About Wilto Yerlo

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: Wilto Yerlo is located under the Division of the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Academic).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: Wilto Yerlo is responsible for recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to the University's foundation and degree programs, administering the Special Entry Access Scheme and providing support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff in the University, overseeing the Indigenous Employment Strategy and the delivery of the University Foundation Studies Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The University is in the heart of traditional Kaurna country. In the language of the Kaurna people, Wilto Yerlo means "Sea Eagle". Wilto Yerlo is the totem of Gladys Elphick.

History of Aboriginal Education at the University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide was established in 1874 and is the oldest University in South Australia. The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) began in 1972 and was the first Aboriginal program at the University. An Aboriginal Access Scheme was launched in 1987 with the appointment of an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to support the Aboriginal & torres Strait Islander students studying in CASM and in degree programs. The aim was to also recruit more Aboriginal students to undertake tertiary study. With the development of Aboriginal programs in the late 1980s and the growth in Aboriginal student numbers it became important to establish a dedicated Centre for Aboriginal Education and so Wilto Yerlo came into being in 1996.