| The University of New South
Wales Objectives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Introduction The Aboriginal Education Program (AEP) is committed to the promotion of equity and excellence with the educational environment at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and across the Australian higher education sector for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A framework has been developed at UNSW that promotes an integrated approach to ensure the continued development of strategic partnerships to strengthen the integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Islander culture and heritage across the higher education spectrum. This strategic framework will continue to serve as a mechanism through which such alliances and partnerships will best serve the interests and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ growing and diverse population. Mission and objectives As a mechanism for the promotion of access, success and integrated development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education at UNSW, the AEP, through its commitment to the realisation of the social and cultural justice agendas, will provide leadership for the enhancement of the educational and cultural fulfilment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia by:
Strategies and Performance Strategic framework Infrastructure
Services Assistance with applications. Information dissemination. Full-time resource personnel. Professional Development Skills development training. Accessing mainstream. Participation in the development of curriculum and courses in the educational system. Research and Development
Raising Awareness
Marketing and Promotion
Partnerships
Participation
Performance Within the areas of law and health, UNSW has developed two exemplary programs, which will continue to facilitate the growing retention and success rates for Indigenous students. Both the UNSW Law School and Faculty of Medicine have been instrumental in providing access to resources to develop both a Pre-Medical program and Pre-Law Program for Indigenous students. In partnership with the School of Architecture a four-week summer program will commence in January 1999. To ensure equitable access, UNSW is also exploring a number of other key areas that have not been targeted. With the whole concept of negotiation and coexistence in the Native Title debate and the role of the mining industry, it seems sensible to develop links with mining companies regarding the idea of Indigenous geologists. The School of Geology and the AEP at UNSW are undertaking a feasibility study of the recruitment and training of Indigenous geologists. A summer program being offered by the School of Geology in 1998 will have designated Indigenous places set aside. UNSW has recognised that no longer are Indigenous applicants pursuing the historical choices of study such as law and education. There have been a growing number of applicants who have expressed interest in courses that will maintain their links with Indigenous communities and ultimately provide them with the skills to work within those communities. The AEP has also successfully negotiated, through the NSW Law Society, cadetships for Indigenous students with private law firms. Thirty law firms have signed agreements to employ Indigenous law students during the duration of their studies. This is quite a significant achievement as students are able to gain hands-on experience within the private legal fraternity. This strategy was developed in response to the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Report that identified the need for more Indigenous lawyers to work within the criminal area of law. This framework builds on the achievements and learned experiences of the past and anticipates continued policy development at UNSW and within the Australian higher education sector. It is intended as a dynamic tool for strategic initiatives and to forge key partnerships in mainstream Australian society so as to sustain ongoing continuity and equality in our commitment to the social and cultural justice agenda. Towards cooperative partnerships The UNSW AEP continues to recognise the strategic importance of close liaison with relevant cultural and educational institutions and welcomes collaborative work with these institutions to promote the educational value and context of the arts, culture, and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cooperative partnerships will be targeted to enhance the development of educational and cultural policies and practices in addressing the needs and cultural integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Projected performance against performance indicators During the period 1992–1997, the indicators in use at UNSW demonstrate a positive trend in terms of higher education provision for Indigenous Australians at UNSW. The number of Indigenous students enrolling in degree programs is increasing, and the students are enrolled in a wider variety of study areas than may be the case at other universities. UNSW has long been committed to the provision of support for Indigenous students in mainstream degree programs rather than in targeted enabling or sub-degree programs. The University believes that the indicators currently used by DEETYA should be further developed to reflect the diversity in the higher education sector of approaches to the provision of Indigenous education at the degree, sub-degree, and enabling levels. The University continues to provide support to address success and retention within this wide range of discipline areas. The Aboriginal Education Program (UNSW) remains focussed on successful outcomes, and not merely on access. Access is important but stringent conditions need to be applied to ensure that access leads to success. Academic Success and Retention (the Lin Martin indicators)
Contacts Anne Martin Paula Dewis |
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