The inaugural Welcoming Universities Summit, held on October 22, 2024, at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), brought together 50 key stakeholders to discuss inclusive practices in higher education. The theme for this inaugural summit was From Small Beginnings – building welcoming in Australian universities, and the program featured insightful talks, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions designed to foster meaningful conversations and explore initiatives to support diversity and inclusion in Australian universities.
Associate Professor Kathomi Gatwiri’s keynote, “I am therefore you are: Fostering Dignity for Minoritised Students in the University,” set the stage. Gatwiri critiqued the contradictory nature of the neoliberal university, which promotes diversity as a selling point yet often fails to enact genuine inclusivity. Drawing on personal experiences, she underscored the importance of “relational micro-practices” that move beyond tokenism toward systemic transformation to dismantle entrenched exclusionary practices.
The summit’s first panel, “Actively Welcoming: Projects, Programs, and Initiatives to Create Belonging,” featured initiatives to foster belonging for underrepresented students. Eliza Basheer from NSW Health described the International Student Health Hub, Leah Subijano highlighted the UTS Multicultural Women’s Network, and Ana Setiu Tuala from Western Sydney University shared the success of the Fast Forward and PATHE programs.
A second panel focused on the experiences of international students in Australian universities. Kathomi Gatwiri moderated a discussion where international students Mark-Louie Racelis, Raghav Motani, and Weihong Liang shared their lived and living experiences. Research by Olga Cherniak and Cate Gilpin from Welcoming Universities underscored the importance of increasing support services, connections, and community and addressing food insecurity and housing instability, critical issues impacting international students’ wellbeing and academic success.
The afternoon roundtable discussions allowed for a deeper dive into specific topics. Aleem Ali, CEO of Welcoming Australia, led a session on transforming universities into welcoming workplaces. Associate Professor Sally Baker from ANU emphasised the need for accessible pathways to education for refugees, discussing initiatives through Refugee Education Australia.
UNSW’s Charlotte Long introduced the “My English Week” and “My English Choir” programs, which help students improve their language skills while fostering community connections. Michaela Turner, alongside colleagues and students from UNSW, outlined the work of the Arts Design and Architecture Faculty called ADA Stories, Reimagining Inclusion on Campus, particularly the critical ‘My Name Is’ activation.
Caitlyn Pyle and Sophie Murray from the University of Wollongong explored collaborative efforts with local government to support student wellbeing, highlighting programs that help students gain essential life skills, such as swimming.
With vital connections made throughout the day and many constructive conversations, the Welcoming Universities Summit succeeded in strengthening university and interpersonal connections among attendees and generating new ideas for a more inclusive and supportive university environment. Through shared experiences and a collaborative spirit, participants left with a renewed commitment to foster diversity, equity, and belonging within the Australian higher education system.
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