34 BRAND STORY PRODUCED BY THE OREGON BUSINESS MARKETING DEPARTMENT BY NATALIA HURT With a student population that is 24% Latiné, Western Oregon University (Western) moves steadily closer to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Western’s statistics reflect its commitment to serving each individual through wraparound services, open dialogue, and its secret sauce: a welcoming community that values difference and vulnerability. The university’s inclusivity might also explain why nearly half of Western’s student body consists of first-generation college students. As a first-generation student himself, University President Dr. Jesse Peters knows how foreign a college campus can feel. “Universities are seen as sources of power, so to walk into that space and feel like you’re not of that world can make you feel uncertain,” he explains. “There are a lot of us who feel like we don’t know as much or feel like the ways we communicate are not correct, or that our accents and grammatical constructs are not respected. Often, they’re not, so that feeling of ‘less than’ is reinforced as soon as you hit the door. We want to make sure students overcome those feelings and know their experiences are valuable.” Western starts by checking its own assumptions of what students know or need as they begin engaging with the university. Its wraparound services meet students at every step of the way, starting with admissions and enrollment, and continuing with quality advising and convenient class schedules. Then comes housing, student affairs and extracurriculars—the structures that support social activities, emotional growth, and community building. Counseling, health services and extensive disability support play critical roles too, and as graduation approaches, internship opportunities and career services gain in importance. “You can’t just say, ‘Well, our website is in two languages, everything’s good now,’” adds Dr. Peters, who is a member of Excelencia in Education’s network of Presidents for Latino Student Success. “It starts with culturally sensitive pedagogical training and lots of professional development across campus to help employees be more inclusive.” The school offers professional development opportunities every term, such as one centered on accessibility and another about how to have difficult conversations in the workplace and classroom. Faculty members can also seek support to participate in conferences and professional development opportunities through set aside financial resources on an annual basis. Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution Is Committed to Inclusive Support Western Oregon University tailors its resources and services to the diverse needs of each student. First-generation Latiné students Aneli Godinez-Martinez and David Echevarria walk with President Peters through the campus.
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