section_path: Student life/Student unions and associations
section_name: Student unions and associations
paragraph_text: Student unions and associations
  
  There are two student organisations within the University of Melbourne, the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU), and the Graduate Student Association. The University of Melbourne Student Union, formerly known as the Student Union was founded in 1884. Originally, it was formed to promote common interests of students, to assist social interactions between members, and provide resources for pursuing public life. The union's mission is to create a quality experience on campus by establishing a community for students, staff and visitors from a range of backgrounds and experiences. The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is an independent association that automatically provides all enrolled graduate students at the university with support, representation, events, and training. Some features of the GSA include welcoming students to the graduate school with orientation events, hosting an Annual Art Prize, and a formal Graduate Ball.
  
  Clubs and societies offered by the university range from cultural, course-related, political, language exchange, spiritual and community focuses. There are currently over 200 clubs affiliated to the University of Melbourne Student Union, with the total membership exceeding 25,000. There are currently more than 100 groups affiliated with the GSA, with the total membership exceeding 36,000 students. Specific faculty-based clubs and societies are also offered at the university.
  
  UMSU runs the student magazine Farrago. The UMSU Theatre Department relocated to the new Arts and Culture Building in 2022, which contains two theatres, the 398-seat Union Theatre and 102-seat Guild Theatre.