Skip to main content

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FAQ

All your frequently asked questions about becoming an MGAEC member.

What does the committee do?

The Monash Graduate Association (MGA) is the official representative body for all graduate coursework and graduate research students at Monash University. The MGA Executive Committee (MGAEC) governs the MGA by setting policy and providing broad direction.

The committee’s aims are to serve the interests and welfare of graduate students by directing activities and projects towards their specific needs. The responsibilities and powers of the MGAEC are set out in section 11 of the MGA Constitution.

What is the time commitment associated with becoming an MGAEC member?

You are expected to attend 11 regular MGAEC meetings per year. The meetings run for 1 – 2 hours. A number of ad-hoc subcommittees are set-up to work on specific issues as the need arises. While participation on these subcommittees is voluntary, it is likely that you will end up working on at least one during your term of office.

MGAEC members are expected to attend the AGM and to assist in running MGA social events during the year and orientation events in February/March and July.

How do I nominate for an office-bearer position?

Office-bearer positions are not directly elected by the graduate student population – they are elected from within the newly established committee, usually at the first meeting. Office-bearer positions are: President, Vice-President, Research Education Officer, Coursework Education Officer, International Students’ Officer, Women’s Officer, Queer Officer and Indigenous Students’ Officer.

All office-bearers have specific duties, which are set out in section 14 of the MGA constitution.

What is the difference between the general representative positions, and the campus-tagged representative position?

All MGAEC members can raise, speak to or vote on any issue discussed at the MGAEC meetings. However campus-tagged reps have the additional role of raising any campus-specific issues for discussion.

They are also responsible for running small, campus-based social events. Campus-tagged representatives can apply for any office-bearer position except that of President. General representatives can apply for any office-bearer position.

Can I contact a member of the current MGAEC to ask them about their experiences of being on the committee?

Yes, the names and email addresses of the current MGAEC members can be found on their respective position pages.

Where are the meetings held?

Meetings are held primarily on Clayton and Caulfield campuses, with at least one meeting per year on Peninsula and Parkville.

Are MGAEC member positions paid or voluntary?

MGAEC members are not paid a salary but do receive a small stipend. The expectation is that you will voluntarily contribute your time to the benefit of the postgraduate community.

However we don’t expect you to be out-of-pocket as a result of your work for the MGA – any costs incurred in the course of carrying out your MGA duties will be reimbursed.

What happens once I am elected?

Once you are elected to the MGAEC you will be invited to attend an induction session where the role of the MGA and Executive Committee is explained. You will also be invited to attend the May and June meetings. During the June meeting, the elections for office-bearers will take place. The first official meeting of the incoming committee will take place in July.





STAY IN THE LOOP WITH THE LATEST
GRADUATE NEWS AND EVENTS -->
View our latest newsletter
If you are a graduate student, log in using your Monash student account and OKTA verify. Once logged in, you will automatically receive our fortnightly newsletter!
If you are NOT a graduate student but wish to subscribe to our newsletter, please click here.

Level 1, Campus Centre,
21 Chancellors Walk,
Monash University, VIC 3800
+61 3 9905 3197
mga@monash.edu

Level 2, Building C,
900 Dandenong Road,
Monash University, VIC 3145
+61 3 9903 1880
mga-caulfield@monash.edu

MGA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

© 2025 Monash Graduate Association Inc.