IDEA Chair's Report

Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue68 1–30 November 2025

As we wrap up the year, I’d like to reflect and thank you for the progress we have made together in the IDEA space. Achieving the Gold Pleiades Award was a major milestone, made possible by the contribution of everyone at RSAA, and by all who have been part of the IDEA Committee over the years. I’m also pleased to share that our RSAA IDEA Committee has just been awarded the ANU Clare Burton Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. More than the recognition itself, the real satisfaction comes from knowing that our ongoing efforts are contributing to meaningful, positive change in the everyday experience of staff and students at RSAA.

Looking ahead, early in the new year we will introduce exit interviews for staff and students finishing their time at RSAA. These will include a brief online questionnaire, with the option to opt in for a confidential in-person conversation. This will help us to monitor RSAA culture, identify structural issues, and improve the experience of future students and staff.

We also recently held our IDEA strategic discussion, which surfaced an important theme: awareness of resources and support pathways can be uneven. As a reminder, you are always welcome to talk with me, any member of the IDEA Committee, or our Local Contacts. Information about resolution processes, disclosure and reporting options, and other support is always available on the RSAA IDEA webpage.

And for those who have read this far… you’re welcome to drop by my office for one free chocolate if you’re in the picture, and two if you’re not. Let’s see how many newsletter readers we have.

Wishing everyone a restful break and a great start to the new year.

Luca Casagrande

Images: some of the faces of RSAA