Mannix College (Monash University)

Mannix College
Coat of Arms of Mannix College
Motto	Omnia Omnibus
Motto in English	All things to all people
Established	1969
Type	Residential College
Religious affiliation	Roman Catholic
Academic affiliation	Monash University
Principal	Damien McCartin
Dean	Barbara Shea
Undergraduates	246
Postgraduates	4
Location	Melbourne, Australia 27°29′52″S 153°00′46″E / 27.49778°S 153.01278°E / -27.49778; 153.01278Coordinates: 27°29′52″S 153°00′46″E / 27.49778°S 153.01278°E / -27.49778; 153.01278
Colours	Blue, Green and Gold
Website	[1]

Mannix College is a Catholic residential College affiliated with Monash University and located at Monash University's Clayton campus.^[1] The College is fully catered and provides residence for around 250 undergraduate and postgraduate students of Monash University, Clayton and Caulfield campuses. The College was named after Daniel Mannix, Irish-born Archbishop of Melbourne for 46 years. The current principal of Mannix College is Damien McCartin, and the Dean is Barbara Shea, both previous student residents at the college.

The College motto "Omnia Omnibus" means "All things to all People". The shield of Mannix College combines elements of Archbishop Daniel Mannix, Sir John Monash and the Dominican Order. From the shield of Dr. Mannix the Gryphon and Crescents are taken together with the motto. The shield of Sir John Monash, used by the University named after him, shows the inverted chevron, the Southern Cross, the open book and sword in pale blue surrounded by a crown of laurel. The black and white border is drawn from the shield of the Dominican Order.^[2]

The majority of social activities at Mannix College are organised and coordinated by the Mannix College Students Society, including Thursday social functions and the Mannix Ball.

Student life

Regular College traditions, such as Wednesday evening formal dinners play a large role in the community spirit of the college. Tutors are available for students on a weekly basis, amongst many disciplines relating to university studies. Most Thursdays, the MCSS holds social functions in the Junior Common Room (JCR), which are an excellent opportunity for collegiates to socialise and dance to the music of the DJ. Mannix is situated adjacent to Monash University Clayton campus and students regularly participate in Monash Student Association events, as well as faculty activities.

Each faculty has a formal dinner once a year, with students from that faculty invited to ask faculty from the University to attend and socialise in a relaxed setting. This presents a great opportunity for the students to converse with their teaching staff on a more personal level.

Mannix also runs a strong tutorial program for residents, in areas of study of the residents. Some of the regular weekly tutorials include Medicine, Mathematics, Arts, Law and Science tutorials. These are run by faculty approved graduates from Monash, many of them with years of experience working at Mannix.

History

Mannix College opened in 1969, when the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne entrusted the operation of the College to the Dominican Order, which ran the College until 2003. Initially its residents were only male students, however in 1974, Mannix began accepting female students. Since then Mannix College has accepted students from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Current activities

The college had an upgrade of facilities in 2008–2009, including a new kitchen, upgraded dining room, a new astroturf basketball court and an upgraded Junior Common Room. Future major works planned include an expansion of the library and continuing development of the grounds.

Mannix College Students' Society (MCSS) Incorporated

All undergraduate students residing at Mannix College are compulsory members of the Mannix College Students' Society (MCSS) through a levy from the College. The MCSS organises various sporting, social and cultural events throughout the University year. A student committee is elected annually to delegate portfolios and create subcommittees to fulfill these roles. The MCSS is affiliated with Monash Clubs and Societies. Unlike some other residential college societies, the MCSS does not have operative control of any day-to-day functions of the college.

The constitutional aims of the society are thus:

1. To work in the interests of all residents of the College, but more particularly, those of the members of the society.
2. To promote academic, cultural, sporting and social activities within the college.
3. To promote, foster and develop co-operative relationships within Mannix College, and between Mannix College and the Halls of Residence societies; the greater population of Monash University; other Australian collegiate residences; and NAAUC.
4. To provide a means of liaison between the Principal and Dean and the residents of the college and to present the views of the residents to the Principal and Dean and the University authorities.

Staff

Alongside the Principal, Dean and Assistant Dean, the College employs a group of students annually as Resident Advisors (RAs). At least two RAs are located on each of the six floors of Mannix and each have their own portfolio. Their role is seen as the 'Principal's eyes' throughout the College. They have a pastoral care as well as disciplinary role amongst the other students of the College. The team of twelve is led by a Senior Resident Advisor.

Students also have an opportunity in the second and third years to work within the College Library.

Alumni

Mannix College has a tradition of engaging alumni, and achieves this principally through the Monash Old Collegiates Association (MOCA). Entry to MOCA is automatic for residents of the college once they become alumni, and is funded by a levy paid by residents. MOCA runs regular functions for Old Colls in Melbourne, as well as online social activities such as Australian Rules football tipping, and online messageboards, giving alumni the opportunity to remain in contact even years after being in residence. The current MOCA president is James Garrick.

References

1. ^ Mannix College homepage, http://mannix.monash.edu/, retrieved 25 Jun 2010 
2. ^ A Short History of Mannix College, http://www.mannix.monash.edu.au/about/history.html, retrieved 25 Jun 2010 

External links

• Official website