The University of Adelaide values diversity and inclusive learning and has prioritised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. We are the smallest of the Go8 Universities with a modest Indigenous student enrolment and staff workforce. The University recognises that to ‘Close the Gap’ and improve Indigenous education outcomes, a more systematic approach is needed. In our commitment to Indigenous Education we aim to be bold, outstanding and transformative. Our approach to Indigenous student enrolment and staff workforce will need to change if we are to achieve state population parity of 2%.
This Integrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy advocates a university – wide approach to the development, implementation and evaluation of recruitment, retention and curricula strategies aimed at increasing the number of Indigenous students and staff, and to raise the cultural competency of staff and students.
The University has already acted upon a number key recommendations and initiatives:
Implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy;
Redesignation of a senior Aboriginal leadership role to Dean of Indigenous Education. This role provides strategic leadership in: Indigenisation of courses; recognition of Indigenous knowledges in teaching and research; engagement with Indigenous communities; and Indigenous staff employment.
Utilised our internationally recognised research capacity in partnership with Indigenous communities to address major challenges in climate change, digital inclusion, health, and justice.
The strategy incorporates previous approaches and actions into one coherent direction and purpose, focussing on the following key areas:
Student Services;
Indigenous Employment and University Governance;
Teaching and Learning;
Research;
Human Resources;
Community Engagement; and
International Outreach.
