What It Means to Be a Hispanic-Serving University

Montclair State University enrolls more Hispanic undergraduates than any other higher education institution in New Jersey, with 45% of this year’s 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’s diverse student population.

The U.S. Department of Education designates Montclair as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the University’s dedication to providing underserved populations with affordable higher education access.

“Our Carnegie R2 status 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.

Montclair, along with Bloomfield College of Montclair State University (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’s commitment.

“While we’ve made significant strides in improving access to higher education, it’s equally important that educational outcomes and graduation rates reflect success,” says Jane Sanchez Swain, Director of Degree Completion Programs.

Success means not only degree completion but also strong career outcomes, which are essential for promoting social mobility for students and their families.”

Montclair is ranked first in New Jersey and among the top 10 schools nationally for social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report. This ranking highlights the University’s 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.

“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.”

What Students Are Saying

“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, Latin American Student Organization, Mexican American Student Association and Puerto Rican Student Organization) have provided a home away from home,” says Darielly Suriel-Genao, a senior History major and Dominican Student Organization president.

“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.”

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’s national platform and the Montclair News Lab.

Commitment to Serving Hispanic and Latine Students

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.

In line with Montclair’s commitment:

• Hispanic Student College Institute: A summer program providing high school students with a head start on college, financial planning and career guidance. Workshops for parents are offered in both English and Spanish.
• Pilot program with Excelencia in Education to apply for and earn the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, recognizing its efforts to support Hispanic students.
• First-Gen Initiatives and national designation to First Scholars Network to advance first-generation student success.
• Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution Leader: Montclair is one of only 46 colleges and universities recognized by the U.S. Department of State for its commitment to creating life-changing educational opportunities for all students.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

“We recognize the full strength of our students and the diversity of heritage and how that’s an asset to be leveraged,” President Jonathan Koppell said during the Hispanic Heritage Month opening event. “Montclair’s initiatives take advantage of the fact that so many of our students are bilingual and bicultural. How valuable that will be in science, in business, in the arts?”

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, marking the independence of Latin America countries. Montclair’s Office of Hispanic Serving Initiatives and the Latin American Student Organization will host special events.

At the September 16 flag raising, guest speaker State Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, District 32, observed that “this year’s theme, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,’ highlights the spirit of unity, innovation and resilience in the Latino community.”

Featured Events:

• September 17, 2024 – Artist Reception: Na’Ye Perez, 5-7 p.m., Alexander Kasser Theater Lobby. Na’Ye Perez, a Haitian-Cuban artist, explores themes of community, identity, and accessibility in her work.
• September 28, 2024 – Homecoming: Hispanic/Latinx/a/o Alumni Network, Alumni BBQ, 1-4 p.m., Historic Quad.
• October 12, 2024 – Disney’s Encanto Sing-Along, 7:30 p.m., Montclair Amphitheater.
• October 16, 2024 – Hispanic Heritage Month Block Party: 1-3 p.m., Student Center Quad (Rain location: Student Center Ballrooms).
• October 17, 2024 – LUPE Fund Conference: “Power of Latinas: Strengthening our Legacy,” 3-8 p.m., University Hall Conference Center. Conference details

Find the full schedule: Hispanic Heritage Month Events.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about scholarships, internships and Pre-College programs offered by the Office of Hispanic Initiatives, plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.