RECONCILIATION
ACTION PLAN Consultation paper for students, staff
and Alumni.
2 The University of Adelaide
In 2017 the University Council requested the Vice-
Chancellor and President explore how the 2014
Reconciliation Statement and the Tarrkarri Tirrka
document might be recognised as a Reconciliation
Action Plan (RAP).
What is a RAP?
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a form of business plan that outlines how an institution aims to work within its sphere of influence to contribute to Reconciliation. It operates at both the symbolic level as well as outlining practical actions that the organisation will undertake, together with aspirational plans.
Designed and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that is the lead body for reconciliation in Australia, the RAP Framework provides organisations with a structured approach to advance reconciliation.
There are four types of RAP that an organisation can develop: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate. Each type of RAP is designed to suit an organisation at different stages of their reconciliation journey.
RAP Consultation
The University of Adelaide will now expand our reconciliation remit to build on our two Reconciliation Statements and now include a full RAP. This decision positions the University to contribute to Reconciliation Australia’s vision for a reconciled nation.
The RAP working group elected to open the document to the university at this stage of the process. This is a unique step that is part of our commitment to working with the University community to continually improve the RAP and ensure that it is a document that all of us can be proud and take ownership of. To be sure we get
the best ideas, we have established a consultation process that invites you to review the document and provide your comments to the three pillars and other comments you wish to include.
Our aim is simple, this draft RAP opens consultation with the University community to seek views on how the RAP can ensure relevant, high quality input from both staff, students and Alumni.
You can have your say on the RAP at
http://adelaidemsc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b908ebocQo2JeIt Everyone who completes the RAP Consultation Questionnaire goes into the running to win an original artwork by local Aboriginal artist, Anna Dowling.
University of Adelaide Draft RAP
Although the Reconciliation Australia RAP template organises actions under the three headings relationships, respect and opportunities, the University of Adelaide RAP Working Group has opted to incorporate these guiding themes into more industry relevant action areas. This currently includes:
1. Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (Relationships): The development of The University of Adelaide RAP presumes a deep engagement with Aboriginal people, an active responsiveness to our broader community obligations and the centring of community interaction as an underpinning element. Strong engagement with
3 The University of Adelaide
the South Australian Aboriginal community will strengthen our institutions unique identity and provide a platform of understanding Aboriginal cultures, knowledges, perspectives and belonging to the broader non-Aboriginal community.
2. Cultural Recognition (Respect): The creation of a ‘recognition space’ within The University of Adelaide, where students and staff can learn and work in an environment that respects and acknowledges where they come from, who they are and what they already know, is imperative to the wider cultural and institutional integrity of the University. This bi-directional relationship, whereby the contributions, knowledge and perspectives of the South Australian Aboriginal community is acknowledged and valued is key.
3. Indigenous Student Recruitment and Retention (Opportunities): Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation at The University of Adelaide is still below parity and increasing participation, retention and success of Indigenous students requires more than raising intake; students need to see university as an option that is open, achievable and welcoming. Recruitment and support of Aboriginal undergraduate students cannot be referred to Wirltu Yarlu alone. Wirltu Yarlu has a central role to play, but its activities need to be supported and embedded within the wider university student and recruitment strategies.
4. Teaching and Learning Strategies (Opportunities): The inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives across the schools and disciplines
of The University of Adelaide will raise the reputation of the university as one which reinforces the values of reconciliation and creates a highly visible appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures to the benefit of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and staff.
5. Indigenous Staff Employment (Opportunities): The building of the Indigenous workforce has been long recognised as a key enabler of broader improvements in higher education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (ATSIHEAC 2015). The visible presence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander professional staff, especially when these staff occupy ‘mainstream’ rather than Indigenous identified positions, identifies to students and the community that the University is inclusive and responsive to the need for the diversity of staff members to reflect the diversity of the community it serves.
6. Research (Opportunities): The establishment of an Indigenous Research Framework is a means of identifying and promoting pathways into Indigenous research and increasing its range and impact. This will foster Indigenous research excellence by remedying the low numbers of Indigenous students pursuing Higher Degree Research, providing guidelines for improving mentoring and supervision of Indigenous researchers, incorporating Indigenous knowledges and perspectives into research conducted through the University and creating opportunities for non-Indigenous people to explore Indigenous research.
4 The University of Adelaide
RESPECT
Action Area: Cultural Recognition
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
1. Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
1.1. Circulate the Cultural Protocol Document to all staff at the beginning of each academic year
Annually Lead Responsibility:
Dean of Indigenous Research and Education
1.2. Reference the Cultural Protocol Document in the new staff induction process
By January 2019 Lead Responsibility:
Human Resources
1.3. Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country embedded in University practices, including:
Invite Elders to perform a ‘Welcome to Country’ at all University events where members of the public are present, with an initial focus on large scale events such as Open Day.
