Hispanic Students’ Perceptions of Hispanic Student Organizations: Underutilized Campus Community

Kelly Torres

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2501

Authors

Kelly Torres The Chicago School https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4374-6366

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2501

Keywords:

Hispanics, student organizations, higher education, qualitative research, value theory

Abstract

Hispanic students represent a small percentage of enrolled college students. Because underrepresented students may feel a lack of belonging, they may seek group membership in racial/ethnic student organizations. This qualitative study investigated 15 Hispanic students’ reasons that they may or may not join Hispanic student organizations. Findings from this study revealed that participants’ desires to engage with student organization activities were dependent on availability, friendships, sense of belonging, and perceptions of value for engagement.

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Author Biography

Kelly Torres, The Chicago School

Kelly Torres, PhD is the Department Chair of the Educational Psychology and Technology program at The Chicago School. She has extensive experience teaching university-level courses in both online and in-person formats, covering topics such as educational psychology, foundations of education, assessment, curriculum development, linguistics, and culture. Her research focuses on integrating technology in educational settings to enhance student outcomes, as well as exploring motivational factors that influence second language learning and cultural engagement.

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