Frequently Asked Questions

The MGA recognises how hard our volunteers work. In exchange for their time, our volunteers have the opportunity to attend MGA events, meet new friends and gain important career and life skills.

The more time a volunteer commits, the more benefits the volunteers can gain. Here are what volunteers can expect when they hit their milestone hours in 2025. Please note, benefits cannot be exchanged or substituted.

• First event - MGA volunteer t-shirt
• 10 Hours - Coffee Hours
• 20 Hours - MGA Volunteer Certificate of Appreciation
• 30 Hours - MGA Socks
• 40 Hours - MGA A5 Notebook
• 50+ hours - MGA Hoodie

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.

Finally, volunteers may be eligible to apply for our Volunteer Leader program, new to the MGA in 2024. Volunteer leaders receive specialised training, access to exclusive benefits, and opportunities to enhance their leadership skills. New Volunteer Leaders are typically recruited each semester.

The MGA primarily offers three types of volunteering opportunities: (1) MGA General Volunteer and (2) MGA Volunteer Leader, (3) MGA Community Outreach.

MGA General Volunteers give back to their graduate student community at Monash by supporting MGA Events. These volunteering opportunities are typically hosted on campus and designed to allow volunteers to get to know the MGA services and connect with other graduate students. Some examples of our events include distributing free lunch, greeting new students at our orientation booth, giving away groceries at our pop-up grocers, and more!

The MGA Volunteer Leader Program offers an opportunity for experienced MGA volunteers to step into a leadership position with more responsibility and autonomy. Volunteer Leaders may also receive exclusive merch, training opportunities and references from the Volunteer Coordinator. Keep an eye on our volunteering opportunities webpage as new Volunteer Leaders are typically recruited at the start of each semester.

The MGA Community Outreach Program allows general volunteers and volunteer leaders to connect with the broader Melbourne community and use their skills in new and rewarding ways. These opportunities are often off-campus at one of our community partners. We provide opportunities to volunteer with external organisations such as St Kilda Mums, Notting Hill Neighbourhood House, Friends of the Children Foundation and more.

The MGA offers volunteer opportunities on Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville, and Peninsula campuses. There are also opportunities to volunteer at off-campus events and with our community partners.

Most of our volunteer opportunities take place during the school semester but there are limited opportunities that will be posted between semesters as well.

When a new volunteer opportunity is added to our website, it will list any important information about the role including the date, time, and location (campus). Please ensure that you are available at the time listed and that you have your own transportation to and from the volunteering location.

To register as an MGA volunteer, go to our volunteering webpage and select the 'Sign up here' button.

You will need to include your name, contact information, preferred campus and types of events, emergency contact and to agree to the Volunteer Program terms and conditions.

Make sure to tick the "Email Updates' box to receive weekly email communication when new volunteer opportunities are posted!

Once you have registered to volunteer with us, you can browse current volunteering opportunities through our volunteering webpage.

If you have ticked yes to receiving email updates, you will also receive weekly emails on Tuesdays showcasing all of the new volunteering opportunities. You can update your preferences anytime by selecting the 'Edit Profile' button on your profile page.

Once you have registered to volunteer with us, you can browse current volunteering opportunities through our volunteering webpage. If you have ticked yes on your profile, you will also receive weekly emails on Tuesdays showcasing all of the new volunteering opportunities.

When you find a volunteer opportunity that you are interested in, you can select the "I am interested in this opportunity" button. Please ensure you check the date, time and location of the activity to ensure that you are available before lodging your interest.

After the opportunity closing date, you will be contacted by email to confirm if you have been selected to volunteer for this activity. You will also receive a reminder a reminder email 24 hours prior to your scheduled volunteering shift.

When you attend your volunteer role, you will be briefed about your role by an MGA staff member on your tasks for the shift. Make sure to arrive on time!

• Arrive on Time: Punctuality is crucial. Make sure to arrive at the designated time to help with setup and other event preparations.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear and Clothing: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for walking and setting up supplies.
• Volunteer Shirt: Unless otherwise specified, you are required to wear your MGA volunteer shirt to each shift. You can pick it up in advance from the Clayton or Caulfield MGA offices or arrive a few minutes early for your shift to pick it up.

Your hours will be logged for you by the Volunteer Program Coordinator and your total logged hours will be visible through your volunteering profile. It is important that you check-in when arriving to volunteer for an event so that you receive credit for any hours you have worked.

Please note, it may take up to 10 business hours for your volunteer hours to be logged. If you are not able to see your hours after 10 business days, you can email the Volunteer Program Coordinator (mga-volunteering@monash.edu). We appreciate your patience!

We are always adding new volunteering opportunities and finding new ways for our volunteers to get involved. We receive a large number of applications for a limited number of volunteering opportunities. While we strive to provide everyone with a chance to volunteer, the program is highly competitive.

One selection criteria we carefully consider for returning volunteers, is the applicant's past volunteering history with the MGA. It's essential to demonstrate reliability and commitment by showing up on time and ready to work when scheduled for an event. This history helps us allocate volunteers fairly and effectively for future opportunities.

The MGA has a “No-Show Policy”. To ensure our events are well-staffed and everyone has an opportunity to participate, we’ve introduced a 3-strike policy for volunteers who don’t show up for their shifts without notifying us in advance.

One selection criteria we carefully consider for returning volunteers, is the applicant's past volunteering history with the MGA. It's essential to demonstrate reliability and commitment by showing up on time and ready to work when scheduled for an event. This history helps us allocate volunteers fairly and effectively for future opportunities.

Here's how it works:

• If you miss a shift without prior notice, you'll receive a friendly reminder email about the policy.
• After a third no-show, you may be removed from the volunteer program for the remainder of the year.

If you are no longer able to attend your volunteering shift, please withdraw your interest for the opportunity via the volunteering portal on our website. For last-minute cancellations (less than 24 hours) or if you are arriving late on the day of your volunteering shift, please also call our reception desk to let us know.

This policy is designed to promote accountability, provide opportunities for all interested students, and uphold the success of our volunteer program. Thank you for your understanding!