The Board of Regents, State of Iowa mandates that its institutions achieve a minority population that makes up 8.5 percent of their respective student bodies. UNI is currently at approximately 4.4 percent -- an all-time high, and an increase from last year.
Although the university aggressively recruits eligible Iowa students, the state's population numbers indicate it would impossible to achieve the regent's mandate by recruiting solely in Iowa. Three years ago, UNI began a very successful program with Palo Alto Community College in San Antonio, Texas, to bring more Latino students to UNI. This year 17 new students entered UNI through this program, up from only three the previous year. The Office of Admissions reports having more than 80 students on their list of potential recruits for next year.
Following is a list of issues related to this topic and the UNI sources who can best address each of them. Feel free to contact the sources directly.
Moving halfway across the country and leaving behind a lifetime of friendships and family ties present special challenge to Latino students, whose culture stresses strong family and community bonds. But the Latino students recruited from Texas to attend UNI have taken it all in stride, and jumped right into life at UNI. Among the groups and organizations that have benefited from the news students' participation are Northern Iowa Student Government, the theatre program, the Hispanic Student Union, and the soccer and rugby teams.
The students also have performed well academically. Clark Elmer, director of enrollment management and admissions at UNI, says it's expected that a certain number of students in any population will withdraw. But of these new students, only two have left the university, both for health reasons. Elmer explained that these students came to the university with solid academic credentials. “When students come in with such strong academic preparation, they will typically perform well in this environment,” he said.
Clark Elmer, director, enrollment management and admissions, (319) 273-2281
Janet Ramirez, president, Hispanic Student Union, (319) 222-0220
Iris Ramirez, member, UNI soccer team, (319) 222-0076
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Several of the students who've entered the university under this program have special circumstances that make their college careers in Iowa all the more interesting. Some examples: Cesar Hernandez previously was a migrant worker in Texas; Frank Mascorro came to UNI to major in natural sciences but was so impressed by the university's theatre program he switched majors; and Maria Huerta was home-schooled in Texas and entered UNI with a 4.0 GPA -- today she holds a cumulative GPA of 3.97.
Clark Elmer, director, enrollment management and admission, (319) 273-2281
Frank Mascorro, student, (319) 222-5668
Cesar Hernandez, student, (319) 222-0318
Maria Huerta, student, (319) 222-0088
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Studying student unions out of state
Recently, two of the new Latino students traveled to Pennsylvania to see how other universities such as Penn State have successfully moved culture centers into the student union. UNI is now considering a similar plan. The UNI students came back with new ideas and suggestions for university leaders, and are planning to be fully involved as the university's Center for Multicultural Education moves from College Street to Maucker Union.
Clark Elmer, director, enrollment management and admissions, (319) 273-2281
Claudia Ibarra, student, (319) 222-5661
Cesar Hernandez, student, (319) 222-0318
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
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