1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

ADVISING GUIDE 2015/16
Open Studies
congratulations and
Welcome to Mru!
Welcome to Mount Royal University! We are here to help you begin your
transition to becoming a Mount Royal Student. Within this document you
will find advising and registration information that will help guide you through
course selection and class registration.
YOU’RE ACCEPTED, NOW WHAT?
Step 1: Review your Offer of Admission letter and follow all directions
To maintain acceptance in your program, you must meet your conditions and final/official transcripts need
to be received at Mount Royal by Aug. 1, 2015.
Step 2: Pay your registration deposit
To reserve your spot at Mount Royal you need to accept your Offer of Admission and pay your nonrefundable Registration Deposit of $200. Visit mtroyal.ca, select Apply then Accept Offer/Pay Deposit.
Step 3: Activate your MyMRU account
MyMRU is your online registration, fee payment system and one-stop information site for all things Mount
Royal. Visit MyMRU.ca. See directions on how to activate your account below.
Step 4: Start using your MRU email
We will communicate important information to you through your MRU email account. Check your email
regularly.
Step 5: Be advised and register for classes
Your program-specific advising information is available in this guide. Here you will find details on how to get
advising information and register for courses. Course registration begins Apr. 13, 2015. If you have already
taken post-secondary or AP/IB courses, we will automatically access your transfer equivalences after we
have received your final/official transcripts. Once assessed, you will be able to view how the transfer equivalencies satisfy requirements for your program.
Step 6: Pay Fees
Tuition and fees are due Aug. 12, 2015. For more information on how to pay your fees visit
mtroyal.ca/moneymatters.
Step 7: Attend New Student Orientation
We’ll be keeping you up to date with important information on New Student Orientation (NSO),
Sept. 8 & 9, 2015, to help make your move to Mount Royal a smooth one.
ACTIVATE YOUR MYMRU ACCOUNT
» Visit MyMRU.ca
» Select Activate Your Account
» Read and accept the Acceptable Use Policy terms
» Complete the details using your name, date
of birth and Mount Royal Student ID number
found on your Offer of Admission letter
To activate your student [email protected] account,
select the email link in the top right hand corner of
MyMRU.
If you get stuck, check out the Activating your
MyMRU Account tutorial found at mtroyal.ca/
beadvised/tutorials.
For further assistance, please call the Mount Royal
Technology Help Desk at 403.440.6000.
COURSE REGISTRATION GUIDE
It is your responsibility to register in your courses and ensure that the courses you select meet the program and
graduation requirements. Your first-year course requirements are outlined in this document.
Use the online Course Listings or the Academic Calendar to explore possible courses of interest and to check that
you meet prerequisites. Then use the registration system to find out when courses are offered and to create your
schedule.
REGISTER ONLINE
1.Log into MyMRU.ca
2.Select Student Resources tab
3.Select Registration under My Account
4.Register using the Look Up classes link
5.Select Term and choose the appropriate term (e.g. Fall 2015 credit)
REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE
Further information about registering for credit courses, waitlisting for a course, cancelling your registration, troubleshooting error messages and frequently asked questions is available online or consult the current Academic
Calendar.
For assistance in registering for courses contact Credit Registration:
»» 403.440.3303 or toll-free 1.877.676.0686 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
»» [email protected]
TRANSFER EQUIVALENCIES
To be considered for transfer equivalency, each course must have been completed at a recognized accredited postsecondary institution with a minimum passing grade. Regardless of when a course was completed, normally it will
still be considered for a transfer equivalency. However, limitations do exist for time-sensitive courses, e.g. Computer
Science, Midwifery, Nursing, and Science. If the transfer equivalency assigned by Mount Royal is unspecified and
you think it might transfer as a direct equivalent, you need to provide the detailed course outline for assessment.
You can find more information online including timelines for transfer equivalency assessments and how to view your
transfer equivalencies. If you miss the time line, as specified for any given semester, the transfer equivalency may
not be established in time for course registration. This may affect whether a course prerequisite has been met.
COURSE PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites are listed in the course description section of the Academic Calendar and in the online Courses
Listings. It is your responsibility to ensure you have met the prerequisites for your registered courses. Failing to
meet course prerequisites will result in automatic de-registration.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS WITH mruGradU8
mruGradU8 is a degree audit program that will guide you in your course selection as you move through
your program. You can access mruGradU8 through MyMRU.ca under the Student Resources tab. Your
mruGradU8 audit will show you a list of courses you have completed (included transfer credits) and current course registrations. In addition to the advice you receive from your academic advisor, mruGradU8
is a great way to stay on track!
mru
GradU8
GENERAL EDUCATION
General Education (known on campus as Gen Ed) is dedicated to creating intellectual habits and abilities that take
you across academic disciplines and beyond one specific job description.
At Mount Royal University, each Gen Ed course introduces you to thematic areas outside your major. Gen Ed invites
you to experience all that academic life has to offer by exploring courses from other faculties and fields.
