Mapping the Heterogeneity of Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Organizational Characteristics and Graduation Outcomes

• In Event: From Religion to Race: Making Sense of Organizational Behavior in Institutionally Diverse Contexts

Abstract

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), 2- or 4-year institutions that enroll at least 25% Hispanic students, are defined by enrollment, rather than by mission. Therefore, questions have emerged about whether HSIs truly serve Hispanic students, through promoting student outcomes such as bachelor’s degree completion. Drawing on Berger and Milem’s (2000) and Titus’s (2006a, 2006b) conceptual frameworks, this study examined data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education System (IPEDS) to address how 4-year HSIs’ organizational characteristics and behaviors are related to the graduation rates of Hispanic students within 6 years of first entering college. Distinctive structural and demographic characteristics, peer group characteristics, and organizational behaviors were independently associated with Hispanic graduation rates. This study suggests that future research account for organizational heterogeneity among HSIs.

Authors

• Anne-Marie Nunez, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Diane Elizondo, The University of Texas - San Antonio