The First Nations Student Connect team provides Indigenous Australian students with a range of services through First Nations Student Connect, such as a content-specific tutor, advice and advocacy, personalised plans, Connect sessions on campus and online, academic skills advice, support with social and emotional wellbeing, and referrals to a range of services such as scholarships and financial assistance, library services, accessibility and inclusion support services, counselling and more.
First Nations students can register for a range of services, such as a content-specific tutor, advice and advocacy, personalised plans, Connect sessions on campus and online, academic skills advice, support with social and emotional wellbeing, and referral to a range of services such as scholarships and financial assistance, library services, accessibility and inclusion services, counselling and more.
We take a proactive approach to improving and adding to the range of services available for First Nations students. Students in approved courses can access assistance with travel, accommodation and meals under the Away from Base grant.
There are also opportunities for interested school leavers and community members to join our Connections First Nations Direct Entry programs as a culturally safe step into a Charles Sturt degree or diploma program.
We also support aspiration building activities with schools and youth, manage communications with students and our wider networks, and collaborate with Faculties to customise the approach to support in key course areas.
The Indigenous Governance Mechanism for the Indigenous Student Success Program is consistent with the ISSP Handbook 2020 and the Indigenous Students Assistance Grants Guidelines 2017.
Overall ISSP funding allocations, monitoring and reporting is the responsibility of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Success) who is an Indigenous person, and is conducted in accordance with policy and procedures of the University.
Indigenous Governance Mechanism Charter
Under the direction and oversight of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Success), allocations, mid-year review and reporting are developed jointly with the Director, First Nations Student Connect, who is a senior Indigenous staff member, the Manager, Finance Liaison (Divisions and Programs) and relevant portfolio leaders including Executive Director, Student Experience; Executive Director, Customer Experience and Director, Strategy Partnerships and Inclusion.
These staff, or their delegate, provide advice and recommendations, review allocations, monitor and report on the use of ISSP grants.
Staff appointments are in accordance with the University's Appointments Procedure and the Staff Recruitment and Selection Guidelines.
Decision making and approvals are in accordance with the University's delegations register.
ISSP funded activity is outlined, monitored and measured through Annual Operational Plans, aligned to the University's Governance Framework, whereby the operational plans define specific and measurable activities against each of the identified objectives that the University will undertake to achieve the University Strategy. The University Strategy and the operational plans provide the framework for planning ISSP activity in each organisational unit in the University.
The University's First Nations Strategy is available here.
The University's First Nations Employment Strategy is available here.
There are seven First Nations Student Centres at Charles Sturt campuses in Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Orange and Goulburn. Students are welcome to visit the Centres for a culturally safe option to access computers, printers, kitchen facilities, connect with other students, and seek advice or support from staff.
For assistance, reach out our team members.