Mission statement

The University of Melbourne is strongly committed to increasing its accessibility, and this will be a core concern as the Melbourne Model is developed. To ensure that the best students are admitted, ideally the University would be able to operate blind to financial circumstances. http://growingesteem.unimelb.edu.au/strategicplan/binding.html

Equity and Diversity Planning (EDP) is a unit within Academic Enrichment Services (AES)*. With a commitment to the principles of student equity and diversity as expressed in the Melbourne Experience statement (where the University’s ideal is ‘a fair community, where diversity is valued and the integrity of the individual is valued’), EDP works to increase levels of cultural awareness and understanding within the University community.

Within the context of the University’s Growing Esteem strategy goal to enroll able students regardless of personal circumstances, EDP undertakes particular responsibility for the overall development of the University's Equity Plan. EDP contributes expertise, project support and resources to further the University’s development of appropriate strategies for assessing merit and equity in recruitment. EDP is also responsible for the ongoing implementation of equity strategies designed to further embed equity and diversity issues into the mainstream of University culture, and to extend the University’s equity perspective to the wider community.

EDP also has executive responsibility for the University's Student Equity and Diversity Committee (SEDC) and for operationalising the University's Cultural Diversity Policy (including preparation of an annual audit on equity and diversity for the University council).

* AES is committed to:

• Principles of equity and excellence in student access, participation and educational outcomes within the Melbourne Experience
• The design and delivery of services and programs which are informed by and responsive to the needs of the University’s diverse community.

AES also includes the Language and Learning Skills Unit (LLSU), Transition & Orientation Programs , International Student Services and Careers and Employment.