University Mission Statement Analysis

Despite their large numbers in postsecondary institutions, Latinos are among the least likely racial and ethnic groups to complete their bachelor’s degrees. By the year 2019, enrollment of Latina/o students in post-secondary institutions in the United States is expected to increase by an astounding 45% (Moreno, & Banuelos, 2013). While the primary objective of attending university for many Latino families is perceived as simply receiving a college degree that will enable them to get greater earning power, there is also a degree to which the student must integrate to the university in order to successfully complete the process leading to graduation. Most university mission statements promise the student not only basic skills and training, but preparations that can be transferred to any society …show more content…
For Latina/o students, getting to college is just the beginning of a long and challenging journey, and for many, the toughest hurdle lies in adjusting to campus life and persisting until graduation (Moreno, & Banuelos, 2013). Lack of persistence and failed retention efforts then account for the discrepancy between Latino enrollment and actual degree attainment. While many Latino students enroll to a four-year university directly after high school, very few graduate related to dynamics in these students’ college-going experiences. Some factors that hinder Latino successful graduation rates are their unpreparedness for college level work due to poor high school education. When students are deemed unready, they are less likely to succeed through the first year because they never seek out the appropriate preparation on their own. Additionally, the transition period is crucial, as Latino students do not easily connect to their campus