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Podcast Episode

How student-staff partnership programs are transforming universities

Stories of Wonder··27 January 2026·48 min

About this episode

In this episode, Cassandra Iannucci and Alex Green explore how student support programs are paving the way for more inclusive and equitable university systems.  Read more about Cassandra and Alex's work here: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career/how-student-support-programs-can-transform-universities/ Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – What is Students as Partners? 01:33 – Cassandra’s Journey 02:57 – Alex’s Story 04:18 – Authentic Partnership in Action 07:01 – Matching Students and Staff 09:32 – Impact Moments 11:00 – Shifting Attitudes in Higher Education 11:34 – How Projects Begin 13:07 – Voices from the Classroom Podcast 14:46 – Students Mentoring Staff 17:15 – Why Equity Matters 18:25 – Avoiding Tokenism 21:06 – Removing Barriers for Students 24:01 – Lived Experience as a Catalyst 25:43 – Career Impact 26:14 – Tangible Changes Across Deakin 33:36 – Normalising Partnership 35:59 – Why Belonging Matters 39:02 – Skills and Confidence 42:00 –Proud Moments 45:36 – What Staff Should Know About Students 47:00 – Closing Reflections Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.