hispanic student success in higher education through peer
TRANSCRIPT
Hispanic Student Success in Higher
Education through Peer Support
Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color
University of New Mexico
HACU Conference 2014
PNMGC Background and History
Founded during the 2002-03 academic year by a
group of UNM graduate students of color who
recognized the need for an organization that
could provide them with various forms of
support they needed.
Mission
Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color
(PNMGC) is a student-lead organization working
to retain students of color through ongoing peer
mentoring that provides academic, social,
cultural, and emotional support.
Strategic Areas
• Peer Mentoring
• Academic Support
• Leadership Development
• Social Support and Networking
Our Population
Underrepresented students are…
• Students of color
• First generation college students
• International students
• Women in STEM
• Students from low SES
Peer Mentoring
• Foundation of PNMGC
• Mutually-beneficial relationship
• Matching process—self-select specific criteria
on which they are paired
– Native language
– Cultural background
– Gender
– Acadamic association
2013/2014 MENTORSHIP PARTICIPATION
Participants: 48
(Undergrad): 17
(Graduate): 21
(Staff): 8
(Faculty): 2
Participants: 65
(Undergrad): 29
(Graduate): 33
(Staff): 3
Academic Support
• Workshops are opportunities for students to
gain particular academic skills
– Presentation abilities
– Public Speaking
– Résumé and CV Building
– Path to Graduate School and Test Prep
– Partnership with Graduate Resource Center
Leadership Development
Provide students with tools to become leaders
in the classroom, campus and in the community
• Workshops
• Community-based events
• Annual Student Leadership Retreat
– Engagement with faculty, researchers, community
organizers, and other student leaders
Social Support & Networking
• One of the most important facets of PNMGC
• Organic process that is cultivated through
activities that provide opportunities for:
– Connection
– Support
– Find resources
– Build community
2013/2014 PARTICIPATION
432 participants
(Graduate): 160
(Undergrad): 158
(Staff): 51
(Community): 63
645 participants
(Graduate): 221
(Undergrad): 242
(Staff): 37
(Community): 145
Marketing & Outreach
• How do we reach students?
• Strategic Partnering
• Meeting students where they are
– Flexibility
– We are not one-size-fits-all
– Social media
Partnerships
• Community Engagement Center
• El Centro de la Raza
• Global Education Office
• Graduate Resource Center
• Graduate Studies
• KAPLAN Test Prep
• LGBTQ Resource Center
• McNair-ROP Program
• OurUNM
• Out Queer Grads
• South Valley Economic Development Center
• Student Coalition for Diversity
• UNM Dream Team
• World Student Alliance
Co-Sponsored Events
• Community Engagement Center Student Symposium
• Shared Knowledge Conference (SKC)
• Mentoring Dinner
• New Visions Research Colloquium/Raza Graduate Student Association Showcase
Faculty of Color Awards
Human Factor
• Well-networked Project Assistants
• One-on-one interactions and connections with
students
• Welcoming and open atmosphere
• Safe space
Funding
• Student Fee Review Board funding
– Fees from undergrad and grad students
– 65% of funding
• Instructional and General funding
– Institutional money
– 35% of funding
Contact Info
PNMGC Office
Lobo Lair
Room 1046
Phone: 505-277-7397Fax: 505-277-7405
Thank You!