Access and Equity in Australian Higher Education: The Equity Initiatives Framework Version 2.0

Abstract

Australia's higher education sector has seen substantial developments in equity and inclusivity as a result of initiatives which work to improve the numbers and experiences of students from a wide diversity of backgrounds. This practice report shares learnings from a recent national project about the impacts of a wide range of access and equity programs and services, shedding light on effective strategies throughout the student life cycle. The study, known as the Critical Interventions Framework Part 3 (CIF 3), analysed published studies which provide details about the impact of initiatives, highlighting the mechanisms which have enabled students to gain access to and succeed in higher education. The focus here is on a key outcome of the CIF 3, the updated Equity Initiatives Framework (EIF), designed for utility as a quick reference guide to aid equity practitioners and others working to support students in their educational endeavours.

Keywords

• access
• equity
• pathways
• inclusion
• support
• higher education