{"id":224783,"date":"2024-09-17T09:12:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T13:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=224783"},"modified":"2024-09-17T10:57:22","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T14:57:22","slug":"what-it-means-to-be-a-hispanic-serving-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2024\/09\/17\/what-it-means-to-be-a-hispanic-serving-university\/","title":{"rendered":"What It Means to Be a Hispanic-Serving University"},"content":{"rendered":"

Montclair State University enrolls more Hispanic undergraduates than any other higher education institution in New Jersey, with 45% of this year\u2019s freshman class identifying as Hispanic. Nationally recognized as a leader in social mobility and committed to public service, Montclair ranks among the top institutions addressing the evolving needs of today\u2019s diverse student population.<\/span><\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of Education designates Montclair as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)<\/a>, reflecting the University\u2019s dedication to providing underserved populations with affordable higher education access.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Our Carnegie R2 status<\/a> as a comprehensive public research university, combined with our HSI designation, national ranking in social mobility and focus on public service, positions Montclair to play a critical role both regionally and nationally,” says Katia Paz Goldfarb, Associate Provost for Hispanic Initiatives and International Programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Montclair, along with Bloomfield College of Montclair State University<\/a> (also an HSI with 31% of students identifying as Hispanic), has consistently earned top honors for advancing the social mobility of its diverse student body. The shared experiences of these students in overcoming barriers to higher education and accessing a support network are a testament to the University\u2019s commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

“While we\u2019ve made significant strides in improving access to higher education, it\u2019s equally important that educational outcomes and graduation rates reflect success,” says Jane Sanchez Swain, Director of Degree Completion Programs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Success means not only degree completion but also strong career outcomes, which are essential for promoting social mobility for students and their families.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Montclair is ranked first in New Jersey and among the top 10 schools nationally for social mobility<\/a>, according to U.S. News & World Report<\/em>. This ranking highlights the University\u2019s success in enrolling and graduating low-income students. Montclair also ranks No. 11 nationally for graduation rate performance, reflecting how well its students exceed the expected graduation rate compared to those at similar institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

“There is still much work to be done,” adds Sanchez Swain. “We need to listen, gather data on effective practices, identify gaps and continue advocating for the success of Latine students.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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More than 100 students participated in the processional march and flag-raising event. Featured speakers included Pamela Garcia, left, president of the Latin American Student Association, and Marco Cordova, coordinator for Hispanic Serving Initiatives. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Students Are Saying<\/strong><\/h2>\n

“One of the pillars of Hispanic culture is family … I can confidently say that the Office of Hispanic Initiatives along with the student-run organizations on campus (Dominican Student Organization<\/a>, Latin American Student Organization<\/a>, Mexican American Student Association<\/a> and Puerto Rican Student Organization<\/a>) have provided a home away from home,” says Darielly Suriel-Genao, a senior History major and Dominican Student Organization president.<\/span><\/p>\n

“To attend an HSI school is to feel comfortable with my parents’ background, the language I grew up with and the culture I was raised in,” adds Jennifer Sanchez, a senior whose family is from Guayaquil, Ecuador. “Having a club on campus where you can share that bond with other students who speak Spanish and come from different cultures is invaluable.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Sanchez, at a recent Latin American Student Association event, shared her experiences as a Journalism and Digital Media major who interviewed aid workers and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona last spring. Her reporting was featured on NBCU Academy\u2019s<\/a> national platform and the Montclair News Lab<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Commitment to Serving Hispanic and Latine Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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High school students arrive on Montclair\u2019s campus for the four-day Hispanic Student College Institute. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hispanic-Serving Institution is a federal designation identifying nearly 600 colleges and universities where at least 25% of the undergraduate population is Hispanic. Since receiving the designation eight years ago, Montclair has seen its Latino student numbers grow and is now the largest HSI east of Chicago and north of Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n

In line with Montclair\u2019s commitment:<\/span><\/p>\n