Charles Sturt University (CSU) has extended its commitment to Indigenous curriculum and teaching by establishing four new Indigenous Academic Fellowships.

 

Designed to encourage Indigenous professionals to join the University in academic positions across the Faculties of Arts, Business , Education, and Science, the Fellowships provide a pathway into academia that offers peer learning and support.

 

As CSU’s Diversity and Equity Manager, Ms Sarah McCormick, explained, attracting Indigenous academic staff is part of the University’s Indigenous Education Strategy and the Indigenous Employment Strategy.

 

“Charles Sturt University has a strong commitment to the participation of Indigenous Australians in all aspects of higher education. Given our geography and demography, this is a critical part of the University’s mission to serve its communities,” she said.

 

“We are committed to increasing the number of Indigenous academic staff and the Indigenous Academic Fellowships provide the opportunity for Indigenous professionals to join the academic community and contribute to the teaching of their discipline.

 

“The University aims to increase and foster knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary issues, and to build cultural competence among its staff and graduates and we want to encourage Indigenous professionals to join us to make a contribution to this endeavour.”

 

Ms McCormick said the Fellows will develop their research skills, engage with students using online subject delivery tools, and collaborate with other academics across the University to further their skills and knowledge in their subject areas.

 

“The Fellowship holders will be provided with a living wage while undertaking a higher qualification and being mentored into an academic role. The Fellowship enables Indigenous graduates to contribute their professional experience to a relevant undergraduate program while furthering their qualifications.

 

“We want appointees to bring their professional experience to a teaching role at the University and make valuable contributions to Indigenous research,” she said.

 

CSU seeks expressions of interest from Indigenous professionals in a variety of industries including, but not limited to social work, policing, teaching, justice studies, nursing, allied health, agriculture, business, marketing, information technology, and exercise science.

 

Expressions of interest for the Indigenous Academic Fellowships close on Monday 13 August. For more information contact Indigenous Employment Coordinator Ms Catherine Maxwell on (02) 6933 2200 or email indigenousemployment@csu.edu.au.