A Gen Ed component is included in every bachelor’s degree, applied degree and diploma program at Mount Royal. The
exact number of Gen Ed courses (mtroyal.ca/gened/courses) you take depends on the credential you are pursuing,
but up to 30 per cent of your course load will be Gen Ed.
HOW DOES GEN ED WORK?
Mount Royal’s Gen Ed has been structured to complement your program of study. You can tailor your courses to fit
your interests and your schedule.
Gen Ed courses are divided into four thematic clusters, as shown in the chart. The chart also shows the three Gen
Ed tiers you will move through, depending on which program you are in. Gen Ed course requirements vary by program, so please check with your program advisor to confirm the courses needed for your degree, applied degree or
diploma.
For more detail, visit mtroyal.ca/gened.
Cluster 1:
Numeracy
and Scientific
Literacy
Cluster 2:
Values, Beliefs
and Identity
Cluster 3:
Community
and Society
Cluster 4:
Communication
Foundation:
As you start your studies, you take
a total of four Gen Ed foundation
courses. Choose one from each
cluster.
Take one of:
GNED 1101,
GNED 1102
or GNED 1103
within your first
10 courses.
Take one of:
GNED 1201,
GNED 1202
or GNED 1203
within your first
20 courses.
Take one of:
GNED 1301,
GNED 1303
or GNED 1304
within your first
20 courses.
Take one of:
GNED 1401,
GNED 1403
or GNED 1404
within your first
10 courses.
Tier 2:
As you progress through your
degree, choose four Gen Ed
courses from a wider variety
of courses.
You will take:
»»one Tier 2 course from each cluster (Total: 4).
Tier 3:
You must take four Tier 3 courses.
These four courses must be from
at least two different clusters.
You could take:
»»three Tier 3 courses from one cluster and
one Tier 3 course from a second cluster (Total: 4); or
»»one Tier 3 course from each cluster (Total: 4); or
»»two Tier 3 courses from two different clusters (Total: 4).
Degree —
up to 12 Gen Ed
courses required
Open Studies
Welcome to Open Studies! You have the opportunity to take courses that will help you choose your eventual program
of study or pick up courses to meet admission requirements. We invite you to work closely with your Academic Advisors to make the most of this academic year and gain admission to your program of choice.
PLAN FOR A FUTURE PROGRAM
Successful admission to Mount Royal programs involves meeting the admission requirements as well as presenting a
competitive average for admission to that program.
Meet Admission Requirements
»» Every MRU program has a list of specific courses that are required for admission to that program. These requirements can be found on each program’s individual home page under Admission Requirements & Costs.
»» If you are missing an admission requirement, meeting it is your first priority.
Meet Competitive Average
»» The number of credit courses you complete by June 30, 2016 will determine your admission category into a
program.
»» Your admission category determines which grades Mount Royal will use to calculate your competitive average.
This table explains how we determine your admission category and competitive average.
High School
Completes fewer than eight credit
courses by June 30, 2016 (including transfer credit)
Admission Categories
Mature
Post-Secondary
Completes fewer than eight credit Completes four or more credit
courses by June 30, 2016 (includcourses by Dec. 31, 2015
ing transfer credit)
(including transfer credit) AND
21 years of age or older by
Sept. 1, 2016
High School
Competitive average will be based
on your top two “Group A” High
School subjects (or equivalents)
completed by April 30, 2016
Completes eight or more courses
by June 30, 2016
Competitive Average Calculation
Mature
Post-Secondary
Competitive average will be based Competitive GPA will be based on
on your top two “Group A” High
the four most recently completed
School subjects (or equivalents)
credit courses by Dec. 31, 2015
completed by April 30, 2016
WHO IS MY ACADEMIC ADVISOR?
Register to attend a New Student Advising Session. In this session, Academic Advisors will explain how to explain
how to plan for admission into a future program and will guide you through the registration process to help you build
your schedule for the Fall 2015 semester. You can take a maximum of 30 credits (generally 10 courses) in Open Studies. Credit classes are University level courses. Upgrading classes are non-credit and do not count toward the 30 credit
maximum. Using your 30 credits wisely involves purposeful planning to increase your chances of future admission to a
program. Email your questions to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you. Visit our website at mtroyal.
ca/beadvised for information that will help you get off to a successful start to the year.
CHOOSING COURSES STRATEGICALLY
»» If you are missing admission requirements, register in these upgrading courses first.
»» If you meet the minimum requirements, and you are a high school or mature applicant, but your competitive average is
not high enough, consider upgrading your best class(es).
»» Upgrading classes are non-credit, can be taken in addition to any credit courses and do not count in your Open Studies credit limit.
