Intentionally serving Latino students

"Seal of Excelencia - Intentionally Serving Latinos - Excelencia in Education - 2023-2026"MSU Denver stands out as a beacon of excellence in higher education. In 2023, we proudly became the first Colorado institution to be honored with the prestigious Seal of Excelencia. Serving students from all backgrounds, MSU Denver earned the Seal of Excelencia through our efforts in data-driven, evidence-based practices and leadership.

The Seal of Excelencia recognizes our exemplary student services to Latino undergraduates students, a group that has been historically underrepresented in higher education. Key areas such as retention, degree completion transfer services, institutional culture and many more earned MSU Denver this rare achievement. Only 39 higher education institutions have earned this acknowledgement and we’re proud to be one of them.

The road to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) began in 2007, when MSU Denver’s Latino undergraduate student population was only 13%. The required 25% was an ambitious goal, but was achieved in 2019. Today, we maintain HSI status with our Latino undergrad population standing at 35%.

Earning the Seal of Excelencia
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution
MSU Denver President, Janine Davidson, Ph.D. Manuel Del Real, executive director for HSI and Inclusion at MSU Denver First-generation MSU Denver student, Julianna Montoya

Attaining the seal is only the beginning. Beyond the certification, the seal serves as a partner to ensure we continue to sustain our commitment, that our policies and practices reflect our commitment and that academic and inclusive excellence are front and center not only for our Latinx students but for all of our students.”

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

President, MSU Denver

Earning this certification was crucial for the University considering all of the work that has been invested to reach this point. The certification highlights all of the impactful work we are doing here at MSU Denver and serves to inspire the work that still needs to be done."

Manuel Del Real, Ph.D.

Executive director for HSI and Inclusion

This recognition for doing the work that I see (the University) doing on the ground level every single day. I can’t help but want to thank every single person who’s supported me along the way."

Julianna Montoya

First-generation student, senior studying Public Health.

The path to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Earning the Seal of Excelencia

2007

MSU Denver forms HSI Task Force with a goal of becoming an HSI by fall 2018.

2012

The MSU Denver Board of Trustees initiates a special tuition rate for qualified resident students, including undocumented students.

2013

The Colorado legislature passes the ASSET bill to provide in-state tuition for qualified undocumented students at public higher education institutions.

2016

MSU Denver creates HSI Implementation Team.

2017

MSU Denver crosses 25 percent threshold for Latino student population.

2019

MSU Denver granted HSI designation by the U.S. Department of Education.

2023

MSU Denver becomes the first Colorado higher-education institution to earn the Seal of Excelencia and is named a Fulbright HSI Leader.

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