Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA)
What is the MSA?
The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) is a built for and led by Mohawk College students through an elected Student Board of Directors (BOD). Though we are a separate from the College, we work together to support Mohawk Students.
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.
All students are members of the Mohawk Students’ Association.
How We Support You
Advocacy
The MSA works to represent all Mohawk students, regardless of whether you’re full-time, part-time, continuing education, apprenticeship, domestic or international. We empower Mohawk College students through our advocacy efforts to create a community they can lean on for positive experiences, relevant supports, and a strong voice so students can achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond.
Academic Appeals
Receive a grade you believe is unfair or unjustified? The MSA can assist students in navigating the Academic Appeals process. We provide students the tools and skills of self-advocacy to ensure they receive a respectful and impartial review of their final grades. Looking to understand how this may apply to you? Click here or reach out to the MSA to book a 1:1 appointment.
Board of Directors
The MSA works to ensure your voices are being heard and your needs are being addressed. We do this through our student Board of Directors! We are student leaders (just like you!) who are elected or appointed to represent your needs and concerns and we represent you locally, provincially, federally and within Mohawk College.
Services
Career Services Program
The MSA Career Closet has a selection of new and gently-used professional clothing and accessories to help prepare you for your dream job. This service is free to all Mohawk College students and provides you with access 1-2 times per a semester to keep and use in the future. This service is offered at Stoney Creek and IAHS as well. Click here to learn more about this service.
Food Bank
School is expensive and the MSA understands that. Food insecurity should never be something anyone has to face, but if you do, the MSA has an Emergency Food Bank you can access once per month. Stop by your MSA office to learn more or sign up.
In addition to our food bank, we also offer a Breakfast program monthly from September to April. We have grab and go items to get you through the morning rush if you forgot to eat before you headed to school. Check out our website for dates and details on both programs.
Academic Support Program
Equipment Rentals – We offer a variety of equipment for students to borrow for two days. The equipment includes: calculators (SHARP & BA II +), safety glasses, lab coats, stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs. This is also at Stoney Creek and IAHS campuses. To learn more about this service, click here.
Grad Photos – The MSA offers a service to get your graduation picture done on campus. A few times a semester, graduating students can book an appointment to get their individual photos. Visit our website to book your appointment today.
Legal Assistance Program
Legal Counselling – Life can be difficult sometimes and the MSA has FREE legal counselling available to help you navigate those tough life lessons and milestones. Bill can be reached by email w.a.reid@gmail.com. His appointments are virtual at the moment. To see a list of what types of legal issues he can assist with visit our website.
Transit Pass Program
All full-time students at Mohawk College receive a 4-month unlimited bus pass for the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) for each semester they are enrolled. This pass allows you to ride the HSR anywhere, anytime throughout the city. As of April 2019, your HSR U-Pass will be managed using a PRESTO card.
Starting September 2023, the bus program is changing as we adopt a new process with PRESTO. See below the new steps on how to get and upload you voucher.
New Process – September 2023
- Select Your Timetable
- Log in to your MyMohawk account and click “Registration,” then click “Choose or change my timetable”
- You will receive your Voucher Code in 4-8 hours via email. You can also find it on your MyMohawk account, under the Campus Life section
- You must have or purchase your own PRESTO Card. Cards can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart or your campus MSA office.
- Go to: www.prestocard.ca/en
- Log into your account OR create your account using the “CREATE A NEW PRESTO ACCOUNT” option
- Write down your log in info so you don’t lose it
- Please go to “My Products,” and click “ADD A NEW CARD,” to add your presto card to your account
- Redeem your voucher!
- Make sure your PRESTO card is selected, click “My Products”
- Select “Redeem Voucher”
- Enter your code, and click “Submit”
- Please wait 24 hours before using your card.
Visit our website for more details on how to get your PRESTO card ready to use.
Health and Dental Program
The MSA has partnered with Studentcare to provide Mohawk College students extended health and dental coverage. The plan is designed specifically to fill the gaps in OHIP+ (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and other basic health-care programs. This plan includes health, vision, dental and travel coverage.
There are two NEW features in the plan as of September 2022 – Conversation and Virtual Healthcare. Both programs are offered through an app called Dialogue.
Virtual Health Care
A telemedicine service that virtually connects Mohawk students with unlimited 24/7 access to licensed health experts, including doctors, nurses, and care coordinators anywhere in Canada– brought to you by Studentcare. You can have access to prescription renewals and refills, bilingual care and referrals to specialists when needed. This service is complete 360-degree care, meaning the health care professionals will follow up with you to ensure all of your health concerns have been addressed. You can access Dialogue via web browser or the mobile app (available to Apple and Android users).
Conversation
An extensive mental health service focused on prevention and easy access to mental health services, supports and counselling specifically designed to provide uncapped mental health supports until remission. It aims to reduce barriers for Mohawk students seeking mental health services. There is no out of pocket costs, there are evening and weekend appointments and you can get an appointment within 24-48 hours of completing a mental health assessment. Download the Dialogue app to get started.
This insurance plan is for all full-time Mohawk College students. Make sure to check out your coverage by visiting www.studentcare.ca or visiting your MSA office.
Life Services
The Personal – The MSA has partnered with The Personal Home and Auto Group to provide discounted insurance rates to all Mohawk College students. If you are looking for home or auto insurance click here to request a quote.
How To Get Involved & Participate
Events
The MSA provides inclusive, social, educational and fun experiences through student events, activities, clubs and communities. Events are focused on meeting the social, mental, academic and professional well-being of students. From concerts and fairs to workshops and guest speakers, to off-campus trips – there is something for everyone. To learn more about our events and see what’s coming up, visit our website.
Clubs & Communities
MSA Clubs & Communities can add unique and fun opportunities to your student life. Being part of one you can build new skills, connect with likeminded people and build strong friendships. A full list of our current Clubs & Communities can be found here. Can’t find the one for you? We have 6 easy steps to creating your own.
Part-time Jobs
The MSA offers many opportunities for students to work part-time while in school. Our jobs include working in: events, food services, front desk support, communications and advocacy. To learn what opportunities may be available for you to apply to visit our website.
Elections for the Board of Directors
Every year between January-March, the MSA holds an election for our Board of Directors. The MSA elections is a time when many student leader positions become available for motivated and passionate students who want to be the champions and advocates on behalf of the larger student population at Mohawk College. Being a part of the electoral process is a great way to get involved, both by running for a coveted position such as President or Director at Large but, by also lending your voice on things that matter most – you! Please check our MSA website for more information and continue to monitor your email for updates on how to get involved in student leadership!