The report is now available on the ACSES and Department of Education websites. No images? Click here Equity Policy Options: Parity Targets, Final ReportDear colleagues We are pleased to announce the release of our latest report, Equity Policy Options: Parity Targets, Final Report by the Australian Government Department of Education. This report contributes to ongoing efforts to ensure equitable outcomes for students from diverse equity groups as we prepare for the proposed expansion in higher education. The report examines the complex challenge of achieving equity student parity by 2035 or 2050. We outline several policy options for the Government, focusing on key considerations such as timing (2035 vs 2050), target contextualisation (national vs state), and approaches (convergence vs equal effort). Our modelling reveals the magnitude of this task, highlighting the need for refining equity group definitions, updating population reference rates, and making coordinated and intentional efforts across the entire higher education sector. I encourage you to read the full report to understand the detailed analysis and recommendations. We believe that by working together, we can make substantial progress towards achieving true equity in higher education. Sincerely Associate Professor Gemma
Cadby In other news...Data UpdatesStudent Equity Data GuidesWe have released two Student Equity Data Guides - "Higher Education Institutions in Australia" and "Defining Equity Groups". We hope these guides, and the next to follow ("Equity Performance Measures" and "Selecting and Using Equity Reference Values") can help demystify equity data and provide clarity and practical guidance for stakeholders across the sector. You can find the Student Equity Data Guides and other upcoming data related resources in the Data Resources Hub on our website. First report for Data Insights SeriesWe are pleased to share the first report in our new ACSES Data Insights Series: "Students with Disability in Australian Higher Education: An Overview".
This comprehensive report provides vital insights into the diverse experiences of students with disabilities across the sector and is also available in the Data Resources Hub on our website. Additional gender categories for Tertiary Collection of Student InformationIt is great to see that students will now be able to choose from additional gender categories from 2025 onwards.
This update ensures better inclusivity, allowing for more accurate data collection on gender diversity. It also supports future gender-related policies, responds to requests from students and staff, and aligns with existing practices at some institutions. Apply now for our Visiting Scholars Program 2025Applications are now open for the Visiting Scholars Program 2025. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers at all career stages are encouraged to apply. The ACSES Visiting Scholars Program aims to support the establishment of linkages and collaborative research projects between higher education equity researchers and ACSES. We're hiring! Join our Trials and Evaluation teamWe have an exciting opportunity for an Equity Evaluator to join our Trials and Evaluation team. In this role, you will primarily support the development and implementation of evaluations designed to examine what works in student equity in higher education, manage equity evaluations commissioned by ACSES throughout their project life cycle, and support the development and dissemination of resources to enhance evaluation capabilities in the Australian higher education sector. A proven understanding of quality evaluation practice principles (such as randomised control trials and quasi-experimental design) within the context of the higher education and equity sectors coupled with demonstrated program management and critical analysis skills will make you the perfect candidate for this role. Applications close on Friday 25 October 2024, 10am (AWST). View the full position description here and visit the Curtin University website to apply. Equity Frontiers Program: Funding and support for your trialsIn response to feedback from the sector, our Equity Frontiers funding scheme has been redesigned to make it easier for equity practitioners to access support to run trials on their nominated equity programs or activities. Key changes are removing fixed deadlines so people can apply for funding at any time, and introducing an Expression of Interest stage to help applicants work through their approach and, if required, seek support in designing and running the trial. We are accepting Expressions of Interest now. You can find the Equity Frontiers Program Guidelines and an Expression of Interest template for download on the ACSES website. Upcoming eventsTrials for Equity: A Workshop (QLD)ACSES is delivering a three-hour workshop on Wednesday, 9 October 2024. In this workshop, Dr Patricia Vermillion Peirce will facilitate a discussion with equity practitioners, learning about the equity practices that are currently underway across Queensland universities, and identifying those programs that may be of greatest value to trial for the benefit of our equity cohorts. To explore the potential opportunity to undertake an ethical trial, ACSES will also workshop some challenging concepts relevant to trials. Date: 9 October 2024 | Time: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm (AEDT) Find out more and register here. Equity within the Academy: Rethinking the 'why' of higher educationTune in for a thought-provoking talk by Distinguished Professor and Dean at Charles Sturt University Sarah O'Shea, who will explore the complex challenges of embedding equity in Australian higher education, as highlighted by the recent Accord report, and question the very purpose of universities in light of the current ambitious equity policy agenda. Date: 23 October 2024 | Time: 6.00 pm – 7.00pm (AEDT) Find out more and register here. 5th National Indigenous Education SummitACSES First Nations Fellow, Dr Tracy Woodroffe, will be speaking at the National Indigenous Education Summit - an event aiming to shape the future of First Nations students by providing practical tools and strategies to nurture strong, resilient, and culturally confident students through improved educational methods and inclusive frameworks. Date: 29 October - 1 November 2024 Find out more and register here. Future Solutions for Higher Education ConferenceWe are delighted to be able to support HEDx in their endeavour to create inspiring and innovative conferences for the higher education sector. Next up is the Future Solutions for Higher Education Conference, held at The University of Queensland, where ACSES Executive Director Shamit Saggar and Research and Policy Program Director Ian Li will join the impressive line-up of speakers. Date: 31 October 2024 | Time: 9.00 am – 4.30pm Find out more and register here. ESA Webinar | Labour market outcomes of graduates in economicsHosted by the Economic Society of Australia (NSW), Professor Ian Li will discuss the labour market outcomes of graduates in economics in Australia. This online event will discuss key insights presented in the economic paper on the Labour Market Outcomes of Graduates in Economics in Australia. The webinar examines the strong employment prospects for graduates in economics after graduation, in terms of full-time employment and salaries. Date: 6 November 2024 | Time: 12.00 pm – 1.00pm AEDT Find out more and register here. ACSES Equity Hub: A Community of Practice for Student Equity EvaluationThe Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) invites you to the Equity Hub Community of Practice (CoP), which will be held in-person and online on 18 November at Waipapa Taumata Rau (The University of Auckland, New Zealand). Equity Hub CoP aims to bring HEPPP-funded program managers and staff together to strengthen cross-institutional student equity practitioner networks; and provide an opportunity for practitioners to share their lessons learned and best practices on evaluation in the context of SEHEEF. Date: 18 November 2024 | Time: 2.00 pm – 5.00pm NZDT Find out more here. If you would like to register for the event, please contact us at acses@curtin.edu.au. October is Mental Health MonthToday marks the first day of Mental Health Month, which is celebrated each year in the month of October. Mental Health Month reminds us of the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing and offers many special events you can get involved in. ACSES in the News |