Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / News / ACU classified as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution

ACU classified as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution

October 25, 2018 by Allayna Ford

The student population is over 16 percent Hispanic, classifying ACU as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

This classification is given to institutions that do not yet meet the 25 percent requirement to become an official HSI, and receive additional federal funds for expansion of student programs, but fall between 15 percent and 24 percent and show annual growth of the Hispanic student population, however, only 492 institutions meet the requirements to become an HSI.

Dr. Rhodes, Provost, said this classification is an important step for advancing student programs.

“It allows existing programs like McNair Scholars or the Trio program to have an advantage in the funding competition,” Rhodes said. “It also allows us to apply for funds that we cannot currently apply for to support Hispanic students.”

The growth of direct student support programs and the creation of new programs are two areas where the additional funds could be used. There are also HSI funds which can be specifically put toward science, technology and math programs on campus.

Graph courtesy of College Factual

Rhodes said he has a unique perspective concerning Hispanic students on campus and the support they need because his wife is also Hispanic and is a sponsor for the Hispanos Unidos club.

“Having the blessing of being married to her and experiencing the culture for now over 30 years and then having her have direct relationships with students on campus does give me good insight and it gives me an understanding of some of the student needs,” Rhodes said.

While ACU does not yet have access to HSI funding, Cynthia Rangel, junior convergence journalism major from Dallas and president of Hispanos Unidos, said the university helps Hispanic students adjust to the culture shock of moving to Abilene with the Hispanos Unidos club and the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).

“I’m used to being surrounded by different types of cultures, so coming to a place where the social divide is very present was shocking to me, because I was not used to that,” Rangel said. “I do think ACU does a good job of welcoming us and helping us try to fit in.”

Rangel said the funds the school can apply for should be used in a way to further the education of students who could not otherwise afford it.

“I think it could go towards helping first-generation Hispanic students because I know a lot of the members in Hispanos Unidos are first generation,” Rangel said. “It should go toward helping fund Hispanic and Latino students on campus.”

Filed Under: News

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

About Allayna Ford

Allayna Ford is the Managing Editor of the Optimist, where she focuses on breaking news on the ACU campus, as well as managing the reporters on staff to maintain a smoothly ran newsroom.

You are here: Home / News / ACU classified as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257 Retweet on Twitter 1521918832738144257 1 Like on Twitter 1521918832738144257 8 Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Like on Twitter 1521607087553458178 18 Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved