Overview
The Students and Equity portfolio works across divisions within the University to ensure that policies and processes are fair and equitable to all students. The portfolio provides a point of facilitation between the University and student groups such as the Graduate Student Association and UMSU. Students and Equity aim to increase the availability of scholarships and accommodation and target investment in student support to provide a better student experience and to ensure that students from low socio-economic backgrounds, from regional and remote areas and students with disability are not financially, socially or educationally disadvantaged.
Student complaints and grievances both formal and informal also come under the remit of Students and Equity. The University is committed to addressing concerns and complaints made by students and has processes in place to ensure that the welfare of the student is paramount.
Regular meetings are held with UMSU and GSA office bearers and representatives from UMSU’s Advocacy Service. A Student Reference Group which meets frequently also provides the opportunity for currently enrolled students to provide feedback to Students and Equity about their academic and non-classroom experience. The feedback provided by students is extremely valuable and is used to inform discussions and changes across the University and the close links between office bearers, the Student Reference Group and Students and Equity ensures good communication between the student body and the University.
Students are strongly encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities through the University’s 200 affiliated clubs and societies. Joining clubs and societies opens up networks, creates a sense of belonging to the University community and provides a wealth of student experiences.
Resources
Equity Innovation Grants
Support initiatives that focus on attracting students from low SES backgrounds to higher education and enhancing mechanisms that support their participation once enrolled at the University.
Social Inclusion Barometer (pdf)
The Social Inclusion Barometer is a biennial publication depicting the University’s progress towards our staff and student equity objectives and our outreach and partnerships.
The University's 2020 Access and Participation Plan (pdf)
The university's suite of strategies for increasing access, participation and success by people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from rural and remote areas, people from a non-English speaking background and women in non-traditional areas of study.
Murrup Barak Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development
Increasing the impact of the University's Indigenous programs and maximising the our contribution to Indigenous development.
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
Supporting the provision a wide range of student services and amenities from wellbeing programs to student associations.
SSAF Grants
Offering funding for student-focussed initiatives that contribute to meeting the needs of our diverse student population
Dr Evan Kritikakos
Director, Students and Learning
Assistant: Ms Alex Fleming
Phone: +61 3 9035 4624
Email: alex.fleming@unimelb.edu.au