About the Project

This project is about developing and sharing strategies for increasing the participation and retention of students from all equity groups.

With this aim in mind we have interviewed a broad range of students and staff concerning their experiences of learning and teaching, with emphasis on experiences related to students from equity groups within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Students who responded came from the following groups:

• students from rural or remote areas
• students with a disability
• students on a low income
• those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
• international students and
• women studying in non-traditional or postgraduate areas.

Both students and teachers were invited to participate in focus groups to discuss their experiences, with an emphasis on presenting key issues, positive potential solutions to challenges and success stories within the Faculty.

Data gathering was conducted through focus group interviews of students and staff. Anonymity of contributors has been assured. Student and staff comment is largely unaltered but has been edited in some cases.

To learn more about these experiences, go to Participants' Stories.