Round table discussion

Title: Supporting Indigenous Transition Students: Issues for Consideration

Douglas L Morgan and Brian Marshall

Abstract

Despite a commitment by tertiary institutions to addressing educational and socio-economic issues that effect access and participation in higher education by Indigenous Australians there is still barriers to equality of access. There is no doubt that Indigenous Australians are accessing and participating in higher education at much higher levels than previously. While tertiary institutions are implementing programs that encourage this participation the outcomes experienced, as measured by retention, progress and completion rates, are significantly less than those achieved by non-Indigenous Australians. This session seeks to canvass the reasons for this and discuss how transition support services can accommodate the needs of Indigenous students.