Overview
ACC was first recognized in June 2019 by Excelencia in Education, a non-profit education advocacy organization in Washington D.C., with the inaugural Seal of Excelencia. ACC was one of nine institutions of higher education nationally to receive this recognition, which says ACC is committed to Latinos students and has demonstrated an ability to serve them. ACC was recertified with the Seal of Excelencia in 2022. ACC was first designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in fall 2009, when student demographics were 25% Hispanic. In 2023, ACC is now 40% Hispanic, the largest racial/ethnic student subgroup. As a Seal of Excelencia institution, ACC aims to provide:
- Evidence of effectiveness and intentionality in institutional practices serving Latino students;
- Positive momentum for Latino student progress in their data;
- Dedication to transforming the institution into an environment where Latino students thrive; and
- Strategies in leadership that clearly articulate institutional focus on advancing Latino student success.
Accomplishments
ACC is viewed as a national leader in intentionally serving Latino students while achieving high student access enrollment numbers and high student success outcomes. Excelencia in Education includes ACC in national conversations for Hispanic-serving institutions and Latino student success, and Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes is part of their Presidents for Latino Student Success advocacy group. In addition, several associate vice chancellors are involved with Excelencia as speakers, mentors, coaches, and fellows.
Impact
ACC has been a nominee and finalist for various “Examples of Excelencia,” including for work with Guided Pathways advising and Ascender initiatives. ACC previously was recognized for its work with the community through the College Connection program. Through these efforts and others in partnership with Excelencia in Education, ACC continues to increase its visibility as a leader in Latino student success.
- In any given term ACC serves 14,000 Hispanic students.
- Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine (2022-23) listed ACC as the 17th largest Hispanic-serving higher education institution in the country among all two-year and four-year institutions.
- ACC serves about 23,000 Hispanic students annually. Among two-year community colleges, ACC enrolls the 13th highest number of Hispanic students in the country.
Next Steps
- ACC will serve as an institutional mentor to two higher education institutions for each of the
next two years, helping others grow their institutional capacity to best intentionally serve Latinos and achieve equitable student success outcomes. - Multiple staff will continue to present at national conferences in-person and virtually.
- To increase Latino student success at scale nationally, Excelencia in Education in conjunction with the Global HSI Equity for Innovation Hub is establishing a Policy Fellows for Equity Innovation program. Nine inaugural policy fellows were chosen across the nation among two-year and four-year institutions, including ACC’s Dr. Guillermo “Willie” Martinez, associate vice chancellor of student engagement & academic success.
- Student Affairs leadership is examining what it truly means to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The Student Affairs chancellor and associate vice chancellors are apply a Theory of Change approach to help understand our HSI status. We are analyzing Dr. Gina Ann Davis’ book, “Becoming Hispanic Serving Institutions: Opportunities for Colleges and Universities” as guiding principles.