YOUR VOICE: UHCL community comments on Hispanic-Serving Institution designation
To accompany The Signal’s editorial piece about UHCL’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), a survey was sent out to the UHCL community via our email newsletter and social media. Below are the community’s thoughts regarding the HSI status.
*NOTE: Some responders chose to be anonymous by only stating which group within the UHCL community they belong to.
QUESTION: Does UHCL do enough for Hispanic/Latinx students?
30 responses (as of Sept. 17)
56.7% said No
33.3% said Maybe
10% said Yes
QUESTION: Why do you think UHCL does or doesn’t do enough for Hispanic/Latinx students?
I’m unaware of what UHCL does for Latinx students.
– Student
It does not understand the needs of Hispanic/Latinx students because no one has asked them. The Hispanic/Latinx faculty and staff have not been asked to help in a major or consistent way. We need to ask this community, and all others by the way, what do they need? Same can be said for African Americans, low income, 1st gen, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, etc. I think we do have a handle on veterans. To me this is a success story, at least from the outside looking it- you may want to ask the veterans if they feel supported. Let’s use that as an example for other communities.
– Lory Santiago-Vázquez, program chair of biotechnology and associate professor of biology and biotechnology
It is not evident if they are.
– Student
I don’t see any attention on systemic racism.
– Student
First semester attending but uncertain as to the extent of their focus on Hispanic students.
– Student
Personally, I do not feel any presence of Latino organizations but the semester just started so I have hope that there will be.
– Communication major
I personally think that administration at UHCL don’t care to do anything for the Hispanic/Latinx students (since it doesn’t impact them). UHCL admin speak a lot on making students feel “welcomed” and very much use the HSI title to advertise to incoming students the diversity UHCL has. Yet, there is not one single program that is offered to Latinx students, or any type of representation (except maybe 1 or 2 paintings) around campus. If admin want to say it’s because of “budget cuts” then maybe they should focus on spending money on programs and events that will actually be meaningful and impactful to students on campus, instead of wasting money on unnecessary buildings. If they don’t know how then figure out what other universities are doing to make sure their Hispanic population feels welcomed and represented.
– Flor Gonzalez, biology major
I do not hear anything going on concerning Latinos.
– Biological sciences graduate student
I recommend a gathering celebrating our Hispanic administrators, faculty, staff, students and their families plus our surrounding Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities to announce proudly and loudly that we are a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
– Bernadina Streeter, senior academic advisor
Does nothing.
– Student
Because I can’t think of a single thing the university does to support Hispanic/Latinx students besides from the SDEI office.
– Natalia Marfil, biology major
They keep hiring white faculty and admin. Students need to see people like them and feel like their instructors understand them.
– Faculty
There are only a hand full of Hispanic/Latinx professors on that campus in comparison to other races. Where are the Latinx professors in STEM in Mathematics etc? Also, where are our murals our artwork? UHCL is an HSI so we should be proudly showcasing the very population who’ve financially contributed to UHCL. Furthermore, all images in the Faculty Suite are of white individuals, zero Latinx, and all individuals on the walls near elevators in Atrium I and II are predominately white! Moreover, zero of the Bayou Theatre is of any interest to the Hispanic/Latinx student population. Most programming that is highlighted in that theater is aimed at a particular audience and age range. Never have they brought in modern, current, young, hip, culturally relevant and in-the-now Hispanic/Latinx performers! Next, the food on campus has never had the Hispanic/Latinx students cultural pride in mind, however, we make up 35% of the population on that campus! Lastly, UHCL has done a poor job offering cultural relevant classes to Hispanic/ Latinx students, OR help promote and or market such classes. The LLAS Minor program gets zero funding nor recognition. There are not proud displays in hallways, nor marketing materials nor letters from administrators talking about such classes NOR professors who look like the very people they lecture about.
– E, social work major
Not enough open conversations about Latin students in mixed citizenship status families or scholarship options for DACA recipients.
– Bibiana Bravo, student
I’ve never seen any special events for Hispanics students.
– Education major
I just hope y’all can do like Day of the Dead like in Mexico! Love it and its colors.
– Student
They provide an equal opportunity to each and every student regardless of race, ethnicity, background and color of skin. All activities, classes, etc are not discriminate on skin color etc. Make sure everything is Marvelous as can be.
– Student
There is NO Hispanic/Latinx programming on campus put on by the university administration, even during the full Hispanic Heritage Month.
