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Message from the Monash Graduate Association (MGA) President

A warm welcome to Semester 2, 2024 from your inaugural MGA President

To our graduate community,

I am Jonathan Robberts, the incoming 2024/2025 President of the MGA. As I step into the role, I am filled with both humility and excitement. Our association has always been a space for community, advocacy and leadership, and I am honoured to continue working collaboratively as we improve the experience of graduate students at Monash University. 

I have been part of the MGAEC since July 2023 (serving last year as Vice-President), and it is a great privilege to be re-elected for another year. Reflecting on our past successes, I am reminded of the unwavering dedication of our members, whose collective efforts have tackled persistent challenges and paved the way for many milestones.

As a graduate student myself, currently completing a PhD in the Business School, I have experienced first-hand the many challenges and opportunities that emerge in the graduate student journey. Looking ahead, change is coming for many of us graduate students. Whether it be program reviews, the rise of generative AI, or evolving campus dynamics, it is important that we work together. 

Being part of the MGAEC, a student-led committee that strives to represent and advocate for graduate student needs, is an immensely rewarding experience. The MGAEC consists of 15 passionate graduate students, and it is my pleasure to announce and introduce our newly elected members:

Leadership and special interest

  • President: Jonathan Robberts
  • Vice-President: Calvin Chow
  • Research Education Officer: Ummatul Siddique
  • Coursework Education Officer: Kritika Arora
  • Women's Officer: Isabel Kiryu
  • International Students' Officer: Saham Hettiarachchi

Campus representatives:

  • Clayton: Calvin Chow
  • Caulfield: Kritika Arora
  • Parkville: Troy Lau
  • Peninsula: Ummatul Siddique

General representatives

  • Mahima Choudhary
  • Mohammed Zeehan Saleheen
  • Neharika Shah
  • Beauty Nalwendo
  • Dhanya Menoth Mohan
  • Vu Hiep Dang (Oliver)
  • Aakash Saraf

I encourage you to read more here about your graduate student representatives.

This year’s committee consists of extremely talented, dedicated and passionate members who are motivated to work collaboratively to benefit the Monash graduate student community. Already, we have started to map out the year ahead, with a focus on areas that include student welfare and advocacy, community building through networking, and developing strategic outcomes across the University. 

I am personally committed to developing stronger grassroots efforts for our cohort. To the increasing number of graduate students who engage in leadership every day - sitting on committees, providing feedback for change, or simply listening to your peers - I thank you. If you need guidance, have any suggestions or want to pursue a new idea for the graduate student experience, feel free to reach out to one of us. If you would like to contribute to the MGAEC or give back to the Monash graduate student community, please get in touch.

On behalf of the MGA, thank you for engaging with your peers, and I wish you the very best for the year ahead. I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Robberts
President, MGAEC 2024/2025

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.

The Monash Graduate Association (MGA) is the representative body for all graduate research and coursework students enrolled at Monash University. So, what sets us apart from the University services? The MGA is an independent, not-for-profit association governed by graduate students, for graduate students. Our primary aim is to be there for you! If you can’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our four Australian campuses stand and their continuing connection to the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.