Cultural knowledge and understanding
Building a culturally responsive environment
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge and understanding is important to how we conduct teaching and learning, how we support students and staff, and how we design and conduct research. Culture is important in how we lead reconciliation and how we collaborate with our partners to achieve reconciliation in our region and our spheres of influence.
Our Cultural Capability Framework establishes a roadmap for the University to become a culturally responsive and capable institution. Utilising the Cultural Capability Framework is the responsibility of all staff within the University, as culturally capable individuals build a culturally responsive environment.
The University is committed to all students graduating with knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, people and culture, as reflected in our Culturally Responsive Graduate Attribute.
An inclusive training package
The Cultural Capability Framework is supported by a 3-stage training package, which all fixed-term and ongoing staff complete. This includes:
For our Students - Building Cultural Capability together
The University of Newcastle is committed to fostering a culturally responsive environment where all students feel welcome and supported. As part of this commitment, we have developed a compulsory Cultural Capability Module for all students.
This online module will be available in your Canvas profile in the first study term of each year of your studies. It's designed to equip you with a foundational understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and perspectives.
To successfully complete the module, you'll need to work through all the learning materials and complete the associated quizzes. Please note, achieving 100% on each quiz is a requirement for successful completion.
We encourage you to actively engage with the Cultural Capability Module and learn alongside your peers.
Cultural Capability Framework
The Framework has been co-designed with key stakeholders within the University and externally to build the cultural capability of students and staff
Artwork story: The Cultural Capability artwork should be viewed in a clockwise direction: Yellow (top left) is "To Know", Green (top right) is "To Do", Pink (bottom right) is "To Belong", Blue (bottom left) is "To Be".
Ma & Morley Scholarship Program Cultural Immersion 2022 4:26
The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program took 13 Scholars on an 11-Day Cultural Immersion through Western NSW. The trip focused on the importance of relationships and connection to people, place and purpose.
For more information
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.