10.3 Monash Graduate Association (MGA)
10.3 Monash Graduate Association (MGA)
10.3.1 About the MGA
The Monash Graduate Association (MGA) is the representative body for all graduate students enrolled through Monash University’s Australian campuses.
The Association aims to serve the interests and welfare of graduates by directing activities and projects towards their specific needs. The committee and staff work closely together to achieve these aims. It represents graduates, both collectively and individually, by providing a recognised means of communication between the graduate body and the academic and administrative bodies of the University. As an enrolled graduate at the University students are entitled to use the services provided.
10.3.2 MGA committee and staff
Each year up to fifteen graduates are elected to form the Monash Graduate Association Executive Committee. Occasionally, graduates are co-opted onto the Committee. The Monash Graduate Association Executive Committee governs the MGA by setting policy and providing broad direction. The Committee meets monthly, except in January. The Association employs several staff members to carry out its work. Individual graduates or groups are able to raise issues by contacting the MGA’s office or by approaching Committee members.
10.3.3 Publications
The MGA produces a bi-weekly email news bulletin, which keeps students informed of any relevant events, news and opportunities. You can subscribe through the MGA website. You can also follow MGA on Facebook.
10.3.4 Advocacy
The MGA staff assists graduates with any problems or grievances, ensuring confidentiality at all times. For assistance, graduate students can contact their campus advocate. The MGA can assist students with a broad range of issues including:
- academic and general misconduct;
- academic progress;
- assessment;
- grievance process;
- intellectual property;
- research progress; and
- supervision issues.
10.3.5 Seminars, socials, and awards
The MGA co-ordinates inter-disciplinary seminars and workshops on topics relevant to postgraduates across all Australian campuses, including off-campus locations. The Association hosts a wide range of social functions, including regular free lunches and afternoon teas.
For graduate research students, in conjunction with the Library, on the first Wednesday of each month MGA hosts a ‘practice presentations’ workshop at Clayton campus followed by a graduate research social night – check the MGA calendars for details. The Association also hosts an annual ‘Battle of the Brains’ trivia challenge for research students in August each year.
Various trips and tours are organised by the MGA, which cater purely for graduate students. Trips have included family days, snow tours, winery trips and a 5-day trip to Central Australia.
Since 1992 the MGA has run an annual ‘Supervisor of the Year’ competition. The award is truly a decision of the graduate community, with supervisors nominated by their graduate students and judged by an independent subcommittee of research graduates.
10.3.6 The Monash Graduate Association office
Graduate students are encouraged to visit the offices to meet the staff and to learn more about the Association. There are two MGA offices, one located on Clayton and the other on Caulfield. Details are as per below:
Clayton office
First floor, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk
p: +61 3 9905 3197
e: mga@monash.edu
Office hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Caulfield office
Level 2, Building C
p: +61 3 9903 1880
e: mga-caulfield@monash.edu
Office hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm