MRU RAC's pumpkin carving contest was one of many Halloween-themed events in October (Eve Blakeley, CMRU.ca).
Karaoke events, bingo games, and movie nights! These are just a few of the activities put on by Mount Royal University’s Residence Activities Council. Whether it’s trying your luck with a bingo card or settling in for a cozy movie night, the RAC’s events offer residents the chance to unwind, connect, and create lasting memories. By offering a variety of engaging activities, the RAC helps ensure that students living on campus feel supported, included, and part of a community.
The RAC is a student-run organization that aims to plan and host inclusive events for students living on campus. Whether you live on the East or West end of campus, the events are open to all residents. The RAC’s mission is simple: to bring students together by organizing events that promote connection, participation, and community engagement. From themed movie nights and karaoke events to holiday celebrations, the council ensures there’s something for everyone. The events are planned not only to entertain but also to create opportunities for students to connect with their peers, whether they’re living on campus for the first time or are seasoned residents.
Creating a safe and welcoming space
Moving into residence can be an isolating experience, or maybe you miss your family, whatever it is, MRU residence’s RAC works to build a welcoming and inclusive community among all of the residents.
For many students, moving into residence is the first time they are living away from home. It can be a daunting experience, especially for those who are new to the city or the country. The RAC provides a safe and welcoming space for students to meet new friends, share experiences, and build lasting connections. The fun and engaging events provide students with a reason to get out and meet their fellow residents. The variety of activities means that no matter what a student’s interests are, there’s always an opportunity to engage with others.
Building leadership skills
Being part of the RAC also provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, with the events being organized and run by students, who are residents themselves. The council gives students the chance to take responsibility through planning events, advertising on social media, and working as a team with fellow members. By working together to bring events to life, students on the RAC develop teamwork skills that are valuable both during their time at MRU and beyond. Being a part of the Residence Activities Council is not just about giving back to the community, but about growing personally and professionally.
Mia Vallee, a student at MRU, began working in her role as the Residence Programming Advisor at the beginning of the 2024/25 academic year. Aside from leadership skills, when discussing the benefits of students who join the RAC, Vallee says “you also get to build your project planning skills and these are really good things that you can put onto a resume.” Vallee also says that “the residence teams are very close, so you get a really good sense of community. Just in general, I think you kind of get to build that sense of who you are, where you fit in within residence and within MRU, and it’s nice to see friendly faces all around campus.”
I had the chance to sit down with Vallee and discuss the purpose of the RAC, and further explore the value of regular activities to create a feeling of community among students living in residence.
Diverse events
Over the course of the ongoing fall semester, both the RAC and Vallee–the RPA– have hosted a variety of activities, such as:
- Halloween movie night
- Bingo
- Pumpkin carving
- Trivia and speed friending
- A door decorating contest
- Karaoke
- Drop-in sports events
When it comes to RAC and RPA events, the council often collaborates with other clubs and organizations on campus. Vallee says that they “collaborate with SAMRU quite often, more particularly West Gate Social,” and they “also collaborate with Wellness Services and the International Student Society.”
Author’s reflection
Working on this project with the Residence Activities Council at Mount Royal University has been a fun learning experience. As I helped craft a blog highlighting the ways the RAC builds a sense of community among students, I was able to see firsthand how impactful even the simplest activities–like a karaoke event or a movie night–can be in creating lasting bonds among students. It made me realize how important these spaces are for people, especially for students living away from home for the first time.
The biggest impact I believe I had on the RAC was being able to create content to highlight their efforts and showcase the value of their work through digital storytelling. By capturing the goals of the council and the positive energy of their events, I hope the blog can serve as a tool for the RAC to attract more participants and encourage students to get involved. It also allows them to get a sense of the community they’ve created and the support they provide, not just in moments of fun but also in helping students adjust and thrive during their time at MRU.
Through this project, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of community and the importance of engagement. I feel inspired to continue exploring ways to make meaningful connections and have learned the value of inclusive spaces, both on and off campus.
The RAC can be found on Instagram under @mru_rac for monthly newsletters and information on upcoming events.
Further information on the RAC can be found on the MRU Residence Services website.
For residents who may be interested in becoming a member of the RAC, applications for the 2024/25 academic year are still being accepted.
Comments