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Indigenous Education Strategies in Higher Education 2001-2003

The University of Melbourne

• Objectives
• Consultative Mechanisms
• Current and Continuing Activities
• Performance and Review
• Contact

Objectives

The University of Melbourne is committed to Indigenous education. Strategic planning across faculties and departments of the University takes into account the diversity of both students and staff. A number of University policy documents inform and promote the place of Indigenous Australians within the life of the University, including the University’s Strategic Plan Perspective 2000 and 2000 Operational Plan, Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Cultural Diversity Policy and Equity Plan. Three discrete Indigenous departments within the University are the Centre for Indigenous Education (CIE ­ the Student Support Unit), the Koori Health Research Unit within the Centre for the Study of Health and Society, and the Indigenous Studies Program within the Faculty of Arts. All are committed to excellence, guided by the Melbourne Agenda and work collaboratively to promote the participation of Indigenous Australians at the University. Indigenous education at the University of Melbourne is expressed through service to four communities:

1. The student community ­ through recruiting, retaining and graduating world class graduates (Goal 1)
2. The University community ­ through educating the mainstream University community on issues of Aboriginality and Whiteness (Goal 2).
3. The Aboriginal Community ­ through opening the University to full participation by the local Aboriginal Community in its achievements and vision for Indigenous Education. (Goal 3)
4. The wider community ­ through transforming the focus of Indigenous education at the University into an interactive learning environment, welcoming and inclusive to the broad citizenship, both domestic and international. (Goal 4).

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Consultative Mechanisms

The CIE is advised by the Koori Education Committee (KEC), chaired by the Chancellor. Membership is drawn from the local Aboriginal and University communities. The Committee reports to the Office of Vice-Chancellor through the Academic Registrar.

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Current and Continuing Activities

Goal 1: Student Community: - In accordance with vision and achievements of the University of Melbourne, to recruit, retain and graduate world class graduates.

Strategy 1.1 Upgrade of Indigenous support services across the University

Achievements to date: The CIE has relocated to the centre of the campus through the refurbishment of a heritage-listed building. Professor Marcia Langton has taken up the appointment of Chair of Indigenous Studies and is developing close working relationships with Centre staff. Strategic planning across the Division of the Academic Registrar (Academic Services) is inclusive of Indigenous Australians. The CIE has established links with other student service departments and faculties across the University in order to provide a more efficient and comprehensive support. Faculties including Law, Education and Arts have specific teaching, support and research programs involving Indigenous students and issues. The University is committed to securing the best Indigenous academic staff to fill positions within the Indigenous Studies Program. Indigenous academics have been appointed at full time and tenured positions.

Activity: A comprehensive strategy for the recruitment of the best Indigenous students from around Australia is currently being developed in conjunction with National Recruitment staff and the Chair for Indigenous Studies. International exchanges are being facilitated. The Centre’s Web Page will keep pace with ongoing activities. The University’s equity principles are now supported by annual statistical analysis of Indigenous student outcomes. University guidelines for the admission of Indigenous students have established consistent practices across Faculties. The University is developing its campus in the Goulburn Valley at Shepparton ­ strong links with the Faculty of Medicine through the Department of Rural Health have been established. The local Indigenous community is participating with a number of University departments regarding recruitment of students and specific projects, eg. a sports health and recreation facility. Expansion of the Indigenous Studies Program across departments within the Faculty of Arts is in hand to produce a major in Indigenous Studies within the BA program. Indigenous Studies is being expanded to faculties currently without Indigenous studies or content within curricula. Implementation is under way of an Indigenous Arts Management program through the Victorian College of the Arts.

Method of Evaluation: Monitoring against the following outcomes: relocation of the CIE by May 2000; new strategic direction fully in place by March 2001; a trilogy of lead faculties developed by 2001; increasing the postgraduate intake for 2001; two international exchanges between Indigenous staff or students in 2001; current Web page; public recognition of the University for its excellence in education and support of Indigenous students; benchmarking exercises with national leaders and practitioners in Indigenous education will continue. In addition, analysis is proceeding of students undertaking units offered through the Indigenous Studies Program.

Strategy 1.2 Manage and expand the range of Scholarships available to support Indigenous students.

Achievements to date: Melbourne Scholarships information is incorporated into targeted promotional materials. Scholarships awarded include two postgraduate scholarships, two residential scholarships to St Mary’s College, five Truganini and two Melbourne Access Scholarships.

Activity: The CIE will continue to promote and oversee scholarships to Indigenous Australians and to negotiate the establishment of undergraduate awards in other Faculties.. Residential college scholarships have been proposed at Trinity College.

Method of Evaluation: Monitoring against the following outcomes: up to four Melbourne Access and Equity, three Truganini and four Chirnside Scholarships awarded annually to Indigenous students. Increased numbers of undergraduate and postgraduate awards.

Strategy 1.3 Develop first rate support services which maximise the retention, success and transition to employment of Indigenous students

Achievements to date: University-wide guidelines for monitoring retention and success are in place. The number of students accessing the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS) has increased. Faculty Liaisons with specific responsibility for Indigenous students have been identified. Permanent appointment of three full time staff members at the CIE, Deputy Director, Executive Assistant/Office Manager and Student Support Officer.

