Research

Open Access College Research
The Director and staff of Open Access College consider active research to be essential to the academic life of the College and the professional development of its staff. Open Access College staff contribute to the research profile and cultural and academic life of the university through research into equity, access and English language learning. Reflecting the significance attached to research, the College directs time, resources and leadership to this aspect of our corporate existence.

Mission statement
Open Access College aims to maintain the highest possible levels of academic research and scholarship. It further seeks the professional and scholarly recognition of the broader academic community and aims to promote the College through research outcomes. Through encouraging research into the fields of access and equity, the College’s researchers aim to promote social justice and diversity as significant aspects of academic life.

Leadership and Administration
Research in Open Access College is the responsibility of Dr Tas Bedford, Coordinator of Domestic Preparatory Programs and Chair of the Research Committee. Administration of research matters is the responsibility of Ms Chris Bartlett, executive assistant.

According to the OAC Research Procedures Document, the Research Committee:

is a key advisory committee to the Director on all matters relating to research involving the OAC, including needs for OAC research and applications by OAC staff for OAC-funded activities.

Its chief functions are:

to promote equity of opportunity to access OAC funding to carry out research approved by the Director;
to make recommendations to the Director on the following two (2) matters relating to individual applications by staff for funding support for a research project:
the general academic merit of the proposed activity
claims made by the applicant regarding benefits of the applicant’s participation in the activity for the applicant, OAC, and the University;
to promote research activity within OAC which:
contributes to achievement of the strategic directions of OAC;
provides opportunity for staff to become involved in research activities