CUI’s Hispanic Leadership Advisory Council (HLAC) currently has two open seats available to Concordia students. Since 2017, HLAC has dedicated themselves to making CUI a thriving Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). 

Many high-profile community members have volunteered their time to help CUI become an HSI. With an increased percentage of undergraduate students that identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, CUI’s HLAC decided to open the council to include student voices. These student voices would represent the first-generation students at CUI and help other students through their journey as a first-generation student. Students would become a liaison between the Council and the student body. 

Following the departure of Lizz Mishreki, who was the prior lead for the HSI task force at Concordia, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Megan Bouslaugh, said, “Peter Senkbeil is currently taking the lead on the advisory group at CUI.” Dr. Peter Senkbeil, who is the Executive Vice President of the University and Provost at CUI, and is also a professor of Theatre. Senkbeil has held prominent roles in academic planning and implementation during his tenure. 

Senkbeil has also been working closely with academic advisor Jazlyn Ortuño-Nunez ‘17, handling the Healthcare Management, Kinesiology, and Theatre majors. Ortuño-Nunez holds a position here at CUI as the Student Success Coordinator working alongside programs like the WINGs program and the Jump Start program. Ortuño- Nunez will assume the role as lead HSI representative effective January 2022. 

There are requirements that have been set for those students who wish to join the council. They include: the applicant must currently be a freshman, sophomore, or junior; they must be able to attend four meetings per year; they must be able to communicate the concerns of CUI’s student body, mainly those of first generation students from different backgrounds. The applicant will also serve as a bridge between the HSI task force and the HLAC. Those who decide to join the council must be willing to serve two terms. Students are encouraged to apply and join as they would be helping themselves but also those students who need further help in navigating their college careers. 

For those students who wish to apply for this great opportunity to become an advocate for fellow first generation students and begin a network with high profile community members, submit your application to megan.bouslaugh@cui.edu. 

Tags: community, leadership, Alexander Carr

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