For further information on academic upgrading courses, please visit mtroyal.ca/openstudies
Upgrading courses we offer:
MRU Upgrading Alberta High School Equivalent
Biology 0115
Biology 20
Biology 0130
Biology 30
Blackfoot 0130
30 level language
Chemistry 0115
Chemistry 20
Chemistry 0130
Chemistry 30
Cree 0130
30 level language
English 0115
Preparatory class
English 0130
English Language Arts 30-1
MRU Upgrading
Mathematics 0115
Mathematics 0130
Mathematics 0131
Mathematics 0132
Native Studies 0130
Physics 0130
Social Science 0130
Alberta High School Equivalent
Math 10-C/20-1
Mathematics 30-1
Mathematics 31
Mathematics 30-2
Social Studies 30-1
Physics 30
Social Studies 30-1
CHOOSING CREDIT CLASSES
»» The number of credit classes you take will affect your admission category.
»» To be a full-time student, you must take three 3-credit courses.
»» Undergraduate studies 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1004 are courses designed to make you a better university student
and can be used as an elective towards most programs.
»» Courses from your intended major can sometimes be difficult to get into, but if you can, go ahead! Have a look at
the advising guide for the program you intend to take next year for a list of first-year classes in that major.
»» Every program at Mount Royal includes General Education (Gen Ed) courses. Open Studies students have access to
GNED 1401 and many tier 2 classes. These can be a good place to start if you are exploring different academic paths
or are intending to complete a program at Mount Royal.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Gain the tools you need to get started on your path towards a successful experience at Mount Royal University. At
New Student Orientation (NSO), you will receive helpful tips on becoming a successful student, meet students and
faculty members, learn about support services and familiarize yourself with the campus through a guided tour. This is
the best way to get your university career off to a great start and learn how to take full advantage of your Mount Royal
experience. Be sure to register for Orientation when you register for your courses.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
NOW
Apply for residence
mtroyal.ca/residence
NOW
Apply for scholarships & bursaries
mtroyal.ca/moneymatters
Apr. 13, 2015
Course registration begins for
new students
Aug. 1, 2015
Final/official transcripts due
mtroyal.ca/admission
Aug. 12, 2015
Tuition and fees due
mtroyal.ca/moneymatters
Sept. 8 & 9, 2015
New Student Orientation
mtroyal.ca/orientation
Sept. 10, 2015
First day of classes
Students are expected to adhere to all critical dates and deadlines as outlined in the
Academic Schedule of the 2015/16 Academic
Calendar. For a complete list of dates and
deadlines applicable to new students, visit
mtroyal.ca/criticaldates.
Learn more about Academic Advising
Services or to find your advisor, visit
mtroyal.ca/beadvised.
YOUR STUDENT CHECKLIST
Now
Find out what courses I need
Check to see if all my transfer equivalencies have
been applied to my program
Register for courses
Check mruGradU8 in MyMRU
Register for New Student Orientation
July
Get my parking pass and locker
August
Pay tuition by Aug. 12 *Do not forget!
Get my campus card
Get my U-Pass (if I’m a full-time student)
Activate gym membership (if I’m a full-time student)
Buy text books
September
Visit Blackboard in MyMRU
Attend New Student Orientation on Sept. 8 & 9
Go to class starting Sept. 10
Activate or opt out of my student health benefits
October
Register for winter semester
(check MyMRU for your access date)
FOLLOW US
/MountRoyal4U
@mountroyal4u
/mrulife
/mountroyal4u
STUDENT RESOURCES
Have questions about course selection or program requirements?
Academic Advising Services - mtroyal.ca/beadvised
Looking for academic policies, definitions and deadlines?
Academic Calendar - mtroyal.ca/AcademicSupport/AcademicCalendar
Do you have special learning or mobility needs?
Accessibility Services - mtroyal.ca/accessibility
Need textbooks, MRU clothes and other school supplies?
BookStore - bookstore.mtroyal.ca
When and where can you get your campus ID card?
Campus Card - mtroyal.ca/campuscard
Looking for employment, co-op placement or help with your resume?
Career Services - mtroyal.ca/careerservices
Are you First Nations, Inuit or Métis? Are you interested in learning about these cultures?
Iniskim Centre - mtroyal.ca/iniskimcentre
Looking for tools to help you succeed as a new Mount Royal Student?
New Student Orientation - mtroyal.ca/orientation
Looking for transportation information or locker rentals?
Parking, Locker rental and U-Pass - mtroyal.ca/parking
Want to stay active while in school?
Recreation - mtroyal.ca/recreation
Having problems registering into courses online through MyMRU?
Registration Helpline - mtroyal.ca/CreditRegistration
Need somewhere to live?
Residence Services - mtroyal.ca/residence
Looking for student health & dental information?
Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) - samru.ca
Need help paying for your education?
Student Awards and Financial Aid - mtroyal.ca/moneymatters
Looking for personal, career and educational guidance?
Student Counselling - mtroyal.ca/counselling
Looking for tutoring, writing services or learning skills?
Student Learning Services - mtroyal.ca/studentlearningservices
Want to be a better academic writer?
Essay-Zone online writing tutorial. Login to MyMRU and go the homepage to find the access link and
registration instructions.
Need help getting started with technology?
START (Student Technicians and Resource Tutors) - mtroyal.ca/start
Need a doctor, chiropractor or other healthcare professional?
Wellness Services - mtroyal.ca/wellness