Search results

The Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) was commissioned by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) to: analyse and report on the performance of current equity groups since 1991; analyse the extent to which students experience multiple disadvantage and how this might influence their higher education performance; assess whether the current equity groups best reflect those students who are disadvantaged in higher education; and assess the adequacy of the current definitions of equity groups. Five equity groups were analysed: (1) people from low socioeconomic background; (2) those from rural or isolated areas; (3) those with disabilities; (4) non-English speaking background people; and (5) women, especially in non-traditional areas of study and higher degrees. The project's major conclusions were that special emphasis should be given within the policy framework to people from low socioeconomic background (especially those who were also from rural or isolated areas), as this group continues to be under-represented in higher education. It also recommended that universities be required to monitor and report the higher education performance of identified population subgroups as appropriate even if these groups were not designated as equity groups at the time.