Journal of Hispanic Higher Education recent issues

College Student Civic Development and Engagement at a Hispanic Serving Institution

Geertz Gonzalez, R. — 2008-09-22

This study compares the civic development and engagement of Cuban American and non-Hispanic White college students at a large, urban Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The findings indicate that both ethnic groups civically develop and engage in similar ways at Hispanic Serving Institution. However, when it comes to political discussions, there are minor differences between both ethnic groups.

Sentido de Pertenencia: A Hierarchical Analysis Predicting Sense of Belonging Among Latino College Students

Lamont Strayhorn, T. — 2008-09-22

The present study estimated the influence of academic and social collegiate experiences on Latino students' sense of belonging, controlling for background differences, using hierarchical analysis techniques with a nested design. In addition, results were compared between Latino students and their White counterparts. Findings reveal that grades, time spent studying, and interactions with diverse peers affect sense of belonging, accounting for approximately 11% of Latino students' belonging. Differences were found between Latino and White students. Important implications are discussed.

New Voices in the Struggle/ Nuevas Voces en la Lucha: Toward Increasing Latina/o Faculty in Theological Education

Sotello Viernes Turner, C., Hernandez, E. I., Pena, M., Gonzalez, J. C. — 2008-09-22

Little progress has been made to increase Latina/o faculty representation in theological education. In this study, 33 interviews with Latina/o theological faculty identify supports and challenges to their scholarly development. Latino critical theory guides the analysis. Narratives reveal faculty experiences with oppression, challenging dominant ideology, commitment to social justice, and the use of their experiential knowledge in academe. A discussion of the findings and the impact of the Latina/o presence in theological education conclude the article.

Bridging the Communication Gap Between Afro-Latino and African American Individuals: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Initiative

Vargas, M. P., Kuhl, P. E. — 2008-09-22

This article describes a curriculum initiative intended to lay the foundational knowledge for a dialogue between Afro-Latinos and African Americans living in the United States. Afro-Latinos trace their roots to Africa and Latin America; although their physical characteristics are similar to those of African descent, their ethnic backgrounds differ. This initiative targets the preservice teacher who represents the best hope to start such dialogue. Furthermore, the article recommends appropriate instructional materials.

Texas Community Colleges and Characteristics of a Growing Undocumented Student Population

Jauregui, J. A., Slate, J. R., Stallone Brown, M. — 2008-09-22

In this study, the researchers examine the undocumented student population in Texas community colleges. The data indicate steady yearly increases in the number of undocumented students and in their percentage of the total student enrollment. The relationships between undocumented student enrollment, college size, and overall Hispanic student enrollment also are studied, and the implications of these findings are discussed.

Language and Opportunity in the "Land of Opportunity": Latina Immigrants' Reflections on Language Learning and Professional Mobility

Thorstensson Davila, L. — 2008-09-22

This study analyzes the goals and realities of four educated, working, adult Latina, English as a Second language (ESL) students living in North Carolina, a region seeing particularly intense migration of Latino immigrants. The study conceptually frames adjustment issues confronted by these Latina immigrants in terms of gender, language, geography, their educational and professional backgrounds, and current experiences and expectations. It concludes by offering social justice—oriented approaches to teaching English to Latina adults.

Adjustment of Undergraduate Latino Students at a Southeastern University: Cultural Components of Academic and Social Integration

Gonzalez, L. M., Ting, S.-M. R. — 2008-06-10

College campuses in the southeast United States are striving to understand and serve their newly arriving Latino students to promote adjustment and academic success. The purpose of this article is to outline the cultural components of academic and social integration of Latino college students at one southeastern campus, based on descriptive survey results. Participant responses reflected relatively smooth academic integration but some complications in the social/cultural areas. Implications for student affairs professionals are discussed.

Family Responsibilities Among Latina College Students From Immigrant Families

Sy, S. R., Romero, J. — 2008-06-10

The purpose of this study was to examine different types of family responsibilities among Latina college students and how these responsibilities affect their college experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 first- and second-generation Latina women, aged 18 to 29. Results point to three key emergent themes regarding the role of family responsibility, which are discussed in the context of Latina students' college adjustment and retention.

Academic Resilience in Retrospect: Following Up a Decade Later

Morales, E. E. — 2008-06-10

In a unique follow-up study, Hispanic (Dominican American) students identified as resilient 10 years ago were reinterviewed to assess their interim progress, and explore how their educational and professional achievements have evolved over time. By having the students reflect on their beliefs a decade ago and how those beliefs have evolved in light of their academic and professional achievements, the study provides a rare view into the time-sensitive phenomenon of enduring resilience.

Understanding Latina and Latino College Choice: A Social Capital and Chain Migration Analysis

Perez, P. A., McDonough, P. M. — 2008-06-10

Through interviews and focus groups with 106 high school juniors and seniors, this research examined the college choice process for Latina and Latino students in the greater Los Angeles basin. Using chain migration theory within a social capital framework, the results indicated that as primarily first-generation college students, the students in this sample relied heavily on siblings, peers, relatives, and high school contacts for purposes of postsecondary planning and for creating a college consideration and application set.

Assessing Student Preconceptions of Sport Management Faculty: Where Do Women and Latinos Stand?

Sosa, J., Sagas, M. — 2008-06-10

Latino individuals and women as a group have found it difficult to become established within the professorate. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine student preconceptions of Latino professors within sport management. The study was conducted within a sport management class (N = 102), utilizing self-categorization theory based on race and gender. Results indicated significant effects for both race and gender. This study provides an initial assessment of potential biases that may exist within sport management.

