Sarah O' Shea

Charles Sturt University, DVC Research Portfolio, Faculty Member

University of Wollongong, Faculty of Social Sciences, Honorary Professorial Fellow

Curtin University, National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education, Faculty Member

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Senior academic leader with over 30 years tertiary experience that includes leading a National Centre for Higher Education Research and Policy as well as an Academy of Tertiary Teaching and Learning Excellence. Strategic visionary who builds high performance teams whilst also managing multiple and complex stakeholder relationships (government, university and community) with exceptional influencing skills. Leading impact that includes developing pioneering educational programmes, securing national and international competitive funding ($3.8m) and forging collaborations across disciplines and sectors. An astute administrative and business planner who manages stakeholder funding ($10m+) across a range of complex portfolios. Award winning author and educator with an international reputation recognised by invitations to present keynotes, symposia, and workshops globally as well as providing contributions across media including print, television and radio. Prolific publication record with over 90 works in the last decade spanning books, book chapters, scholarly journal articles, media articles and commissioned reports.

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University of Wollongong Research Online

From ‘Harry Potter ’ to ‘Bachelor Boy ’ and beyond: Bridging the gap between expectations and rea... more

University of Wollongong Research Online

Uni-Start: a peer-led orientation activity designed for the early and timely engagement of commen... more

Opportunity through online learning: experiences of first-in-family students in online open-entry higher education

Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 2016

Online learning has an important place in widening access and participation in higher education f... more Online learning has an important place in widening access and participation in higher education for diverse student cohorts. One cohort taking up online study in increasing numbers is that of mature-age, first-in-family students. First-in-family is defined as those who are the first in their immediate family, including parents, siblings, partners and children, to undertake university studies. This paper looks at the experience of 87 first-in-family students, for whom the opportunity to study open-entry, online undergraduate units through Open Universities Australia made it possible for them to embark on a university education. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews and surveys were conducted with these students as part of a wider study into first-in-family students (O'Shea, May and Stone, 2015). Findings include the important role that opportunity plays in providing the impetus for study, as well as the importance of support and encouragement from family, friends, ...

Sarah O' Shea

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