February 25, 2024

Vice-Chancellor welcomes Australian Universities Accord Final Report

UOW backs emphasis on increasing equity and access, smoother integration of tertiary education system

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has welcomed the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, released today by the Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare MP.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia Davidson applauded the Accord Final Report’s focus on equity and access and said UOW was ready to work with the Government to implement any recommendations that increase participation in higher education among underrepresented groups.

“I thank Accord Chair Professor Mary O’Kane AC and the expert panel for their diligent work on the Australian Universities Accord,” Professor Davidson said.

“The Accord’s emphasis on improving equity and access to higher education aligns with our longstanding commitment to expanding access to higher education, an aspiration ingrained in our DNA.

“The University of Wollongong understands the transformational power of education and has always been passionate about fostering education for all, irrespective of one's background or circumstances.

“UOW is proud to be a leader when it comes to making a university education more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Around 40 per cent of our students come from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education and we have a history of working closely with our communities to drive increased participation and attainment among diverse groups.”

UOW’s pathway programs and network of campuses in rural, regional and outer suburban locations make it well placed to deliver the Government’s objective to increase the number of students from those areas attaining a university qualification.

“By delivering a world-class education close to home, our regional and outer suburban campuses play a key role in driving student equity and access outcomes, in helping people get skilled and secure work, and in supporting the economies of those communities,” Professor Davidson said.

UOW also endorses the Report’s finding that barriers between VET and higher education need to be broken down to ensure a more seamless and integrated tertiary education system.

“We have a long and proud track record of working with TAFE NSW and industry to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the workplaces of the future. Initiatives such as the UOW Energy Futures Skills Centre, our engineering cadets program with BlueScope, the Facility for Intelligent Fabrication and the Cyber Academy provide a blueprint for successful integration with the VET sector,” Professor Davidson said.