Equity and you at a glance

www.equity.qut.edu.au

Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbane Australia

© QUT 2010 Designed and Produced by QUT Publications 16780

CRICOS No.00213J

equity services

QUT is committed to sustainability.The paper used in this publication has the credentials:

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Equity and you at a glance

www.equity.qut.edu.au

This booklet is an overview of the ‘who, why, what, where and when’ of equity at QUT. It’s intended as an introduction to the key concepts, programs, services and people involved.

This is not an in-depth guide—but, it is a great place to start to have your questions answered. And, importantly, it will give you enough information to enable you to independently research any of these topics further if you choose (useful websites and further information are included throughout).

For ease of use, the information is divided into three main sections:

1. For everyone 2. For staff 3. For students

For more detailed and up-to-date information you can visit our website at www.equity.qut.edu.au

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Introduction

For Everyone 3

What is equity? ...................................................................5The bigger picture ...............................................................5Everybody’s business..........................................................6

Cultural diversity and anti-racism .................................. 7Disability ....................................................................... 8Indigenous staff and students ....................................... 9Low-income students ................................................ 10Parents and carers ...................................................... 11Reconciliation ............................................................. 12Refugees .................................................................... 12Rural students ............................................................. 13Sexuality ..................................................................... 14Widening participation ................................................. 15Women .......................................................................16

Awareness-raising events and activities .............................17

For Staff 19

A comprehensive equity training and development program .......................................................19Staff equity questionnaire ..................................................20An equity forum ................................................................20Annual reports on equity ................................................... 21An Indigenous Employment Strategy ................................ 21Disability assistance ......................................................... 22Your equity checklist ........................................................ 23

For Students 25

Current students ...............................................................25Future students.................................................................27Want to know more? ........................................................28

Contents

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Did you know that QUT has over 40 000 students including 6000 students from overseas?

There are also about 3600 staff employed at QUT.

What is equity?Equity is everybody’s business. Because when greater equality exists, everyone stands to benefit from the increased diversity and breadth of opportunity.

In its simplest terms, equity for the University means fairness and equality in everything we do; ensuring the population inside QUT mirrors the diversity of the community outside the University, and ensuring that all staff and students prosper – regardless of their background. Only then can we be sure that there are no barriers, real or perceived, affecting who gets in or who succeeds once at QUT.

So, regardless of whether you are a QUT staff member or student, academic, professional, technical, undergraduate or postdoctoral, equal opportunity is both your right and your responsibility. QUT has a Code of Conduct for staff and a Student Charter which broadly outline what is expected of you and how you can expect to be treated.

Central to the University’s goals are:

• positive support for the cultural and social diversity within the staff and student body,

• an education and work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, and

• QUT graduates who possess a sense of community responsibility.

Guiding the University in its social justice efforts is a broad base of equity policies. These aspirations are translated into actions and strategies in documents like the QUT Blueprint and cover all areas of activity: learning and teaching, research and innovation, people and culture, finance and infrastructure.

Priority objectives in the University’s strategic planning include:

• dealing with student poverty as a barrier to university study,

• increasing respect for cultural diversity within the University community, and

• promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

1. For everyone

But, surely treating people equitably means treating them all the same, right? Wrong—but, this is a common misconception. We don’t all start from the same point—many individuals (and groups) experience social disadvantage that creates barriers to their success. So, to give everyone a fair chance to achieve to their full potential, QUT provides assistance to particular groups and individuals. The aim of that assistance is equity for all.

The bigger pictureEquity at QUT doesn’t occur in a vacuum—broader social issues determine the focus of much of our work. This booklet provides an overview of how QUT aims to:

• develop and deliver targeted programs and initiatives to offset the disadvantage that may be experienced by specific individuals or groups;

• reflect current legislation and public policy in the equity-related policies and initiatives embedded in all spheres of activity at QUT; and

• provide QUT staff and students with relevant resources and information on current issues and their impact.

