Center (DEC), the Center for Latino & Latin American Studies (CLLAS), Game On!, and the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement (CLCE), to name just a few. Looking at preliminary studies conducted through the office of the CLCE, it is evident that CWU fosters a safe and comfortable environment for all students to become and remain engaged (see Appendix B). This sample suggests that Latinx/Hispanic students are on average more engaged than students of any other underrepresented demographic. Couple this with other preliminary studies conducted through the years 2012-2017 that show higher GPAs of Latinx/Hispanic students when compared to all other students within the same cohort, a dominant narrative arises: these students are showing the motivation and drive, and the university is meeting them with support. That CWU is considering strategic pursuit of HSI-status reflects its commitment to affordable and accessible education for all marginalized and underrepresented groups. Challenges The importance of the family within Latinx cultures will require CWU to take a familial approach to recruitment and retention. Activities should be more family-focused in order to get ‘family buy-in’ on the college admissions process. Additionally, a greater focus on culturally relevant programming, both academic and extracurricular, should emphasize and celebrate the diversity of all Latinx cultures. CWU may need to devote more resources to expanding and leveraging its presence in neighboring counties through the university centers in order to maximize partnerships with community organizations, such as school districts and Latinx-centric businesses and civic organizations (e.g. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce). Through these kinds of partnerships, CWU can develop recruiting pipelines, financial resources (scholarships), and community engagement/outreach opportunities. Among the challenges CWU should anticipate facing on the road to HSI status is the need for students to self-report their race/ethnicity and for CWU to capture those identifiers from the existing population that has chosen not to report. Because of stigmas surrounding everything from legal status to financial aid eligibility, many students choose not to report their racial/ethnic identifiers. The university must work to address this situation. Recommendations Strategically, more collaborations among the many separate and distinct programs and departments providing valuable resources and outreach to underrepresented and first generation students could help minimize some of the challenges CWU faces. Through these types of collaborations, the University can begin to fill the gaps in outreach to Latinx communities and reinforce the commitment to becoming an HSI. Likewise, enhanced partnerships with businesses and civic organizations that are run by, employ, and serve Latinx communities can create opportunities for financial assistance through scholarships, internships, and permanent job placement. On the Ellensburg campus, a first step toward increased outreach could come from CWU’s student radio station, 88.1 KCWU (The Burg). By creating and incorporating more Latinx-centered programming, along with an expansion of service into Yakima County, CWU could capitalize on an existing vehicle for targeted outreach. Radio programming that includes elements of history, culture, current events, and community involvement opportunities could encourage prospective
CWU HSI Initiative 7.12.18
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