CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement recently hosted a workshop specifically to talk about the Tertiary Entry Program (TEP).

Created in 2000, TEP aims to prepare students for successful participation in a university undergraduate or postgraduate degree program. It introduces students to university culture, computing skills, academic essays, reports and seminars.

Prof Bronwyn Fredericks (centre in blue) with other participants in the TEP Workshop

The workshop brought stakeholders together to address the TEP Program Review Report and the report from the review of Bridging Programs and Academic Students Support. The outcomes of these reviews document areas that need improvement and recommendations for the future.

A range of stakeholders were invited including past students of both TEP and the STEPS preparatory program, past and present TEP staff, STEPS staff, TAFE representatives and community members.

Dr Pamela CroftWarcon, Donna Smith and Natash Lamb at the workshop

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement said it was important to bring together stakeholders including community members "to assist us asking some hard questions about TEP and to chart a more responsive and improved program for the future".

Natasha Lamb from the Office of Indigenous Engagement is leading this work with Professor Fredericks. Ms Lamb is a CQUniversity graduate and former staff member. She has returned to work on the TEP program and is committed to improving education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"I never cease to be inspired by other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have completed studies," Ms Lamb says.  

"I was inspired to hear from Kevin McNulty, who once completing an enabling program, has gone on to complete an undergraduate degree and honours and masters degrees. He is now contemplating a PhD!"

Professor Fredericks said the workshop included input from Yasmin Smith and Sandra Creamer.

Yasmin Smith, Sandra Creamer, Kevin McNulty and Leonie Barnett at the workshop

"Yasmin and Sandra have both completed their studies recently and have very different experiences of university study. Their experiences and those of others assist us in understanding what we need to consider in future planning."

The workshop resolved that TEP should still exist but be revitalised and re-formatted before being presented back to Academic Board in the coming months for an accreditation determination.  The members of the workshop were excited about the possibilities that TEP can bring in the future.