Employee Guidebook: A new employee’s guide to Mount Royal University
This is your place.
You’ve joined a community that puts people first – where diversity is an asset and where your voice is heard.
Explore. Discover. Ask questions. Immerse yourself in everything Mount Royal has to offer.
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Vision
Mount Royal University: an exceptional undergraduate educational experience.
Mission
Since 1910, Mount Royal has built a reputation on a strong, liberal education foundation with an undergraduate focus. More than a century later, we remain responsive to the needs of our community through our enduring commitment to this legacy.
We are a community of engaged citizens, providing personalized, experiential and outcome-based learning in an environment of inclusion, diversity and respect. Through our focus on teaching and learning informed by scholarship, we are preparing our graduates for success in their careers and lives.
Core values
Excellence in teaching
Integrity and transparency
Diversity and inclusiveness
Mutual respect
Pursuit and application of knowledge
Academic freedom
Citizenship
Our brand, our promise
At Mount Royal, our brand speaks to our core values. It is expressed by a brand promise, brand pillars and a brand concept.
Brand promise
At Mount Royal, students will experience a high-quality education enhanced by small class sizes, personalized learning and a single-minded dedication to premier undergraduate learning.
Brand pillars
To prove we can deliver on our promise, Mount Royal has committed to four brand pillars:
- providing personalized learning
- being outcome focused
- delivering quality teaching
- being community responsive
Brand concept
You Belong Here describes how our tight-knit and inclusive community interacts with each other, whether on campus or around the world as alumni. Faculty and staff are approachable, responsive and authentic, so whether you are visiting, studying, working at or have graduated from Mount Royal University, you belong here.
Where we’re from
The College…should be a place where the spirit is more important than the letter, where teacher and student co-operate in a common endeavor to learn…
— Mount Royal College Board, 1914
In 1911, Mount Royal College first opened its doors to 179 students. Since then, Mount Royal has grown into a renowned university and a beloved Calgary institution, welcoming nearly 12,000 credit students each year.
Much has changed during the past century. What has never changed is our fierce commitment to teaching excellence. We’ve built our reputation on providing our students a world-class undergraduate education within a small school environment.
More than a hundred years after it was written, our founders’ vision for Mount Royal still rings true: we are a community drawn together in a common endeavour to learn.
Where we’re going
Dedication to excellence in undergraduate education continues to set the path for our future. This means:
- expanding the number and variety of degrees offered
- increasing the size of our student population
- continuing to transform our campus through the completion of the new Riddell Library and Learning Centre and other developments
Our goal is to build on our reputation as one of Canada’s finest undergraduate universities, while maintaining and strengthening our community feel.
Our vision is ambitious, and we need your help to achieve it.
Discover how you can support Mount Royal’s mission. View our strategic plan online: Learning Together, Leading Together: Mount Royal University’s Strategic Plan to 2025.
University reports
Parking and transportation
Parking, taking the bus, carpooling or cycling to campus? Our Parking & Transportation office has more information on how you can get to campus.
Campus card
Your campus card is your official identification card and serves as an electronic key, giving you access to buildings and services across campus.
MyMRU
This is your online portal to everything you need to enhance your life on campus, from community news and events, to payroll and tax forms, to policies and the academic schedule.
Activate your MyMRU account once you have your campus card with your employee identification number.
Where to buy food and beverages on campus
Choose from a wide variety of food options to see you through your day.
Governance structure and responsibilities
Mount Royal’s two governing bodies:
- Board of Governors: responsible for business policy decisions
- General Faculties Council: responsible for academic policy decisions
The Board works with University administration to advance Mount Royal’s goals.
Faculties, centres and institutes
Our five faculties teach students across a range of subject areas. Our centres and institutes facilitate multi-disciplinary research, dialogue and other scholarly, artistic and academic activities.
Mount Royal University Alumni Association (MRUAA)
All Mount Royal alumni are automatic members of the MRUAA – a growing community of more than 90,000 alumni in more than 42 countries.
Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU)
SAMRU is the representative body of all Mount Royal students.
Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA)
All full-time, limited-term and contract faculty are members of the MRFA.
Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA)
All full- and part-time staff are members of the MRSA, except for positions designated as exempt.
Professional services
Digital Print Centre / Document Services
Our print services are provided both at the front counter and online through MyMRU.
Event and Theatre Services
Planning an event on campus? Event and Theatre Services ensures every detail of your event is covered.
Financial Services
We are responsible for strategic financial planning and reporting of all financial information for the University.
Facilities Management
From design and construction through to maintenance and renovation, Facilities Management provides stewardship of all the buildings and infrastructure on campus.
Human Resources
Providing a range of services to the Mount Royal community, including training and development, recruitment, workplace health promotion, and information on policies, benefits and more.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Technical problems? Providing technical support, training and solutions, ITS can help.
Marketing and Communications
Creative professionals develop and implement strategies to support Mount Royal’s institutional priorities and enhance the University’s profile and reputation.
See Mount Royal’s editorial style guide and logo guidelines.
Risk Services
Collaborating with the campus community, we identify and manage risks to physical safety, operational improvement, reputation management and academic quality.
Supply Chain Services / Accounts Payable
Under the umbrella of Financial Services, we assist faculties and departments with payment card program management, accounts payable and purchasing.
Teaching and learning resources
Academic Development Centre (ADC)
The ADC fosters teaching excellence and innovation, as well as the effective integration of technology to support learning. Drop-in, consultation and custom-designed services are available to employees and students.
Accessibility Services
We work to create an accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment for students experiencing disabilities.
Library
MRU community members have access to a vast collection of information resources to support their personal and professional learning, teaching and research, including books, eBooks, eJournals, data sets, newspapers and leisure reading as well as audio-visual materials. The Riddell Library and Learning Centre includes a café, spaces for special events and exhibits, casual reading areas and spectacular views in an inspiring environment.
Iniskim Centre
We offer programs and services to support Indigenous students academically and spiritually and to raise awareness across campus of Indigenous cultures. Mount Royal's goal is to indigenize teachings and practices and to honour Indigenous experiences and identities. Our Indigenous Strategic Plan was approved in August 2016 after a three-year planning and consultation process.
BookStore
This is your one-stop shop for everything from course materials and software to transit passes, stationery and clothing.
Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement (ORSCE)
Our office provides administrative and funding support to Mount Royal researchers, while fostering a research culture on campus and within the broader community.
A rendering of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre
Campus safety
Security Services responds to alarms and accidents, provides emergency first aid and responds to unusual activity on campus 24/7.
Environmental Health and Safety
Preventing work-related accidents, injury and illness by promoting a progressive health and safety culture on campus.
What to do in an emergency
Keep a copy of our emergency manual in a visible place so you can review it periodically and grab it during an emergency. Be aware of our evacuation plan and how you might respond during an emergency.
Emergency phone numbers
Security Services 24-hour emergency line: 403.440.5900
City of Calgary Emergency Services: 911 (dial 9 first if calling from a campus landline)
Security Services non-emergency:
Phone: 403.440.6897
Email: security@mtroyal.ca
Location: West Gate (X200)
Emergency phones are located throughout campus and connect directly to Security Services.
SAFEWalk
Don’t want to walk alone on campus? SAFEWalk security staff are available 24/7 to escort you to your car, bus stop, or to and from campus buildings.
Working alone
Sign in online when you’re working alone. If you don’t check out on time, Campus Security will contact you.
Reporting concerning behaviour on campus
Know when you're needed. Recognize concerning behaviour on campus and know what to do about it.
Human Resources
We offer a range of programs and services promoting a healthy work life.
Disability management
Ill or injured? We help you plan a medical leave and support your return to work with any needed accommodations.
Ergonomic assessments
Group benefits
Extended health care, dental care, health spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability insurance are offered to eligible employees.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Free, short-term counselling and support for personal or family needs are available to employees eligible for benefits.
