We invite the UCLA community to the launch of UCLA’s Latinx Success Center on March 31, 2025.
The establishment of UCLA’s Latinx Success Center (LSC) responds to the Chancellor-appointed HSI Task Force recommendation to establish a center that can provide culturally responsive support for students and information for campus educators. The LSC builds on the momentum of campus-wide efforts related to UCLA’s commitment to becoming a federally designated HSI by 2025.
MISSION
Managed by the Division of Undergraduate Education, in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs, the LSC will serve as both a central hub and an incubator for best practices in Latinx, first-generation and low-income student success. The LSC will build on the effectiveness of Latinx-facing programs and departments at UCLA while creating synergy and alignment to expand their impact to all students across campus. The LSC will build UCLA’s institutional capacity to:
(1) Reach equity in retention and graduation by 2030 UC Goals by increasing Latinx freshman 4-year graduation rate from 72% to 86% and Latinx transfer 2-year graduation from 68% to 75% by 2030.
(2) Serve as a central hub of support that connects students to campus-wide resources, increases use of existing student support services and fosters a sense of belonging on campus.
(3) Strengthen career, graduate and professional pathways for Latinx, low-income, and all students.
(4) Serve as a vehicle to attain and implement future HSI grant-sponsored initiatives to fund innovative academic programs leading to equitable retention, graduation, and career and graduate pathways.
(5) Features a digital component of resources, incorporating inventory of programs, and staff/faculty profiles that choose to be affiliated with the Center; A location for staff services from other units; Links with faculty interested in aspects of Center activity.
OUR COLLECTIVE PROGRESS
In Winter 2023, the HSI Retention & Belonging Committee began implementing recommendations from the HSI Task Force report. By Spring 2023, a student town hall identified the Center as a top priority, leading to a proposal developed by the Committee and a walkthrough of potential start-up locations. Over the summer, the HSI Student Collaborative was formed to amplify student voices, and $97,000 in start-up funding was allocated by EVCP Hunt. In Fall 2023, a resolution by the Undergraduate Students Association Council and meetings with key university leaders underscored the growing momentum. Winter 2024 brought further collaboration between HSI, Undergraduate Education, and Student Affairs, culminating in a $1.5 million gift to support the Center’s establishment.
The search for the inaugural Executive Director began in Fall 2024, alongside key developments to continue to enhance student engagement. Two advisory boards, the Student Advisory Board (SAB) and Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB), have been formed to ensure student voices guide the Center’s programming. Additionally, a mural designed by UCLA alumni Barbara Carrasco (‘78) in collaboration with undergraduate students will celebrate the rich history, creativity, and diversity of the Latinx community at UCLA, making the Center a dynamic hub for cultural pride and storytelling. Students interested in contributing to this meaningful art project are encouraged to contact the Center at latinxsuccess@college.ucla.edu.
LATINX WELCOME
Every fall quarter, the UCLA hosts a Latinx Welcome event for new and continuing undergraduate and graduate students, where they can connect with current students, staff, faculty and alumni. The Latinx Welcome aims to accomplish the following:
- Send affirming and welcoming messages to all Latinx students and their families
- Increase student’s knowledge of campus-wide resources, organizations and opportunities
- Foster self-efficacy and community-efficacy
- Increase knowledge of Latinx contributions to UCLA and higher education
Thank you for the 1,500 of you who joined us for the 2024 Latinx Welcome!