This document summarizes the proceedings of the "Latina/os and Their Involvement" institute at the 2013 ACPA Annual Convention in Las Vegas. The institute addressed theories related to student involvement and retention, reflections on sessions about sense of belonging, Latino Greek organizations, and educational outcomes. It also discussed challenges in maximizing outcomes for Latino students and the importance of understanding individual Latino student organizations rather than generalizing. The document concluded by thanking attendees and inviting them to a networking event.

1. Ricardo Montelongo, Ph.D
Office for Student Success
University of St.Thomas-Houston
Latina/o
Students
&
Involvement
Institute
ACPA Las Vegas
Annual Convention
March 5, 2013
Applying Knowledge to
Student Affairs Practice

2. Institute Team
Helen Alatorre
University of Wyoming
Angel Hernandez
Cal State-Fullerton
Daniel Hernandez
UT-Dallas
Estee Hernandez
Florida State University
Joe J. Palencia
Loyola University-Chicago
Stephen Santa-Ramirez
Michigan State University
Nanette Vega
University of Miami
Isabel Lugo

3. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute

4. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute

5. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Definitions Used
• Latina/o student organization – Any student or administratively
sponsored campus groups that are established for the expressed
purpose of representing Latina/o interests and culture in a particular
area
• Involvement – The act of taking part in the meetings and activities
sponsored by an organization

6. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
As professionals in higher education, what do we
know about Latina/o student organizations?
• History
• Characteristics
• Experiences
• Campus perceptions
• Amount of research knowledge

7. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Why did you choose to participate
in the “Latina/os and Their
Involvement” institute?
Question to the institute team:

8. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Some Key Theories Used
Theories
•Tinto’s Theory of Educational Departure (1993)
-drop out of school = not successfully been integrated into college
community
-academic success = participation in student organizations
• Alexander Astin’s Development Theory of Involvement (1977, 1984)
-greater degrees of involvement with the programs and activities of the
campus influence student satisfaction with college, academic achievement,
and persistence toward graduation.

9. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Key Studies – Recommendations/Suggestions
Session #1 - Sense of Belonging & Wellbeing
Session #2 - Latina/o Greek-lettered organizations
Session #3 – Educational Outcomes
•Be sure to provide your name on sign-up sheet or drop your card with
“Latina/o institute” written on it to be provided a reference list via email
soon after ACPA Vegas 2013.

10. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Session #1 Reflections
A Sense of Belonging & Wellbeing

11. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Session #2 Reflections
Latina/o Greek-lettered Organizations

12. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Session #3 Reflections
Outcomes Associated with Latina/o Organizations

13. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
As professionals in higher education,
what challenges do we face in
maximizing the outcomes in each of
these areas for our Latina/o college
students?
Discussion

14. Latina/o Students & Involvement Institute
Overview of Latina/o student involvement in Latina/o student
organizations
• Knowing the history of Latina/o student organizations is important.
• Know the purpose of each individual Latina/o student organization,
rather than generalizing.
• Understand the reasons and goals for Latina/o undergraduate
involvement and provide ample opportunities in LSOs and beyond.
• Latino-specific organizations are complex entities.
• Participation in these organizations tend to have positive effects on
outcomes that aid with retention and success (Montelongo, 2003)

15. Latina/o
Students
&
Involvement
Institute
ACPA Las Vegas
Annual Convention
March 5, 2013
Please contact Dr. Ricardo
Montelongo at
montelr@stthom.edu or
713-525-6972 for info
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!
PLEASE JOIN US AT CULTUREFEST
BALLYS SKYVIEW
8:00pm
@ACPALN
http://www2.myacpa.org/networks/ln ACPA Latino Network