– Student
Because they focus more on the international students.
– Student
I think UHCL does a good job with representing many cultures when we hold the international awareness thing. As for specifically Hispanic I don’t know, I have been going here for three years now and I don’t recall ever feeling like the university didn’t do enough for me.
– Computer Science major
Why is this even a question? Because of the extra money the government gives UHCL for having a higher percentage of Hispanic students?
– Jason, informational technology major
The amount of people leaving with debt from UHCL.
– Physics major
What about the white students?!
– Student
I have been a student at UHCL for two years. I have not seen any resources or programs being promoted that serve and empower Hispanic/Latinx students to succeed at UHCL, and beyond. By accepting these grants, and failing to be proactive in this regard, they are not doing enough for Hispanic/Latinx students.
– Student
QUESTION: What are your thoughts regarding UHCL’s current status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution?
I think it’s great!
– Student
It is just in name and in numbers but not in actions, at least not that many that I am aware of. There are a few things out there but no big initiatives.
– Lory Santiago-Vázquez, program chair of biotechnology and associate professor of biology and biotechnology
It can be good if it is done right. I don’t think it needs to be done.
– Student
It can be better.
– Student
Great to hear as I am one of those students.
– Student
UHCL does not take note of this new title. The only way I knew they were an HSI was through The Signal, I did not even know what HSI was until now.
– Communication major
There is NOTHING the university does to support us. It honestly feels like they only use the “Hispanic Serving Institution” title for grants and to advertise the university to incoming students. In reality, the only thing at UHCL for Hispanic/Latinx students are student organizations, such as LISTA. OSDEI do the affinity group lunches, and maybe three events for Hispanic Heritage Month (and that’s not enough in my opinion), but no other offices provides or offers anything for Hispanic students.
– Flor Gonzalez, biology major
Ehh.
– Biological Sciences graduate student
I love it!
– Bernadina Streeter, senior academic advisor
I don’t have many in class.
– Student
I think it’s inaccurate to call it “Hispanic-Serving” solely based on numbers and not actual resources.
– Nataila Marfil, biology major
It’s used as a selling point but Latinx students don’t feel like this school really serves them.
– Faculty
My current thoughts are that the institution takes that money and boasts off the backs of those who instruct and attend without paying homages nor properly highlighting the very people and culture they profit from.
– E, social work major
Population number is not enough. Hispanic serving would also mean being advocates for Hispanic students. Making sure that large movements positive or negative within the Latin community are spoken about. Possibly open forums or having speakers come to the school.
– Bibiana Bravo, student
It can be better.
– Education major
There are more and more Hispanics coming in, so I hope there are more traditional things.
– Student
I think it’s great and I hope it stays great, Hispanic holidays can be celebrated such as Cinco de Mayo or Mexico Independence Day. As well as other Latino countries like El Salvador Colombia etc.
– Student
It’s only mentioned in various speeches to make the university come off as “diverse.” The HSI distinction at UHCL is just a number and nothing more.
– Student
It lacks understanding and knowledge. Even the Hispanic Student Orgs lack knowledge and stereotype typical Hispanic customs.
– Student
I feel like I need to know how UHCL was given this status before I can comment on it. I’m not sure if a third-party organization gave the designation to UHCL, or if it was self-given. I do appreciate the Hispanic Heritage Month event.
– Computer Science major
Hispanics are the majority of students in Texas throughout all grade levels (59.7%). My question is when does this beneficial treatment and added money end?
– Jason, informational technology major
Doesn’t mean very much if it’s not made obvious and shown access to resources which could benefit students.
– Physics major
UHCL could be doing more to cultivate Hispanic & Latinx students at this institution. They should be applying the monetary resources they receive as a Hispanic-Serving Institution to embrace Hispanic/Latinx students, and actualize their success at UHCL and the workforce beyond.
– Student
QUESTION: What kind of resources would you like to see UHCL implement to better serve Hispanic/Latinx students?
I think the student body could really benefit from better resources for first-generation students, in regards to being first-generation students but also first-generation citizens.
– Student
Culturally-relevant mentoring and help, programming to celebrate all communities not just Mexico and a few others. I would love to see an initiative to increase the representation of Hispanic/Latinx faculty in a way that would mirror the student population.
– Lory Santiago-Vázquez, program chair of biotechnology and associate professor of biology and biotechnology
More information on bilingual sort of courses.
