Who are we ...
The Oodgeroo Unit at the Queensland University of Technology is the centre of QUT's activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, studies and research. The Unit was established in 1991 and since that time a number of Indigenous students have graduated from QUT.
The Oodgeroo Unit has a major responsibility and commitment to developing better access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that more have opportunities to participate in higher levels of education. It also performs a leadership role in the university in the promotion of cultural awareness and social justice for Indigenous Australian people.
Although the administration and major functions of the Oodgeroo Unit are conducted from the Kelvin Grove location, the Unit also has facilities at Gardens Point, Carseldine and Caboolture. At all four locations there are places where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can study and interact socially. The Unit at each campus is equipped with computing facilities, quiet places to study and work with tutors, and places to meet with other students.
The Oodgeroo Unit offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who gain entry to QUT through the Assessment and Selection Program. Students are allocated a Unit staff member (Academic Advisor) with whom they meet regularly to discuss their academic progress. Staff assist students with their university studies in a caring environment and in addition, help with administrative, cultural or other concerns they may have related to their studies at QUT.
What we do ...
The Oodgeroo Unit has three roles within QUT which are:
- As a student support service, assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to enter University through the Alternate Entry Scheme and thereafter providing academic and personal support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- As a teaching/lecturing service to its own courses and various other courses within the University. It also provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait perspectives throughout the University.
- As a research Unit on Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies and associated areas of interest.
The staff ...
- consult with students regarding their progress with study,
- offer assistance in study skills, research and essay writing,
- provide course and career advice,
- liaise with academic and administrative staff on any matters relating to the student's program and well-being,
- assure that students are aware of and understand university regulations,
- organise ITAS tutorial assistance,
- assist students organising their Abstudy (financial assistance), accommodation, and travel arrangements,
- teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies in the university,
- liaise with Indigenous community groups,
- conduct research in a range of Indigenous contexts and issues.
The students ...
Currently there are approximately 342 students enrolled at this University. The faculties are:
- Creative Industries
- Built Environment and Engineering
- Business
- Education
- Health
- Information Technology
- Law
- Science
- QUT Carseldine
- QUT Caboolture
About 60% are from the metropolitan or near metropolitan area. Others come from as far as Thursday Island, Mt Isa, Normanton and Cunnamulla.
For more information in this Section
- Oodgeroo Unit CD Rom - about Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, culture, rights and events.
- Oodgeroo Unit Newsletter - activities, events and general information about our staff and students.
- Calendar of Events - Indigenous events, public holidays and Study commitments
- Contact Us - Further information about the Oodgeroo Unit, our students and staff, can be obtained by contacting us.
- Units and Courses - A number of Indigenous courses designed and run by the Oodgeroo Unit.