Academic staff to Acknowledge Traditional Custodians of the land at the first lecture of every subject each Semester as a requirement
A formal statement of Acknowledgment of Country included on the top of all meeting agendas
All meetings must start with a Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country
Ongoing Lead Responsibility:
2. Promote understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,
2.1. Ensure all staff and students have the opportunity to participate in training programs to promote a culturally safe work/study environment
During 2019 Lead Responsibility:
Human Resources and DVCA
5 The University of Adelaide
knowledges and values through appropriate communications, events and training for staff and students to build on the capacity of the University community to reflect on and question their assumptions about Indigenous Australia
Supported by:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
2.2. Develop campus and City Walks on Kaurna Land to be developed in partnership with Kaurna Elders to increase the number and range of people engaging with local histories and knowledge. Walks open to staff and students as cultural training throughout the academic year and advertised appropriately on the University website and through university-wide email.
During 2019 Lead Responsibility:
Wirltu Yarlu
Supported by:
Engagement Branch/Marketing and Communications
2.3. 1.Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance by hosting or supporting events for the following:
National Apology Anniversary
National Aborigines Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC Week)
National Reconciliation Week
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Annually Lead Responsibility:
Engagement Branch
Supported by:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
2.3.2. Publish an annual program of these events, on both the University website and in a printed version to be provided to students and staff during Orientation Week
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
2.3.3. Measure attendance for signature events to determine effectiveness of publicity and gauge audience feedback
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
2.4. Establish annual Reconciliation Awards to acknowledge individual, community or departmental contributions to reconciliation
Annually To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
6 The University of Adelaide
2.5. Profile and promote successes of Indigenous education at the University of Adelaide by featuring stories on scholarship recipients, high achieving students, staff achievements, programs, data targets and outcomes of this RAP, in both Indigenous, mainstream and University publications
Monthly Lead Responsibility:
Marketing and Communications
Supported by:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
3. Conduct a review of the University’s digital content to provide an improved web presence for Indigenous content and programs
3.1. Web presence reviewed during 2019 and progressive improvements made throughout the life of this RAP, including:
Home-page Acknowledgement of the Kaurna People as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which all three University campuses are situated
Indigenous content as well as information for Indigenous students accessible within ‘2 clicks’ of primary landing pages
2019 Lead Responsibility:
Marketing and Communications
Dean of Indigenous Research and Education
4. Develop, in consultation with appropriate University and Community representatives and bodies, physical recognition on all University campuses, including but not limited to artwork, sculptures, plaques, flags, language, planting and the naming of places
4.1. Develop a design brief for a project to install a physical Acknowledgement of Country on each campus
During 2019 Lead Responsibility:
Infrastructure
Supported by:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
4.2. Increase the University’s cultural footprint by investigating opportunities to embed educational and interpretive elements into the urban environment on all campuses
During 2019 To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
4.3. A review of the Guidelines for place naming to ensure that due respect, acknowledgement and celebration of Indigenous knowledge and culture is conducted
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
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It is recommended that an outdoor space is named in honour of Uncle Stephen Gadlabardi Warritya Goldsmith
5. Develop a cultural hub to house Wirltu Yarlu Student Support Services and to promote Kaurna and the broader South Australian Aboriginal cultures
5.1. Undertake stakeholder engagement and consultation to identify project objectives, develop brief and establish opportunities for project delivery
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
6. Continue the Cultural Advisors program.
6.1. Continue the Cultural Advisors program. To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
RELATIONSHIPS
Action Area: Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
7. Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement or involvement in all aspects of the University’s business
7.1. Develop a set of guiding protocols to ensure that research projects, teaching units or other University processes or events concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are developed and implemented with adequate and appropriate involvement of Aboriginal peoples and the relevant stakeholders
During 2019 To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
7.2. Include Indigenous representation in high-level decision-making processes
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
7.3. Continue and sustain, with adequate financial and administrative support, the Indigenous Advisory group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
8 The University of Adelaide
8. Engage with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni
8.1. Develop guidelines for the engagement and acknowledgement of Indigenous alumni developed for communication to all relevant stakeholders
During 2019
Review
Lead Responsibility:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
8.2. Systematise and provide adequate infrastructure for the Indigenous graduates network to offer support, mentoring, materials, seminars, networking opportunities and information about relevant research training
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
9. Form genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other organisations in order to:
promote understanding of Indigenous culture, knowledge and values
improve the quality and range of the University’s Indigenous programs
contribute to the development of a reconciliation culture within the University
9.1. Conduct an audit of current partnerships to identify their status (emerging, established, diminishing)
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
9.2. Develop five new partnerships developed (including established corporations and grassroots and Indigenous led movements and causes at the local, regional, national and international level), including one new ‘significant’ partnership per year, during the life of the RAP
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
9.3. Establish strategy to promote the use of Indigenous suppliers. Development of the new strategy will include a review of existing procurement policies and procedures to identify barriers to procuring services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers and identifying strategies to address these barriers
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
Lead Responsibility:
Procurement
9.4. Investigate becoming a member of Supply Nation. Develop a database of relevant local Indigenous goods and service providers and publicise them within the University
