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Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University Designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Advancing Student Success and Belonging

Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University has been designated a a milestone that reflects the University's diverse student population and reinforces its commitment to expanding opportunities for student success, belonging and educational attainment.

The federal designation is granted to accredited institutions where Hispanic-classified students make up at least 25 percent of full-time undergraduate enrollment. While achieving HSI status marks an important milestone, Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå leaders view the designation as a call to action.

"Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution is an important moment in the history of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University, but it is not our destination," said Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University President Dr. Christopher Sindt. "Our focus is on ensuring that every student feels they belong, has access to meaningful opportunities and receives the support necessary to thrive. Our commitment is not simply to be an HSI by enrollment, but to become an HSI by design."

Rooted in its Catholic and Lasallian Mission, Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University has spent the past several years examining how institutional policies, academic programs, student support services and campus culture can better serve students and families.

The University's "HSI by Design" framework reflects a comprehensive approach to student success that extends beyond enrollment numbers. Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå is intentionally building the practices, programs, learning experiences, support systems and partnerships that help students belong, persist, succeed and thrive. Efforts underway include gathering student and employee feedback, conducting campus climate assessments, supporting bilingual and multilingual courses, expanding family engagement opportunities, strengthening inclusive teaching practices and developing programs that promote student persistence and achievement.

Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University’s priorities are organized around five interconnected areas: listening and learning; creating access and belonging; strengthening a culture of belonging; supporting learning and student success; and elevating student voice and leadership.

This focus on creating access is evident through St. Augustine College at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University programs, which serve Latine students and communities with bilingual pathways. Before its merger with Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University, St. Augustine College was one of Illinois’ first HSIs.

Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.