University of South Australia
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a public research university in the Australian state of South Australia. It is a founding member of the Australian Technology Network of universities, and is the largest university in South Australia with approximately 37,000 students.
"UniSA" redirects here. For the university in South Africa, see University of South Africa.
The university was founded in its current form in 1991 with the merger of the South Australian Institute of Technology (SAIT, established in 1889 as the South Australian School of Mines and Industries) and the South Australian College of Advanced Education (SACAE, established 1856).[15] The legislation to establish and name the new University of South Australia was introduced by the Hon Mike Rann MP, then Minister of Employment and Further Education.[16] Under the University's Act, its original mission was "to preserve, extend and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, scholarship and consultancy, and to provide educational programs that will enhance the diverse cultural life of the wider community".[17]
UniSA is among the world's top newer universities, ranked in the World's Top 50 Under 50 (universities which are under 50 years old) by both the Quacarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking (#29) and Times Higher Education (THE) (#46). It has two Adelaide city centre campuses, two Adelaide metropolitan campuses, and two South Australian regional campuses.
Indigenous education and employment[edit]
Early courses and programs[edit]
In 1968, Aboriginal Studies was first taught at the Teacher Education Centre at the Western Teachers' College), which became a model for other states. In 1973, the Aboriginal Task Force provided social work and community development training for Aboriginal students from all over Australia. This was the first tertiary program for Indigenous students in the nation.[62]
In 1984, the Anangu Tertiary Education Program (AnTEP) was established at Ernabella in the APY lands, providing formal teaching qualifications for Anangu, and in 1988 the School of Aboriginal and Islander Administration was established at SAIT.[62]
In 1991 the Aboriginal Language School was established.[62]
Unaipon School[edit]
In 1996, the Unaipon School, named after Ngarrindjeri inventor, author, and advocate for Aboriginal education David Unaipon (1872–1967) was established. In 2005 the school was consolidated with the Indigenous Support Unit and Nunga Research, and renamed David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education And Research (DUCIER), and at the same time the Aboriginal Content in Undergraduate Programs (ACUP), adopting a two-way learning method.[62]
Following the recommendations of a 2012 government-commissioned review, DUCIER closed in 2015. Earlier models of separate education were deemed no longer suitable, so a different structure for catering for Indigenous students was adopted.[63][64] The review was carried out by a team which included Marcia Langton. Programs previously conducted at DUCIER were moved into the university's other campuses across South Australia, and it a position of Indigenous pro vice chancellor was in the planning stages.[65]
In 2016 the inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor for Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy and Unaipon Chair was appointed, and the Aboriginal Pathways Program was launched to help provide a culturally safe environment for students.[62]
Scholarships[edit]
In 1992, Aboriginal Advancement League Grants were established, later renamed Yangadlitya Aboriginal Postgraduate Scholarships.[62]
In 1996, the Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship (GWIS), named for former footballer Gavin Wanganeen, was established,[66] with the goal of supporting disadvantaged Aboriginal students undertaking a degree, in particular those with the aim of giving back to their communities.[62]
In 2016 a partnership with the GO Foundation saw the launch of the Goodes O'Loughlin UniSA GO Scholarship. Aboriginal students enrolled in a health or fitness-related undergraduate degree program are eligible.[62]
Other[edit]
In 2002 UniSA introduced their Indigenous Employment Strategy, one of the first in Australia. In 2010, a scheme for Aboriginal graduates began to help employ UniSA graduates at the university, and in 2012, the first Dean, Indigenous Scholarship, Engagement and Research was appointed.[62]
The Aboriginal Research Strategy 2019-2025 helps to grow Aboriginal research. In 2020, seven elders with honorary degrees from UniSA, chosen for their "community connections and leadership, and cultural knowledge", were appointed to the Purkarninthi in Residence program.[62]
In 2021 the Law Building was renamed the Lewis O'Brien/Yarlupurka Building, in honour of Kaurna thinker and leader Lewis O'Brien. The building houses the Aboriginal Knowledges Centre.[62]
The UniSA Nelson Mandela Lecture series is an annual event presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre. Established in 2008 to honour the South African President Nelson Mandela, who served as the Hawke Centre's first international patron from 2001 to 2013, the address has been given almost every year since its establishment. Past speakers include:[74]
Honorary awards[edit]
Doctor of the University[edit]
The university awards the Honorary Doctorate to recognise an individual who has achieved eminence in an area of education or research, or is distinguished by eminent service to the community.[82]
The honorary doctorate is not a recognised qualification and as such the title 'Doctor' is not used by recipients, but the Post-nominal letters "DUniv" is granted.
Recipients