Evidence of impact

A new national study has revealed the types of initiatives that help students from equity groups access, participate and complete university.

The Equity Initiatives in Australian Higher Education: A Review of Evidence of Impact is the second of two government funded reports that identify effective equity programs across Australia’s higher education sector.

Lead by the University of Newcastle, along with partners at the University of Melbourne and LaTrobe University, the report shows that specific funding is essential for ensuring a fair and equitable system into the future.

The study is comprised of three documents to assist practitioners and policy makers with delivering and evaluating equity programs:

• A major report
• Information on featured initiatives
• A framework

The study is the first of its kind and covers initiatives from school outreach through to postgraduate programs.

University of Newcastle Project Lead, Dr Anna Bennett, said the study also reveals that ongoing funding is needed for evaluating  programs across the country.

“Research is incredibly important in evaluating these programs to ensure that they are delivering the best outcomes for students and to inform priorities for future investment,” said Dr Bennett.

“Key findings indicate that many of these initiatives are making a difference to students from equity groups in Australian higher education,” she added.

Read more from Dr Bennett in The Conversation.

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