Indigenous Knowledges Development at the University of South Australia
- In 1997 UniSA became the first University in Australia to issue a Statement of Commitment to Australian Reconciliation between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians
- In 2001, a review of the University Indigenous Education Strategy was undertaken. Goals to contribute to the achievement of national reconciliation through equality of access, participation and outcomes for Indigenous students and the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives across a wide range of University programs were refined
- Objectives supporting this goal were defined, forming the basis of what would later become known as the Indigenous Content in Undergraduate Programs (ICUP) Policy. These included extending the range of programs offered across the University to attract and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students & employees and ensuring that UniSA's curricula are inclusive of the experiences of Indigenous Australians
- In 2003, it was estimated that more than 87% of University of South Australia graduates had not been exposed to any required course with Indigenous content
- In 2004, the University's Academic Board resolved to approve a process for incorporating Indigenous content into all University undergraduate programs
- In 2005 , Academic Board approved the Indigenous Content in Undergraduate Programs Plan proposed by Emeritus Professor Michael Rowan, Chair of the Indigenous Content in Undergraduate Programs Working Group. Among the recommendations in the Plan was included the statement, 'Indigenous content will be a compulsory and assessable component of all undergraduate programs in the University by 1st January, 2010'
- In 2006 University Undergraduate Program development and Approval templates were amended to provide for Program Directors and Heads of Schools to incorporate Indigenous Content into their courses and programs
- In 2007 Academic Board approved Indigenous Indicators supporting the UniSA Graduate Qualities
- In 2008, 60% of all UniSA undergraduate programs contained compulsory and assessable Indigenous content
- By the end of 2010, 100% of all UniSA undergraduate programs contained compulsory and assessable Indigenous content, leading the way for further opportunities for development and research.
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More information
Professor Peter Buckskin
PSM, FACE
Dean and Head of School
David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research
Email: Peter Buckskin