Indigenous Student Engagement and Experience

Wollotuka believes that the success of Indigenous students is achieved through a holistic approach that recognises the cultural differences and values the diversity of cultural backgrounds and experiences of those students accessing higher education.  An all Indigenous staff with strong educational and personal qualifications ensure a culturally affirming, positive academic environment that encourages and inspires students to continually grow academically, personally and culturally.

This team is lead by Michael Cutmore, a proud Gamilaraay man, with a wealth of experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  The team has four Indigenous Student Engagement Officers whose main focus is to engage with Indigenous students within their relevant faculty areas:

Faculty of Education & Arts - Deirdre Heitmeyer

Faculty of Business & Law - Dane Hickey

Faculties of Engineering & Built Environment/Science & Information Technology - Bill Fisher

Faculty of Health - Deana Purcell

 

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS)

The ITAS Coordinator, Robyn Sutherland, and ITAS assistant, Renee Chambers, can arrange for qualified tutors to help Indigenous students with their studies whether it be essay writing skills or any other relevant areas of study.  The majority of ITAS forms can be downloaded from this site.

Scholarships and Accommodation

Leanne Ah-See is our Scholarships and Accommodation Officer.  Leanne works with both prospective and current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to assist in seeking and applying for scholarships and accommodation.  Leanne works closely with both the Scholarships and Accommodation Officers at The University of Newcastle as well as accommodation services outside the university such as Durungarling Aboriginal Hostel. 

Success and Leadership Program

Adelle Grogan coordinates this program which encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, particularly final-year students, to develop graduate attributes that will enhance employment opportunities after graduation.

The Wollotuka Institute provides financial support to students currently enrolled at the University of Newcastle to attend local, national and international conferences.  As well as conferences Wollotuka will provide financial support to participate in Short Term Study Abroad programs, Overseas Student Exchange programs and workshops.

Students seeking funding are required to address the criteria on the Indigenous Student Conference Funding Form.

Funding to attend conferences generally includes:- return airfares; accommodation and meals.  Funding does not cover incidentals or personal expenses.

Students participating in Short Study programs overseas are able to seek funding to cover airfares.  Special consideration may be given for funding to cover costs of fees and/or accommodation.  Students interested in participating in any of these programs should first read the information on the University's "Outgoing Study Abroad/Exchange" website or contact Adelle.

Preference is given to any undergraduate student applying who is an active participant in the University's iLead (International Leadership Experience and Development) Program.

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.