please wash your hands frequently and well. Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

Refer to this guidance from Alberta Health Services on what to do if you have symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and have travelled outside Canada or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.

I want to thank the campus community for taking precautions. The risk remains low, but we are taking reasonable precautions and preparing for changes to this situation. The health and safety of students, employees and visitors to campus remains our number one priority.

Please take good care of yourselves and those you love.

Tim

Sent on behalf of the President and Vice-Chancellor

Tuesday, March 3 at 12:10 p.m.

We recognize the coronavirus (COVID-19) is new and different and therefore is understandably causing concern among people. At this time, Canadian Public Health Agency and Alberta Health Services have assessed the risk level as low and there are no cases presumed or confirmed within the MRU community.

Although no one can predict where the coronavirus will spread to or when, Mount Royal is monitoring the situation closely, following the lead and direction from health and travel authorities about appropriate precautions. As the situation and recommendations change, the information on this site will be updated and if there is a significant change communications will be sent to the campus community.

Symptoms for COVID-19 are similar to those for influenza or other respiratory diseases. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and general tiredness. A small percentage of people may show more serious symptoms, such as respiratory distress or pneumonia.

It is important to reduce the risk of transmission to others. If you show any of these symptoms and have travelled lately or been in contact with anyone who might have the coronavirus, you should follow the advice of Alberta Health Services (AHS) for determining whether to self-isolate.

Alberta Health Service continues to reinforce the ways to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, are to:

• Wash your hands often and well
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
• When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands

We thank the campus community for taking precautions. The University will also continue to take reasonable precautions, prioritizing the the health and safety of students, employees and visitors to campus.