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Pastoral care: A role for universities
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Pastoral care: A role for universities

Janette Foster and A Bloemhard
Australasian Journal of Business and Social Inquiry, Vol.1(2)
2003
url
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/37232/20030917-0000/www.scu.edu.au/schools/sawd/ajbsi/papers/vol1/foster.htmlView
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Abstract

Business and Management Higher Education pastoral care caring communities retention rates academic staff universities
A pilot study set out to explore how pastoral care was experienced by staff and students at Southern Cross University on the mid north coast of New South Wales in Australia. The notion of pastoral care itself was found to be a debated concept within the University community. Through focus groups and questionnaires, involving staff across various disciplines and administrative structures, and students across various academic programs, questions surrounding the provision of pastoral care were explored. A working definition of pastoral care within the University at this particular point in its development is proposed. Participants believed that pastoral care is a vital component of the University student experience, shaping student attitudes, willingness and even ability to continue with their studies. At Southern Cross University, both administrative and academic staff see themselves as providing pastoral care to students. Students and staff alike agreed that pastoral care was important, but how such care is provided was the subject of considerable discussion within the focus groups. The influence of factors on care provision such as gender, position within the University and pastoral care training were explored. How this role could be formalised and recognised as part of staff duties was also canvassed.

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