Executive Update

Staff Update

Mount Royal created the following new staff position between October and December:

• Senior Strategist, Donor Relations (University Advancement)

Mount Royal Staff Make a Difference

I was asked if I had a story to tell about the impacts of my work and how it contributes to making Mount Royal an amazing place to work. I do think Mount Royal is an amazing place to work, despite its challenges, I bleed blue in ALL.THE.WAYS. I suppose with some reflection and thinking about how I personally contribute (or how any of us contribute) is where the potential lies. Below is a short reflection on my work and the meaning and value it holds for me personally, I hope there is an ounce of inspiration in my story for someone out there struggling to see how their work connects to a greater purpose; because I personally believe that all work matters and that we are all contributing to an amazing workplace at Mount Royal. 
 
My name is Cheryl, I am an academic advisor at Mount Royal University. I have been at Mount Royal for eight years and working as an advisor for the past 6 years or so within the Faculty of Science and Technology. I have a mug on my shelf that says "Academic Advisor because Badass Miracle Worker isn't an official job title" and I kind of live by that. 
 
Somedays you really do feel like you've made a world of difference, and other days you feel like you've described the "how-tos" of researching the process for getting into medical school 5,000 times and you'll just die if you have to repeat it one.more.time. Gah! But my work is privileged work - I work in a world where students come to me bearing all and exposing themselves and all of their dreams; sometimes for the first time ever - sometimes - in spite of what parents or friends think they should be doing. They come to share with me their innermost dreams and goals. I help them plan, prepare, get-real, take accountability, and sometimes take a long hard look in the mirror - to determine if what they want and what they are capable of fit together realistically. 
 
Despite what others might think, advisors work as part of the teaching community - we are teaching, instructing, and guiding - we are assisting students to get reflective and think critically about their choices. Within the walls of my office, there are tears of disappointment, frustration, or hard realizations. Sometimes, there are high-fives and celebrations in recognition of important milestones like passing calculus, or hallelujahs for major accomplishments like gaining admission to a graduate program. I experience the highs and lows of their journey alongside them, and it couldn't be more rewarding work. 
 
It is because of this that I feel deeply compelled to give back and do more, for our students and for our wider Mount Royal community. I have the amazing honour to see our students through their entire journey at Mount Royal; from the early days at Open House, New Student Registration, and New Student Orientation all the way through to graduation. I make every effort to volunteer at convocation so I can watch our students cross the stage in a guilty-pleasure sort of way - I get to see my kids graduate! I feel like I know them, we've developed a relationship and I'm invested in seeing them through it. What an amazing privilege - from start to finish - and all the road bumps, celebrations, and learnings along the way. This is STUDENT SUCCESS.  This is what makes Mount Royal an exceptional undergraduate university, and what makes our community great. I challenge everyone reading this, whether you are an administrative assistant, a laboratory technician, a security officer, or working in recreation, to reflect on how you contribute - whether it be big or small - to our students' success at Mount Royal. Because the fact-of-the-matter is we all make a difference. 
 
Staff make the Mount Royal experience amazing and we need to share that, and celebrate it! 
 
"Some of us will make tiny ripples and others will send waves crashing, but each one will change the surface of the water forever" 
~Robin Dance
 
 
Cheryl Melatdoost BSc
Academic Advisor 
Faculty of Science and Technology
Mount Royal University

If you have a story to share please send to MRSACommunications@mtroyal.ca

Committee Update
PD Day Committee

MRSA PD day, a half-day event is taking place Tuesday, April 28 (tentative). You will have the choice to attend the morning sessions or afternoon sessions while connecting with our campus community. The event is taking place on campus to allow for ease of access as we want to enable all of our memberships to attend!  

We are seeking 50 minute presentations for professional development from staff for the day. If you are interested in providing a session on interpersonal communication, leadership, conflict resolution, psychology in the workplace, indigenous learning or any other topics of interest, please take a moment to fill out this application. A small token of our appreciation will be provided to selected participants. 

Request for Proposals MRSA PD Day 2020

Did you know?

The MRSA Executive have been made aware that some members were unable to find information about the new Additional Paid Medical Appointment Leave (APMAL).  Human Resources included it in the December 13th edition of Our Community, for your convenience please find a link to the Fact Sheet here. If you have any questions please feel free to forward them to the MRSA email and the Employee Relations Committee will bring them forward to HR to get them answered. You may also contact HR directly.

Did you know that staff have access to the Staff Lounge - W305 after hours using their One Card.

Submit your question here.

MRSA Events

Please join us for a piece of cake and enter to win a prize on Valentine’s Day at the MRSA Staff Lounge.  Wear red to be eligible to enter for the prize. 

MRSA Coffee Chat

Please join us for coffee and conversation on February 28 from 3:00-3:30 p.m. in the MRSA Staff Lounge (W305). We welcome your input on any topics you might want to discuss with our Executive. Please email the MRSA office at mrsa@mtroyal.ca with any suggestions.                                                                              

MRU Events

• Hack the Box is Back February 5
• Spot the phishing email February 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Mainstreet
• Protecting yourself against cybercrime February 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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• In the 2000s, Alberta invested heavily in its universities. In the 2020s, that's about to change
• Alberta’s post-secondary funding problem is staring them right in the face