Indigenous student support in Australian universities

Author: Brady, W, 2012

This research report was commissioned by the panel for The Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. It reviews the range of approaches to Indigenous support taken by Australian universities. Success is not only measured by the number of Indigenous students who enrol but also on the quality of the support they receive throughout their studies. The paper points to a number of success factors, including: the quality of support provided by staff and tutors; the cultural awareness of academic staff; recognition within the university of the importance and expertise of Indigenous support centres, and teaching and research centres; and engagement of local communities in the work of the university and Indigenous units. The report concludes that the effectiveness of programs is highly dependent on the level of assistance and recognition they receive from their university