Open StudiesADVISING GUIDE 2015/16

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 fi nd advising and registration information that will help guide you through course selection and class registration.

ACTIVATE YOUR MYMRU ACCOUNTVisit 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 gmail@mtroyal.ca 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.

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 depositTo reserve your spot at Mount Royal you need to accept your Offer of Admission and pay your nonrefund-able Registration Deposit of $200. Visit mtroyal.ca, select Apply then Accept Offer/Pay Deposit.

Step 3: Activate your MyMRU accountMyMRU 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 emailWe will communicate important information to you through your MRU email account. Check your email regularly.

Step 5: Be advised and register for classesYour 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 equiv-alencies satisfy requirements for your program.

Step 6: Pay FeesTuition 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 OrientationWe’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.

mru

GradU8

COURSE REGISTRATION GUIDEIt 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 ONLINE1. Log into MyMRU.ca 2. Select Student Resources tab3. Select Registration under My Account4. Register using the Look Up classes link5. Select Term and choose the appropriate term (e.g. Fall 2015 credit)

REGISTRATION ASSISTANCEFurther information about registering for credit courses, waitlisting for a course, cancelling your registration, trou-bleshooting 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.). » creditregistration@mtroyal.ca

TRANSFER EQUIVALENCIES To be considered for transfer equivalency, each course must have been completed at a recognized accredited post-secondary 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 REQUIREMENTSPrerequisites 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 mruGradU8mruGradU8 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 cur-rent course registrations. In addition to the advice you receive from your academic advisor, mruGradU8 is a great way to stay on track!

GENERAL EDUCATIONGeneral 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 pro-gram, 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.

Degree — up to 12 gen eD courses requireD

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).

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 Advi-sors to make the most of this academic year and gain admission to your program of choice.

PLAN FOR A FUTURE PROGRAMSuccessful 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 require-

ments 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.

Admission CategoriesHigh School Mature Post-Secondary

Completes fewer than eight credit courses by June 30, 2016 (includ-ing transfer credit)

Completes fewer than eight credit courses by June 30, 2016 (includ-ing transfer credit)

Completes four or more credit courses by Dec. 31, 2015 (including transfer credit) AND

21 years of age or older by Sept. 1, 2016

Completes eight or more courses by June 30, 2016

Competitive Average CalculationHigh School Mature Post-Secondary

Competitive average will be based on your top two “Group A” High School subjects (or equivalents) completed by April 30, 2016

Competitive average will be based on your top two “Group A” High School subjects (or equivalents)completed by April 30, 2016

Competitive GPA will be based on the four most recently completed credit courses by Dec. 31, 2015

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 Stud-ies. 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 advising@mtroyal.ca 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.

Open Studies

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 Stud-

ies credit limit.

For further information on academic upgrading courses, please visit mtroyal.ca/openstudies

Upgrading courses we offer:

MRU Upgrading Alberta High School Equivalent MRU Upgrading Alberta High School EquivalentBiology 0115 Biology 20 Mathematics 0115 Math 10-C/20-1Biology 0130 Biology 30 Mathematics 0130 Mathematics 30-1Blackfoot 0130 30 level language Mathematics 0131 Mathematics 31Chemistry 0115 Chemistry 20 Mathematics 0132 Mathematics 30-2Chemistry 0130 Chemistry 30 Native Studies 0130 Social Studies 30-1Cree 0130 30 level language Physics 0130 Physics 30English 0115 Preparatory class Social Science 0130 Social Studies 30-1English 0130 English Language Arts 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 ORIENTATIONGain 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 CALENDARNOWApply for residencemtroyal.ca/residence

NOWApply for scholarships & bursariesmtroyal.ca/moneymatters

Apr. 13, 2015Course registration begins for new students

Aug. 1, 2015Final/official transcripts duemtroyal.ca/admission

Aug. 12, 2015Tuition and fees duemtroyal.ca/moneymatters

Sept. 8 & 9, 2015New Student Orientationmtroyal.ca/orientation

Sept. 10, 2015First day of classes

Students are expected to adhere to all criti-cal 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 CHECKLISTNow

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)

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STUDENT RESOURCESHave 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