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Everybody’s businessThe Equity Services Department assists the QUT community to be aware of equity issues, and to get involved in making the University fair and accessible by assisting staff and students to implement equity within their sphere of activity by:

• developing and implementing a strong framework of equity-related policies in line with government legislation. See www.equity.qut.edu.au for a full list of these policies and visit www.mopp.qut.edu.au to view the policies in full;

• providing advice and guidance to QUT staff, especially managers and supervisors, on implementing equity;

• leading initiatives such as the ‘social inclusion or widening participation’ agenda;

• coordinating grievance resolution processes that allow for grievances and complaints to be resolved appropriately. In the event that a grievance occurs, QUT has a Grievance Resolution Policy and procedures www.equity.qut.edu.au/everyone/discrimination in place for handling incidences of discrimination, harassment, bullying and other work or study-related complaints. Fact sheets on key issues such as bullying and conciliation are also available from the above website;

• conducting the Equity Training and Development Program which provides in-house and online training as well as information on external training providers (see ‘For Staff’ for more information);

• coordinating QUT’s Disability Services www.disabilityservices.qut.edu.au. QUT aims to provide full and equal access to learning and research for people with a disability by providing a range of support services, and by improving our policies and practices to enhance equitable access. See the relevant sections in ‘For Staff’ and/or ‘For Students’ for more information;

• managing QUT’s Equity Scholarships Scheme www.equity.edu.au/scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds. This includes providing scholarships, bursaries and a free computer scheme to students, based on financial hardship rather than academic merit;

• supporting QUT’s alternative entry programs, Q-Step (for low-income students, www.qstep.qut.edu.au) and the Oodgeroo Unit Alternative Entry Program (for Indigenous students, www.oodgeroo.qut.edu.au);

• supporting and promoting equity goals and initiatives, especially locally based initiatives developed via faculty and divisional equity committees;

• monitoring and reporting on access and participation for staff and students and promoting equity targets and initiatives (available via www.equity.qut.edu.au);

• providing a wealth of resources and equity-related expertise including publications and information seminars and presentations which enhance equity at QUT; and

• developing and delivering equity-related events and awareness-raising activities such as Harmony Day, Human Rights Day, Reconciliation Week and Disability Action Week.

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PArTIcIPATE In AnTI-rAcISm AcTIvITIES

• The Cultural Diversity and Anti-racism Project and seminar series aims to strengthen policy implementation by addressing issues of racism on campus and to encourage, and embrace, the cultural diversity of QUT’s community through education forums, seminars and training. Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/everyone/cdar/ for information on current seminars and activities you can be involved in.

• The Equity Training and Development Program has in-house, online and external training providers who can provide training on cultural diversity and equity awareness. Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/staff for further details.

• QUT’s Cultural Diversity Calendar www.equity.qut.edu.au/everyone/diversitycalendar is an online calendar of cultural, and religious and community festivals and days for QUT, Australia and around the world. Plan ahead. If your cultural holidays, festivals or special religious days are missing, please email us (equityenq@qut.edu.au) and we will add them to the calendar.

• Get involved in some of the interesting events and seminars held throughout the year such as Harmony Day and Reconciliation Week.

Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au to find out more.

Cultural diversity and anti-racismQUT has a strong commitment to developing a culturally diverse staff and student population and to the elimination of racism on campus. QUT’s Cultural Diversity and Anti-racism Policy recognises the importance of valuing diversity to create a vibrant, flexible and creative university culture and recognises the inherent challenges that can manifest as racism or exclusion. Consequently, the University has measures in place to prevent and eliminate racial discrimination and harassment.

rEAD AboUT DIvErSITy

Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au to access any of the following resources:

Working with Diversity: inclusive language and presentation (booklet) This guide is for both staff and students on inclusive language and presentation across all fields of work and study. It contains examples and practical suggestions on how to communicate inclusively.

celebrating Diversity: diversity and inclusiveness at events (booklet) A practical good-practice publication for those involved in event organisation at QUT.

Australian History resources for Staff This list is intended to provide a range of current resources to staff who are interested in improving their understanding of Australia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous history so that we can move forward together.

cultural Diversity resources for Staff This list is intended to provide a range of resources to staff who are interested in improving their knowledge and skills in the area of cultural diversity.

Successful cross-cultural communication Communicating across cultures can be both a challenging and enriching experience. Cross-cultural misunderstandings can be minimised with an understanding of the role of culture when communicating, and with an awareness of potential issues. This information sheet is designed to assist staff to be aware of issues that may arise when communicating with other staff and students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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What is a disability?

