First U@Uni Academy cohort graduates

The first cohort of students to enter the UTS U@Uni Academy graduates this year, with 96 per cent of the program’s participants offered a place at UTS.

This outstanding result comes after two years of hard work and dedication from the students, in the face of disruption and uncertainty.

The U@Uni Academy is an alternate, non-ATAR entry pathway to study at UTS, for high school students at our partner schools in South West Sydney. We work with schools to identify students who are not on a traditional trajectory to study at university but who, with support, would thrive in higher education.

Beginning at the end of Year 10, the two-year program introduces students to the uni experience through on-campus experiences and in-school mentoring and tutoring. These experiences provide industry connections, and help students develop their 21st century skills in communication, critical thinking, and innovation. Students who successfully complete the program are offered a place at UTS, regardless of ATAR marks.

Sonal Singh, Executive Manager Student Equity at UTS, said that this first group of students has more than proven themselves, and are ready to tackle the challenges of university and beyond.

‘These students have remained engaged and committed to the program since 2019, despite facing disruptions and challenges due to bushfires, floods and COVID-19,’ Ms Singh said.

Many of the students lived in COVID-19 hotspot areas, and faced stricter lockdowns than the rest of Greater Sydney, on top of challenges like home schooling and having to share study space with other family members.

COVID-19 has exposed and magnified existing structural inequalities in our society. Despite these challenges we have 96 per cent of students submitting their application to UTS. It is a huge win for all involved.

Non-ATAR pathways

The U@Uni Academy is a unique model that provides a non-ATAR pathway for students to get into university.

It develops students’ capabilities across five categories which are closely linked to 21st century employment outcomes, including Communication and Collaboration; Attitudes and Values; Practical and Organisational Skills; Research and Critical Thinking; and Innovation and Creativity.

‘Building momentum for non-ATAR pathways into university has become a focus of our student equity work at the Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion,’ Ms Singh said.

Building the evidence

The U@Uni Academy is linked to a research project that will gather and build evidence on the impact of the program. It will monitor and track students’ progress at UTS and examine the effectiveness of this unique pathway on student retention and achievements at university.

‘Outcomes from this research will have implications across the sector regarding non-ATAR pathways focussed on general capabilities,’ Ms Singh said.

We hope that this will inspire other universities to develop their own similar programs.

‘UTS has released the full framework that underpins our U@Uni Academy program, with details of the capabilities and the assessment criteria we have developed. We hope that this framework can inspire other institutions to adopt and value equitable and future-focussed assessment.’

Graduating students

‘I knew from the first time I stepped onto the UTS campus that this opportunity was going to be huge for Liverpool Boys High School,’ said Belinda Stanton, Head Teacher, who supported her students to participate in the program.

‘Never in my dreams could I have imagined that these boys would be so enthused and inspired to learn about different disciplines at university. The U@Uni Academy has really given the boys a great introduction to university life and what they will need to succeed. The mentoring and connections the boys have made at UTS has made them feel very comfortable and they are ready. They are so excited and grateful for what their future holds.’

This sentiment is also echoed by Alishba Salah, a student at Plumpton High School.

‘This opportunity is a prestigious and honourable step forward in my academic journey, and will broaden my horizons in terms of my future.

‘It has given me several avenues to consider in terms of career application methods, while also standing as an experience for being open minded and growing through collaboration with commendable mentors,’ he said.

Congratulations to the 2021 U@Uni Academy graduating cohort!