Elly Mackay
2 June 2020: Indigenous graduates of the University of Canberra will be able to maintain stronger connections with the University community than ever before following the introduction of an Indigenous Alumni Chapter.
The chapter –officially launched today as part of Reconciliation Week – aims to provide Indigenous alumni and current staff with the opportunity to remain part of a close-knit community via events, mentoring programs, and other initiatives.
The University also hopes to provide professional development opportunities to alumni and give them the ability to nominate for honorary and adjunct positions.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Professor Peter Radoll says the new chapter is part of a University-wide plan to further support Indigenous students, staff, and alumni.
“The chapter aims to create a connection back to the University and engage our alumni in a different way,” Professor Radoll said.
“There will be opportunities for everyone involved to participate in mentoring as well as be able to come together and recognise our achievements as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni.”
Chapter members will be encouraged to create networks with current students and staff and share their time and expertise.
Members will also come together to assist in future planning for the University and to provide input into how Indigenous culture can continue to be weaved into the foundations of the campus.
“One thing I’d like the chapter to give some thought to is ways in which we can recognise the really early alumni,” Professor Radoll said.
“We’d like to create a space where we can bring the spirit of our alumni who have passed around us – whether that be a garden or teaching space.”
It’s not just physical spaces that will receive attention. Professor Radoll hopes Chapter members will be able to share their ideas about development, academia, and scholarships.
The Chapter was proposed over two years ago and work has been done in that time to craft exactly what it should look like and how it might operate. Once running, members will be able to continue to mould the chapter into a program that is beneficial for all involved.
“We’d like to bring those alumni on a bit of a journey with us while we discover just how powerful this group could be,” Professor Radoll said.
“We have a great number of Indigenous alumni here at the University and they’re making an impact around the world. Now they can make an impact here as well.”
There is a multitude of committee positions that Indigenous alumni can express interest in. Alternatively, there are positions available to become a general member, with applications closing on 19 June.
