Dean's Welcome

Professor Peter Radoll, Dean of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy (OATSILS) at the University of Canberra.

First, I’d like to acknowledge that the, University of Canberra, is located on the traditional lands of ‎the Ngunnawal Peoples. The University of Canberra is committed to move forward together for reconciliation amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australians.

As Dean of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy, I directly oversee Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research, the Ngunnawal Centre and student engagement at the University of Canberra.

The University of Canberra is deeply committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes across four main areas: academic, research and innovation, employment and community engagement.

On this website you can read about the five-year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Plan that drives and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at the University. We are indeed building on our strengths while firmly aligning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategic objectives with the University as a whole.

My goal is to further enrich the cultural diversity of our University by providing support that enhances the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in higher education, and align our policies, strategic and operational planning and our activities with the ultimate goal of making UC a welcoming and culturally safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff.

Our core strength is our talented and committed staff. Their dedicated work addresses the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and societal wellbeing. This work is more valuable than ever as the University of Canberra plays vital roles in addressing the big issues – student completion, employment, cultural competency and research capacity building.

We strive to provide the very best education and student experience. Our alumni have shaped our professions locally, nationally and globally. Their sustained, stellar achievements in practice, public service, research, academia and the media provide the best advertisement for the success of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.

All our students are supported to develop their leadership skills through academic and co-curricular activities. Campus life in Canberra provides unique opportunities for personal growth, networking and exploration of career directions. We support and guide our students as they learn and help them to meet the challenges of student life.

We look forward to connecting with you and invite you to explore the opportunities available at the University of Canberra for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, alumni and communities.

For more information, please contact our Office, or, if you are already an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student or planning to study at UC, the Ngunnawal Centre.