More Than Enrollment: Examining Institutional Spaces, Identity, and Mental Health at an HSI

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 1:45 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Beyond Metrics: Servingness, Linguistic Justice, and Culturally Rooted Praxis in Higher Education

Abstract

This study explores how institutional spaces and resources at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) support Latine students’ racial and ethnic identity development and mental health. Using a mixed-method, participatory action research (PAR) approach, the study integrates photovoice data and a student-generated survey to examine student experiences. This research centers student voices in identifying key institutional factors that promote belonging, cultural affirmation, and well-being. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from two photovoice cohorts and 383 survey participants. Findings provide critical insight into how HSIs can move beyond enrollment metrics to create environments that authentically support Latine students’ success, identity development, and overall well-being.

Authors

• Amber Michelle Gonzalez, California State University - Sacramento

• Kevin Ferreira van Leer, University of Connecticut

• Maria Guadalupe Razo-Soto, California State University - Sacramento

• Claudia L Gonzalez, California State University - Sacramento

• Darlis Pantoja-Benavides, University of Connecticut

• Noah Sebastian Gomez, California State University - Sacramento