Universities Australia has been commissioned by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to "provide selected organisations with small grants to undertake innovative projects on international students' experience". Universities Australia received 72 submissions all of high quality, an excellent response by the community. We are pleased to announce that of the applications, seven projects have been awarded grants.
The Selection panel, chaired by Professor William Purcell (Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Technology, Sydney), considered all 72 applications and made its decisions based on how closely the proposals aligned with 'critical elements' that were outlined in the initial communication asking for submissions; how likely they are to create a better understanding of the needs of international students and their importance to the broader community; and how they intend to highlight the contributions that universities make in regard to international students and their experience.
Projects are to be completed by 31 May 2012, after which a report on the project outcomes will be posted on our website. Individual project reports will also be made available. The project outcomes and recommendations for the Australian Higher Education Sector will be presented at an Education Conference in 2012. We will post further updates on the projects early next year.
Universities Australia would like to congratulate all awardees of the project grants.
Grant Awardees
Australian Catholic University
The Student Experience through Visual Arts and Digital Media
To enhance community and social engagement; to highlight and raise awareness of the contribution of international students and of the University to the local and broader community
Australian National University
In My Eyes: Reflections on Canberra by ANU Students
To improve the quality of interaction between the Canberra community and ANU students, without making any distinction between domestic and international students, by overcoming assumptions and perceptions based on where they come from
G'Day SA
Enhancing the Student Experience: Career Readiness
To assist students in gaining career positions and getting ready to join the Australian workforce
Griffith University
Engaging Domestic and International Students with the Australian
To facilitate the voluntary inolvement of both domestic and international students in established and respected communities
University of Melbourne
Mapping the Social Networks of International Students: Foundations for Improving Communication
To explore how international students access information that affects health and lifestyle, and study the relationship between self-perceived identity and social networks
Southern Cross University
Enhancing the Student Experience: Interactive game playing to advertise support services for international students
To transfer vital information about student support services more effectively using an activity based approach to orientation, and to promote early interaction between domestic and international students
University of Western Sydney
Social Engagement and Leadership Program (SELP) Pilot
To generate interaction between domestic and international students and help students build the soft skills highly valued by employers, like problem solving skills, communication skills and interpersonal skills
