Access and retention programs for tertiary students: new directions

This paper reports on the development of a new program initiative aimed at providing opportunities for 'access with success' to higher education for both persons from groups that are under-represented in higher education and commencing students who require specific skill building. A background to the current situation is provided, along with government policy directions regarding the resourcing of these programs. A new program being developed by the University of Southern Queensland, the Advanced Certificate in University Studies, is used as a case study to illustrate the means by which an enabling program aims to overcome the social exclusion of under-represented Australians and address the attrition concerns of first year undergraduate programs