Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Education Committee

Purpose

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee (ATSIEC) is one of three key forums established by Australian Catholic University (ACU) to lead a cultural shift within the University to promote cohesive, whole of University strategies that build cultural capability and increase visibility and presence of First Peoples.

ATSIEC is the peak forum of Australian Catholic University to provide vision, lead, guide and advise on strategic activities to achieve just and sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Roles and responsibilities

1. To champion a learning culture that builds cultural capabilities, through the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives in University courses and University
2. To promote excellence and discourse in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education through innovative and collaborative partnerships within and beyond theUniversity.
3. To evaluate, report and recommend on the University’s Indigenous
4. To evaluate, report and recommendon the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
5. To evaluate, report and recommend on the use of the University’s Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP).

Criteria for appointment

To champion respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, the ATSIEC must have a committee that consists of majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons, each of whom has skills and experience relevant to the role. Quorum of at least 50% committee members and a majority Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Committee members. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Contributing to a University culture that acknowledges and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their knowledge, and
• Providing cultural support, cultural representation and enhancing deep cultural understanding of perspectives and protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
• Providing advice to ACU on engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and events and activities that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and/or staff and the wider University

Method of appointment

Members of the ATSIEC, other than those serving in an ex-officio capacity, will be nominated by the respective faculties and directorates for appointment, having regard for the criteria.

Appointment term

Nominated Members of ATSIEC will serve for a period of two years and may be considered for consecutive terms of office to maintain continuity.

Membership

The membership of the ATSIEC is as follows:

1. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ethics (Co-Chair)
2. Director, First Peoples Directorate (Co-Chair) *
3. Associate Director, First Peoples Directorate*
4. National Manager, First Peoples Directorate*
5. Coordinator/ Yalbalinga Indigenous Higher Education Unit*
6. Coordinator, Weemala Indigenous Higher Education Unit*
7. Coordinator, Jim-baa-yer and Dhara Daramoolen Indigenous Higher Education Unit*
8. Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment, Human Resources Directorate*
9. Executive Dean of Education & Arts (or nominatedrepresentative)
10. Executive Dean of Theology and Philosophy (or nominated representative)
11. Executive Dean of Law and Business (or nominatedrepresentative)
12. Executive Dean of Health Sciences (or nominated representative)
13. Director, Student Success (or nominatedrepresentative)
14. Director, Centre for Education and Innovation (or nominatedrepresentative)
15. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (or nominatedrepresentative)
16. Director, Marketing (or nominated representative)
17. External University Representative*
18. Two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander StudentRepresentatives*
19. Two Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderElders/ community representatives*
20. Associate Director, Equity and Inclusion (or nominated representative)
21. Associate Director, Mission and Identity (or nominated representative)

*Denotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative

Reporting

The Co-Chairs of ATSIEC will provide periodic reports to Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor's Strategy Group, Senior Executive Group

Meeting frequency

The ATSIEC shall meet two times per year with at least one meeting to be face to face. Technology assisted meetings may be conducted as necessary.

Responsible officer: Director, First Peoples and Equity Pathways Administrative Support: Indigenous Student Success Program Project Officer

Relates to:

The Co-Chairs of ATSIEC will provide periodic reports to Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor's Strategy Group and Senior Executive Group

Date of establishment:

August 2017

Review

The ATSIEC may review its own procedures and amend its Charter. Reviewed March 2023.