Indigenous initiatives

In line with The University of Melbourne's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP2) for 2015-2017, the Faculty has developed an Indigenous Employment Plan and an Indigenous Student Recruitment Plan, both of which specify targets and strategies for the period 2016-2018.

Read the Reconciliation Action Plan April 2018 - December 2022

Indigenous employment

A Faculty of Arts Indigenous Employment Framework Working Group is established in order to develop the local Indigenous Employment Plan (IEP).

The Indigenous Employment Plan (IEP), 2016-2018, includes a number of promising initiatives:

• Improved attraction and engagement strategies through targeted advertising
• Provision of additional support to Indigenous applicants
• Development of an Indigenous cadetship program
• Development of new and innovative cultural awareness mediums such as public lectures and seminars

The Faculty of Arts Indigenous Employment Framework Working Group is chaired by Associate Professor Birgit Lang, Assistant Dean (Equal Opportunity and Diversity):

Indigenous student recruitment and retention

In May 2012, a Faculty Indigenous Student Recruitment Plan Implementation Working Group was constituted to oversee the implementation of the Faculty’s Indigenous Student Recruitment and Retention Plan (ISRRP).

The Indigenous Student Plan 2016-2018 outlines a range of strategies that aim to increase the enrolment and retention of Indigenous students in Faculty programs. These include:

• New targeted marketing strategies, particularly for graduate courses and to the BA (Extended), to reach and attract a wide range of Indigenous applicants
• Stipends and scholarships for Indigenous students and prioritisation of Indigenous students for access and equity CSP places and bursaries
• Provision of additional support to existing Indigenous students
• Early engagement and career pathway activities for potential and existing students

The Faculty Indigenous Student Recruitment Plan Implementation Group is chaired by Ms Joanne Ligouris, Executive Director of the Faculty, and includes in its membership key Faculty portfolio holders such as the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), the Associate Dean (Advancement) the Director, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, representatives of key partners including the Murrup Barak Institute for Indigenous Development and Trinity College (which hosts foundation programs) and members of our Marketing and Student Recruitment teams.

The Working Group liaises closely with the Faculty Indigenous Employment Framework Working Group. The Faculty Executive Committee considers regular reports on progress with the Indigenous employment and student plans (most recently in June 2017). Further information can be obtained from Mr Peter Beckford, Executive Officer, and Office of the Dean.

Project profiles

Minutes of Evidence Project: Promoting new and collaborative ways of understanding Australia’s past and engaging with structural justice

The project seeks to advance public awareness of social inequalities and to strengthen the fabric of Australian society by promoting a shared understanding of the nation's past. Through a unique collaboration between academics, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous creative artists, educators, and government and community organisations, the project offers innovative tools and methods - including public performance outcomes - to promote effective public engagement with Australia's history and its legacy, sparking new conversations about structural justice and injustice within, and between, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

For more information please visit the Minutes of Evidence Project website.

Research Unit for Indigenous Language

The University of Melbourne has established the Research Unit for Indigenous language (RUIL) in the School of Languages and Linguistics. This research unit is the first of its kind in Australia and its overarching focus is to undertake research relevant to understanding:

What is the nature of Indigenous language in Australia in all of its forms, across generations and communities, and how can we identify and address the needs of Indigenous people and their languages into the future?

For more information please visit the Research Unit for Indigenous Language website.

Watch a video on Indigenous Languages and Linguistics featuring Associate Professor Rachel Nordlinger, from the Research Unit for Indigenous Language, where she discusses some of her findings from a study of the Murrinh-patha language, spoken by the Northern Territory community of Wadeye.

Australian Indigenous Studies

Australian Indigenous Studies at The University of Melbourne is an exciting interdisciplinary program that offers students an opportunity to learn about the history and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australian Indigenous Studies in the Faculty of Arts is a value driven program based on interdisciplinary principles, intellectual exchange and social relevance.

For more information please visit the School of Culture and Communication Indigenous Studies web page.

Bachelor of Arts Extended

The Bachelor of Arts (Extended) is a course for motivated and aspiring Indigenous students who have not obtained the results for direct entry into the Bachelor of Arts. The Bachelor of Arts (Extended) is a four year program which includes a year of bridging subjects to ensure success for students.

For more information please visit the Bachelor of Arts (Extended) web page.

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which of our campuses are situated. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who have made a contribution to the life of the University community.

For more information about the University’s Indigenous Initiatives please visit the Murrup Barak (Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development) website.