The University of Newcastle, Australia

First time research into the long term success of graduates who have participated in a tertiary preparation program at the University of Newcastle is underway.

The country’s leading provider of enabling programs – the University of Newcastle – is inviting former students who have undertaken the Open Foundation, Newstep or Yapug programs to register to take part in future research.

The project is a collaboration between the Education Research Institute Newcastle, the English Language and Foundational Studies Centre, the Research Institute for Social Inclusion and Wellbeing and the University’s Equity and Diversity Unit.

Professor James Albright, Director ERIN (Educational Research Institute Newcastle said the PEPPR Register (Potential Enabling Program Participant Research Register) is the first step in a program of research into the long term impacts of enabling education for individuals and the broader community, shedding light on economic and social outcomes.

Associate Professor Seamus Fagan, Director English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, said it was imperative that the sector had a better understanding of the long term outcomes of former enabling students.

“The Government’s higher education agenda promotes greater participation from students from low socio economic backgrounds. 

“However, while we have a good understanding of the student’s experience while they are attending university, there is little evidence of the long term outcomes of enabling programs.  

“This research will for the first time provide policy makers and the sector with an accurate picture of the long term impact of enabling programs.”

For further enquiries please contact 02 49216316 or email pepprregister@newcastle.edu.au.

For information on the University’s enabling programs visit www.newcastle.edu.au .