Meet Natasha: Graduate Groups Liaison

Get to know Natasha Singh Raghuvanshi and learn more about the MGA's Graduate Student Group Grant Scheme

Tell us about yourself and your role.

Hello everyone! I’m Natasha, the new graduate groups liaison. My journey with the MGA started as a receptionist until I assumed a former position taking care of grad groups. Now, having recently earned my PhD from Monash, I’m thrilled to be back in this dynamic role. I’m super excited to engage with our vibrant student community and help our graduate student groups with funding and event planning. 

What is the Graduate Student Group Grant Scheme and its purpose? 

This program is our way of helping you, the students, form a group of like-minded peers and plan some amazing events that cater to the social, educational, and professional interests and needs of your academic cohort. We offer four types of funding:

1. Seminar organiser
2. Conference organiser
3. Departmental group
4. Special interest group

One of the highlights of our funding program is its flexibility to cater to the unique needs of different departments and faculties. We understand that each student community has specific interests and requirements that may not be shared by the entire student body. That’s why our grants are designed to help you organise events that are perfectly suited for your group’s particular focus.

In the past, our graduate groups have hosted a diverse array of events: think bowling nights, networking events, movie nights, lunches and dinners, “shut up and write” sessions, dedicated writing days and more. These events not only bring students together but also address the specific needs of your cohort, fostering strong social connections and ensuring a holistic university experience. With our funding, you have the freedom to create events that resonate deeply with your peers, making your time at Monash memorable and enriching.

What kind of events and activities are typically supported through special interest group funding?

Special interest funding is akin to departmental group funding, but with a twist—these groups aren’t confined to a single department! Instead, they bring together students from various programs who share a common interest. In our rapidly changing world, new developments and ideas continuously capture the imagination of our students. Special interest funding allows students to form groups with peers who share these passions, even if they come from different courses within the same faculty.

For me, this type of funding is essential. It’s always inspiring to see the creative and innovative ideas that students come up with, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re interested in tech innovations, art, sustainability, or any other area, special interest funding provides the resources you need to students who share similar passion together. 

How can graduate students apply for these grants and what is the application process like? How long does it take to get approved and do applications need to be made in advance of the planned activity?

Applying for our funding program is straightforward and designed to get you started quickly. Here’s how it works:

• First, gather at least three students to form a 'group'. Together, you’ll brainstorm and decide on the events you want to organise, keeping in mind the specific interests and needs of your cohort.
• Once you’ve settled on your event ideas, create a budget for them. This helps you ensure that you have a clear financial plan to make your events successful.
• Following this, fill out the application form available on our website, including all the necessary details about your group and planned events. Once completed, submit the form.
• Approval times can vary depending on how long it takes to verify and process all the required information. However, if everything is in order and your proposal meets the grant requirements, approval can sometimes take as little as a week!

It is essential that a group applies and is approved for the grant before hosting the planned event. Once the event date has passed, we won’t be able to provide funding for it. To secure the support you need, plan your events well in advance. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to bringing these events to life. If you have any questions or need assistance, I’m here to help!

What are some common challenges or misconceptions that students might have about the grants program?

One common challenge our groups face is feeling overwhelmed by the task of running an event. This is totally understandable! Despite this, many students are still eager to bring their event ideas to life. To help you overcome this initial inhibition, MGA has put together a wealth of resources to assist our groups in organising events safely and successfully. Be sure to check out our grad groups page for a handy resource bank and FAQ section. And if you can’t find what you need, just shoot us an email!

Another misconception is that the application process is difficult. In reality, it can take as little as 15 minutes to complete! The bulk of the work involves filling out a straightforward form, and the rest is up to me. I love chatting with student groups, especially as they embark on their journey to run events for their cohort. Whatever concerns you might have, I’m here to answer all your initial queries and guide you through the application process.

What advice or tips would you give to graduate students who are considering applying for these grants for the first time?

If you have an idea to bring together students who share similar interests or are from the same department or faculty, please submit an application! It’s crucial to apply early since our funds are limited—once they’re exhausted, we won’t be able to provide further funding.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Communicate with your cohort: Share your event ideas with fellow students in your cohort. This not only aids you in gathering more helping hands but it also gives you a chance to understand the needs of the cohort better. Engaging with students who share a passion for running social events and building community can make the process more enjoyable and successful.
2. Plan ahead: Early planning is key. Ensure that you have a few ideas on events you would like to run and budget for your event before submitting your application. This increases your chances of approval and gives you ample time to organise a fantastic event.
3. Reach out for help: If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I’m here to assist you and ensure you have everything you need to run a great event.

With all the brilliant and fun events this program can help you run, I encourage you to apply for funding with us. If you need any assistance, please reach out—I’ll be happy to help you through the process.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us to help you run your student events!