As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, the University of Northern Colorado plans on making a difference in the lives of Hispanics and Latinx-identifying students. The university will provide resources needed to support their needs to succeed academically, socially and professionally.
“We want Hispanic and Latinx students to go out and to be able to graduate. Go out and be a citizen. Be an engaged alumnus,” said Tobias Guzman, Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNC.
As of 2008, UNC had 8% of students identifying as Hispanic/Latinx.However, as of 2024, the data has risen to 26.5% of UNC students being identified as Hispanic/Latinx.
“We feel pretty confident that we have done the right things for us to be eligible for the Hispanic Serving Institution designation this year, more specifically this semester,” said Jonathan Alcantar, UNC faculty fellow for Hispanic Serving Institution initiatives.
Becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution is not an initiative.
“If we are saying this is an initiative, initiatives come and go, but when it’s a way of being, it actually becomes part of your culture, part of the DNA of the institution, part of the practices and policies that are created,” Guzman said.
By becoming a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, UNC will continue its long tradition of preparing and graduating leaders who serve and enrich Colorado’s culture and economy.
“Not only finding success on our campus but truly finding a sense of belonging,” said Cristobal Garcia, UNC staff fellow for Hispanic Serving Institution initiatives.
