Indigenous Direct Admissions Program 2023

The 6th to the 10th of November 2023 saw NIKERI host our second in person Indigenous Direct Admission Program (IDAP) held since 2019. The programs main aim is to provide support for potential NIKERI Institute students when completing their alternative entry task and interviews for entry into their chosen course offered at NIKERI. 

During the week participants were able to meet the Deakin and NIKERI academic supports that are available if successful in attaining a place at NIKERI. The academic supports included the Disability Resource Centre, the Library, Diversity and Inclusion, Language and Learning Advisors, Math mentors (and LANTITE), Cultural mentors, Indigenous Tutorial Network and the Academic Support Officer. The meet and greet session for Deakin and NIKERI academic support enabled the participants to feel supported if successful for studies.

Another one of the activities was a tour of the Waurn ponds library. At the end of the tour IDAP participants participated in an activity called “Deakin love letters”. The activity allowed IDAP participants to write or draw words of affirmation on post notes placed randomly throughout the library. A note was found and posted to the Deakin love letters Facebook page. 

Other activities throughout the week included rotating art sessions alongside dedicated entry task writing time and interviews. A full day of Academic workshops to assist the participants with referencing, writing academically, quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing as well as breaking down the entry task question. Culturally and emotionally, there was an Immersive on country excursion around Geelong and a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Support session ran either side of the in-depth course discussions. Another session called Speed Yarning also consisted of participants getting to know, help decide and gather information for communities back home.