The MSA is the official, not-for-profit student association for Mohawk College students. We represent student voices, advocate for student needs, and create services, events and opportunities that help you succeed.
Before every decision we make, we ask: how does this benefit students?
Vision
Success for every Mohawk College student.
Mission
We believe success is achieved by bringing students together, advocating for the issues that shape student experiences, and creating opportunities that help them thrive.
Our Values
Advocacy
We champion Mohawk College students by elevating their voices and sharing their stories to influence decisions, remove barriers and create positive change.
Belonging
We remove barriers and create welcoming environments where students can feel safe, valued, included and empowered to be their authentic self.
Collaboration
We build meaningful partnerships and work together with students, Mohawk College and the broader community to achieve better outcomes.
Community
We bring students together through inclusive, engaging and memorable experiences that build friendships, create connections and make campus life more fun.
Our Strategic Pillars
The MSA strengthens students’ voices, enhances student success, and builds a strong foundation that ensures we deliver meaningful impact for Mohawk College students today and into the future. Across all strategic pillars, we are committed to accountability, inclusion, accessibility, sustainability, collaboration and student-centred decision-making.
Amplifying our collective voice
We will:
- Build trust through transparent governance, accountable leadership and effective advocacy
- Amplify student voices through meaningful feedback, consultation and representation
- Develop student leaders and advocates who can positively influence their communities
- Inform and engage students through clear, accessible and timely communication
Enhancing student success
We will:
- Reduce barriers by providing accessible supports and resources that contribute to student success and wellbeing
- Create engaging programmes, events and student-led initiatives that foster community, connection and memorable experiences
- Celebrate diverse identities and perspectives through opportunities that promote equity, representation and a strong sense of belonging
- Collaborate with Mohawk College and community partners to expand opportunities and enhance the student experience
Strengthening our association
We will:
- Foster a healthy, inclusive and high-performing workplace where staff can succeed
- Ensure strong financial stewardship, effective risk management and long-term organisational sustainability
- Deliver efficient administrative, HR, financial and governance practices that support organisational excellence
- Strengthen partnerships and sector leadership to advance the student experience and the student association profession
Every year
See our impact
Every year we publish an Impact Report showing how we have brought our mission, vision, values and strategic priorities to life. Inside you will find the initiatives we have led, the services we have delivered, the student communities we have supported, and more.
Our History
For decades the MSA has served Mohawk College students and evolved alongside the college. While our programmes, services and campuses have changed over time, our purpose has stayed the same: helping students succeed and creating a stronger student experience.
1965
Our first annual meeting
The first annual meeting of the association, then called the Students’ Union Corporation, was held on March 17, 1965.
1975
Student Centre built
The Students’ Union Corporation development fund grew enough to build a Student Centre, now known as The Cellar.
1985
A new Student Centre building
As the college’s numbers increased, a new Student Centre building opened.
1994
Board of Directors restructured
The college had been heavily involved in managing the association. From 1990 students took more control, and in 1994 the Board of Directors was restructured.
1996
A new name
On September 1, 1996, the Students’ Union Corporation became the Mohawk Students’ Association.
2009
Taking over food operations
The association ended its former food services contract and took over food operations in the Student Centre.
2010
Health plan and bus pass
The Health and Dental Insurance plan and the Bus Pass programme both came into effect in September 2010.
2021
Revamped vision, mission and values
We rewrote our vision, mission and values to be more student-focused, so they resonate with students and staff alike.
Want to know more?
Ask us anything about how the MSA works, what we are working on, or how to get involved.