Preface Professor Sue Trinidad PhD Director National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education Australian universities have long demonstrated a strong commitment to student equity and to increasing the participation of people from equity backgrounds. This was also a key recommendation from the Bradley Review (2008). The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) was set up to fund a range of university participation and partnership initiatives. Through HEPPP funding, Australian universities have been able to provide opportunities to students from under-represented backgrounds who have the ability to study at university, to actually do so. Thirty nine case studies are presented here, demonstrating Australian universities’ commitment to improving the access, participation and success in higher education of students from equity groups. The case studies share current practice used by universities to reach prospective university students (outreach), help get them into university (access), and provide the support once the students commence, improving the retention and completion rates of those students. The range of case studies featured here illustrate the multiple initiatives and is an opportunity to share current practice that enhance equity students’ awareness, educational aspirations, access to and success in higher education across Australia. Such initiatives inform and expose school students and other prospective university students to the opportunities that higher education can offer. A variety of entry pathways enables those equity students who desire to participate to have the capacity to apply for and successfully enter undergraduate study at university. A range of support services, such as mentoring and tutoring programs, ensure all students have the best chance of succeeding in their studies. Meet the Professor Australian Catholic University Outreach ACU is committed to yearly reviews of Meet the Professor, involving both internal and external partners. Description Meet the Professor was developed by Australian Catholic University (ACU) for Grade 5 and 6 students. These students are invited to participate in a tour of their local ACU campus, where they can meet staff and students and participate in activities related to university life. They have the opportunity to meet a professor; we ask a senior academic to be part of the day. The professor interacts with the students, talking to them about university and what it entails, its benefits and how you can access university. The students meet with ACU students who lead them in numeracy and literacy exercises, exercise science activities, health school activities, observing paramedicine activities and others.
pre- and post-event feedback surveys that include questions to gather qualitative and quantitative data on measurable change post-event review and evaluation meetings with key stakeholders including staff, university and school staff, and school principals and project leaders (Central Schools Special Projects) longitudinal tracking of matriculation to university of participants. “After nearly 30 years of being a teacher this is the most successful model of any outreach program I have seen. It was a great initiative to engage students at a crucial stage. The door of opportunity has now been opened to them.” — head teacher, English and history. The Future UNI-BOUND Program activities will continue to be enhanced and expanded to include additional events and activities and to increase the number of students participating in the program. In addition, an academic support model will be developed and delivered to high school students aimed at increasing confidence, motivation and preparation for higher education. The UNI-BOUND program aims to increase knowledge and understanding of higher education and career options; build confidence and motivation towards higher education; and improve academic attainment for higher education. Student Support Program Swinburne University Support Student Equity and Disability Services (SEADS). Description The Student Equity and Disability Services (SEADS) Student Support program is one of Swinburne University’s social inclusion plan initiatives funded by the HEPPP. One of the key principles under the Social Inclusion Plan is to provide a range of services to support students within the university. The program provides assistance with study and living expenses to undergraduate students from LSES backgrounds or those experiencing significant financial disadvantage. Key features of the program are: Funding of some equity-related scholarships awarded by Swinburne University. These scholarships include final year undergraduate scholarships, first year rural and regional scholarships, refugee or asylum seekers scholarships and TAFE pathways scholarships. SEADS awarding major grants and scholarships in first semester. These include rental assistance scholarships, laptop grants, iPad grants, mobile broadband grants and specialist software grants.
The Future USC’s Widening Participation programs, such as the Creative Writing Excellence Program, are supported through both University and Commonwealth HEPPP funding and are a commitment with the aim of continuing to build an aspiration for higher education, particularly among those who might not otherwise have the opportunity or awareness. Aspire UWA The University of Western Australia Outreach Aspire UWA supports students with academic potential, but facing significant challenges, to achieve their higher education goals. Description Aspire UWA supports students with academic potential, but facing significant challenges, to achieve their higher education goals. Through formalised partnerships with 21 secondary schools in metropolitan Perth and 31 regional and remote schools across Western Australia, the university and school communities are working together to address traditionally low transfer rates to higher education. Since commencing with 600 students in 2009, Aspire UWA has grown significantly with over 7,000 students participating in activities in 2013. Hands-on activities, delivered in schools and on campus, immerse middle school students in diverse disciplinary areas and provide insight into the opportunities tertiary studies offer. These messages are reinforced in the later years of high school through study skills, motivational and revision workshops. Residential camps are a significant feature, delivering rich, intensive experiences to over 1,000 metropolitan and regional students since 2009. Students with an interest in medicine or dentistry receive support through the Choose Medicine Choose Dentistry Rural/Broadway School Leaver Pathways. These programs provide an entry pathway for students from regional and identified metropolitan schools, who are sometimes the first from their school ever to enter into these disciplines. Specialist support is provided to all Indigenous students by the School of Indigenous Studies’ High School Outreach Program, which offers a wide range of activities aimed specifically at encouraging and supporting these students. Key strengths are the cultural leadership provided by the School of Indigenous Studies’ staff and the strong relationships formed with families, communities and organisations. Objectives Aspire UWA’s objectives are to work in partnership with schools to raise aspirations for higher education by: improving the motivation and attainment of students in LSES communities encouraging and supporting Indigenous students in culturally appropriate ways supporting school staff through professional development workshops and scholarships engaging parents and the wider community.