– Student
Workshops and presentations that serve to educate the campus population about systemic racism (blatant actions, microaggressions, etc.)
– Student
Focus on assisting first-generation students.
– Student
I do not know the specific role of an HSI but I assume they support bilingual services or provide resources to scholarships like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
– Communication major
A Hispanic/Latinx Center, programs and events for Hispanic/Latinx students (success programs, speakers, cultural events, etc.), representation during the WHOLE Hispanic Heritage Month (not just 1 or 2 speaker events), showcases to represent Hispanic achievements. Literally anything would be better than what we have now.
– Flor Gonzalez, biology major
Latino outreach opportunities where Latinos can guide/mentor young college/high school Latinos to be successful such as in obtaining a good job, or getting accepted into college as well as succeeding in college.
– Biological sciences graduate student
A specialized center to address Hispanic/Latinx challenges and specific funding and resources to assist students (undergraduate and graduate) to reach academic and professional goals.
– Bernadina Streeter, senior academic advisor
More Hispanic/Latinx professors, more Hispanic/Latinx staff, more Hispanic/Latinx-related majors and minors, more celebration of the Hispanic/Latinx identities (outside of holidays), programs specifically for Hispanic/Latinx students (to help them enroll into, succeed in, graduate, and be successful after college), programs specifically for helping Hispanic/Latinx high school students (especially those from low-income communities) transition into college, more bilingual programs (open houses specifically for Hispanic/Latinx students, workshops in Spanish to help parents support their students when they’re in college, etc.), more UHCL scholarships for Hispanic/Latinx students, more readily available resources for undocumented students, a Hispanic/Latinx cultural center on campus, leadership programs (such as HLI) specifically for Hispanic/Latinx students, etc.
– Natalia Marfil, biology major
Translators on campus, counselors specifically trained to work with the Latinx community, Spanish version website, free classes in English language for family members of attendees and other members of the community.
– Faculty
Better resources would look like this: a state of the art facility (maybe should have split that with Campus Recreation). Murals, sculptures, more Professors, more Lectures, more Latinx community members coming and speaking at the Bayou Theater like UH-Central brings. More art, more classes, more programs a wider range of minors!! Having more programming outside of SDEI (how can one little office service 35% of UHCLs student population) Career services that are Mentor with cultural relevance and the same with counseling services. How may Latinx counselors are there currently at UHCL? And be mindful not to ‘Bean count.’
– E, social work major
DACA permit help/ options. Specific counseling and help available to students that have lost family members in the recent ICE raids under the current administration. Scholarship options for noncitizens or DACA permit holding students.
– Bibiana Bravo, student
Special events for Hispanics. Things like that.
– Education major
I would love more day of the dead in October. It’s a Mexican colorful tradition. There can also be food trucks that are Hispanic based, like pupusas, tacos.
– Student
Celebrate the independence days of Latino countries. Have a good display of the foods from other Latin countries.
– Student
Programming, resource center, mentorship programs.
– Student
Documentaries, native guest speakers, true Hispanic culture respect.
– Student
I would like to see perhaps more Hispanic student orgs. I know its not the university’s fault for this lack, but I wish there was more support from an organizational standpoint.
– Computer Science major
Good question. Why exactly are we catering to the majority? Because of money? I believe this federal aide money is an out dated policy.
– Jason, informational technology major
Financial, loans with extreme interest rates does not count for undergrads and grads.
– Student
UHCL could increase the academic and social resources available to Hispanic/Latinx students. They could implore programs that encourage and mentor students, or that provide support and resources beyond enrollment and graduation (continued advising, grad-school exploration, etc.).
– Student
Google Form Response Total: 30 (as of Sept. 17)
86.7% identify as students
6.7% identify as faculty
3.3% identify as staff
3.3% identify as alumni
For more Hispanic Heritage Month coverage, check out:
EDITORIAL: Becoming more than a ‘Hispanic-enrolling’ institution
Although classified as a “Hispanic-Serving Institution” (HSI), UHCL has more to do in order to be more than a “Hispanic-enrolling institution.”
Latinx and Latin American Studies to host various Hispanic Heritage Month events
This year the Latinx and Latin American Studies program (LLAS) at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events. Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Common Reader selection ‘Spare Parts’ presents opportunities to further conversations
This year’s Common Reader book, “Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream,” is about a group of Latinx high school students who build a robot that is capable of performing underwater tasks and, with it, enter a robotics competition against skilled college student engineers across the United States.
