Winter Semester Checklist

What’s Happening this January: Your Winter Semester Checklist

As the calendar flips over to 2024, it can only mean we’re gearing up for another semester of classes, friends, and memories as the Winter Semester approaches!

But whether this is you’re still working through your first batch of classes or you’re on your final stretch before you graduate, we’ve got your back to help you through another semester. Here’s a checklist full of resources and events to help you slay this school year.

Make a difference with your Representation Executive Council (REC)

Have you ever wanted to have your voice heard, striving to improve the MRU student experience while building your resume and portfolio? Your Representation Executive Council (REC) Team is constantly advocating for what matters most to you – the students! Are you interested in developing your leadership, networking, and advocacy skills? A REC role might be right for you! 

The REC team consists of 4 full-time representatives who advocate for a better student experience (and who are students themselves!). Your four elected students of the REC team are hired by the SAMRU Student Governing Board to advocate on behalf of all students to the MRU institution and all levels of government. REC is your collective student voice for the issues that mean the most to students, like rising tuition costs and mental health needs on campus. 

Do you want to make a difference? Applications are open until January 31! You can learn more about the application process here.

Want to stay up to date with REC’s latest advocacy wins and achievements? Drop us a follow on X (Formerly Twitter) @samrurec!

Check off your tuition and fees

While a new semester means a new set of classes, and a new set of deadlines for fees. Don’t let your tuition and fees slip by you.

The deadline for your full tuition and fees will be on January 12, meaning you can adjust your course schedule or drop a class by this date to receive a full refund and avoid a withdrawal (W) on your transcript. 

If you have any questions regarding your course schedule, contact the registrar or your academic advisor.

Warm up at the Fireside Festival

While January can be cold, snowy, and dreary, we’re set on making it a month to remember. So come inside and get toasty in Wyckham House for the first-ever Fireside Festival – featuring a beer garden in West Gate Social, free s’mores and hot chocolate, a photo booth, and special appearances from your Calgary Flames for giveaways and prizes! Now that’s bringing the heat. 🏒

Fireside Festival will take place in Wyckham House from 11 am – 6 pm on January 11. 🔥

It’s time to get Wycked!

You heard us right! To welcome you in from the cold, Wycked House Party is back for another go-around this January – and let’s just say this beach-themed party will have some extravagant Ken-ergy to it. Join us for one night only as Wyckham House evolves into a bumping dance floor with live music and the best vibes. 

Wycked House Party will take place on January 25, and doors open at 8 pm. This is a licensed 18+ event, so please bring one piece of government-issued photo ID along with your student ID. Don’t drink and drive.

Find your people at the Clubs Expo

Whether you’re starting your first semester or taking your final handful of classes before you graduate, have you felt like there’s something missing? That something might just be the sweet camaraderie of a club!

With over 60 ratified clubs, there’s no shortage of variety among interest groups. 

The SAMRU Winter Semester Clubs Expo will be taking place on both January 16 and 17 from 10 am – 2 pm on Main Street, allowing you to mingle and connect with fellow students who share mutual interests on campus! 

Want to start your own club? Check out this page to learn how you can ratify a new club on campus!

Have a say on the Student Governing Board (SGB)

Your Student Governing Board (SGB) is the highest decision-making body on campus, with 14 current students serving as members. Following the conclusion of REC Applications, SGB applications will open on February 1st. Think you’ve got what it takes to advance the interests of your fellow students?

Learn more about what it takes to be a Student Governing Board Member here.

Explore your Student Centres around Wyckham House!

You can find numerous welcoming support centres across the four stories of Wyckham House. No matter the time of year, your Students’ Association is here to support you and your well-being while at MRU.

On the second floor, you can find multiple centres, including:

On the third floor, you will have access to:

Service and program offerings within the centres are free for all credit students. Centres are open during the Fall and Winter semesters on weekdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with tons of workshops and events happening throughout the semester. New weekly programs and events being introduced throughout the school year, be sure to check our events calendar so you never miss out! 

Don’t forget about your health benefits!

But there is more in Wyckham available to you than just support centres. Included in your tuition payments is a health insurance plan, helping to cover any check-ups or surprises this year. These benefits are included in your tuition, ranging in coverage from prescription costs to dental care to even a massage.

To easily access these benefits, you can sign up for the myBenefits card, allowing you to pay only your co-portion of your visit rather than footing the whole bill and waiting for reimbursement.

There are three health service centres conveniently accessible in the basement of Wyckham House, including:

Are you just beginning your first semester at MRU? If you have existing, comparable health coverage elsewhere, the opt-out deadline for your student health benefits is January 19!

Share a laugh and a pint at West Gate Social

With a new year comes even more reasons to lift your spirits at West Gate Social. While you may come for the cheap food and immaculate vibes, we’ve spruced up our weekly programming to help you make the most of campus life!

  • Tuesdays are now Trivia Tuesdays! Show off your knowledge, school your friends, and win fabulous prizes – with new genres of trivia each Tuesday in West Gate Social! Trivia Tuesdays run from 2 pm – 4 pm.
  • Couldn’t get enough of the amazing musical acts last semester? Wednesday is now your favourite day of the week! Weekly live performances return to West Gate for Live Music Wednesdays! From your favourite local artists to up-and-coming MRU talent, be sure to stop by to see the next big thing in person. Live Music Wednesdays are held from 4 pm – 6 pm.
  • On Thursdays, YOU are the star! 🤩Thursday’s Got Talent returns this Winter Semester for you and your friends to show your performance chops to the world. From karaoke to slam poetry to open mic nights, the spotlight is on you this Thursday! Thursdays Got Talent runs from 4 pm – 6 pm.

But these aren’t the only events going down in the best bar around! From parties to events, there’s no better place to experience student life than West Gate Social. To stay up to date with the latest happenings and programming updates, be sure to follow us on Instagram @wgsocial.

A whole new year to make uniquely yours

As we enter a new year rested up and full of resolutions, remember that your university experience is one to make your own! These are only suggestions, so don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands and blaze your own unique path! 

No matter what adventures, achievements, or tribulations you experience this Winter Semester, SAMRU is here for you. 

For any general inquiries, you can always send us a message at info@samru.ca.

For more resources to help prepare you for each month of the school year, check out our Student Toolkit.