A disability includes any impairment or medical condition which may affect a student’s ability to successfully undertake a program of study.

Some physical or sensory disabilities may be obvious while others may not be apparent unless disclosed (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, dyslexia or mental health difficulties). A disability may be permanent, short-term or episodic in nature.

DisabilityQUT aims to provide equitable access to employment, learning and research for people with a disability by providing a range of support services, and by improving our policies and practices to enhance equitable access.

These provisions are made under QUT’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy and Disability Services Policy.

QUT’s Disability Action Plan commits the University to a range of objectives and strategies aimed at addressing systemic issues which have the potential to adversely affect staff and students with a disability. The primary objective is to provide a safe and inclusive environment with equitable access and opportunity for advancement in education and employment.

For STUDEnTS WITH A DISAbIlITy

The Disability Services Program provides students with a range of supports including:

• A peer note-taker program

• Adaptive technology computer labs

• Adjustments to lectures and assessment.

For more detail on how QUT’s Disability Services helps students with a disability, visit www.disabilityservices.qut.edu.au where you will also find publications and resources such as:

• Supporting Students with a Disability: A guide for staff

• Guide for Students with a Disability

• Campus Access Maps

• Frequently Asked Questions.

STAFF WITH A DISAbIlITy

QUT staff members who require disability support should discuss this, in the first instance, with their immediate supervisor. Advice and information for staff and their supervisors is available from:

• the Human Resources Department and Health and Safety Advisory Services www.hrd.qut.edu.au regarding flexible hours, appropriate aids for the workplace and return to work programs;

• Equity Services www.disabilityservices.qut.edu.auregarding relevant legislation, policy, procedures and general advice.

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Indigenous staff and studentsQUT has a designated work unit to attract and support students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to higher education. The Oodgeroo Unit www.oodgeroo.qut.edu.au has a major responsibility and commitment to developing better access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that more have opportunities to participate in the higher levels of education. The Oodgeroo Unit also performs a leadership role in the University in the promotion of cultural awareness and social justice for Australia’s Indigenous people.

The Oodgeroo Unit’s Assessment and Selection Program recognises that successful tertiary study is achievable on the basis of skills, maturity and commitment developed through a wide range of life experiences and, as such, they offer alternative entry to courses. Students who enter QUT via the Oodgeroo Unit have access to a range of support services such as orientation programs, tutoring programs, internships and scholarships.

In addition, under the QUT Equity Scholarships Scheme all Indigenous students commencing at QUT are guaranteed an Equity Bursary and have access to additional scholarships specifically for Indigenous students.

In efforts to increase the representation of Indigenous staff at QUT, the Indigenous Australian Employment and Career Development Strategy www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/indigenous has been in place since 2002. This program aims to support the advancement of Indigenous Australians by fostering and increasing the employment, career development and participation of Indigenous staff in all levels of work activity.

I was assisted through the Oodgeroo Unit’s alternative entry

program for Indigenous students. This made it possible for me

to get a place in my dream course, and the support from the Unit

made the transition into university much easier.

DUSK JOHNSTON

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Low-income studentsQUT endeavours to attract students from low-income backgrounds and to assist them to succeed by reducing financial hardship as a barrier to participation.

QUT has a range of support strategies in place including:

• The Q-Step Program www.qstep.qut.edu.au which is an alternative entry program for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds;

• The QUT Equity Scholarships Scheme www.equity.edu.au/scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds. This includes scholarships, bursaries, free computers which are allocated to students solely on the basis of financial need;

• Support services such as a financial Helpline, welfare advisers, counsellors, a loans scheme and budgeting workshops through QUT’s Counselling Services www.counselling.qut.edu.au; and

• Low-income Student Contact Officers in each faculty provide confidential advice. Faculties also provide additional support such as text book loan schemes, emergency loans, bursaries, book vouchers, or photocopy cards. Support varies— to find out more and for contact details visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/scholarships

The QUT Learning Potential Fund is a permanently endowed fund established to provide scholarships and bursaries to socially and economically disadvantaged students. The Fund has already given nearly 5000 bursaries and scholarships to disadvantaged students. Alumni, staff and other donors give to this fund each year.

Visit www.giving.qut.edu.au for more information.