Human Resources: 403.440.6584
Homewood Human Solutions (toll-free): 1.800.663.1142
Wellness services on campus
Dental Choice
Health Services
Optimal Therapies
Wyckham Pharmacy
We are conveniently located on campus and have a prescribing pharmacist.
Diversity and Human Rights services
Our focus is promoting an environment of respect, dignity and inclusivity through education, training, workshops, and diversity and inclusion programming across campus.
Dating, Domestic and Sexual Violence Response and Awareness Program
Safe and confidential disclosures of sexual violence can be made to specially trained advocates.
Human rights advising
We provide confidential support and work with students to resolve concerns about bullying behaviour, harassment and discrimination.
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and Meditation Centre
Our centre is a sanctuary to explore your spirituality, in prayer, mindfulness and meditation.
Positive Space Initiative
We work to promote a safe, inclusive and respectful campus community for all sexual and gender identities and expressions.
Unwind with some of Calgary’s finest recreation and performance facilities — right here on campus!
Cougar Athletics
Break out your Mount Royal blues! Cheer for your Cougars as they compete against premier teams across the country in basketball, hockey, soccer and volleyball. Admission to games is free for all Mount Royal employees with their campus cards.
The Conservatory
Learn an instrument, play in an orchestra or sing with a choir! The Conservatory offers music and speech arts programs for students of all ages. As the largest institution of its kind in Canada, the Conservatory is unparalleled in the breadth and scope of its programming. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert, there’s a place for you at the Conservatory.
Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
Artists, speakers and ensembles from around the globe take the stage in our industry-leading venues — including the gorgeous Bella Concert Hall.
Recreation
Gain energy, clear your mind, interact with coworkers and have fun in Mount Royal’s outstanding Recreation Centre. Access is free for members of the MRSA, the MRFA and the management/exempt group and is offered at a reduced rate to other employees and to family members living in the same household.
Make a difference! Enrich your Mount Royal experience and share your unique passions, expertise and interests with others on campus.
Check out campus events
There’s always something happening at Mount Royal!
Give to Mount Royal
Empower students to achieve more than they had dreamed possible. Consider a one-time gift or donate through payroll deduction.
Volunteer at Mount Royal
Community engagement is a great way to meet students and employees from across campus while building new skills. From welcoming new students at Orientation to celebrating achievements at Convocation, there are countless ways to get involved.
Join a committee! The MRFA and MRSA welcome employees dedicated to improving the Mount Royal experience for faculty, staff and students. To find out how you can get involved, talk to your supervisor or your association.
All members of the MRFA, MRSA and management/exempt groups are eligible for the following perks, unless otherwise noted.
Employee awards
Join the Mount Royal community in an annual celebration of our peers. Any Mount Royal employee or student may nominate an employee for an award.
Complimentary recreation access
Enjoy the salt water pool, fitness centre, squash courts, gymnasiums, indoor track, climbing centre and other amazing recreation services.
Child Care Centre
Looking for quality child care? The Child Care Centre offers on-campus, play-based child care and preschool programs for children aged 19 months to five years. Space is limited.
Leaves, sabbaticals and exchanges
Full-time faculty and employees may qualify for a leave, sabbatical or exchange. Check your collective agreement or policies for details about opportunities and eligibility.
Professional development
Continuing Education complimentary courses
Scholarships and bursaries
Tuition reimbursement
Find out more about learning and development on MyMRU. Check your collective agreement and policies for details and eligibility requirements.
Software and hardware discounts
Educational pricing
Home and automobile insurance discounts
Educational pricing
Know the policies that protect the freedoms and rights of faculty, staff and students and ensure a safe, inclusive and equitable working environment.
- Log in to MyMRU
- Click on the Employee tab
- Click on Policies and Procedures
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP)
Understand how FOIP legislation may affect you in your role at Mount Royal.
ConfidenceLine
This is an alternative, anonymous reporting tool available 24/7 online or by phone, providing access to an independent third party and ensuring your anonymity if reporting concerns about sensitive workplace issues.