Ballarat University RAP
Improving educational outcomes for Indigenous Victorians is the primary objective of the University of Ballarat's 2012 -2014 Reconciliation Action Plan.
As part of Reconciliation Week Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell unveiled the University's second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in Ballarat today.
"The University of Ballarat's RAP is a formal plan designed to create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for Indigenous students and staff," said Mrs Powell.
"Highlights of this RAP include a strategy to increase the number of enrolments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and improving opportunities for Indigenous researchers to undertake Masters and Doctoral degrees as part of the University's Indigenous Employment Strategy.
"Reconciliation is a mutual process of recognition and respect based on the commitment to building and maintaining an ongoing relationship that delivers real outcomes.
"I commend the University of Ballarat for developing an ongoing plan that is practical and achievable," Mrs Powell said.
Mrs Powell said that among the goals of the University of Ballarat's first RAP, launched in 2009-10, were to improve the level of Indigenous training available, increase enrolment for both under-graduates and post-graduates, and to improve the retention rates of Indigenous students at the University.
"This plan will help cement the work the university has undertaken over recent years with Indigenous students and communities across the state," Mrs Powell said.
"The University's commitment to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students is also evidenced in the establishment of Aboriginal Education Centres across its campuses."
Mrs Powell said Closing the Gap in educational outcomes was a major factor in the ability of Indigenous Victorians to build a better future.
"Ballarat University's tagline of 'Learn to Succeed' is so appropriate, especially when it comes to this action plan. Education is a doorway to opportunity and this plan is designed to promote stronger and healthier futures for Aboriginal people," Mrs Powell said.
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