• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Application and Scope 
• Section 3 - General Principles
• Section 4 - Key Dates
• Section 5 - Selection Criteria
• Section 6 - Application Process
• Section 7 - Assessment Committee
• Section 8 - Roles and Responsibilities

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) The purpose of this Procedure is to outline the process and requirements involved in applying for the University of Wollongong’s (the University) Equity Fellowships for academic staff who are completing a PHD.

Section 2 - Application and Scope 

(2) This Procedure applies to:

1. academic fixed term and continuing staff.

(3) This Procedure does not apply to:

1. professional staff;
2. casual staff;
3. honorary and visiting academics;
4. staff employed by other entities controlled by the University; and
5. staff employed at campuses of the University outside Australia.

Section 3 - General Principles

(4) The University recognises the difficulties that staff undertaking higher degrees experience balancing work, study, and other aspects of life.

(5) Equity Fellowships recognise that individuals from various backgrounds face unique challenges affecting their educational journey.

(6) Through the establishment of these fellowships, the University aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities within its academic community.

(7) Equity Fellowships aim to:

1. assist academic staff with the completion of their PhD program, where completion is potentially delayed or at-risk because of equity issues;
2. assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic staff seeking to complete a Masters program;
3. contribute to the existing research and practice knowledge base and build on previous research undertaken or funded by the University; and
4. address the current under representation of equity and diversity groups particularly at senior levels.

(8) Annually, Equity Fellowships of up to $12,000 are awarded to successful applicants to be used for costs associated with the completion of a higher degree program.

(9) Funds from the Equity Fellowships may be used to cover one or more of the following expenses:

1. release from teaching and other duties;
2. research assistance; or
3. childcare.

(10) Funding for all Equity Fellowships will normally be for a six-month period.

(11) Preference will be given to those who will be able to bring their dissertation to submission for examination within 6 months of the end of the Equity Fellowship.

(12) The University will maintain the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by staff in applying for Equity Fellowships. It is expected that the information contained in any application be treated with respect and not discussed with anyone outside of the selection process unless the staff member has given consent to do so.

Section 4 - Key Dates

(13) Applications will be called for annually in September.

(14) Applications will close at the end of September each year.

(15) Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than November of the same year.

Section 5 - Selection Criteria

(16) Applicants must:

1. be an academic staff member of the University;
2. be employed for a minimum of one year on a continuing basis or on a fixed term contract with at least one-year further duration; and
3. demonstrate that their career has been substantially affected by one or more equity issues.

(17) Equity fellowships are available for staff in equity groups: 

1. who identify as a woman;
2. who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders;
3. with carer responsibilities (all genders);
4. with a disability;
5. who are sexuality, sex or gender diverse (LGBTIQ+);
6. from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse background;
7. who hold refugee or asylum seeker status;
8. who entered academia after a career in the relevant industry; or 
9. from a low-socio economic background.

(18) If employed in a part time capacity pro rata funding will apply.

(19) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff who have previously received funding to complete a Masters program under this Equity Fellowship are eligible to apply for further funding to complete their PhD.

(20) Staff members who have been full-time PhD candidates supported by a scholarship for a significant part of their candidature will not normally be considered.

Section 6 - Application Process

(21) Applications should be made on the Equity Fellowship Application Form which consists of the following two parts:

1. a statement (1-2 pages) by the applicant about their study program, including:
   1. stage of work, that is, sections of research and writing completed and what is in draft or final form including publications/research outcomes related to the PhD/Masters;
   2. the work that remains to be done; and
   3. how the funding will be used with a timetable (including a final submission date); and
2. a statement (1 page) about equity issues impacting on their career including employment history and career breaks.

(22) The Assessment Committee will also receive a statement:

1. by the principal Supervisor including viability of the proposed timetable;
2. from the Executive Dean or equivalent; and
3. from the Head of School (or equivalent), including support for the identified use of the fellowship funding.

Section 7 - Assessment Committee

(23) Applications will be considered by an Assessment Committee comprising the:

1. Chief People and Culture Officer(or nominee);
2. Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures) (or Nominee); and
3. an Executive Dean nominated by the Vice-Chancellor and President.

(24) The Aboriginal Employment Strategy Advisor may also be invited to attend the Assesment Committee.

(25) Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

1. significance of the funding to the applicant’s career progression;
2. nature and impact of the challenge/disadvantage;
3. evidence that the objectives outlined will be achieved; and
4. whether the PhD/Masters supports an area where the University has a current or future need for academic staff.

Section 8 - Roles and Responsibilities

(26) The Equity Fellowship program is funded by the Vice-Chancellor and President.

(27) Talent and Organisational Development (TOD) collate and administer the applications for the Assessment Committee to review.

(28) The recipient must provide a short report detailing progress (1-2 pages) within four weeks of the end of the fellowship period to the Talent and Organisational Development Officer via pods@uow.edu.au .

(29) The Senior Manager, Organisational Development and Learning will provide an annual report to the Assessment Committee on the progress achieved and the completion of studies by the Equity Fellowship recipients.