UC Merced Earns Seal of Excelencia Recertification For Advancing Latino Student Success

In recognition for its continuing efforts to advance Latino student success, UC Merced has earned recertification of the prestigious Seal of Excelencia. The Seal is a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment and more intentionally serve Latino students.

The university first received the Seal from Excelencia in Education -an organization focused on accelerating Latino student success in higher education - in 2021. Each year, a small group of colleges and universities across the U.S. receive the designation, which has a three-year lifespan.

"Being recertified is an accomplishment that we are very proud of and is a testament to the work that continues to be done by staff, faculty and campus leadership," said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. "It illustrates our ongoing commitment to impact the lives of our Latino/a students and is a direct result of intentional, collaborative work across departments that see diversity as a strength and inclusion as a priority."

The Seal was introduced by Excelencia in 2018 to certify colleges and universities for their efforts to become learning environments where Latino students thrive. According to its website, the Seal is given to institutions that demonstrate through data, evidence-based practices and leadership how they are intentionally serving Latino students.

A designated Hispanic Serving Institution since 2010, UC Merced has earned numerous accolades for cultivating a culture of student success. Its campus features a student body that is over 54% Hispanic and 65% first generation. Excelencia believes academic institutions increase their visibility in various aspects by going above and beyond to ensure success for all students.

"Students and families as well as leaders in philanthropy, business and government look to colleges and universities that earned the Seal of Excelencia when making their institutional choices," said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. "Excelencia is proud to partner with institutions ensuring America's bright future by advancing the talents of the Latino community."

UC Merced was honored, along with the other awarded universities, at an event held Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C. The event was streamed live and can be viewed on the Excelenica YouTube channel.