Leadership and development

As you settle into this exciting new chapter, consider how you can also give back to your community. Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with others, build leadership skills, gain practical experience and make a real difference in the lives of your fellow residents.

At Monash University Accommodation, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. You might:

Become a Resident Advisor and support your peers
Join your Hall Society or Social Event Team to help create a vibrant community
Welcome new students as part of the Orientation Team
Represent your peers on the Monash University Accommodation Residents' Committee
Volunteer at Monash Open Day to share your experience with future students and their families

These roles are not only fulfilling, they’re also fantastic for personal growth and future career opportunities. We encourage you to take part, share your experiences, and help shape the community you’re now a part of.

Volunteer Resident Advisors are a group of engaged 'returning residents' who have been selected and trained as designated student leaders. RAs help all fellow residents get the most out of their on-campus experience.
If you're a strong communicator, enjoy helping others, and want to build your leadership skills, becoming an RA is a great opportunity.
As an RA you will:
- Receive extensive training
- Receive scholarship opportunities
- Become a leader in the community
Types of RA roles:
- Residential RAs - Support and engage with residents in your hall. These RA make up the bulk of the student leaders at Monash University Accommodation.
- Central RAs - Lead programs and events for the entire Monash University Accommodation community. There are two RAs for each of the following portfolios:
  - Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
  - Environment & Sustainability
  - Gender Equality
  - Sports & Wellbeing
  - Pride Community
To learn more about the role, expectations, and how to apply, speak to your Residential Life Coordinator or visit the Monash University Accommodation website.
The Monash University Accommodation Residents' Committee strives to develop, promote and deliver residential programs that benefit the wider Monash University Accommodation community. Comprising representatives from all Residential Communities (including volunteer Resident Advisors and members of the residential social committee), ‘Res Comm’ as it is known, not only advocates for Residents to Senior Management and the wider university, it is also responsible for organising fantastic community events including:
- The annual Monash University Accommodation Ball
- Live Below the Line, 'Shave for a Cure', and other fundraising events
- The Monash University Accommodation Vampire Cup (blood donations through the Australian Red Cross)
- Support and promotion for huge on-campus events like the Beach and Snow parties
Each year, most on-campus residences form a Hall Society—a student-led group that gives residents a voice and helps build community through events and activities.
There are two main types of volunteer roles:
- Executives (Execs): Take on more responsibility, help lead the team, and receive extra training.
- General Members: Support events and activities, and help bring ideas to life.
Being part of a Hall Society is a great way to:
- Represent your fellow residents
- Plan fun and meaningful events
- Build leadership skills early in your uni journey
Executives also represent your hall at the Monash University Accommodation Residents' Committee, helping shape the wider residential experience.
Every semester, Halls without a Hall Society contact their residents and invite enthusiastic individuals to join their vibrant community of volunteers. This call for expressions of interest is a chance for residents to become active participants in creating memorable experiences for everyone in the hall.

Objectives of the Social Event Team

Support and collaboration: The Social Event Team assists the Residential Life Team with the planning and executing events such as hall balls, social events, suppers, and dine-ins. Your involvement ensures these events run smoothly and are enjoyable for all.

Leadership and engagement: Residents are provided valuable leadership opportunities by joining the team. You’ll have the chance to be involved in different aspects of event planning and execution, enhancing your leadership skills and engaging more deeply with the hall community.

Promotional and event experience: Participating in the Social Event Team offers hands-on experience in promotion and event management. This is an excellent way to build your resume and gain practical skills in marketing, organisation, and teamwork.
Orientation is the most important period for new residents living on campus as it allows them to become familiar with new surroundings, create friendships, learn community values and develop a strong sense of belonging. Working under the direction of our Residential Life Staff (RLS), Orientation teams (O-Teams) assist in delivering a diverse range of programs for the benefit of all residents at Monash University Accommodation.
O-Team volunteers plan, organise, and coordinate a welcoming and inclusive orientation program designed to help new residents become familiar with their residence and the Monash University campus.
Open Day at Monash allows prospective students and their families to find key course information, explore our campuses, meet current students and staff, and get a taste of what Monash has to offer. Being an Open Day Ambassador at Monash University Accommodation gives current residents an opportunity to answer key questions about living on campus and the benefits they have experienced as part of their residential life.

Formal training opportunities

Mental Health Foundations has been created for Monash University Accommodation student leaders. Mental Health training has been a core aspect of the Monash University Accommodation development experience since 2007.
This workshop helps participants learn how to:
- Identifying and responding to someone who may be struggling with their mental health
- How to approach and talk with someone about their mental health
- Who to notify if you have concerns
- What services are available to assist someone with mental health problems
- How to take care of yourself when supporting someone with a mental health problem
Find ot more about Mental Health First Aid Training
Three times a year, selected residents are invited to our Leadership Dinners, where distinguished keynote speakers share first-hand insights into the qualities and experiences that shape exceptional leadership. Each event features a unique theme, including an annual focus on International Women’s Day, making these dinners a standout highlight of the Monash University Accommodation calendar.
Some of our keynote speakers in recent years include:
- Taryn Brumfitt
  Australian body positivity advocate, writer, photographer, and filmmaker
- Madeleine Grummet
  Founder, CEO, entrepreneur, businesswoman & academic
- Lisa Annese
  Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Council Australia
- Simon Griffiths
  Entrepreneur & Co-Founder and CEO of Who Gives a Crap