About the MGA Volunteer Program

Our volunteers are integral to the orientation program, social events and sport groups run by the MGA. As well as keeping the MGA operational, our volunteers are exposed to new experiences and develop skills that will help them in their future careers, including communication, leadership, teamwork and time management.

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, gain an insight into the work we do and give back to the graduate student community. There are also opportunities to connect to the broader Melbourne community through our Outreach Program.

There are many opportunities to volunteer with the MGA and all current Monash graduate students from all campuses and off-campus locations are eligible to volunteer with us. There are also online volunteering opportunities, so if you are located overseas, we still want to hear from you!

What to expect in 2024

We at the MGA recognise how hard our volunteers work. We want to show our appreciation by introducing a new program where volunteers can gain more professional development. The more time a volunteer commits, the more benefits the volunteers can gain. Here is what volunteers can expect when they hit their milestones hours:

First event - MGA Volunteer T-shirt

15 Hours - Coffee Voucher

20 Hours - MGA Volunteer Certificate of Appreciation

25 Hours - MGA Hoodie

30 Hours - RSA or Food Handling Training

We will also hold social events exclusively for the MGA volunteer community throughout the year, as a way for program participants to connect and celebrate with each other.

Volunteer Resources

Connect to our MGA Volunteer Resources drive to access key resources relevant to your role, as well as to see the photos and videos from volunteer events. You will need to request access and wait until the Program Coordinator adds you to the drive, which will be done in a timely manner.

CONNECT TO RESOURCES DRIVE

I have registered my interest. What happens next?

Once you have registered to volunteer with us, you can expect to receive monthly emails with the list of our upcoming volunteering opportunities. You will be able to select the activities that you are interested in taking part in.
Next, you will be contacted by email to confirm the events/activities that you have been assigned to. This will include further details regarding tasks and requirements for your volunteer role.
When you attend your volunteer role, you will be inducted and briefed by an MGA staff member on your tasks for the session.
At the completion of your session, you will be given an opportunity to debrief and provide us with feedback. We are always looking for ways to improve the volunteer experience.
When you have completed your volunteer sessions, we ask that you log your hours.

Please note that if the program is at full capacity then you will be notified and added to the waitlist to commence in the following semester.

For any queries regarding the MGA Volunteer Program, please contact:

Volunteer Program Coordinator
Leilani Hatfield
mga-volunteering@monash.edu

MGA Volunteer Agreement

As a new volunteer with the MGA, you are joining a highly valued and respected team of students. As a part of your commitment, there are certain rights and responsibilities you need to be aware of and abide by.

You can read the MGA Volunteer Agreement here.

If you have any queries about the agreement, please contact the MGA Volunteer Program Coordinator.

Leilani Hatfield
E: mga-volunteering@monash.edu

Community Outreach Program

If you would like to connect with the broader Melbourne community and use your skills in new and rewarding ways, then our Community Outreach Program might be for you! We provide opportunities to volunteer with external organisations such as St Kilda Mums, Notting Hill Neighbourhood House, Friends of the Children Foundation and more.

Please register to be a volunteer be the first to hear about all the new exciting opportunities coming up under this program.

Volunteer feedback

The MGA helped me recover from the pandemic and PhD loneliness through volunteering opportunities and meeting people.

— MGA volunteer, 2023

Volunteering with MGA has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated and supportive team, as well as other passionate volunteers. The collaborative and friendly atmosphere at MGA has made my volunteer work even more enjoyable. I appreciated the opportunity to interact with people from different nations and various subject streams. I made friends with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and this exposure to different cultures and perspectives has been invaluable. This experience has been incredibly enriching and has provided me with valuable skills, memories, and personal growth. I am truly grateful for the chance to be a part of such a wonderful organisation.

— MGA volunteer, 2023

The MGA helped me recover from the pandemic and PhD loneliness through volunteering opportunities and meeting people. They helped me recover from the trauma of experiencing a house burglary through an emergency grant from their MGA Welfare Program. The MGA is forever relevant to grad students at Monash!

— Sylvia, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The MGA team

Got a question or request about anything at all? Get in contact with one of our staff members – we’d love to hear from you. Alternatively, drop by the MGA office at Clayton or Caulfield so we can help!

Meet your current elected representatives

Curious to know who’s representing you at the moment? Get to know your elected representatives, what they do and how you can get involved.

Work for the MGA

The MGA employs Monash graduate students to fill the receptionist roles at the Clayton and Caulfield offices. When a vacancy arises we advertise the position through our email newsletter and on our website.