Without the Q-Step program I would not have been able to

study my first course preference at the beginning of university.

I was granted three bonus OPs which meant I could follow my

study goals.

WENDY SERRANO

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Parents and CarersSometimes it’s hard to separate the many and varied roles we play in our lives: staff member, student, mother, father, carer, partner. Sometimes you may need help to get them all to fit together. This is why QUT has a number of formal and informal policies and programs to assist staff and students to manage work and family responsibilities.

Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/everyone for more information and key policies relating to:

• childcare and family responsibilities (relevant to both staff and students),

• flexible exams/assessment for students,

• assisting students to manage competing demands,

• flexible, or additional, leave entitlements e.g. maternity/paternity leave, carers’ leave (for staff),

• frequently asked questions, and

• a list of parenting rooms, study rooms for parents and accessible toilets which include baby change facilities.

On return from maternity leave, QUT has allowed me to vary my

fraction to work part-time. It’s the best of both worlds; I keep my

skill-set up to date and I’m there when the kids need me.

QUT Staff member — online feedback

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Acknowledgement to Traditional Owners

In keeping with the spirit of Reconciliation, I respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands where QUT now stands. I wish to pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the QUT community.

ReconciliationQUT’s reconciliation Statement recognises the responsibility of educational institutions to redress disadvantage and to overcome prejudice in education and employment.

The implementation of QUT’s Reconciliation Statement requires a commitment across all areas of QUT including teaching and learning, research, community services, employment, organisational culture and environment.

Implementation strategies include the Indigenous Employment and Career Development Strategy www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/indigenous and the Indigenous Education Strategy available via www.equity.edu.au.

A range of resources, information and annual activities are organised within the University in celebration of Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June). Go to www.reconciliation.qut.edu.au for regular updates.

Refugees‘A refugee is a person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, opinion, is outside the country of his (or her) nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself (or herself) of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.’ (UNHCR 1979: 11)

Many of QUT’s current staff and students come from refugee backgrounds.

All QUT staff and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the facts regarding refugees as, all too often, the public commentary on this issue is misleading and unduly politicised.

Some useful sites include:

• Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education www.erc.org.au which hosts some useful and reader-friendly fact sheets

• Refugee Council of Australia www.refugeecouncil.org.au

• Amnesty International www.amnesty.org.au

A more comprehensive list can be found via www.equity.qut.edu.au

‘Alone Together – writing from refugees and asylum seekers in

Australia’ collected and edited by the Refugee Claimants Support

Centre, Brisbane, in conjunction with QUT

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Rural studentsQUT endeavours to attract students from rural and remote backgrounds to create opportunities for employment and education that may not exist in their home towns. The University also recognises the difficulties that students from rural and remote backgrounds may face when relocating to metropolitan areas to pursue their studies.

This includes the financial costs of relocating, loss of family support, transition to a new and unfamiliar environment, as well as those issues that face all new students enrolling in university studies for the first time.

To help students from rural and remote places make the adjustment to Brisbane, QUT holds a number of orientation activities including an additional, specific, orientation for ‘out-of-towners’.

For dates and/or more information visit www.gettingstarted.qut.edu.au

Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/everyone/whatisequity/ruralstudents for information on:

• Getting in (entry programs)

• Getting around (making Brisbane your home)

• Getting cash (financial assistance)

• Getting help (support services)

For help finding somewhere to live visit QUT’s Accommodation Service at www.qut.edu.au/accommodation

Everybody wants to get a job that they love— but university is

much more than that. Moving to the city from a regional area

I’ve learnt a lot about myself, my ambitions and my lack of

organisational skills! But, I’ve had the time of my life.

It’s the best decision I could have made.

WILL DAWSON

I moved 200km to live in Brisbane for university. The hardest thing

was leaving my family behind, but having a network of friends to

support me helped immensely. I love the opportunities that life in

Brisbane offers.

LARA CROYDON

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SexualityQUT is committed to providing an environment which values each member of its diverse community, and protects staff and students from bullying, harassment and unlawful discrimination. This includes staff and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ).

Despite evolving community attitudes, prejudice, bias and violence against members of the LGBTIQ community continues to exist in society. QUT has a number of strategies in place to assist staff and students to protect their rights, gain support, and to network with other staff or students who identify as LGBTIQ.

Information is also available for parents and friends, colleagues, managers, teachers and other staff and students within the QUT community to assist staff and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex or queer in valuing diversity and protecting the rights of QUT’s LGBTIQ community.

Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au for more information, including:

• What does lGbTIQ mean?

• The Ally network (supporting LGBTIQ staff and students at QUT)

• GAlnet (QUT LGBTIQ staff network).

Show your support and become an Ally. By displaying the Ally Network symbol in your work or study area you are supporting a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

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Widening ParticipationQUT has long-standing outreach, admissions and support programs for under-represented groups, with a particular emphasis on low-SES, rural and Indigenous students. Broadly, these activities fall under the heading of ‘widening participation’ whereby the University works in partnership with low-income schools, cohorts and communities to encourage interest in post-school study, and provide the practical supports to make it possible.

Examples of some of the widening participation activities currently being undertaken at QUT include:

• the Equity Scholarships Scheme which now provides around $2.5 million to over 3000 QUT low-income students;

• De-mystification experiences for ‘first-in-the-family’ students including on-campus days, Exploring Uni residential camps, electronic and print materials;

• Encouragement through the Year 10 Student with Potential Awards, Student Ambassador Program; and

• Alternative pathways for admission including the Q-Step Program, the Oodgeroo Unit and the Adult Learner/Social Inclusion Project www.bridgetostudy.com.au

Much has been written about the factors inhibiting the tertiary participation of disadvantaged people. Several intersecting factors are at play, in particular:

• understanding the opportunities and how to access them (awareness);

• having sufficient money to support student life (affordability);

• having the satisfactory criteria to gain entry (achievement);

• and having the desire to engage in tertiary study (aspiration).

QUT’s integrated approach has been funded by a special Council allocation since 2005, and has recently been significantly bolstered by the Review of Australian Higher Education, chaired by Professor Denise Bradley, which has reinvigorated a national effort around integrated, intersectoral, collaborative projects to meet the challenges of the national ‘widening participation’ agenda.

To find out more about QUT’s widening participation initiatives visit www.equity.qut.edu.au

“The camp made me see that university might be just possible for

me... I want to go to university now and I didn’t before”

Exploring Uni Camp Participant

Before I received a QUT Student with Potential Award, I had next

to no expectations. Then I received the Award, which frankly isn’t

something that happens every day. What it said to me was that

I should aim for something more, that I should try harder, that I

should strive to excel and live up to it.

JAMES BOVILL (far right)

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WomenQUT actively pursues its obligations under Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 to develop and implement strategies to improve employment prospects, remuneration and career development for women. The Act aims to:

• promote merit in employment,

• promote equal employment opportunity and eliminate discrimination, and

• encourage consultation between employers and employees on these issues.

QUT AWArDED ‘EoWA EmPloyEr oF cHoIcE For WomEn’

QUT has been awarded the Equal Opportunity in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) ‘Employer of Choice for Women’ award since 2002. QUT remains one of a

select group of organisations that are recognising and advancing women in the workplace.

For more information about this award, go to www.eowa.gov.au

FEmAlE STAFF AT QUT

Each year, QUT collects and publishes statistics on the gender profile of our workforce and the participation of men and women in various activities. Currently, about 36 per cent of QUT’s senior staff are women which compares well to other universities and industries. To see the latest report on gender equity at QUT visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/staff

This has been achieved by ensuring that policies and practices are fair (e.g. recruitment and selection), and that female staff are supported in their career development.

For a complete picture of QUT’s development programs for women visit www.equity.qut.edu.au and www.hrd.qut.edu.au. Broadly, QUT’s programs for women are targeted at academic, professional and research staff at all levels and HR’s Women in Leadership program is for academic and professional women staff at near-senior and senior levels at QUT.

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QUT really fosters a community atmosphere. Throughout the

year staff and students come together across all three campuses

to celebrate significant Australian and International days of

observance such as Harmony Day, Reconciliation Week and Pride

Month. I really like the focus on social inclusion and diversity these

kinds of activities promote.

QUT staff member – online feedback

Did you know that in 2009 over 5000 staff and students attended QUT’s events like Harmony Day and Reconciliation Week? Join us – everyone’s welcome. Find out what’s on next www.equity.qut.edu.au

Awareness-raising events and activitiesThe Equity Services Department coordinates a range of events throughout the year to highlight current issues and mark important days. These include:

• International Women’s Day

• Harmony Day

• Reconciliation Week

• Disability Action Week

• Pride Month

• Anti-poverty Week

• Refugee Week

• Equity Awards

Check out the News and Events section of the homepage www.equity.qut.edu.au or look out for updates on QUT Virtual for details of these events.

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I thought [EO Online] was very informative and the case studies very interesting. By completing this module, I believe that I am more aware of my rights and those of my colleagues.

QUT staff member – online feedback

The course was very informative and challenged my initial perspectives... I definitely feel more aware! Now I’m keen to put my theory into practice.

QUT staff member – feedback on Equity training 2009

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2. For staff

In addition to the initiatives outlined in the ‘For everyone’ section, QUT’s Equity Services Department coordinates and supports a range of services specifically for staff including:

A comprehensive equity training and development programThe provision of staff training and development programs is an important strategy for meeting QUT’s equity goals relating to student equity and staff equity.

You can help by:

• completing the thought-provoking Eo online: fair play on campus—it is a self-paced online equal opportunity training program for higher education employees. It contains many real-life examples, employs interactive learning techniques, and is updated annually.

QUT expects all staff to complete this program. It is highly recommended that supervisors and managers complete this training and encourage their staff to include the package as part of their own professional development. new staff should undertake this training within six months of appointment. Staff who are members of selection and promotion committees should endeavour to complete this training prior to attending selection or promotion panels.

There are no prerequisites.

• incorporating at least one equity training module in your next PPr. QUT is committed to creating a positive environment in which all students and staff are treated fairly and equitably—thereby making equity everyone’s business.

To check availability and register for any of the training modules listed below go to Staff Connect via QUT Virtual.

The Equity Services Department provides a range of:

• equityawarenessandskillsdevelopment training modules to increase awareness of equity services and responsibilities, and to improve skills for implementing equity,

• reconciliation,culturaldiversityandanti-racismmodules to increase awareness of Indigenous issues and commitment to reconciliation, and to increase awareness of, and respect for, cultural diversity,

• careerplanninganddevelopmentforfemalestaff modules to promote career development opportunities and skills for women, and

• anti-discrimination training modules.

For a complete list of training modules and more information visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/staff/trainingdev

To check availability and register for any of the training modules listed above go to Staff Connect via QUT Virtual.

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An equity forumEquity_Forum is open to all staff and students at QUT. An email group, established in 1997, it aims to provide a forum for promotion of equity-related programs and activities and for discussion of equity issues among QUT staff.

The list can be used to communicate with other Equity_Forum subscribers on issues relating to equity for staff and students. Members are encouraged to use the list to share ideas and discoveries, pose questions, seek help, suggest strategies, publicise activities or post any other information useful in promoting equity.

We hope that through such information sharing and discussion, this group will contribute to increased awareness of equity issues, and to the development and improvement of equity programs and services at QUT.

HoW To SUbScrIbE

1. Go to the Interest Groups menu in QUT Virtual

2. Click on Interest Groups main menu

3. Choose Self Subscription groups

4. Find equity_forum@qut.edu.au

5. Click Subscribe

In 2009, QUT staff originated from more than 80 different countries and speak over 70 different languages

Staff equity questionnaireQUT wants to find out just how diverse its workforce is and also whether any support or career development programs are needed for particular groups of staff.

By comparing our data to that of Queensland generally, we can find out if any groups are under-represented. By analysing various employment parameters (such as resignation rates or promotion statistics) by equity group, we can also work out if there are any issues that may need addressing.

The overall objectives are for QUT’s workforce to match the diversity represented in the community and for QUT to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of all its staff. This may mean that QUT needs to provide additional programs or assistance to some staff.

It is essential that we get as high a response rate as possible so that we can get a complete picture of QUT’s workforce. All responses are treated confidentially.

To add your data go to Staff Connect via QUT Virtual. To find out more visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/staff

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Annual reports on equityEach year, QUT’s Equity Services Department collects and publishes statistics to measure the University’s progress in relation to equity targets. More specifically, we publish:

Staff Equity reports which look annually at the gender profile of our workforce and the participation of men and women in various activities.

