Understanding Latine students at Montclair State University, a Hispanic-serving institution
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Milton Fuentes
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
The multidimensional nature of Latine identity poses critical implications for education (Fuentes et al., 2024). This notion is key as this group grows in this country. Specifically, this population is currently around 66 million (19.5%) and by 2060, Latine people are projected to make up around 111 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). In higher education there are approximately 3.8 million Latine students (NCES, 2021), making them 20% percent of all students. Latine identity poses challenges in capturing diverse experiences due to factors like educational challenges (Nunez, 2014), language proficiency (Nunez, 2014), sense of belonging (Loveland, 2018), representation (Vargas et al., 2019), and generational status (Clayton et al. 2017). In our study, 389 students were surveyed. We found that 155 (40%) of the 389 students were Latine. With respect to citizenship, 148 (95%) reported being born in the US, 15 (10%) reported becoming US citizens by naturalization, while 7 (4%) reported being permanent residents. Looking more closely at our Latine students, 35 (23%) reported having disabilities, and 11 (7%) reported having mental health concerns. Given the relevance of colorism in this community (Fuentes et al., 2021), we measured skin color and found that 92 students (59%) reported lighter skin tones, 74 students (48%) reported moderate skin tones, while 9 students (6%) reported darker skin tones. Given the heterogeneity amongst Latine students and our designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is important to take a closer look at who they are, so we can serve them well.
Understanding Latine students at Montclair State University, a Hispanic-serving institution
The multidimensional nature of Latine identity poses critical implications for education (Fuentes et al., 2024). This notion is key as this group grows in this country. Specifically, this population is currently around 66 million (19.5%) and by 2060, Latine people are projected to make up around 111 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). In higher education there are approximately 3.8 million Latine students (NCES, 2021), making them 20% percent of all students. Latine identity poses challenges in capturing diverse experiences due to factors like educational challenges (Nunez, 2014), language proficiency (Nunez, 2014), sense of belonging (Loveland, 2018), representation (Vargas et al., 2019), and generational status (Clayton et al. 2017). In our study, 389 students were surveyed. We found that 155 (40%) of the 389 students were Latine. With respect to citizenship, 148 (95%) reported being born in the US, 15 (10%) reported becoming US citizens by naturalization, while 7 (4%) reported being permanent residents. Looking more closely at our Latine students, 35 (23%) reported having disabilities, and 11 (7%) reported having mental health concerns. Given the relevance of colorism in this community (Fuentes et al., 2021), we measured skin color and found that 92 students (59%) reported lighter skin tones, 74 students (48%) reported moderate skin tones, while 9 students (6%) reported darker skin tones. Given the heterogeneity amongst Latine students and our designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is important to take a closer look at who they are, so we can serve them well.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.