Curtin home for national student equity centre for another three years
The Australian Government Department of Education and Training has extended funding for the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE) to remain at Curtin University for a further three years.
Based in Western Australia since 2013, the NCSEHE provides national leadership in student equity in higher education, connecting research, policy and practice to improve higher education participation and success for marginalised and disadvantaged people.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry welcomed the renewal of the NCSEHE’s placement at Curtin.
“The NCSEHE has established a prestigious reputation, both nationally and internationally, for excellence and leadership in the student equity sector,” Professor Terry said.
“The Centre’s key objectives complement Curtin University’s priorities in supporting the highest quality of research, and providing equitable opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
The NCSEHE plays a central role in producing, collating and disseminating research and recommendations to stakeholders, from policymakers and practitioners, to students and the general public.
NCSEHE Director Professor Sue Trinidad said the influence of the Centre’s work had implications beyond the Australian higher education sector, with the establishment of worldwide partnerships and collaborative projects.
“The Centre’s diverse activities reflect its key objectives to strengthen the evidence base by informing research directions; collaborate with stakeholders to be at the centre of public policy dialogue; and promote innovation in the equity sector,” Professor Trinidad said.
“The growing reputation and influence of the NCSEHE has contributed to student equity becoming firmly incorporated into higher education policy. An emphasis on the student voice and the communication of equity initiatives has contextualised our research and data analysis, and we look forward to continuing this work.”
In a rapidly shifting world of work and education, a forward focus is critical. Through its ‘Equity 2030’ initiative, the NCSEHE is working to define issues and challenges for student equity, and provide strategic recommendations to shape a more equitable higher education sector in the long term.
The Chair of the NCSEHE Board, Ms Erin Watson-Lynn, welcomed the extension of the Centre’s term at Curtin, explaining that it will enable the further development of strategies to promote student equity in higher education into the next decade.
“The Centre’s commitment to informing innovative directions for student equity—spanning policy, research and practice—is demonstrated by the positive outputs and outcomes across the last five years,” Ms Watson-Lynn said.
“The renewal of funding for a further three years marks a valuable opportunity to build upon established relationships and programs, and to implement progressive initiatives.”
The NCSEHE is funded under the Australian Government Department of Education and Training Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).
About Curtin University
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest university, with more than 56,000 students. Of these, over 14,000 are international students. The University’s main campus is in Bentley near the Perth CBD. Curtin has six other campuses across WA, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Curtin also has a presence at a number of other global locations.
Curtin celebrated ‘50 Years of Innovation’ in 2017 – the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened its doors to students in 1967 and Curtin University, which opened in 1987.
Today, Curtin is estimated to be ranked 180th and in the top one per cent of universities worldwide, and 9th in Australia in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2017 (ARWU), and features highly in a number of other key world rankings.
The University has built a reputation around innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, being at the forefront of many high-profile research projects in astronomy, biosciences, economics, mining and information technology. It is also recognised globally for its strong connections with industry, and for its commitment to preparing students for jobs of the future.
For further information visit curtin.edu.au.
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