University of Nevada, Reno Aims for Hispanic-Serving Institution Status Amid Federal Funding Freeze
As federal funding for minority-serving institutions faces potential freezes, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is pushing forward with its application to become a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution. This move comes despite uncertainties surrounding support from the government.
According to University President Brian Sandoval, the initiative remains a priority. “The funding would be great but even without it, it’s a really important designation. So we will be applying for that,” Sandoval stated, underscoring the significance of the status beyond financial considerations.
UNR has recently achieved the milestone of surpassing the 25% Hispanic student enrollment requirement necessary to apply for the designation. With this status, the university could gain access to federal grants designed to enhance Hispanic student success.
The announcement was made by Sandoval just before his annual State of the University address. However, the administration’s current proposal to temporarily halt new grant funding leaves institutions like UNR in a state of uncertainty regarding when and if financial support will resume.
Additionally, President Sandoval addressed the ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the university’s UndocuPack program. This program provides critical academic support and legal resources for undocumented and DACA students on campus.
Sandoval clarified the situation, stating, “Students can absolutely access the UndocuPack program. Just for clarity the Justice Department referred the matter to the Department of Education and it came the day right before the government shutdown. So we haven’t heard anything.”
The DOJ’s review of the UndocuPack program began earlier this fall, as questions arose about its compliance with federal law. Despite the investigation, Sandoval maintains that the program is constitutional and assures that its services will continue during this period of scrutiny.
