ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has both widened and exacerbated student equity issues in Australian higher education, just as it has increased economic and social disadvantage in the general population. This article identifies the immediate impacts of the pandemic on existing equity structures, mapping potential areas for research analysis and policy responses. Given the pervasive nature of COVID-19, it is proposed that a whole-of-system approach be used, and in addition to focusing on existing student equity categorisations, a holistic approach to understanding disadvantage over the university student life cycle is undertaken to ensure the response to this health crisis is both targeted and timely. The article identifies emerging repercussions of the pandemic that will drive long-term structural changes in Australian higher education, as well as the community and labour market. Based on these observations, the key challenges facing the student equity sector are identified and possible responses provided.

摘要

COVID-19 大流行扩大并加剧了澳大利亚高等教育中的学生公平问题，正如它增加了普通人群的经济和社会劣势一样。本文确定了大流行对现有股权结构的直接影响，绘制了研究分析和政策响应的潜在领域。鉴于 COVID-19 的普遍性，建议使用全系统方法，除了关注现有的学生公平分类外，还采取整体方法来了解大学生生命周期中的劣势，以确保对这场健康危机的反应既是有针对性的，也是及时的。这篇文章确定了大流行的新影响，这些影响将推动澳大利亚高等教育的长期结构变化，以及社区和劳动力市场。根据这些观察，确定了学生公平部门面临的主要挑战，并提供了可能的应对措施。