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Retaining Indigenous Students in Tertiary Education: Lessons from the Griffith School of Environment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 July 2015

Catherine Howlett ,
Monica Seini ,
Chris Matthews ,
Bronwyn Dillon  and
Vivian Hauser
Catherine Howlett
Affiliation:
Griffith School of Environment, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
Monica Seini
Affiliation:
Clean Environment Branch Strategy and Policy, Environment Protection Agency, PO Box 15155, City East, Queensland, 4002, Australia
Chris Matthews
Affiliation:
Griffith School of Environment, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
Bronwyn Dillon
Affiliation:
Gumurrii Student Support Unit, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
Vivian Hauser
Affiliation:
Griffith School of Environment, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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Abstract

Low retention of Indigenous peoples in all Australian universities has been identified as a problematic issue by the Australian Federal government. Griffith University (GU), Queensland, Australia, provided funding to examine the factors affecting Indigenous retention in higher education, with the aim of developing innovative participation and retention strategies specifically for Indigenous students. This paper focuses on research conducted within the Griffith School of Environment that questioned the possible links between the provision of information to commencing Indigenous students and their retention. It essentially examines to what extent current university structures support Indigenous enrolments and retention, via the information they receive upon enrolling. From interviews conducted in an informal discussion format with currently enrolled Indigenous students in the Griffith School of Environment, critical deficiencies were identified in the information Indigenous students receive during the early transition phase of university entrance. A key finding of this study, and which is the subject of current research, was the support amongst the students for the development of an Indigenised curriculum in science as a strategy for improving the attraction and retention of Indigenous students. This paper details the research project and its findings.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education , Volume 37 , Issue 1 , 2008 , pp. 18 - 27
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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