Student Equity reports to measure the progress of student equity groups and report the annual findings externally (to Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) and internally to the QUT community.

Scholarship reports to determine the impact of the Equity Scholarships Scheme Surveys of the recipients have been conducted annually since 2005.

Triennial reports which look at equity-related activities across the University, and analyse QUT’s overall equity performance and future direction.

For more information visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/staff/reports

Research shows that scholarship holders at QUT have attrition rates 35 per cent lower than non-scholarship holders

An Indigenous Employment StrategyIn 2002, QUT implemented an Indigenous Australian Employment and Career Development Strategy (Indigenous Employment Strategy—IES) to support the advancement of Indigenous Australians by fostering and increasing the employment, career development and participation of Indigenous staff in all levels of work activity. The Strategy seeks to increase QUT’s employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to 2.6 per cent of all staff. This represents approximately 70 full-time positions across the University.

The University works with local communities and organisations to ensure their support and involvement in actively recruiting Indigenous staff.

For more information on how the Strategy works visit www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/indigenous

Consider contacting the Indigenous Employment and Career Development Strategy Adviser to fill your next staff vacancy

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Disability assistance

GUIDE For STAFF SUPPorTInG STUDEnTS

QUT has developed Supporting students with a disability: a guide for staff. The information in this Guide has been divided into sections so that staff may selectively ‘dip into’ specific areas of interest or need. The Guide:

• provides a context for disability issues and reviews the legal obligations of universities under State and Federal legislation to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of students with disabilities;

• provides some key understandings of terms used in the legislation and examines some disabling myths and assumptions about disability;

• looks at universal design, improving the accessibility of online teaching and provides tips on how to make your courses inclusive;

• examines accommodations for students with disabilities;

• looks at the functional impact of specific disabilities (e.g. psychiatric, learning, medical, mobility, vision, hearing and speech) in the learning environment;

• explores effective teaching and assessment strategies for specific disabilities; and

• includes frequently asked questions, a list of additional resources and appendices.

We hope that this resource will give you some general guidelines for working effectively with students with disabilities. Disability Advisers are available to respond to any of your queries.

STAFF WITH A DISAbIlITy

QUT staff members who require disability support should discuss this, in the first instance, with their immediate supervisor. Advice and information for staff and their supervisors is available from:

• the Human Resources Department and Health and Safety Advisory Services www.hrd.qut.edu.au regarding flexible hours, appropriate aids for the workplace and return to work programs;

• Equity Services www.disabilityservices.qut.edu.auregarding relevant legislation, policy, procedures and general advice.

SUPPorTInG STUDEnTS WITH A DISAbIlITy

QUT’s Equity Services runs training sessions that are suitable for both academic and general staff at all levels who interact with students with a disability. These include:

• Supporting students with a disability

• EO Online

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Your equity checklist

HAvE yoU:

familiarised yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a member of the QUT community?

visited us at www.equity.edu.au?

thought of ways to implement equity in your sphere of activity?

completed EO Online: Fair play on campus?

completed your Staff Equity Questionnaire in StaffConnect?

signed up for an Equity training module?

added any equity events to your QUT Diary?

visited the QUT Reconciliation website www.reconciliation.qut.edu.au?

read about support strategies for staff and students with a disability www.disabilityservices.qut.edu.au?

investigated ways to support QUT’s Learning Potential Fund www.giving.qut.edu.au?

read the Cultural Diversity and Anti-racism Policy in the MOPP?

found out what equity-related activities are happening in your faculty or division?

heard about the Ally and Discrimination Contact Officer Networks?

got the information you need to help a low-income student receive financial support?

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My scholarship has helped me to cover books, textbook fees and

other expenses. It’s good that there are systems like this in place

to help students from lower-income households with their costs.

RICHARD EARNSHAW Bachelor of Mass Communication

With my scholarship I was able to purchase a new laptop which

has been a great help with my studies at university.

ASHLEIGH NEWBERY Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)/Graduate

Diploma in Education (Secondary Years)

3. For Students

In addition to the initiatives outlined in the ‘For everyone’ section, QUT’s Equity Services Department coordinates a range of services specifically for both current and future QUT students.

