Macquarie University

Preamble

Macquarie University is geographically located in a part of Sydney in which a significantly lower than national or metropolitan average number of people identifying as being of Indigenous origin reside. In spite of this, however, Macquarie University has initiated programs designed to provide professional training for Indigenous people, programs which draw students from all parts of NSW and from interstate.

Objectives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

  1. The University’s educational mission statement makes reference to promoting ‘access to high quality tertiary education’ and to removing ‘barriers to participation’ while at the same time being ‘an exemplary provider of modern education, based on research and innovative teaching and designed for graduates of the 21st Century’.

  2. These statements, while general in character, in fact form the foundation of the University’s strategies for Indigenous higher education.

Strategies and Performance

1. Review and Evaluation in 1997–1998

During the past twelve months the University has made several momentous decisions based upon a review of its current strategies

  • Stemming from a review and recommendations of the Diploma in Community Management Advisory Board (consisting of University and external advisers), the University Council approved the renaming of the DCM as an Advanced Diploma and the introduction of a two year Diploma. This change resulted from a recognition by the University, supported by consistent advice, of the standards being achieved by students in the Community Management program.

  • The DCM Advisory Board is currently considering a proposal to offer a Bachelor’s degree in management for Indigenous students.

  • Consistent with its general mission statement, the University appointed a new Director for Warawara, the Indigenous support unit. Mr Adrian Miller will assume his role in July 1998, and has been given a clear brief to develop the research profile at Warawara.

  • In 1998, the University offered a new program, BTeach (birth to 5 yrs) for Indigenous students. At the same time, in order to strengthen the internal and personal support for students in this program, the formerly 0.5 Lecturer A position was made a full-time one.

All of the above developments were the result of internal reviews of need and performance by several bodies or persons: the DCM Advisory Board; the Institute of Early Childhood; and the Registrar and Vice Principal (who has executive responsibility for Warawara).

2. Goals, Strategies and Performance Indicators for the Triennium

In the current triennium the University has set the following goals for its Indigenous education program

GOAL ACTIVITY TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL EVALUATION ON SUCCESS
To continue offering the current academic programs for Indigenous students. The University has made a strong commitment to Indigenous higher education which will be reflected in the continued development of a recruitment strategy. There will be sustainable increases in enrolments whilst maintaining and increasing retention rates and successful outcomes for Indigenous students.
To receive advice from the DCM Advisory Board on the feasibility of a management degree program. Consultations will be carried out through the current consultative process and mechanisms between Warawara, DCM Advisory Board, and the University. The DCM Advisory Board, in producing its feasibility study, will canvas community opinions and seek strategic and implementation advice from within the University.
To review the effectiveness of the newly introduced BTeach program for Indigenous early childhood education workers. Advice will be received from the Institute of Early Childhood, Warawara staff, and students enrolled in the course during 1998–99 on the effectiveness of the BTeach. At the end of the 1999 academic year a report will be written to consolidate and make recommendations based on the information gathered regarding the BTeach course.
To foster and encourage professional development for Warawara staff. Each member of staff in Warawara has been assigned an academic mentor within the University, who will guide and encourage the staff member in the development of a research profile. The Registrar will receive annual reports from the chosen academic mentors to evaluate the progress of the staff member and the success of the mentoring program.
To establish a Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Indigenous Higher Education. Once the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committee is established the Committee will meet twice annually, providing advice on the work of Warawara and other Indigenous higher education activities. The University recognises the need of such a body of external advice and review. The incoming Director will give urgent attention to the establishment, development and constitution of the Committee.
To respond to community comments with regards to Indigenous higher education. Under the supervision of the Director of Warawara, the University will undertake a comprehensive review to evaluate current Indigenous higher education programs, policies, and strategies in light of community comments. As result of the review, a report will be produced detailing the findings and recommendations to guide future directions for academic program development and research. Feedback will be sought from both within the University and the Indigenous community.
To review the effectiveness of academic and non-academic support mechanisms for Indigenous students enrolled within the University’s programs. Under the supervision of the Director of Warawara, the University will undertake a review of the current academic and non-academic support structures and policies for Indigenous students enrolled at Macquarie University. The review will conclude by mid-year 1999 As a part of the 1999 Director’s Annual Report, the findings of the reviews will detail recommendations to guide future directions. Feedback will be sought from both within the University and the Indigenous community.

3. Equity Performance Indicator Projections

Year Access % Participation Success Retention
1996 1.79 1.20 0.95 0.758
1997 1.75 1.5 0.97 0.871
1998 2.46 1.5   0.897

Contact Officers:

Mr B J Spencer
Registrar and Vice-Principal
Telephone: 02 9850 7300
Facsimile: 02 9850 9476
Email: bspencer@wpo.vc.mq.edu.au

Mr Adrian Miller
Director, Warawara
Telephone: 02 9850 9970
Facsimile: 02 9850 7735
Email: adrian.miller@mq.edu.au
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