The President’s Speech
President David Docherty shares five ways to boost your MRU experience
David Docherty
Guest Columnist
David Docherty, PhD, is Mount Royal University’s ninth President. He is an accomplished academic, author and administrator.
Welcome back to our returning students and to our new students — welcome to campus!
Fall is one of the most energizing times of the year at Mount Royal — everyone is thrilled to be back on campus to renew great friendships and continue their studies. Mount Royal truly is a wonderful university that provides exceptional learning opportunities for our students. So, whether you are preparing for your first term as an undergraduate student or you are a veteran with a number of terms under your belt, here are a few tips to help make this year a memorable one.
Take advantage of our fantastic professors.
Get to know the faculty in your program. In many universities in Canada, undergraduate class sizes are very large and only fourth-year and graduate students get to know their professors. Make the most of the rare opportunity to build a strong relationship with your profs before your final year. Not only will it make your time here more memorable, it may also help you get into the graduate school of your choice or help you in securing a job in your field of study.
Don’t fall behind in your studies.
As a general rule, it is helpful to think about dedicating two hours outside the classroom on homework for every one hour inside the classroom. So if you have 15 hours of classes per week then you should be spending at least 45 hours a week on all your academic work. I fully appreciate that many students have part-time jobs and other responsibilities; however, if you start at the two hours out for every hour in, you will be less likely to fall behind in your work.
Take a healthy break from studying.
There is a great deal of truth to the old adage of a healthy mind in a healthy body. There is nothing like a good sweat to clear your mind and Mount Royal has the best recreation facility in Calgary. Take advantage of it.
Make the most of your time here by getting involved.
Go to U Fest, Colour U Blue, the Crowchild Classic, a Thursday noon organ recital or even an academic address by a visiting professor or one of our own. Join a club — heck, start a club if you don’t find one you want to join. Mount Royal and SAMRU have myriad opportunities for you to get to know more people while having fun — what’s not to like about that?
“If you see [me] say hello.”
To paraphrase an old Bob Dylan song “If you see [me] say hello.” I enjoy meeting as many students as possible. If you see me on campus, come on over and share your stories with me.
