In August, Seton Hall was recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the US Department of Education.
For a university to be recognized as an HSI by the Department of Education, at least 25% of its student body must identify as Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic enrollment at SHU has grown from 8.7% to 29% since 2009.
Monica Burnette, vice president of Student Services, said the designation “reflects a sustained commitment to systemic change.”
“Seton Hall’s recognition as a Hispanic-Serving Institution affirms our Catholic mission to build a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community rooted in equity and opportunity,” Burnette said.
The designation comes on the heels of other university efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
In April 2024, SHU became a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The HACU offers students resources such as internship opportunities, scholarships, and leadership development programs.
The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute aims to develop servant leaders through academic scholarships, development initiatives and cultural programming.
According to the institute’s executive director, Lori Tarke, nearly “half of all Latino and Hispanic students are first-generation, facing challenges like financial pressures and language barriers, which contribute to lower national graduation rates.”
“At the Latino Institute, we’ve shown that with the right support, students can thrive,” Tarke said. “Four of the five scholar freshman cohorts we’ve followed over the past decade achieved a 100% six-year graduation rate, with the fifth at 85%.”
SHU is also home to Latino student organizations, including Adelante, which aims to empower, serve, and represent the Latino community.
“Multicultural organizations have been crucial in facilitating these spaces where [everyone] feels supported and appreciated.” Thiago Alves, a junior business administration major and president of Adelante, said. “[I] feel that Seton Hall has made strides in creating spaces where building a community, celebrating culture, and giving students a voice is possible.”
Alves hopes SHU’s new designation will “continue to provide resources to students on and off campus, but also ensure that the Latino voice is included in the decision-making process.”
Daniela Reyes is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at daniela.reyes@student.shu.edu.
