Indiana University Northwest announced that it has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. It is the only public comprehensive institution of higher education in the state of Indiana with this designation.
Eligibility makes it possible for IU Northwest to apply for grants and other means of support designed to improve access for all to high quality post-secondary education.
“We are thrilled to receive this designation,” said Vicki Román-Lagunas, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we will have access to support that helps strengthen our commitment to engaging our students, and the broader community, in high-quality teaching and scholarship.”
Only higher education institutions whose full-time undergraduate enrollment is at least 25 percent Hispanic can qualify for eligibility. The most diverse of all IU campuses, IU Northwest’s student body is 25 percent Hispanic and 15 percent African American.
IU Northwest is now eligible to apply for grants focused on expanding and enhancing academic offerings, improving the quality of the educational experience, and increasing access to the many programs and services IU Northwest offers to students and the Northwest Indiana community.