Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

policy, partnerships and politicsMary Kelly, Equity Director, Queensland University of Technology

14/03/2014

Social Justice and Universities:

DASA-funded project 2008 – 2012Findings:

• There is an important role for generic preparatory programs as pathways to tertiary study

• ATP/ESS appear to be suited to low income participants, who are very satisfied with their program and teachers

• Students have a positive attitude towards learning and are highly motivated to do well

• There’s no significant predictor of success by age, gender or equity group

• While generally well-prepared, the transition-to-uni experience is stressful

• About 50% of all starters successfully complete; about 50% of completers enrol in tertiary study

• Provision of tertiary prep programs across Qld is variable and hard to find

• More careers counselling and pathways advice is needed state-wide.

Since 2012...• The Network continues…

• Activities supporting learners continue

• Attempts to influence public policy esp. with VET and the Cert IV ATP: Three meetings with senior State decision-makers Submission to the VET review and implementation

process Lobbying to preserve the affordability of the Cert IV Contributed to the Qld Consortium’s state-wide

careers advice plan – submission unsuccessful in HEPPP round 2

• Cert IV ATP re-accreditation protracted; school/college closure proposals (DETE); TAFE review implemented.

Network Outcomes

• Community of practice• Exchange of ideas; problem-solving• Access to data• Professional development• Community awareness-raising• Resource development – website, video, booklet.

Public Policy Challenges

• Shifted from pro-active advocacy for improvements to trying to save the furniture

• Project recommendations are still needed, but now affordability and scale of public provision are the major issues

• Awaiting a final decision on the Cert IV.

Queensland Consortium:

Widening Tertiary Participation

8 Universities + State Education Minister/Dept

Collaborative approach to

stimulate interest in tertiary study

MoU to agree strategic intent via a federated model

6 ‘Widening Participation’

Projects

Vast geographic ‘footprint’ -

1,852,642 km2.

Little unmet demand – not enough in the pipeline

Gaps and duplication of effort Scale of effort required –

too much to do alone Useful for both LSES and

growth aspirations If successful, all HEIs benefit HEPPP funding – an incentive

to collaborate Alignment of social justice

initiatives – an opportune moment

Why?

Focus, scope and scale – achieved through consensus

Stimulating demand for all forms of tertiary study Not promoting an individual institution Working with the uninterested – from 10 years of age Taking all issues into account – awareness; aspiration; achievement;

affordability; access Focus on activities which unis are best-placed to provide Partnership-based and long-term

Schools Outreach (Project 1/6) In 2012, over 300 schools engaged (90,000 students enrolled in Yr 6-12) In 2013/14 over 500 schools will be targeted (110,000 students)

Indigenous Engagement (Project 2/6): 12% Indigenous enrolment Queensland Indigenous population over 160,000 (3.5% of population)

Focus

Scope & Scale

Clarifying the problem

What people say about why they don’t want to go

to uni

The nature of the issues at play

The nature of the change process

The nature of the outreach required

The uni-specific role in that outreach

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Traditional Marketing / Recruitment

Widening Participation Outreach

Primarily competitive Primarily collaborative

Material or activities primarily designed to promote an individual institution and maximise enrolments at that institution

Material or activities primarily designed to promote post-school study or university study in general

Focused on an audience who is presumed to already aspire to university study, and who are deciding which institution / course to choose

Focused on an audience that is not presumed to already aspire to university study or any form of post-school study; and who may experience real (and imagined) barriers to access

Tries to influence the choice of university by emphasising the unique or superior characteristics of the institution

Tries to influence the life choices of the audience through myth-busting, encouragement, inspiration (e.g.: role models), and practical assistance (scholarships / bridging programs, etc.)

Focuses on a single choice Focuses on an aspiration-building journey which has steps and stages over time, and is different for each cohort

Core messaging:“Choose this university, now”

Core messaging: “Any university, any time” OR“Post-school study is a good thing”

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Demystification experiences

for first-in-family

Encouragement / inspiration

through role models,

awards / prizes

Value-adding to learning and achievement

especially with discipline

connections

Alternative pathways for

admissions and scholarships

Awareness

Aspiration

Affordability

Achievement

Access

Program coherence

Program Impact

Program sustainability

Build robust relationships – internally & externally Practical, pragmatic project management Embedded programs over stand-alone Build capacity – individuals; partners; communities Create tools & resources Evidence of effectiveness; visibility Pursue additional/alternative funding sources Prepare contingency plan/s

• Individual and all-uni approaches

• Individual experiences/activities (local)

evaluated

• Joint data-tracking – agreed parameters

• Uniform data collection for on-campus

activities

• Joint research

Simple governance Regular reporting Strategies, problems, solutions shared ‘Community of practice’ seminars

Task EPHEA? Issues

Public policy (Govt) Yes – speak as one on the big issues

•Vision•Allies•Opportunism, timing, exploitable moments

Policy implementation (Dept)

Yes – provide advice to bureaucrats

•Bureaucrats – consultative?•Role of Minister’s office•Public vs private commentary

Local implementation (University and partnerships)

Yes - be part of the feedback loop/s.

•Intra-institutional p’ships•Inter-institutional p’ships•Inter-sectoral p’ships•Community engagement

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Looking forward…

20 years of bi-partisan support for equity

Gonski?

STEM?

Demand-driven review / audit / budget?

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

The most important partnership of all

Policy-makers and bureaucrats

Practitioners

Researchers

NCSEHE is at the core of this dialogue and partnership

qut.edu.au/about/equity

Ma.kelly@qut.edu.au

ncsehe.edu.au

ncsehe@curtin.edu.au

For more information: