MRU Changemakers

MRU is part of a global network of 42 designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campuses. At MRU, we empower our students to become engaged citizens by co-creating knowledge and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks to tackle complex social problems. At MRU, we believe that everyone is a Changemaker. 

In 2023, Mount Royal University’s designation as an Ashoka Changemaker University was renewed. The Changemaker Campus designation recognizes MRU’s commitment to social and ecological justice, social innovation education, and commitment to building the capacity, skills, and knowledge to launch the changemakers of tomorrow.

“I am so happy that MRU is an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus. Please know how very much I value the Institute for making that happen. I think it is incredible to have a structure like Ashoka where we can create a culture and discipline of collaboration at MRU."
Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Royal University.

Anitopisi students and Catamount Fellows are learning to set up a Blackfoot lodge. PHOTO: Cordelia Snowdon-Lawley  

A Changemaker Campus operates in socially and environmentally conscious ways to address local and global challenges. The designation recognizes investment in the continuous development of individuals who see the value of higher education in making the world a better place.

The designation resulted from an extensive selection process that included a 360-degree campus scan, a site visit and three 70-minute panel interviews. It marks the culmination of a broader MRU Changemaker Campus initiative that began in 2015 with the development of the Changemaker Campus Roadmap. 

 

Launched in 2008, Ashoka offers the Changemaker Campus designation
to leading institutions in social innovation education.
These institutions share the vision for higher education to become the next
global driver of social change by transforming the educational experience
into a world-changing experience.

 

 

The University’s Research and Scholarship Plan, entitled Reimagine. Innovate. Nurture. Celebrate., emphasizes that we are committed to community-based research, reimagining the learning experience, innovating beyond the classroom, nurturing curiosity, and celebrating success through knowledge mobilization. Research and scholarship at Mount Royal are enhanced through the leadership of our institutes and centres.

 

Changemakers are students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni from any background, from any discipline, and from any political leaning who are working to address local and global challenges. Changemakers have a deep sense of empathy, are self-aware, approach their work with humility, are committed to the common good, engage in deep listening, and act boldly to create inclusive, resilient communities.

The Changemaker Campus Initiative supports MRU's capacity for changemaking. Through our teaching, learning, research, scholarship, physical spaces, mentorship, and connections to one another, we are inspired and empowered to create meaningful change in partnership with community.

At MRU, we celebrate student, faculty and staff changemakers on campus. To learn more about some of the incredible changemakers on campus, visit the Changemaker Profiles.

The Institute is a hub of social innovation, systems-learning and community engagement that bridges the knowledge, wisdom and experience of the community with academic learning and scholarly insight. They bring together community, students and faculty from across disciplines, sectors and backgrounds to tackle the complex social and ecological challenges of our time.

Whether their passion is about solving social challenges, driving sustainability, or building a business that makes a difference, the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship can help students grow their impact. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, funding opportunities, and a community that believes in building better futures, students gain the tools and confidence to grow ideas and businesses that create real change.

Definitely Not the Ivory Tower is a research-focused podcast hosted by MRU professor Natalie Meisner. Each episode, Natalie interviews one MRU researcher and digs deep into their field of study. This is an accessible way for listeners to learn about the impactful research happening at Mount Royal. 

Changemakers from across disciplines are learning about the complex and profound nature of the challenges we face locally and globally, and how we can engage with these challenges effectively.

Sustainable MRU
Changemakers are creating a sustainable university through energy renewal, conscientious land use, waste reduction, and stewardship of green spaces.

Changemakers are sharing experiences, engaging in dialogue, and creating connections across cultures.

Changemakers are deepening their cultural awareness and understanding through mentorship, connections with Elders and knowledge keepers, and other forms of cultural support.

The office aims to create a lens through which students can understand what decolonization and indigenization are. By doing so, the office desires to create an educational experience free from misinformation. 

The office works to uphold EDI and anti-racism principles at the university and implements practices, policies, and programs that support those goals. 

Changemakers are preventing relationship violence through a research-based program designed and facilitated by students for students.

This interdisciplinary program focuses on social innovation education appropriate to the complex and profound nature of the challenges we face locally and globally, providing thought leadership on questions of community prosperity, sustainability, citizenship and ethics.

GNED Community Services
At MRU, Community Service Learning (CSL) integrates hands-on experiences into coursework, enabling students to make a meaningful impact locally and globally.

Changemaking activities are aligned and coherently coordinated across the institution through the Change Team. The Change Team fosters engagement from across the institution on activities, events, and curriculum development. If you have questions for the Change Team, please email Cordelia Snowdon-Lawley at csnowdon@mtroyal.ca