Welcome back, students! A special welcome is in order as you survived the pilot semester of online learning! We want you to know your students association is here to support you. Despite challenges of the pandemic and online learning, this new semester brings many opportunities for growth, personal renewal and virtual connection. Here we’ve compiled services and programs that will be available to you during January and serve as a place where you can connect with other students, develop a new skill or seek to decrease stress. Let’s jump right in!

Keep on top of deadlines and opportunities with the handy Student Tool Kit! The Student Tool Kit gives students a rundown of what is happening on a monthly basis. 

January Student Tool Kit Highlights:

• Stay in the loop – new and returning students should connect (or reconnect) with SAMRU online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter We can help you get your bearings and hopefully help you start the year off smoothly.
• Apply for scholarships – You should know that SAMRU gives away over $40,000 in scholarships and awards each year, recognizing eligible student applicants who have contributed to their campus community in an outstanding way that inspires and enhances the lives of their fellow Mount Royal students and/or achieved academic excellence. Learn more at samru.ca and make sure to apply before the end of February deadline!
• Run for office – Think about running for a full-time representation executive position. Nominations are open until mid-February. Successful candidates would start their role in May. As an employee of the Student Governing Board, your job would be to represent the interests of MRU students to Mount Royal and various levels of government — so be prepared to attend a lot of meetings and do some public speaking. But don’t worry – there are ample training and support provided.
• Health Plan opt out – Your student health and dental plan provide great coverage and benefits for most students. However, students with comparable health and/or dental coverage under another insurance plan may choose to opt-out and can do so online before the deadline.
• Hungry and on-campus for limited in-person learning? The Table will be open for takeaway service only, in-person dining remains closed at The Table and at Wyckham House until at least January 21, 2021. For additional dining options in Wyckham House, please reference the hours for the food court here.

Whether you’re into crafting, looking for meaningful connections or personal development we have a program for you! Familiarize yourself with our events calendar or SAMRU’s Fresh Start page for all deadlines, programs and additional contact information (program coordinators + Google Meet links).

January 2021 Programming Schedule:

BIPOC Support Network

The BIPOC Support Network is a discussion group for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. It is an opportunity to discuss and learn about issues, events and activities that relate to the BIPOC community both on and off campus.

Friday, January 8, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Crafternoon

Crafternoon is for all students who want to try a new craft, destress and spend some time off the screen. The first craft of the semester is polymer clay succulent plants! Craft packages will be available for pick up every second week and include supplies and instructions.

Wednesday January 13, 2021 pick up at SAMRU Reception (Z222) all day

Wednesday January 27, 2021 pick up at SAMRU Reception (Z222) all day

Volunteer Meet and Greet (January to March)

A chat session to meet other volunteers and volunteer supervisors. The chat session serves as a way to connect, play games and meet people who share similar interests such as volunteering time to their communties.

Monday January 11, 2021 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., and subsequently on the first Monday of each month through March.

Games Day

For the Games Day program, we will be playing Among Us! Games Day serves as a great opportunity to make virtual connections and have fun while doing it. Among Us is free, easy to play and can give students a break from their studies. Download the Among Us app for free on iTunes or Google Play and join in!

Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Metis History

Canadian history has long been told from a colonial settler lens. Explore the complex history of the Metis people and Canada’s history as previously untold. Information from this program can be used as research for courses and help contextualize Canadian history.

Wednesday January 13, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Student Support Services: SARC Live Stream

Join Student Support Coordinator, David Gomez, for a Facebook live stream conversation about the services offered through the Student Advocacy Resource Centre. The Student Advocacy Resource Centre provides confidential services, support and options for individual students experiencing both academic and or non-academic advocacy concerns and questions. Find out more about how SAMRU supports students in actionable ways, specifically self-advocacy support

Wednesday January 13, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.

Wellness Wind Down

Wellness Wind Down serves as a place for anyone who needs a break or is wanting to check-in with peers in a non-judgmental, queer-friendly space. Relationship, Sex and Identity Coordinator, Sarah Armstrong and Dr. Janet Miller, a psychologist from Student Counselling Services at MRU will be present to facilitate conversation and answer any questions via Google Meet.

Thursday January 14, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Volunteer Movie: Watch and Chat (January to March)

Volunteer movie night is a way for new or already active volunteers to learn about current and upcoming SAMRU volunteer opportunities. You’ll get to watch thought-provoking movies on current hot topics/interests, build community, create connections, and check-in with people in real-time on timely topics. The movie will be decided in the SAMRU Volunteers Facebook Group — join the group to have your say!

Tuesday January 19, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and subsequently on the second Tuesday of each month through March.

Student Support Services: Food and Financial Security Live Stream

Student Support Coordinator, David Gomez is back for another Facebook live steam conversation about the food and financial security support available through SAMRU and how to access it.

Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.

International Student Meet and Greet

This program gives International students, and the broader Mount Royal community an opportunity to meet new people, build virtually connections all over the world, learn about SAMRU’s Cultural and Indigenous Inclusion programming and the MRU International Student Centre.

Wednesday January 20, 2021 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Aboriginal Ancestry

Learn to research your Metis or First Nations Ancestry to obtain funding and scholarships, and to learn about your family and culture. Meet with a researcher to explore your genealogy, regardless of your cultural heritage.

Thursday January 21, 2021 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Pinnacle Leadership Movie: Watch & Chat (January to March)

Watch a movie about leadership, and/or the pillars of the Pinnacle Leadership program (self-awareness, building relationships, and communication). It’s a chance to learn more about Clifton Strengths, chat about leadership, and build community with other Pinnacle participants! The movie link will be posted here once selection has been made. To learn more about the Pinnacle Leadership program follow this link.

Monday January 25, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and subsequently on the last Monday of each month through March.

Winter Clubs Expo

The Winter Clubs Expo provides clubs with an opportunity to connect with new members and to help new or returning students find clubs and community. SAMRU will be using Discord to carry out the Winter Clubs Expo, the server joining info will be listed on this page. 

Wednesday January 27, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Indigenous Crafts

We bring in a guest instructor every month to teach attendees how to make jewelry, beading, or other crafts. We provide all the supplies, and all the students need to do is show up. Students can pick up their crafts packages at SAMRU Reception (Z222), in advance and then the crafting will be facilitated through Google Meet once a month. Register for the workshop by January 24 , 2021 by emailing c.cardinal@samru.ca.

Wednesday January 27, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm