Universities to build bridges

Five Sydney-based universities have committed to bolstering the number of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds in tertiary education after the federal government announced its Bridges to Higher Education, project. 

The $21.2 million project involves the collaboration of the University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney, Macquarie University, and Australian Catholic University over the next four years.

In a joint statement, the Vice-Chancellors of the five universities – Professor Janice Reid, Dr Michael Spence, Professor Ross Milbourne, Professor Steven Schwartz, and Professor Greg Craven – welcomed the announcement of the funding and the collaboration.

 “There has been a continued under-representation of students from low socio-economic backgrounds in Australian higher education, despite an overall expansion of access to higher education during the last 15 years.

“We believe that everyone with the ability and drive to succeed should have the opportunity to study at university, because higher education has the power to transform lives.”

The $150 million Commonwealth initiative aims to increase the proportion of students from low socio-economic backgrounds in universities, after more than a decade of attempting to boost numbers.

Professor Derrick Armstrong, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, said the partnership of the five universities will engage young people who previously were unable to consider higher education as an option.

“Together we will reach more schools, students, school leavers, teachers and parents,” Mr Armstrong said.

“The funding will support new and innovative programs that will have national significance such as utilising technology to bring virtual programs into classrooms.”

This project is a result of the federal government’s final report Base Funding Review, released earlier this month.

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, said the report makes recommendations for public investment in higher education and will ensure institutions remain internationally competitive.

“The report was led by an expert panel chaired by Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, who consulted widely and considered in-depth information and analysis from experts in the field,” Mr Evans said.

Government investment in higher education has increased from $8 billion in 2007 to more than $12 billion this year.

 “It is important, given the scope and complexity of the issues involved, that students, universities and other stakeholders are given a chance to have their say,” he said.

By Kristie Beattie