The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education

The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) supports the University of Newcastle’s delivery of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) by focusing on access, retention, and success for students from underrepresented backgrounds. CEEHE’s work integrates research, student partnership, professional development, and community engagement to build a more inclusive and just higher education system.

In Q1, the Centre supported 470 students, with programs addressing structural and intersectional barriers to participation—especially for students with refugee backgrounds, care experience, and those affected by gender-based violence. The Relational Navigator Framework remained central to student support, alongside Welcome Week engagement and the Excellence through Equity Pathway celebration. Four students also commenced LAWS6091 research placements within the Centre.

Planning began for key 2025 events including the Change Youth Forum (120 participants expected) and the Multicultural Services Expo (700+ attendees). CEEHE’s Live, Learn, Grow program will also feature at the national Home Stretch Symposium in Melbourne. National leadership in research continued with a Special Issue of ACCESS journal on “evaluation for equity and justice,” co-edited with Wollotuka and the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership. Additional research progressed through an ARC grant application on gender-based violence and education, in collaboration with Study for Women’s Health.

The Centre also expanded professional development activities, including the Graduate Certificate in Professional Equity and Inclusion (GCPEI) and the Reclaiming My Place program—now tailored to sector workforce development.

Through sustained student partnerships and national collaboration, CEEHE continues to drive structural change and embed equity across institutional practice and culture.