Indigenous Student Support and Development

Indigenous Student Support and Development is a major focus in the University's strategic plan.  The focus to increase and enhance student attraction, participation, retention and success is a vital component of Indigenous education at the University and nationally.  Two portfolios have been established to reflect the future visions of the University and Indigenous education as a whole.  Each team has a Portfolio Leader responsible for the two priority areas which are:-

• Community Engagement - (Portfolio Leader - Christopher George ) The primary roles of the portfolio are to engage with on and off campus community/education partners in relation to the roles and functions of the Institute and the University of Newcastle. The portfolio responsibilities cover the three campuses of the University and it's communities and schools. Another role of the portfolio is to maintain a culturally relevant and highly visible Indigenous profile on the Central Coast Campus, the enhancement and maintenance of its relationship with its campus based cross sectional education partners and contribution to the development of Institute policies to inform effective decision making. more....

   

• Student Support and Development - (Portfolio Leader -Nat Heath ) The primary role of this porfolio is to provide support and development services in relation to access and participation of Indigenous peoples in higher education as well as raising the profile of Indigenous students and graduates.  The University has made a commitment to bring this to fruition, to contribute to a national initiative to enhance quality education and employment for Indigenous peoples at the highest level. It is important that high achieving Indigenous students are recognised by the University community and encouraged to enhance their professional opportunities through postgraduate or professional readiness programs, and have the choice to develop a strong profile within and outside of the University especially in their own communities. more....

Facilities available to Indigenous Students 

Undergraduate Computer Room – We offer a room designated for Indigenous undergraduate student use with ten computers and a printer. This room is situated in the Birabahn building and is open for use during office hours Monday to Friday. Access is via electronic swipe card and appropriate application forms can be provided at Wollotuka reception.

Indigenous Medical Student/Out of Hours Study Room – We offer a room designated for Indigenous medical student use with six computers, printer, photocopying facilities and tea & coffee making facilities. This room is also offered as an out of hours study room to Indigenous undergraduate/postgraduate students. The room is also situated in the Birabahn building. Access is via swipe card where certain restrictions apply. Please contact Wollotuka regarding guidelines for use of room.

ITAS Tuition Room - This room is available to students and their tutors who are registered under the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS).  There are four computers and ample desk space for one on one tutoring sessions. Access to this room is also via electronic swipe card.  Please contact Wollotuka reception regarding the use of this room.

Yuranna Research Study Centre - The Yuranna (Awabakal word meaning "to grow") Room is located in the Birabahn Building on the Callaghan Campus of the University.  RHD students enrolled with The Wollotuka Institute and Indigenous Rhd students enrolled across other faculties of the University have access to the various Indigenous resources located in the Yuranna Room such as books, videos, manuscripts, journals etc.  The room also has computer facilities, wireless internet access for laptops and photocopying facilities.  Please contact the Yuranna Coordinator regarding borrowing of resources and use of facilities.

Kitchen and Function Room area - This area is also located in the Birabahn building for students use.  It offers tea and coffee making facilities as well as a place to relax with friends.