University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Launches Foundation FIAP
Congratulations to FIAP member University of Technology Sydney (UTS) on the launch of its first Foundation Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP).
To accompany the launch of its FIAP, UTS published an article describing the need for greater financial inclusion and wellbeing programs, noting that:
Students are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living. It’s becoming more expensive and increasingly difficult for students to participate in, and successfully complete tertiary education without experiencing financial hardship.
UTS’ commitment to a set of practical actions that address the increasing financial hardship faced by students is also a prompt response to the Final Report of the Universities Accord published in February 2024. The Accord iterates the need for universities to help students through the cost of living crises. Sarah Ellis, Manager, Success and Strategy (Student Equity), and FIAP Champion at UTS, said:
We don’t want students in a position where they are choosing to either study or be financially-well. In our work at the UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion, we are seeing that financial hardship is not only deterring prospective students from attending university, but it is also driving student attrition.
To help students, UTS’ FIAP focuses on the following actions:
- Early and proactive financial vulnerability identification and intervention strategies.
- Targeted promotion of existing services.
- Interventions to reduce the stigma associated with asking for help.
- Financial capability building and support for students and staff.
- Forming strategic partnerships across the university.
- The removal of UTS Library fines.
- Increasing the availability of, and support to use, digital technology at UTS.
We look forward to seeing the FIAP implemented over the next year and sharing knowledge learned with the FIAP network.
