043 -- Identifying Barriers and Seeking Solutions for Latinx and Hispanic Students in Higher Education

Latinx and Hispanic students face barriers in higher education, including but not limited to; a lack of institutional and familial support, financial hardship, and societal stereotypes. As such, systemic and institutional changes must occur and be consistent in order for Latinx and Hispanic students to attain academic success. Therefore, this presentation intends to explore the experiences of Latinx and Hispanic students in higher education, specifically those in SUNY Geneseo. In order to qualify student experiences, virtual interviews were conducted with various members of the student body. Additionally, in qualifying procedures in place and solutions in process at SUNY Geneseo, Christie Smith, Admissions Counselor, was interviewed. Outside evidence was collected from relevant scholarly articles and journals and compared to experiences in the SUNY Geneseo student body. Student solutions were also accounted for and used to outline systemic changes for the betterment of Latinx and Hispanic students’ academic experiences in SUNY Geneseo.