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
9 The University of Adelaide
9.5. Continue to contribute to Reconciliation SA initiatives, ensuring University of Adelaide representatives attends at least one event initiated by Reconciliation SA
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
10. Engage all employees in cultural awareness/competency programs to increase understanding and appreciation of different cultural backgrounds in order to lay the foundation for other RAP actions to be achieved
10.1. Conduct an audit of current staff to measure the number of people who have completed the cultural competency module and its impact
During 2019 Lead Responsibility:
Human Resources
10.2. Continue to implement the current cultural awareness training strategy, with the view to expand to all incoming employees and contractors
During 2019
Review 2020
Lead Responsibility:
Human Resources
Supported by:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
10.3. Mandate the successful completion of a cultural competency module for all employees as part of their professional development
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
10.4. Develop and provide targeted training for specialist groups
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
Lead Responsibility:
Human Resources
Supported by:
Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education
11. Ensure that the University environment and culture of inclusivity that respects, recognises and utilises the knowledge and experience of Indigenous peoples and cultures
11.1. Become an official supporter of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s “Racism. It Stops With Me” campaign
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
11.2. Develop and implement an anti-racism policy
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
10 The University of Adelaide
Opportunities
Action Area: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Retention
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
12. Develop pathways and mechanisms to support Indigenous students (including mature-age students) to enrol in and succeed in undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Adelaide
12.1. Achieve Indigenous undergraduate and postgraduate student enrolment rates that are reflective of state population parity to 2% of total students.
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
12.2. Identify and remedy barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking tertiary study by implementing an early alert system to enable early intervention approaches between faculties, academics, Wirltu Yarlu and other support providers.
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
12.3. Conduct an audit of currently available scholarships and the process of promotion and selection.
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
12.4. Provide culturally appropriate training to current Student Support Staff to ensure each campus has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space that is highly visible, provides supportive services and allows culturally safe student interaction and access to student support.
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
12.5. Ensure student support mechanisms through Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education are adequately resourced, in line with the Go8
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
11 The University of Adelaide
standards, ensuring consistent and ongoing output from the centre.
12.6. Develop and promote a framework that supports entry of mature-age Indigenous students into both graduate and undergraduate programs, and that identifies courses where recognition of prior learning applies
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
13. Continue to support the implementation of Tarrkarri Tirrka Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy
13.1. Faculties, particularly those with low Indigenous enrolment, to develop, in collaboration with Wirltu Yarlu, strategies for raising their Indigenous enrolment, retention and completion rates
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
Action Area: Teaching and Learning Strategies
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
14. Develop a University wide Indigenous Curriculum Framework in order to ensure a coherent, integrated approach to the teaching of Indigenous related content material
14.1. Annual audit of quality and quantity of Indigenous content across the University and monitoring of progress strategic actions If deemed necessary as part of this process, Increase the number and range of subjects contributing to Indigenous learning outcomes and opportunities for students to work with and contribute to Indigenous communities
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
14.2. Develop a Level 1 compulsory unit of study on Indigenous knowledges, histories and perspectives to be completed across faculties by all first year students
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
12 The University of Adelaide
14.3. A program is developed and launched to support Faculties and Schools to develop Indigenous curriculum to be guided by an appropriately qualified Indigenous staff member
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
Action Area: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Employment
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
15. Encourage faculties and divisions to identify employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by maintaining the University’s existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
15.1. Support early-career Indigenous academics via an appropriately developed mentoring program
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
15.2. Continue to promote the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cadetship program and make efforts to offer continuing employment to cadets upon successful completion of the cadetship
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
15.3. Develop, in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, a commitment to Reconciliation criterion to be included in the recruitment process for senior executive position
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
15.4. Establish a ‘pipeline’ for Indigenous HDR graduates to enter into employment within The University of Adelaide
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
Action Area: Research
16. Increase the number of Indigenous HDR enrolments and completions by developing pathways and strategies to attract and retain Indigenous researchers at the University of Adelaide.
16.1. Create opportunities for potential Indigenous HDR
students to complete research based internships or
cadetships to increase their exposure to and experience in
research roles and environments
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
16.2. Appointment of a Project Officer – Indigenous HDR
and HDC to lead a coordinated approach to identifying,
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
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recruiting and supporting prospective and current
Indigenous HDR students
16.3. Invest in flagship research projects with an
Indigenous focus that align with the University of
Adelaide’s research strategy
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
16.4. Identify and implement seed funding initiatives to:
Leverage opportunities within the broader University research agenda to support Indigenous research students and topics
Guide the development of external partnerships and fund-raising activity to support Indigenous research
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
To be confirmed by RAP Working Group
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