A Doorway to Academic Success: The Undergraduate Research Experiences of Students of Mexican Descent

• In Event: 18.058 - MTCC Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: 18.058-7 - Understanding Latinx Undergraduates

Abstract

Despite increases in college enrollment, students of Mexican descent continue to be disproportionately underrepresented in college degree attainment numbers among racial/ethnic groups. The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) designated undergraduate research as a “high impact practice” that can address academic disparities. Much of the literature on undergraduate research, however, have not included diverse racial/ethnic groups or diverse institutions. This case study will examine undergraduate research from the perspective of students, faculty and staff at a public, state university and answers the call in higher education research to critically examine “best practices” across diverse student populations, environments, and contexts.

Author

• Rocio Mendoza, California State University - Long Beach