MPA committee

Frequently asked questions

What does the committee do?

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

How do I nominate for an office-bearer position?

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

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

Where are the meetings held?

When are the meetings held?

Are MPAEC member positions paid or voluntary?

What happens once I am elected?

What does the committee do?

The Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) is the official representative body for all postgraduates at Monash University. The MPA Executive Committee (MPAEC) governs the MPA by setting policy and providing broad direction. The committee’s aims are to serve the interests and welfare of postgraduates by directing activities and projects towards their specific needs. The responsibilities and powers of the MPAEC are set out in section 11 of the MPA constitution.

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

You are expected to attend 11 regular MPAEC 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. MPAEC members are also encouraged to assist in running MPA social events during the year, and orientation events in March and July.

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How do I nominate for an office-bearer position?

Office-bearer positions are not directly elected – they are elected from within the newly established committee, usually at the first meeting. Office-bearer positions are: President, Vice-President, CAPA Liaison Officer, International Students’ Officer, Women’s Officer and Indigenous Students’ Officer. All office-bearers have specific duties, which are set out in section 12 of the MPA Constitution.

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

All MPAEC members can raise, speak to or vote on any issue discussed at the MPAEC meetings. However campus-tagged reps have the additional role of raising any campus-specific issues for discussion. They are also responsible for running small, local functions, such as the fortnightly coffee club.

Only general representatives can apply for office-bearer positions, which are elected from within the committee, once established.

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

Yes, the names and email addresses of the current MPAEC members are on the MPA website.

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Where are the meetings held?

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

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When are the meetings held?

Meetings days and times vary as they are set in accordance with the availability of members for each month.

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Are MPAEC member positions paid or voluntary?

MPAEC members are not paid for their time.

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What happens once I am elected?

Once you are elected to the MPAEC you will be invited to attend an induction session where the role of the MPA and Executive Committee is explained. You will also be invited to attend the May meeting, which is the last meeting of the outgoing committee. The first official meeting of the incoming committee will be held in June.

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