The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) was designed and created as a separate entity from Mohawk College. The Association was built for and is led by students. 

What We stand for

We empower Mohawk Students to create a community they can lean on for positive experiences, relevant supports, a listening ear, and a strong voice so they can achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond.  

Led by the Executive Director and an elected Student Board of Directors (BOD), we are a Non-Profit Organization that supports students through our Areas of Focus – Advocacy & Leadership, Engagement & Support, Sustainability & Operations.  

While we are separate from Mohawk College, we do work collaboratively with the college to reach our goals.  We believe in fostering an environment where all staff members feel Purposeful, Supported, and like they Belong. Together daily, we live and bring our values to life to ensure we achieve our student-centred Vision and Mission.

My MSA Team

Every day is a new challenge, and you are continually looking for ways to help our team become more efficient and effective. As an asset to a team that is In This Together, you collaborate, advocate for best practices, and pitch in where needed. You Believe it’s Possible and contribute in transformative ways within and beyond your department through insight and support.

The MSA Board in Action

• Introducing the MSA Presto Bus Pass and Health & Dental Insurance plan 
• Providing students with another study space at Fennell Campus – the Heath Study Lounge 
• Being able to keep majority of our Food and Beverage offerings open during COVID-19 – continuing to provide students with affordable and diverse food options. 
• Development of A Better Community Day (ABCD) – matching Mohawk students with community agencies for an annual one-day event to “make tomorrows Hamilton better than today’s’.

Scope

The President acts as Board Chair and is empowered to ensure the integrity of the Board’s process and, secondly, represents the Board in supporting the MSA strategic priorities to Mohawk College, government bodies and other partners. outside parties.   

The President must maintain a professional relationship with the Executive Director through daily interaction and consistent communication. While not a direct reporting relationship, the President may look to the Executive Director for guidance and mentoring. 

As a student leader who is part of a governance board, our responsibility is to provide strategic direction for the MSA, direct the Executive Director to delegate staff to carry out governed tasks; and to represent the student (as owners) voice in all matters. 

​This job description contains the principal accountabilities relating to this post and does not describe, in detail, all the tasks required to carry them out. There is an expectation that the post holder will carry out other duties and responsibilities that fall within the general nature and level of responsibility of the position.

Skills and Experience

Leadership experience highly regarded; proficient public speaker; creative and innovative; excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills; previous experience on the MSA Board of Directors; proficient with computers and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with event planning or public outreach an asset; familiarity with financial statements.

Performance Measurables

Lead the MSA Board of Directors to ensure the Board behaves consistently with its own rules and those legitimately imposed upon it from outside the organization, ensure that work is influenced by student needs and opinion; represent and engage with students at all campuses; work with and support all MSA Board members, represent the MSA to the College and greater community;  embody MSA values; attend all meetings/events as required; maintain regular contact with College staff/faculty; maintain regular office hours; maintain regular and effective contact with the student body; submit required paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

Time Commit

The MSA President is a full-time position –minimum thirty-five (35) office hours per week (8:30 am –4:30 pm, Monday through Friday) plus any meetings as required of the position. Beginning approximately in the last 2 weeks of April.  

• May require late nights or weekends; 
• Must attend any meetings as required; 
• Expected to attend April and January retreats (involves overnights); 
• Responsible for attending Board of Director meetings and/or training sessions, as required; 
• Attendance at conferences and committee meetings, as required; 
• Attendance at College announcements, events and meetings as required; 
• Participation and/or attendance at additional major events, e.g., ABCD, MSA Day, KPI’s, Awareness campaigns.

Compensation

• The position of President is paid a salary as outlined yearly in the approved budget; 
• Automatic participation in the Student Health Care Plan for the twelve-month term; 
• Discounted Continuing Education Courses based on whatever rate the College deems to be the rate provided to the MSA; 
• Two (2) weeks paid vacation. 
• Benefits (Health & Dental, CAAT Pension, EAP)

Committee Requirements

• Participate on external/College committees as required; 

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Overall governance of MSA; ensuring the Board creates its annual governance plan 
• Signing Authority; 
• Official representative /primary spokesperson of the MSA; 
• Liaison between governance and management (Executive Director); 
• Ensuring that Board meeting agendas are created based on the annual plan, in cooperation with the Executive Director and Secretary 
• Ensuring that meeting discussion content is based on the annual plan and board policies, and is truly the Board’s work  
• Represent all Mohawk Students in the College/City/ other meetings; 
• Meet with College Administration for the purpose of relationship building and to represent the students, as owners, as per Board directives 
• Perform the duties of any Board member when circumstances require prompt action and Board member is not available; 
• Sign all by-laws of the MSA along with the Corporate Secretary or other officer appointed by the Board;

General Responsibilities

• All MSA representatives are expected to attend committee and/or College meetings and events, conferences, etc.; 
• Provide regular reports to the Board, as required; 
• Educate and advise any incoming person on duties of their position; 
• To meet regularly with the MSA Executive Director to discuss duties of office and other pertinent issues; 
• Must prepare for and attend all related committee meetings and be prepared to be an active participant in such committee meetings; 
• Represent the students (as owners) of Mohawk College in all matters as required and report as necessary; 
• Consult with and provide input to the MSA Executive Director with regards to any contentious issues that may, from time to time arise within the scope of responsibility; 
• Prepare for and attend all MSA Board of Directors meetings; 
• Vote at such meetings in the best interest of the MSA, recognizing that the Corporation should embody the best interests of the students of Mohawk College; 
• Adhere to all MSA policies; 
• To complete all other duties as reasonably assigned.

Position Prerequisites

• Must be 18 years old, current full-time student at Mohawk College when running for position; 
• Must be a current member of the MSA Board of Directors; if no candidates then may be elected from members of MSA committees; if no candidates then from the student body at large

Reports to

MSA Board of Directors and Student Membership 

Note: Although there is an organizational reporting structure, it is important to note that all Board members, regardless of position, are equal and have an equal vote at the Board Table.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity and Diversity are core values of the MSA and are engrained in the work we do to support Mohawk students.  At the MSA, we believe in dedication to our values of equity, diversity, and inclusion requires a continuous commitment. It’s about fostering a culture of open-mindedness, compassion, safety and inclusiveness among individuals and groups, where leadership is made up of different people with diverse perspectives. The MSA is actively building a community where everyone is encouraged and celebrated to be themselves and whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences in order to challenge and dismantle systemic oppression.

We are looking for qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially encourage applications from Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, The MSA will, upon the request of the employee provide accommodation.

Should you require accommodation at any point during your employment with the MSA please contact Human Resources at  msarecruit@mohawkcollege.ca.