While Australian universities have made progress in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, many students and staff continue to experience barriers to participation, inclusion and success. Research consistently demonstrates that belonging is linked to wellbeing, engagement, persistence, retention and achievement, yet many people report feeling disconnected from their university community. These experiences are not shared equally, with people from underrepresented backgrounds often facing additional barriers to connection, inclusion and belonging.

Welcoming Universities was established to help institutions move beyond compliance-driven approaches to inclusion and towards a whole-of-university culture that embeds belonging, cultural safety, inclusion and community connection into everyday practice. Our evidence-informed framework provides universities with practical tools to strengthen existing initiatives, build institutional capability, benchmark progress and demonstrate impact.

The Australian Universities Accord has reinforced the importance of creating a more equitable, inclusive and connected higher education system. Welcoming Universities has been advancing this work for many years, recognising that belonging is not simply a positive aspiration but a critical contributor to participation, success and wellbeing for students and staff alike.