How are Regional University Study Hubs bridging the gap in higher education?
Danielle Keenan’s research project, titled "Roadmap to Success: Decoding the Regional University Study Hubs," aims to establish a comprehensive evidence base and best practice platform for RUSHs and the emerging Suburban University Study Hubs.
The RUSH program, which has supported over 3,300 students and offered more than 1,000 courses, is pivotal in driving parity of participation for equity students in higher education.
Her work aligns with the Universities Accord Interim Report's commitment to expanding RUSHs and establishing new locations to promote equitable access to higher education.
Addressing barriers in higher education
In her role, Danielle has highlighted the unique challenges faced by students from Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) areas.
"Students from Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) areas face a layered complexity of barriers that not only limit their access to higher education but also affect their ability to succeed within it."
— Danielle Keenan
This perspective underscores the importance of tailored support systems to ensure these students can thrive academically.
Her personal journey and professional experiences within the RUSH program have deeply influenced Danielle's work. This commitment to equity is reflected in her efforts to bridge gaps in higher education policy and practice, ensuring that community-driven perspectives are integrated into policy reforms.
"Student equity in higher education is about ensuring that all students have the opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their geographic, socio-economic, or cultural backgrounds."
— Danielle Keenan
The impact of Regional University Study Hubs
Regional University Study Hubs, formerly known as Regional University Centres, have been a game-changer in widening participation for equity students in regional areas. According to various studies (O’Kane, 2023; ABS, 2021; UNSW, 2023), these hubs support student access, participation, retention, and success in higher education. As of November 2022, the RUC program catered to approximately 3,300 students, with 74% engaged in university-level degrees and 26% pursuing vocational education and training (VET) and other courses. Notably, 11% of these students identified as First Nations people, significantly higher than the national average of 2.11% (Department of Education, 2022).
Despite their success, there has been limited research exploring the reasons behind the effectiveness of Regional University Study Hubs. Danielle’s Equity Fellowship aims to fill this gap by providing outputs that will serve as a platform for communities, universities, and the Department of Education to understand better the critical components underpinning RUSH's success.
The fellowship's research approach
Danielle's research will analyse five typologies of Regional University Centres, examining nine of the thirty-two existing RUCs. The study will also consider the variability in funding cohorts to provide insights beneficial for future planning. Guided by an equity-based conceptual framework and a social constructivist epistemology, the research will include quantitative and qualitative data analyses to offer a comprehensive understanding of participation rates and student outcomes.
Key outputs and future directions
The outputs of Danielle’s Fellowship will include an Interim Report and two final outputs: a Practitioner Guide and a Final Report. The Interim Report will generate policy recommendations for the Department of Education and the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE), coinciding with establishing 20 new RUCs and 14 Suburban University Study Hubs.
The Practitioner Guide will explore the different typological models, partnership approaches, service delivery, and local attributes of RUCs. This guide will become a valuable resource for equity practitioners and RUC practitioners as the program expands. The Final Report will delve into the journey maps for each RUC typology, examining the factors contributing to their success and how they can be translated into future higher education policies.
Danielle’s pioneering work through her Equity Fellowship is set to significantly impact higher education in Australia.
By providing a deeper understanding of the Regional University Study Hubs and their success factors, her research will help shape future policies and practices, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in higher education.
— Amy Persson (Pro Vice-Chancellor Social Justice and Inclusion)
Danielle Keenan, an accomplished leader in the field of student services and equity in higher education, is spearheading innovative solutions to enhance participation from underrepresented groups.
Currently serving as the Student Equity Research Specialist at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Danielle is at the forefront of a transformative movement within Australian higher education through her Equity Fellowship focused on the Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) program.
