Participation and retention
A whole-of-life approach
The University of Newcastle has a whole-of-life approach to enhancing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in higher education.
We understand the importance of supporting families and communities to have confidence in the University to provide a culturally safe space for their child, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter or cousin to learn. A University where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and knowledge is recognised, celebrated and woven into the fabric of the learning environment. The Wollotuka Institute’s community outreach program is integral to building trust, confidence and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, no matter at what stage of life, to see themselves at University.
The University has a number of focused Strategies and Plans to demonstrate improvements across the whole student and staff lifecycle - increasing participation and retention in undergraduate studies, conversion to post-graduate, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and/or employment at the University and enhancing our students’ experience and achievements.
Wollotuka
Commitment to the advancement and leadership of Indigenous education at a local, national and global level.
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Indigenous employment
We are an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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Tanisha's Story 2:05
Leroy's story 2:42
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research are a whole of university commitment - it is everyone’s responsibility.
This Framework will see the University, our communities and our region work together to achieve excellence.
Artwork story: The symbol for people can be seen gathered within the growing vines. The brightly coloured people represent the older Aboriginal students at the University expanding their knowledge in their current fields while the smaller people symbols next to them are the new students just beginning their journey but with the older students as exciting role models. The leaves/ vines represent the growing of cultural knowledge breaking through barriers (the black and white lines) to better educate our local community. The colours within the black and white lines represent the success of the growing vines - it reflects a change in education, where Indigenous people, knowledge and culture is recognised and valued. The connected circles between the two vines represent the growing of Aboriginal-led research - connecting students across fields and educating our community.
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.