Charles Sturt University (CSU) has conducted a major review of its Indigenous education services as part of its commitment to strengthen its engagement with Indigenous students and communities. 

The review was completed by an external review panel of senior Australian Indigenous leaders. The panel was chaired by William Oates, Director of Nulloo Yumbah at Central Queensland University’s (CQU) Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research Centre; with members Janet Mooney, Director of the Koori Centre, University of Sydney, and; Professor John Lester, recently appointed the inaugural Aboriginal Studies Chair at the University of Newcastle. 

A key outcome of the review is the proposal to establish a Centre for Indigenous Studies to be headed by a Professor in Indigenous Education. New Indigenous Student Centres will also be established on each of the University’s main campuses. These Centres will provide the University with an opportunity to enhance the services it already provides to Indigenous students and facilitate the employment of additional Indigenous staff to assist in the provision of these services. 

The University has sought to make these changes as a strategic priority and to position itself as a leading provider of Indigenous education in the regions its serves and nationally. 

Key proposals of the review endorsed by the University are: 

(1) The creation of a new Centre for Indigenous Studies:

• This will be a flagship Centre, based in the Faculty of Education. Its focus will be Indigenous education teaching and research. 
• A Professor of Indigenous Education will be appointed, who will also be Director of the Centre.
• The new Centre and Director will be based at the CSU Dubbo Campus. 
• Further academic staff will be appointed to the Centre.

(2) Indigenous Student Centres:

• Indigenous Student Centres will be created on each of the major Campuses. 
• The Centres will provide Indigenous student learning support, community liaison services, and coordinate academic support programs. There will be a strong focus on the first year student experience.
• An Indigenous Student Recruitment and Retention officer will be appointed. 

(3) Other proposals:

• Indigenous community consultation will occur through reference groups brought together to provide expertise on specific activities or proposals identified by the University.
• The newly formed CSU Regional Consultative Committees will also provide opportunities for consultation with Indigenous communities.
• The University will undertake an audit of Indigenous studies, perspectives, administrative procedures and related issues to inform the implementation of the CSU Indigenous Education Strategy. 
• The University is currently involved in a consultation phase with staff, community leaders and stakeholders across the region as part of the review process.

CSU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Chambers is leading the University’s management of the review and the restructure of resources it has proposed. The University emphasises the proposed changes are part of its strategic priority to enhance its engagement with Indigenous students and communities.