Perhaps something of value to derive from this meeting was that students are concerned with the community dynamics within the Monash student body and we are collectively tired with finals approaching us fast. 

Accusations of Racism

The fifth MSC meeting of the year and finally, the student body is effectively utilising their rightfully owned platform to address and raise issues that unfortunately plagues the Monash community. An anonymous student raised the concern regarding racial sociopolitics on campus, highlighting the underrepresentation of South Asian demographics within student leadership. The student exposed exclusionary social policies among certain departments and clubs towards South Asian students and seeked a response from the president. Shoandeep prefaced by emphasising that MUSA governance is buoyed by inclusive and diverse practices and any claims of racial favouritism will be addressed accordingly. Specific measures were not mentioned. 

However, it is imperative that the student body continues to use this platform to raise their concerns. There is value and meaning in addressing issues central to Monash student welfare through this platform since it has the potential to catalyse change and reconstruction. Monhub is certainly not the only anonymous platform for you to raise concerns. 

Attempting to Overnight on Campus

If you are plagued with four exams this semester, you might be interested in staying on campus for extended periods of time past midnight. Campus began extending its opening hours to 24 hours in week 12 this semester until the end of the exam weeks. The vice presidents attempted to negotiate an earlier start of the 24 hour operation time but the data collected by security informed us that not many students are occupying the 24/7 spaces on campus during week 12. It’s rather unfortunate that Monash is so incredibly hesitant on 24/7 spaces for some reason when many universities have implemented 24/7 student areas throughout the entire semester, rather than weeks approaching exams. 

Early Planning of Semester 2 Events

Many departments have begun early preparations for events that will be conducted in semester 2. Monash Cultural Night, Monash Cup, Charity Festival Run and many more are approaching us very soon in semester 2. 

Permission for Video Shooting on Campus 

New policies regarding filming on campus are expected to be adhered to by all departments and clubs. This new policy was constructed to ensure safety within the Monash campus as there were incidents of non-Monash students filming on campus without approval. Permissions for filming on campus can be applied through the tracker controlled by the publicity department.

Good luck on pulling all nighters and extended study sessions! Tweak out at the clerb once that HD is in you. 

Written by Yashven Jayabalan

Designed by Jason