Current studentsServices specifically for current QUT students include:

ScHolArSHIPS AnD oTHEr FInAncIAl SUPPorT For loW-IncomE STUDEnTS

QUT realises that finances are one of the biggest concerns for students (besides exams). We want you to focus on studies not finances so QUT has a range of financial support services in place to help you. Across the University you will find help including:

• a financial helpline: financial counselling, loans scheme, budgeting workshops, emergency grants and bursaries. Phone 3138 3488 or 1800209587 (Monday to Friday, 10am–2 pm)

• Equity Scholarships Scheme: scholarships, bursaries and free desktop computers.

All low-income students at QUT are encouraged to apply. The Scheme targets students from low-income backgrounds, including students who face significant financial barriers to study at university. Academic results are not taken into consideration for these scholarships, only financial need. (Please note, visiting, cross-institutional and QUT International College students are not eligible to apply.)

Each year the University also provides free reconditioned desktop computers with internet access and a USB drive to students in financial hardship who also have barriers to accessing the student computing labs. All low-income QUT students (except visiting or cross-institutional students) are eligible to apply.

Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/scholarships

• low-income student contact officers: a friendly faculty-based contact who can provide confidential advice and referral and local access to faculty-based support. Visit www.equity.qut.edu.au/scholarships/facultysupport to find your faculty contact.

• other free services offered by QUT: learning support, peer advisors, health, counselling and accommodation services.

• QUT’s Student Guild: welfare support, advocacy/referral, food bank and secondhand books.

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DISAbIlITy SErvIcES

QUT endeavours to provide full and equal access to learning and research for people with disabilities by providing a range of support services including:

• A peer note-taker program

• Adaptive technology computer labs

• Assessment support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact Disability Services at the earliest possible time, to meet staff, learn about the services available to you and structure a service plan to meet your specific needs.

For more detail visit www.disabilityservices.qut.edu.au where you will also find:

• Guide for Students with a Disability

• Campus Access Maps

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Contact details for Disability Advisers

QUT’s Disability Services help me to manage university as I have

a hearing loss. They alert lecturers that I need them to wear a

microphone, arrange a note-taking service and extra time on

exams when I need it.

RACHAEL RAYNER Bachelor of Applied Science

The care and respect I received from the program was

outstanding. Without it, I would not have been able to

wcomplete my degree.

QUT Survey of Students with Disabilities 2008

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Future students

QUT can help you get into uni, top up your finances and provide other support to help you achieve to your full potential.

EnTry ProGrAmS AT QUT AnD PoST-EnrolmEnT SUPPorT

QUT encourages diversity among its students by providing entry programs to assist people from all walks of life to enter the university course of their choice. Students who do not meet standard enrolment criteria to enter may be eligible under alternative entry programs.

The University also endeavours to provide full and equal access to learning and research, and a range of support services are available for Indigenous students, students from low-income background, culturally and linguistically diverse students and students with disabilities.

Entry programs

The Oodgeroo Unit www.oodgeroo.qut.edu.au for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

The Q-Step Program www.qstep.qut.edu.au for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Mature-age entry for students not entering directly from high school on the basis of work and life experiences

For more information on admission to these programs you can also visit www.studentservices.qut.edu.au

Post-enrolment support

See ‘Support Services’ listed above, visit www.equity.qut.edu.au for more information, download a copy of Student Resources on Campus or visit www.qut.edu.au/study

DvD to help you decide

Visit www.projectu.com.au to see what a week in the life of a uni student is like and to find out how other students made important decisions about life after school.

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Want to know more?Visit the Equity Services website: www.equity.qut.edu.au

Email the Equity Section: equityenq@qut.edu.au

Gardens Point X Block, Level 1, Room X105 Phone 07 3138 2699 Fax 07 3138 2689

Kelvin Grove C Block, Level 3, Room C301 Phone 07 3138 5601 Fax 07 3138 5600

caboolture By appointment Phone 07 3138 2699

Equity and you at a glance

www.equity.qut.edu.au

Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbane Australia

© QUT 2010 Designed and Produced by QUT Publications 16780

CRICOS No.00213J

equity services

QUT is committed to sustainability.The paper used in this publication has the credentials: