There are many challenges to engaging academics and students in the teaching and learning experience within a changing university environment. A key challenge is the diversity of students entering university in terms of age, experience, ethnicity, number of years since leaving school, economic support, choice of mode of study, and geographical remoteness. Universities have addressed this diversity in a number of ways, including online technology, flexibility of learning modes and personal support strategies. Research has shown that engagement of students in the learning experience is important in achieving successful outcomes. Deakin University has recently investigated the factors that affect engagement, from both student and academic perspectives. This paper reports on the preliminary findings of these studies. Issues discussed include the: importance of the first year experience; the barriers for remote students; the role of peer mentoring; the importance of clear objectives and meaningful feedback to students; and developing a culture of reflective practice. It is hoped that the sharing of these findings will lead to understandings of best practice in teaching and learning in the university context.