Book Review: Leonard Valverde and Associates. (2008). Latino Change Agents in Higher Education: Shaping a System That Works for All. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 258 pp. $40.00 (hardcover)

Ortiz, F. I. — 2008-06-10

Demythologizing the Mexican American Father

Saracho, O. N., Spodek, B. — 2008-03-11

This review presents recent studies on Mexican American fathers in the United Sates to provide researchers with an understanding of contemporary fatherhood of Mexican American individuals. It describes the myths that create methodological and conceptual problems in conducting research studies to characterize Mexican American fathers. It also suggests guidelines for future research and practical applications on Mexican American fathers' involvement in their children's education. In doing this, it contributes to the emerging research to better understand the complexity of Mexican American fathering.

Effectively Educating Latino/a Students: A Comparative Study of Participation Patterns of Hispanic American and Anglo-American University Students

Brown, A. V. — 2008-03-11

This article provides, first, a brief review of literature concerning the education of Hispanic American (Latino/a) students at the secondary and postsecondary levels and, second, the results of questionnaire research conducted with Latino/a and Anglo-American (White) students at a large university in the Southwest regarding classroom participation patterns. Latino/a students' responses reflected traditional Hispanic values (i.e., community and cooperation) when compared to White students' responses. However, intriguing similarities and counterintuitive responses from each group resulted as well.

Latino Access to College: Actualizing the Promise and Potential of K-16 Partnerships

Oliva, M. — 2008-03-11

The article discusses a policy trend for stronger coordination between K-12 and postsecondary education levels. Using Texas as an illustrative case, remedying Latino underrepresentation in college is described as a rationale for enacting cross-walks between K-12 and higher education. The author concludes that the work and training of postsecondary educators must evolve to incorporate a K-16 mind-set training. Doing so would better position educators to work closely with schools and families to improve college access and success.

The Health Challenges of Urban Latino College Students as Revealed Through Student Journaling

Rowland, A. L. — 2008-03-11

Because of the unique health risks faced by the Hispanic population and the notoriously poor health habits of college students, this study examines the health challenges faced by Latino college students enrolled at an urban commuter institution. A thematic analysis reveals the top themes for males and females as healthy eating, weight management, and exercise. Alcohol use management is a theme for males, whereas stress management is found as a theme for females.

Tutorial Action as a Resource to Improve Higher Education

Ricoy Lorenzo, C., Pino Juste, M. — 2008-03-11

This article describes a qualitative study, and it focuses on the analysis of the dynamics surrounding tutorial action in higher education. The authors have tried to determine the specific needs of the students by identifying and examining the functions associated with tutorial action. Several action guidelines aimed at improving tutorial function are proposed.

Hispanic Presidents and Chancellors of Institutions of Higher Education in the United States in 2001 and 2006

de los Santos, A. G., Vega, I. I. — 2008-03-11

This manuscript examines the number of Hispanic individuals who serve as presidents or chancellor and the type of institutions they serve. In 2001, only 13 states had institutions in which the president or chancellor was Latina/o. By 2006, that number had increased to 22. Both in 2001 and 2006, 61% of all Latina/o CEOs served in associate's degree institutions. Of the l80 Hispanic-serving institutions in the continental United States that were members of HACU in 2007, only 56, or 31%, had Latina/o CEOs.

A Model for Health Professional Education in South Texas

Ramirez, A., Vela, L., Cigarroa, F. G. — 2008-03-11

In 1997, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio established the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) for the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas. Through medical education programs, research facilities, and partnerships with health-care providers, the RAHC aims to improve the health status and access to health services for citizens of south Texas. This article explores the RAHC's potential as a medical education model for other U.S.–México border regions.

The Decision to Speak English

Mulnix, M., Esther, p. — 2008-01-04

The Hispanic English Language Learner

Campos, D. — 2008-01-04

Latinos, Language Minority Students, and the Construction of ESL: Language Testing and Placement From High School to Community College

Bunch, G. C., Panayotova, D. — 2008-01-04

This article explores language assessments and policies that Latino students and others from immigrant backgrounds face as they graduate from high school and attempt to enter community colleges. Focusing on California, the authors examine the assumptions that underlie these assessments and policies. They argue that the policies signal different conceptions (and misconceptions) about the nature of bilingualism and the needs of U.S.-educated language minority students pursuing academic goals.

Who Mentors Hispanic English Language Learners?

De La Cruz, Y. — 2008-01-04

Ten Hispanic university students enrolled in higher education courses were interviewed and considered successful despite the lack of support they received in learning English during their primary and secondary education. Analysis of the questionnaires and personal interviews reveal four major types of mentors who supported and motivated them to succeed throughout their post—high school education: family mentor, advisor mentor, self-mentor, and peer mentor.

The Instructional Dynamics of a Bilingual Teacher: One Teacher's Beliefs About English Language Learners

Delgado, R. — 2008-01-04

This article discusses the qualitative study of a bilingual teacher's practice in working with a student with a learning disability. The author first examines student demographics as they specifically relate to the achievement of Latino school children and then segues to an examination of the nature of instruction provided to English language learners and the beliefs associated with one teacher's instructional practices.

Service Learning With Latino Communities: Effects on Preservice Teachers

Hale, A. — 2008-01-04

Results from a qualitative study on the effects of service learning on preservice teacher development in working with culturally diverse learners, specifically within the context of bilingual education and teachers of English as a second language, are discussed. Data were gathered from course reflection papers and participant interviews of college students who participated in service-learning projects with Latino communities. A discourse ensues on five themes that were discovered from the analysis.

Language Matters: Understanding, Changing, and Committing to Action

Balderrama, M. V. — 2008-01-04