Activity: Investigation of electronic delivery of services will continue. Academic and administrative processes, sensitive to the cultural needs of Indigenous students and staff, will be facilitated. Annual analysis of Equity Performance Indicators will continue together with an audit of the performance of targeted services and programs, ensuring equity considerations include access, progression and completion.

Method of Evaluation: Monitoring against the following outcomes: contact officers in all faculties to be known to students; use of Equity Performance Indicators to monitor outcomes; and annual performance audits by KEC.

Goal 2: The University Community: Educate the mainstream University community on issues of Aboriginality and Whiteness.

Strategy 2.1 Provide the principal leadership, within the University, for the development of knowledge in, and engagement of a debate on Aboriginality and Whiteness.

Activity: Maintain Aboriginality and Whiteness on KEC agenda. Extend CIE representation on key committees. Invite key personnel to visit the Centre and access its resources. Conduct summer schools and other courses in Aboriginal cultures. Encourage staff to participate in Indigenous conferences and gatherings. In conjunction with the Chair for Indigenous Studies, promote and develop courses, seminars and publications in the area of Whiteness. An increased number of forums, workshops and lecture series have been offered to members of the wider University community by Indigenous staff and students from across the University covering a wide range of Indigenous issues.

Method of Evaluation: Monitoring against the following outcomes: recognition of the CIE as a leader in the growing debate on Whiteness; improved awareness of Indigenous cultures within the administrative, academic and student bodies; network of trusting and good working relationships with relevant University personnel; use of the CIE as a forum for University/community debate of issues of concern to Indigenous communities and participation of CIE staff and Indigenous students in 2 conferences annually.

Goal 3: The Aboriginal Community: Open the Centre to full participation by the local Aboriginal Community

Strategy 3.1 Strengthen Community decision making in the University

Achievements to date: The KEC has developed a Reconciliation statement which was used by the University of Melbourne in its participation at the Corroboree 2000 (May Sydney). This is a joint statement of the Reconciliation process and represents an ongoing commitment from the University of Melbourne. Wurundjeri Elders spoke at the Official opening of Orientation Week 2000.

Activity: Include Community members on selection panels. Expand Indigenous membership of the KEC to include community organisations. Reconciliation commitment by the University to include elders from the Wurundjeri community within campus life. The Centre will consolidate its relationship with the Aboriginal Community, establish an annual public lecture in honour of an outstanding local leader, and extend the involvement of the Community through participation in Orientation week, invitations to the Centre, and involvement in NAIDOC week.

Method of Evaluation: Increased participation by the local Indigenous community at various levels in the life of the CIE and the University.

Goal 4: The wider Community: Transform the focus on Indigenous Education at the University into a dynamic adult learning environment, welcoming and inclusive to the broad citizenship

Strategy 4.1 Undertake a pivotal external relations role within both the Aboriginal and non Aboriginal communities, seeking to grow public debate around Whiteness

Achievements to date: Indigenous staff have been invited on numerous occasions to speak at community events. The CIE was invited to participate in United Nations Millennium Forum "We the Peoples", held in New York May 2000.

Activity: Establish debate and dialogue through a variety of forums. Procure the services of national/international speakers while visiting Australia/Melbourne. Encourage use of the Centre by non-Indigenous groups and establish it as a familiar information resource. Promotion of the Indigenous Studies Program to the international marketplace.

Method of Evaluation: Monitoring against the following outcomes: recognition of the University through the CIE as a leader in the growing public debate on Whiteness; increasing involvement by the non-Indigenous community with the Centre.

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Performance and Review

For many of the initiatives identified in this document, monitoring and evaluation will be a matter of increased public perception and knowledge of the Centre for Indigenous Education. Whilst support structures and networks continue to be fostered, their obvious indicators of achievement will be in the increased access, participation, retention and success rates of the Indigenous students currently and prospectively studying at the University of Melbourne.

The qualitative experience of Indigenous students whilst completing a University of Melbourne degree will be evaluated through reporting structures within the Centre, namely reports from the Student Collective, Deputy Director and Student Support Officer. Qualitative measure of success in the form of reports and anecdotal evidence will evaluate the Centre’s performance in the areas of:

• Improved awareness of Indigenous cultures on the part of the non-Indigenous community both within the University Community and the broader Melbourne community
• Participation of students and staff at Indigenous conferences and gatherings
• University and community debate on issues of Whiteness
• Active involvement of the local Indigenous Community in the educational vision of the Centre
• Active involvement of the non-Indigenous community in the educational activities of the centre

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Contact

Mr Ian Marshman
Vice Principal
Tel: (03) 8344 6121
Fax: (03) 9347 0071
E-mail: i.marshman@vpa.unimelb.edu.au

Ms Cheryl Vardon
Vice Principal and Academic Registrar
Tel: (03) 8344 9667
Fax:(03) 9344 9997
E-mail: c.vardon@acadreg.unimelb.edu.au

Ms Lillian Holt (Director)
Centre for Indigenous Education
Tel: (03) 8344 7722
Fax:(03) 9347 7115
E-mail: l.holt@cie.unimelb.edu.au

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