Indigenous people, policy and planning
We commit to the achievement of Aboriginal peoples' rights, aspirations and potential, and the recognition of Indigenous knowledge, culture and values (UWA 2020 Vision).
The University of Western Australia is committed to achieving excellence for Indigenous people in all aspects of University life. This includes:
- equitable access to, participation in, and graduation from the full range of courses and research training opportunities available at the University
- equitable participation in teaching and research
- effective participation in the educational decision-making processes
- equity in employment at the University
- full participation in the community and cultural life of the University
UWA places a strong emphasis on professional development for academic and general staff at all levels and is committed to increasing Indigenous staff leadership capacity. We support Indigenous academic and professional staff members to develop their cultural and professional leadership skills and qualifications through service roles within UWA, the broader community and on national committees.
UWA's Indigenous Employment Strategy will significantly improve Indigenous employment within the University and enhance opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to contribute to all aspects of campus life, so contributing directly to the aspiration of excellence at this University.
The Strategy's objectives are to increase the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed at all levels and to ensure that policies, programs and practices are relevant to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Governance and compliance
The UWA Indigenous education portfolio comprises the work of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education and the School of Indigenous Studies.
The Indigenous portfolio at UWA drives all aspects of Indigenous education and academic activities throughout the University, and articulates and delivers its overall Strategic Plan. The UWA Indigenous Strategy enables the University to meet the requirements and aspirations of the Australian Government's Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) and its commitments under the Universities Australia Indigenous Strategy 2017–2020 (UAIS).
Under the leadership of the PVC Indigenous Education the Indigenous portfolio will:
- deliver UWA's strategy and focus in relation to Indigenous education, teaching, research and engagement issues
- identify opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students
- develop strategies to increase Indigenous staff and student recruitment and to improve outcomes
- provide support, advice and quality assurance to faculties and services to ensure the appropriate development of educational and other services in support of Indigenous students and staff
- establish a framework of structures and processes to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of the University's activities
- ensure the University builds and maintains appropriate networks and alliances in relation to Indigenous issues
- develop and deliver the University's outreach, recruitment and entry pathways and programs for Indigenous students across all faculties
- encourage and foster University-wide communication and collaboration on Indigenous issues
- develop programs that increase and support Indigenous postgraduate students at UWA
- promote the highest standards of research ethics