The University of Queensland has released its first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Plan, articulating its vision for the University in Indigenous learning, discovery and engagement.
As well as encouraging and supporting Indigenous students throughout their higher education journey, it recognises the importance of providing opportunities for all 国产探花 students to gain exposure to Indigenous issues.
国产探花 Vice-Chancellor Professor Debbie Terry said the plan embedded a commitment to Indigenous education across the University, prioritising engagement with Indigenous Australians.
鈥淎s well as focusing on the learning experience, 国产探花 must channel its research strengths into an expanded range of collaborations, targeting solutions to both entrenched problems and emerging challenges in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,鈥� she said.
Professor Terry thanked and congratulated Pro Vice- Chancellor (Indigenous Education), Professor Cindy Shannon for co-ordinating the plan鈥檚 development.
Professor Shannon said the process involved extensive consultation across the University and with key Indigenous stakeholders.
鈥淭he plan includes a range of strategies for working with potential students, building their aspirations, and developing pathways to come to university, and support once they are here.
鈥淥nce students leave to take up roles in the wider community, we want to maintain the relationships, so longer-term graduate engagement is part of the strategy.鈥�
Professor Shannon said data from the confirmed that the Brisbane region 鈥� where several 国产探花 campuses are located 鈥� has the largest Indigenous population in the country 鈥� over 53,000 people.
鈥湽交� has the potential for achieving significant outcomes as a result,鈥� Professor Shannon said.
Professor Shannon鈥檚 office will have overall oversight and implementation oversight of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Plan.
She thanked all stakeholder groups who had contributed to the plan. The work to implement the plan has commenced.
鈥淲e will encourage Indigenous students to take the next step to tertiary studies and provide them with opportunities to support their success in the workplace,鈥� she said.
Media: For further information, please contact Jan King 0413 601 248, j.king@uq.edu.au.
