MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its latest Hispanic student enrollment figures. As of fall 2023, 25.2 percent of Western's full-time equivalent undergraduate students and 24.1 percent of all Western students (both graduate and undergraduate) identify as Latino/a/e. Western is the first four-year public Oregon institution to achieve these numbers, bringing it closer to becoming eligible to obtain an official Hispanic Serving Institution designation.

Achieving official designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution requires Western to maintain a minimum enrollment of 25 percent full-time equivalent undergraduate students for three consecutive academic years and maintain the same percentage at the end of the award year immediately preceding the application date to become an official HSI. There are additional criteria that higher education institutions must meet in order to become an HSI, some of which Western has met and some of which are ongoing. Attaining official HSI status will provide Western opportunities to apply for Title V federal grants to expand and enhance academic offerings, program quality, and student services.

“As we look towards becoming an official Hispanic-Serving Institution, we recognize the significance of our role in empowering Latiné students and fostering their academic success,” said President Jesse Peters. “Our commitment to serve all of our students extends beyond the classroom, as we strive to create an inclusive environment that values their unique perspectives, stories, and cultures. Together, we provide a personalized learning community where individuals experience a deep sense of belonging and empowerment.”

Over the last few years, Western’s Latiné student enrollment has been steadily increasing. President Peters shares his excitement about the growing Latiné student enrollment but also understands the continued work ahead. “Western is committed to not only sustaining current Latiné enrollment numbers but also enhancing student engagement, support, and enrollment. This will be achieved through increased participation in community events, additional bilingual campus liaisons, enhanced bilingual resources, expanding the Latiné alumni network, and restructuring key campus areas to facilitate smoother communication and reduce barriers. This is a journey we are all on together."

Western is also a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Faculty and staff members from Western have participated in HACU fellowship programs that aim to foster the development of Hispanic leadership on a variety of levels. On April 26, Western hosted the third annual Hispanic Institution Summit with nearly 300 participants which included state and national partners, universities, and greater community members sharing ideas and best practices throughout the day in plenaries and workshops. Western also recently added the position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia was selected for this role and officially started on April 22. 
According to the U.S. Department of Education, as of fall 2021, there were 561 Hispanic Serving Institutions in 28 states, including the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

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Pictured left to right: student panelist Moises Leal Zepeda, Brenda Rocio Martinez, America Joselyne Salazar Nava, Andy Rincon, and moderator Ricardo Lujan Valerio at the 2024 HSI Summit

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently added a new position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia has been selected for this role and officially started on April 22. 

Mendez Garcia's journey began in the early 1990s when he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, settling in the Monmouth-Independence community. His educational path led him to Western, where he pursued his passion for art, graduating with a degree in graphic design and fine art photography. As the son of migrant workers, Mendez Garcia deeply appreciates the transformative power of higher education in opening doors to a brighter future. Drawing from his own experiences, he has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for others. With a wealth of experience in the business sector, Mendez Garcia served as a business operations manager for T-Mobile, honing his skills in strategic planning and project management. In addition, he played a pivotal role as the Chapter Chair for T-Mobile’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in the Oregon region, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. His dedication to Western extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Mendez Garcia has served on the WOU Foundation board and most recently held the position of Trustee member on the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's mission and impact.

“I am incredibly thrilled to continue my work with Western Oregon University and am proud of our emerging HSI status,” shares Mendez Garcia. “Higher education is transformative and I love being in a position where I can help WOU achieve its HSI designation to help our students and the institution succeed.”

“I am excited to have Cristian join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support our university efforts to become a Hispanic Serving Institution,” says Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dominique Vargas. “Cristian has a broad scope of diversity, equity, and inclusion experience combined with strategic planning, community engagement, and program development. He also has a clear passion for and investment in the Western Oregon University community. We will collaboratively vision our path forward as an emerging Hispanic institution, and work across stakeholder groups to better serve our students and community.” 

This Friday, April 26, Western is hosting its third annual Hispanic Serving Institution Summit, where state and national partners join the university and greater community to share ideas and best practices and discuss why becoming an HSI is critically important to student success and the greater community. This year’s summit will feature two keynote presenters, Patrick L. Valdez, Ph. D., and Marissa Vasquez, Ph. D., who will focus on the history, policy, and current context of Hispanic Serving Institutions, and discuss operationalizing servingness. There will also be a student panel, an afternoon of concurrent sessions, and networking time for attendees.

Learn more about the summit.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees convened on April 16 and 17 to consider and approve several items, including the tuition & fees for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes students, staff, and faculty, submitted a proposed five percent tuition increase, which was accepted by President Jesse Peters and presented to the Board of Trustees on April 17. The trustees approved the five percent increase to resident undergraduate tuition and a 4.86 percent increase to nonresident undergraduate tuition. Graduate tuition will increase by five percent, and is assessed at the same rate regardless of residency. Summer 2024 tuition rates are included at the same rates as the 2024-25 academic year.

"We firmly believe that higher education should be accessible to all, and affordability is a cornerstone of our mission,” shares Board of Trustee Chair Betty Komp. “While a slight increase was necessary, it enables us to continue delivering quality education and support to our students, ensuring their success and fulfillment throughout their academic journey."

Western Oregon University remains among the most affordable public higher education institutions in Oregon, offering the second-lowest tuition rate in the state. Western is also a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the largest regional interstate tuition savings program, where students from participating states can attend Western and pay no more than 150 percent of the in-state resident tuition rate. 

“Students choose Western because it’s a special place. We take pride in offering students a tailored educational experience, fostering a sense of belonging, and delivering quality support services,” said President Jesse Peters. “We have worked hard to maintain affordability without compromising the exceptional quality of education and services that define Western. This slight tuition increase reflects our dedication to sustaining the excellence that makes us truly extraordinary.”

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

https://wou.edu/2024/04/18/western-oregon-university-board-of-trustees-approves-tuition-increase/