Membership Development Fund

The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) offers the Membership Development Fund (MDF) to help individual students fund personal and professional development opportunities outside of their academic experience at Mount Royal. This fund was created to help eligible students take advantage of unique learning and growth opportunities.

What kinds of activities can the MDF can be used for?

The MDF can be used to fund a variety of personal and professional development opportunities, including participation in:
• Conference or trade shows;
• Student exchange programs;
• Work-abroad programs; or
• Teach-abroad programs, etc.

What expenses are included in the funding?

Eligible costs the fund can be used for include meals, delegate fees, transportation, and accommodations.

How much can I qualify for?

The maximum amount available per student is $1000; however, the actual amount is awarded at the discretion of the MDF Selection Committee. The Committee will grant the lesser of:
• Fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of meals, delegate fees, transportation costs, and/or accommodation;
• $1,000
• The balance of reasonable and legitimate unpaid or unfunded costs; or
• The balance remaining in the fund for distribution.

Who is eligible for an MDF grant?

MDF applicants must:
• Be members of SAMRU in good standing (i.e. current credit students of Mount Royal)
• Be of the age of majority, or have written permission from his/her parent(s) or guardian(s)
• Be in good academic standing with Mount Royal (GPA 2.00+)
• Not be a current member of the MDF Selection Committee

What restrictions are there on MDF grants?

The MDF is available for individual students only and may not be used to directly, or indirectly, fund the activities of any group, association, corporation, or charity. Also, the MDF may not be used to fund:
• Activities which contravene any legal statute;
• Tuition or other education-related expenses at Mount Royal or its affiliated or collaborative partners;
• The personal or professional development opportunities for current SAMRU Executive Members, full-time staff members or members of the MDF Selection Committee.

What is the process for application and receipt of grant money?

The application is due no later than one month prior to your development experience and should submitted to the Reception Office in Wyckham House (Z222). The MDF Selection Committee meets at the end of each semester. After this meeting, you will be contacted by mail regarding the Committee’s decision.

What responsibilities do I have if I receive an MDF grant?

Upon the completion of your experience or receipt of your letter (which ever comes last), you have two weeks to submit a written report to the MDF Selection Committee, including:
• A brief report (maximum two (2) pages) on your development experience, including how you were able to achieve your development outcomes and whether you would recommend the experience for other Mount Royal students;
• An expense report, including receipts, for transportation, delegate fees, accommodation, and meals; and
• A photograph and a brief description of your experience for possible publication by the SAMRU.
Once the report is received, the MDF Committee chair will review the report and issue you a cheque for the approved amount or 50% of your actual costs, whichever is less.

Timeline:

• One month before your trip (minimum): Submit application to the Reception Office (Z222) in Wyckham House.
• Leave for trip and have a fantastic time!
• Two weeks after your trip or after receipt of your acceptance letter, which ever comes latest: Submit a written report of your experience as outlined above.

For more information, please contact the VP Academic

Contact

Anna Piltingsrud
VP Academic
Phone: (403) 440-6402
Email: