We’re now carefully understanding the importance of democracy in universities and the weight it holds towards the construction of a truly functional student union. With that being said, there is much to report on from the recent student council meeting held on the 10th of February. 

MUSA By-Elections and the Performance of Democracy 

In the last student council meeting, interim office bearers were appointed to fill in the gaps in MUSA leadership. Now, MUSA is on route to host and organise the 2025 MUSA By-Elections with six positions being contested, being the Finance Directors, Head of Publicity, Head of MUISS, MUISS Media, MUISS Engagement, and MUISS Country Representative Officer. We urge the student body to exercise their fundamental right to vote for their student representatives and to participate in change at the grassroots. Although interim office bearers have already been appointed, anyone interested in contesting is free to do so. Hence, keep an eye out for more information on the MUSA By-Elections through the official MUSA instagram. 

Appointing MUSA Committees 

Getting technicalities out of the way, MUSA appointed appropriate representatives to all MUSA committees, specifically the Budget Committee, Education Affairs Committee, Activities Advisory Committee, Election Committee, Welfare Affairs Committee, and Media Affairs Committee. A rather lengthy and technical motion but regardless an imperative aspect towards constructing a functional and collaborative MUSA. 

Subcommittees Operating as Cornerstones of MUSA

MUSA departments welcomed its subcommittees from the pre-February recruitment cycle with most of them successfully completing their onboarding process. MUSA is almost completed but vacancies still remain unfilled. The student body is open to apply for vacant positions through the next recruitment cycle beginning on week 1 of the semester. Specifically, MONGA is opening its doors to more graphic designers, videographers, and photographers. Along this, we’re also recruiting writers and administrative assistants to join our team. Join us and fill that passionless void with art and creative projects to diversify your academic portfolio. 

Monash Orientation and the Inaugural Mingle Nights

The Activities division is now up and running, scrambling to make orientation a success. The entire week is filled with exciting and informative events, curated specifically for freshmen looking to slowly assimilate into the Monash culture. Along that, each of our very own school representatives are now planning school-centric mingle nights to help freshmen transition seamlessly into the Monash social sphere. 

Building up Spaces and Communities in Monash 

A significant portion of student life is centred around actively participating in social spaces that are buoyed by at least one common interest. For all Clubs and Societies executives who are currently preparing for the academic year and planning exciting events, there’s a few things to note. The biannual Clubs and Societies Week will be held on week 2 of the upcoming semester and the annual grand meeting will be held on the 3rd of March. 

As usual, nothing extremely exciting has happened in these meetings so far. We’re merely moving on from resolving one technicality to the other. Regardless, adhering to policies are instrumental in establishing a well rounded and fair union. Hence, with that we shall power through. 

Written by Yashven Jayabalan

Design by Jason