Catching up with Cody: A time for growth and appreciation
Dear Colleagues,
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”
– Dolores Huerta
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the invaluable contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx students, faculty and staff, we lean heavily into this year’s theme of inclusivity.
At Regis, we identify with this need especially since our traditional student body is increasingly Hispanic. One of the key take aways we received from a recent student survey from our Hispanic students was a need for a greater sense of belonging on our campuses.
We know this is an area for growth and improvement since we are located in a region that has been shaped historically by the Hispanic and Native communities. We are in the process of applying for Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status with the federal government. This status will distinguish Regis as only the second Jesuit university after St. Peter’s to serve an over-25% full-time Hispanic student population. We will be leaning into our “serving” role by embracing the cultural uniqueness of our Hispanic students, along with a student centric focus ALL.
To improve inclusivity, we need to dive deeper into what that actually means. We will be bringing in additional resources this winter for our leaders on the leadership team here on campus. The Learner’s Group will lead and facilitate those conversations. I’m sure you join me in this work, to engage our students, especially those who feel as if they stand outside the circle of the larger campus community.
There has been great work done in our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence (ODEIE). This past summer with the help of a Regis donor and ODEIE, we offered a Regis Summer Bridge Program, which gave 18 first-generation college students an advanced look at college life free of charge. That’s one opportunity to let students of Hispanic heritage know they are welcomed here.
As we celebrate this month, I encourage you to take the time to learn more about the Latino culture. Regis has a number of events where you can participate. You can learn more here: https://one.regis.edu/news/2022/faculty-staff/09/hispanic-heritage-month-events
We know many of our students, faculty, staff, and families of Hispanic heritage add to the vitality and richness of Regis’ educational and service environment. Let’s not limit our focus on Hispanic culture and achievement to this one month but make it an all-year-round effort.
At Regis, we identify with this need especially since our traditional student body is increasingly Hispanic. One of the key take aways we received from a recent student survey from our Hispanic students was a need for a greater sense of belonging on our campuses.
We know this is an area for growth and improvement since we are located in a region that has been shaped historically by the Hispanic and Native communities. We are in the process of applying for Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status with the federal government. This status will distinguish Regis as only the second Jesuit university after St. Peter’s to serve an over-25% full-time Hispanic student population. We will be leaning into our “serving” role by embracing the cultural uniqueness of our Hispanic students, along with a student centric focus ALL.
To improve inclusivity, we need to dive deeper into what that actually means. We will be bringing in additional resources this winter for our leaders on the leadership team here on campus. The Learner’s Group will lead and facilitate those conversations. I’m sure you join me in this work, to engage our students, especially those who feel as if they stand outside the circle of the larger campus community.
There has been great work done in our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence (ODEIE). This past summer with the help of a Regis donor and ODEIE, we offered a Regis Summer Bridge Program, which gave 18 first-generation college students an advanced look at college life free of charge. That’s one opportunity to let students of Hispanic heritage know they are welcomed here.
As we celebrate this month, I encourage you to take the time to learn more about the Latino culture. Regis has a number of events where you can participate. You can learn more here: https://one.regis.edu/news/2022/faculty-staff/09/hispanic-heritage-month-events
We know many of our students, faculty, staff, and families of Hispanic heritage add to the vitality and richness of Regis’ educational and service environment. Let’s not limit our focus on Hispanic culture and achievement to this one month but make it an all-year-round effort.
Better together,
Cody Teets
Interim President/Trustee
Interim President/Trustee