People with Disabilities at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne's commitment to students with disabilities can be
traced back to the establishment of a committee focusing on the support of students
with disabilities in 1968. The University is proud of the programs and policies that
it has initiated to facilitate greater participation for students with disabilities.
The success of these programs can be measured by the equity statistics provided annually
to the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). The University consistently
surpasses national indicators for the access, retention and success of students with disabilities.
The University's Access and Equity Committee provides advice on policy matters to the Vice-Chancellor
through Academic Board and Planning and Budget Committee on student access and equity issues, and monitors
the performance of the University in this area.
The University of Melbourne aims to combine an effective equity agenda with a commitment to the highest
international standards of teaching, research and scholarly excellence. Equity planning is linked to the
mainstream planning and decision-making processes within the University of Melbourne and the University's
equity agenda is embedded in strategic planning at the highest level.
In 2003, the University's Strategic Plan Perspective 2003 committed the University to 'entrench equity
and merit as fundamental principles through which the University encourages and assists staff and students to
realise their full potential'. The Strategic Plan sets measurable equity targets. Over the period 2004-2007,
Melbourne will seek to increase by 50% the number of students from educationally, financially or socially
disadvantaged backgrounds enrolling in undergraduate programs.
The Disability Action Plan highlights the University's commitment to supporting the needs of people
with disabilities and documents the strategies the University will employ to ensure that students with
disabilities have access to a world-class education.
top of page
|