Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Cal State-Fullerton first in state for graduating Hispanics
By Nohemy Martinez
Daily Titan (Cal State-Fullerton)
05/22/2006

(U-WIRE) FULLERTON, Calif. — California State University-Fullerton ranks first in the state and fourth in the nation for the most undergraduate degrees awarded to Hispanic students, according to this year's Top 100 list issued by Hispanics Outlook in Higher Education.

CSUF also ranks second in the nation for the most communication's degrees awarded to Hispanic students. Campus faculty members said this is a huge accomplishment for Hispanic students.

"These students work extraordinarily long hours while also attending class and completing studies, making their graduation an even more remarkable thing given the hardships set before them. They should be applauded for their endurance and courage," said Robert Castro, CSUF professor of Chicano and Chicana studies.

Faculty members agree that the majority of Hispanic students face great adversities that affect not only their families but also the school administration.

"First-generation [Hispanic students] do not have the path carved out for them.... It is a tremendous challenge for students and administrators," said Nancy Porras, professor of Chicano and Chicana studies.

Students, for example, have to deal with the unfamiliar paperwork when enrolling into college, Porras said.

She said other obstacles Hispanic students face is helping their families pay for living and school expenses.

"The summers are not breaks for them, they have to help the parents pay the family costs," she said.

"Many of my students who are first-generation Americans often come from families that are very limited economically," Castro said. "It's essential these students work while attending school. Work means food on the table, monthly rent, medical attention ? basic survival."

The main obstacle, Porras said, is the language barrier.

"Limited English prevents students from graduating college," she said. "What can overcome that barrier? They have to study harder ? go to the writing center," Porras said.

CSUF offers many programs that students don't take advantage of, Porras said.

Being ranked No. 1 in the state also means "a lot of work from staff, EOPS officers and the professors," Porras said.

Reyes Fidalgo, Chicano and Chicana Department chair, agrees that many students have the resources available but don't know how to use them.

"What I find most often is that students do not know the system well enough to use it to their advantage. It only takes one person — an instructor, staff member or whoever — to notice the student's capabilities and to open a dialogue that focuses on what the student would really like to become.... Then things start happening," Fildalgo said.

Porras said faculty and staff members offer students support even if they're not one of their students.

"We proudly support our students.... A lot of times this includes sitting and listening to their concerns," Porras said.

Aside from grades and taking advantage of opportunities Fidalgo emphasized the importance of maintaining a good GPA.

"The other issue that bothers me, and I see it too often, is that many students are not aware of the importance of GPA for any future plans. They work many hours, have families to attend to, and take more courses per semester than they should in order to finish as soon as possible without thinking of the limitations that a low GPA may create for them in the future," Fidalgo said.

Graduating does not guarantee being able to move forward and up, Fidalgo said.

"I encourage students to participate in organizations and programs. There they may find out about things such as scholarships and internships," Porras said.

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