The Widening Participation Unit works to meet the University’s commitment to the national widening participation agenda, with the goal of equitable access and participation in higher education learning. The WPU’s initiatives engage disadvantaged and underrepresented students with enriching educational opportunities that encourage them to realise their personal potential. The WPU’s mission is also to broaden the community of equitable practice, through advocacy, collaboration and partnerships. Broadening the community of practice, by sharing awareness of the challenges that underrepresented and disadvantaged students face, improves inclusivity in higher education and has long term benefits and impacts on society at large. The WPU’s initiatives are primarily funded by the Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP). HEPPP funding encourages the development and implementation of strategies that improve student access to undergraduate courses, and that promote retention and completion rates.
