This page provides an overview of an EDI learning and teaching (L&T) grant and an overview of key activities and resources developed as part of it, to support UOW staff in enhancing inclusive L&T practices and community.

Context of the Grant

Supporting equitable and inclusive learning is crucial in higher education, more importantly as student demographics evolve (Department of Education, 2024; EDUCAUSE, 2024). The Empowering Inclusive L&T Excellence: Collaborative Professional Development Initiatives for Scalable Impact Equity, Diversity and Inclusion project, funded by the VC’s EDI-Transformation Fund (EDI-T Fund), set out to build capability, foster community, and create shared resources to support inclusive learning and teaching across the institution.

The project was guided by a holistic approach to professional learning at UOW that focussed on three key streams:

1. Upskilling professional learning champions among academic and professional staff (with the goal of enhancing inclusive L&T practice and associated institution-wide professional learning activities).
2. Resource development: Leveraging institutional and external expertise to develop, connect and raise awareness and use of inclusive L&T resources across the university.
3. Community & Connection: Foster and strengthen inclusive L&T focused networks and partnerships that support collaboration and sharing of practice.

Although the scale and shape of the original project were impacted by ongoing transformation, the project team were able to still honour the intent of the plan and ensure the delivery of outcomes that furthered each of these streams. Two practical outcomes of the grant include the launch of UOW’s Cultivating Connection: Inclusive Learning & Teaching Event and a new Inclusive L&T in Practice: Insights & Strategies online resource for UOW Staff. More information about these are provided as follows.

Cultivating Connection: Inclusive Learning and Teaching Event

The Cultivating Connection event was a collaborative and connection-focused gathering designed to reflect, share, and celebrate inclusive learning and teaching practice and community at UOW. The event took place on 30th September 2025 and featured panel discussions and showcases from a range of leaders and champions in inclusive learning and teaching. It also provided opportunity for small group conversations facilitated by yarning about what’s working, what’s needed, and how we can continue to keep the flame of inclusive practice alight — now and as we look to the horizon together.

Inclusive L&T in Practice: Strategies and Insights for UOW Staff

The Inclusive L&T in Practice: Strategies and Insights Collection is an online resource developed for UOW staff. Bringing together practical insights and strategies from UOW staff experiences, it connects to useful resources that can help strengthen inclusive L&T practices.

References