of Campus Programs. Ms. Garcia’s research interests include issues of retention and access for ethnic minority students in higher education, the Latino college student experience, ethnic, gender, and sexual identity development, and the role of Latino-Greek lettered organizations on student development. As her master’s thesis project, Ms. Garcia examined the relationship of adjustment, social support, and perceptions of campus climate for Latina sorority and non-sorority members. Ms. Garcia is excited about joining the Titan family and is passionate about working with Title V initiatives.

Ms. Garcia believes the Title V grant is important to CSUF for several reasons. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), CSUF is dedicated to creating an environment that is inclusive of Hispanic/Latino and other ethnic minority students on campus while developing initiatives that foster their academic, personal, and professional growth. The Title V grant is an integral component to this mission because it enables CSUF to provide programs and services that foster the success of its students in an environment which is open and accepting of difference. It also places value on diversity within higher education in order to recruit and retain students, faculty, and staff on campus. Additionally, the Title V grant is an important tool for creating awareness among faculty, staff, students, and the surrounding community of the importance of being designated an HSI. As an HSI, the university is committed to serving its Hispanic/Latino and ethnic minority populations and is able to provide increased service and support through Title V initiatives.

A particular focus of the Title V initiatives is on the retention and success of Latino students in math, science, and engineering. These majors are typically demanding, complex, academically rigorous, and require a large commitment from students. Unfortunately, some students are unable to endure these challenges, often changing majors or leaving the university before completing their degree. Approximately 72% of all Hispanic/Latino students in math and science majors persist to the second year. By their sixth year, only 38% of all Latino students in these majors graduate. As significant as these numbers are, objectives of the Title V grant focus on increasing the persistence and graduation rates of Latino students in math, science, and engineering majors. Initiatives intended to increase retention include increased tutoring services, access to individual and group mentoring, early academic warning, continuous advising, and transitional support. Ms. Garcia is available to all students in math, science, and engineering majors and is dedicated to helping them succeed. Ms. Garcia may be contacted at ginagarcia@fullerton.edu or 657-278-2266.