Dear UT Community,

This morning, The University of Texas at Austin was recognized nationally for our ongoing efforts to support Latino students — a reflection of the great work of so many dedicated members of our community.

Excelencia in Education, which promotes Latino student success in higher education, announced that we are among just five colleges and universities to earn its Seal of Excelencia for 2020. We are also one of just two members of the Association of American Universities (AAU) to ever receive the certification, which was introduced last year. Excelencia recognized UT Austin for a wide range of programs and measures, from our efforts to recruit, support and graduate our students on time to supporting specific programs from the arts and humanities to engineering, business, medicine and the sciences.

Fittingly, this certification coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, which we have been recognizing through programs and outreach across campus. It also comes at a time when our graduation rates among all groups of students, including Latino students, have risen to record levels — and when our Latino undergraduate enrollment has exceeded 25 percent for the first time ever. This qualifies UT Austin for consideration as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

I want to thank and congratulate all of you for your efforts in making this a more welcoming and inclusive campus. Keep up the good work!

Hook ‘em,

Jay Hartzell
President