The University of Canberra is developing a Social Cohesion Action Plan to strengthen belonging and safety across a community where experiences of identity and connection often differ and sometimes collide. Drawing on their diverse experiences and perspectives, the University Voice Panel will explore this central question:

How can the University of Canberra become a place where everyone feels they belong, can express who they are, and connect safely across difference?

Through deliberation on this question, panel members will identify actions that address real experiences and practical pathways toward greater connection across our diverse university community.

Join the Conversation 

The Social Cohesion Action Plan is being built from the ground up - starting with you.

We are currently at the broad consultation stage, gathering insights from across the entire UC community to inform the University Voice Panel's deliberations. Whether you have five minutes or want to commit to the full panel process, there's a way for you to contribute:

• Share your experience through our [Survey] – A short questionnaire exploring your experiences of belonging and connection at UC.

• Respond to the [Discussion Paper] – Engage with key themes and questions in depth through a written submission.

• Invite us to present at your meeting – We can come to your team, class, or group to facilitate a discussion and gather your collective insights. Email: Emanuela.Savini@canberra.edu.au

• Host a conversation with your network – Use this [Guide] to facilitate your own discussion with colleagues or peers, then share what emerged with us.

Your contribution will directly inform the Panel's deliberation. Every perspective strengthens our understanding of what social cohesion means across different parts of university life. 

Be part of the University Voice Panel and directly influence recommendations! 

Social cohesion isn't built in isolation - it requires all of us. We're actively seeking students, academic and professional staff, and people who work across campus to join the University Voice Panel. Whether you're a first-year student, a researcher, a facilities team member, or a student services coordinator, you have a role to play in shaping what social cohesion means and looks like at UC.

Panel members will meet several times between 18 March and 29 April to deliberate on the recommendations that will directly inform the Social Cohesion Action Plan. Student participants will receive a $200 voucher in recognition of their time and contribution. 

We need your voice at the table. Apply to join the panel. 

[Expression of Interest - Join the Panel]

Survey and panel registration close 4 March

What is the University Voice Panel?

The University Voice Panel brings together 35-40 students, academic and professional staff, and partner organisations to develop the actions that will inform the University's Social Cohesion Action Plan.

Panel members will meet several times between 18 March and 29 April to deliberate on the conditions that strengthen belonging and connection across our campus community.

Following a deliberative engagement process, the University Voice Panel will give the University community space to explore these issues with care and depth. It brings people together to share experiences, weigh up trade-offs and consider the conditions that support cohesion across all parts of university life.

The actions developed through the University Voice Panel will help inform a Social Cohesion Action Plan that reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations of the people who live, study and work at the University.

You can find out more about this deliberative process in the [University Voice Panel Guide].

Want More Information? 

Reach out to Dr. Emanuela Savini, Practice Lead, Centre for Deliberative Democracy at Emanuela.Savini@canberra.edu.au if you have any questions or would like to be kept updated about this project. 

Interested in Deliberative Engagement? 

Deliberative engagement is a participatory approach that brings people together to thoughtfully explore complex questions, learn from diverse perspectives, and collectively develop solutions. Rather than simply gathering individual opinions, it creates conditions for meaningful dialogue where participants can grapple with nuance, consider trade-offs, and build shared understanding across difference. 

You can find out more about this form of engagement in our [Guidebook] and explore our [Masterclasses] to deepen your understanding of deliberative practice. 

Acknowledgement 

We extend our deep gratitude to MosaicLab for supporting this project through their charitable giving. Their partnership has enabled us to design a deliberative process worthy of the complex questions at the heart of social cohesion.