UC’s accessible, inclusive education celebrated in THE panel

‘Collaborating for greatness in a multidisciplinary world’ was the theme of Times Higher Education (THE)’s annual World Academic Summit, which this year took place in Sydney from 26-28 September. The Summit explored how regional, national and global collaboration can strengthen the role of universities as key drivers of change within society.

As part of the Summit, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Tumu Whakarae | Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey joined a panel of global leaders and peers to discuss Closing the equity gap: improving Indigenous access to higher education.

Discussing the power higher education holds in addressing the multiple barriers that Indigenous people face and the integral role it plays in self-determination, the panel explored examples of how universities across the globe are working to increase Indigenous access to and visibility in higher education.

This is a subject of particular importance for UC. Since its establishment 150 years ago, the University has been committed to accessible education for all.

UC was the first institution in the commonwealth to grant entry to a woman, Helen Connon, who in 1881 become the first woman Honours graduate in the British Empire. Twelve years later, Sir Apirana Ngata (Ngāti Porou) became the first Māori scholar in Aotearoa to complete a university degree, graduating UC with a BA in political science in 1893.

In keeping with the belief that close Māori partnership will advance the University’s priorities, UC announced the introduction of an Office of Treaty Partnerships in 2021, the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professor Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu), Director of Kā Waimaero | Ngāi Tahu Research Centre and Ūpoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, was subsequently appointed Pou Whakarae of the University’s newly formed office, working closely with Professor De la Rey to ensure inclusion of te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the University.

Although distinct in their individual roles, Professors Tau and De la Rey share the same standing as ‘whakarae’, acknowledging the balance in their formal working relationship.

“It’s early days,” Professor De la Rey shares in an upcoming article for The Chronicle of Higher Education, “but the seeds the University is planting today will become trees in the future.

“Supporting the academic success of indigenous students and nurturing indigenous academics is key to addressing past injustices and will contribute to the success of entire communities.”

This was demonstrated when the Professors recently travelled to Canada to sign two MOUs, with the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and Thompson Rivers University respectively, as a commitment to further collaboration and exploration of opportunities to deliver unique Indigenous-led programming.

International Outlook was highlighted as a strength for UC in the 2024 THE World University Rankings announced at the close of this year’s Summit, and placed UC in the top 3% of universities worldwide.