Community empowerment and visibility in Australian higher education

Abstract: This seminar will highlight inequities in Australian higher education, including the marginalisation of many groups such as Indigenous, Māori, Pasifika, and students from refugee backgrounds. Drawing on sectoral research, the seminar will address the need to reform the higher education student equity framework, promote data justice and sovereignty, and address downstream challenges such as the widespread streaming of students in secondary schools. It will then focus on a philanthropically funded program, Pathways in Place, in which Griffith University staff are working with community-controlled organisations to raise educational attainment. The Program aims to empower communities through: strengthened financial sustainability, including grant income; elevation of community services, including through tertiary qualifications recognition; community-led and informed research and evaluation; employment of community academics and staff, both within and beyond the University; and transition to Indigenous leadership.