The Seal of Excelencia framework was developed with
colleges and universities as a tool for institutional self-assessment.
The certification is valid for three years and institutions committed
to a journey of transformation to intentionally serve their Latino
students may choose to apply.
Jesse Bernal, GVSU vice president for Inclusion and Equity, said the
framework provides a roadmap that not only supports Latino students
and employees, but all underrepresented students and employees.
"Focused on the use of disaggregated data, evidence-based
practices and culturally responsive leadership, the framework aligns
with work long underway at GVSU while encouraging transparency,
aspiration and modeling for other communities," Bernal said.
Emilee Vela is a senior studying sociology. A Holland native, Vela
grew up in Donna, Texas, and said university resources like Laker
Familia helped her make a successful transition from high school
to college. Laker Familia programming offers academic, social,
cultural and professional activities for students who identify as Latino/Hispanic.
"I came to GVSU not knowing anyone and was scared I may not find
friends, a community or somewhere to call home while away," said
Vela, who served as a Laker Familia mentor. "Being in Laker
Familia changed this for me. I found my support system away from home
made up of people from many different paths of life."
Fall 2022 semester enrollment for Latino/Hispanic students new to
Grand Valley rose 9 percent compared to 2021.
At the September 30 announcement, Excelencia
recognized six institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia
for the first time, and the nine institutions that were recertified.
These institutions join 15 other Seal-certified institutions.
Combined, the 30 Seal-certified institutions enrolled 13 percent and
graduated 14 percent of all Latinos in the U.S., and they are
projecting to continue increasing their efforts to lead the nation.
