Student Equity Strategy
The Equity & Diversity Unit is responsible for the overall coordination of the UTS Student Equity Strategy, and can assist managers to plan local level strategies that improve student equity representation and outcomes.
The UTS Student Equity Strategy 2005-2008 contributes to the University's mission of serving the community at large and enabling students to reach their full personal and career potential. In particular, the Strategy reflects the University's strong commitment to its guiding principles of providing equitable access to education and supporting Indigenous cultures and the process of reconciliation.
Equity Initiatives Fund
Aims of UTS Student Equity Strategy
Target Groups
Equity Initiative Funds
In 2005 UTS set up an Equity Initiatives Fund to support the expansion of UTS student equity projects and programs. The main focus is to strengthen student equity activities and maximise outcomes for Indigenous students and students experiencing multiple-disadvantage.
Aims of UTS Student Equity Strategy
The UTS Student Equity Strategy aims to:
- Deliver long term, sustainable outcomes for the access, participation, retention and success of equity group students.
- Assist UTS to better understand its prospective and current student communities, and respond effectively to changing priorities.
- Provide realistic goals and effective monitoring of UTS equity programs.
- Meet community and Government expectations and standards in relation to the accessibility of higher education.
The four-year Student Equity Strategy seeks to improve the access and success of equity group students through the following framework:
- Outreach
- Admission
- Support and Success
- Inclusive Community
Target Groups
Selected strategies focus on strengthening initiatives for Indigenous students and equity group students experiencing multiple-disadvantage. The designated equity target groups are:
- Students of Australian Indigenous descent (ATSI)
- Students from low socio-economic status backgrounds (LSES)
- Students from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB)
- Students with disabilities (SWD)
- Female students studying in non-traditional fields (WNT)
- Students from rural and isolated areas (R&I)
Multiple disadvantage, in the context of the UTS Student Equity Strategy, is defined as students from a LSES background who also belong to another equity target group.
