MILWAUKEE_The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has become only the second four-year public university in Wisconsin to become an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.
UWM reached this significant HSI milestone because its Latino undergraduate student enrollment rate has reached 15.4%. This remarkable growth in Latino enrollment reflects UWM’s commitment to increasing access to academic opportunities.
“This milestone reflects UWM’s longstanding dedication to creating pathways for success for all students, particularly those from underrepresented communities,” said Alberto Maldonado, director of the Roberto Hernández Center and special assistant to the vice chancellor for Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity. “Our commitment to inclusivity will only continue to grow as we work toward achieving full HSI status.”
Full HSI status would entail a Latino undergraduate enrollment rate of 25%. As recently as 2016, with Latino undergraduate enrollment hovering just below 10%, UWM set a goal to become an HSI. Over the past eight years, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino enrollment has steadily increased, hitting 15.4% in spring 2024.
Being a full HSI-designated university would make UWM eligible for federal funding that provides significant benefits to all students, faculty and staff, including grant monies that support student recruitment and retention, faculty development, community outreach, and student support services. HSI designation would also benefit the Milwaukee community by educating an increasingly diverse population, producing UWM graduates who understand their local community, and providing a pipeline of employees for our region.
The success of this growth is largely attributed to the growing Latino population in Wisconsin and the intentional programming rooted in the concept of “servingness” – a holistic approach that addresses the specific needs of Latino students and their families. Through the leadership of the Roberto Hernández Center, in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and numerous campus partners, UWM has positioned itself as a premier destination for Latino students across the region.
UWM’s commitment to the Latino community dates back to 1970 with the establishment of the Spanish Speaking Outreach Institute, now known as the Roberto Hernández Center. For over 50 years, UWM has prioritized providing access and support to Latino students. The university’s continued efforts, with the support of the Chancellor’s Committee for Hispanic Serving Initiatives, demonstrate UWM’s dedication to serving Latino students.
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