The Seal of Excelencia is a certification given to colleges and universities that promote and put forth effort to create an environment where all students can thrive. UTSA first earned the seal back in 2020 and has just renewed the honor this year until 2026.
UTSA was founded as a Hispanic Serving Institution and aspires to become a leader in Hispanic-thriving institutions where all Latino students can excel. Over the past few years, UTSA has been able to expand on multiple existing efforts and create new ones to reach its goal.
UTSA’s Bold Promise program allows students to attend college at an affordable price. This effort reaches out to those who have an annual income of $70,000 or less and provides them with the opportunity to help strengthen and build their careers. Latino students comprised 76% of the program’s overall enrollment.
Funded by a grant from the UT System, the Graduation Help Desk assists students in resolving roadblocks they may encounter on the road to graduation. Since 2018, The Help Desk has addressed 8,081 students and served 3,275 graduates. Latinos represent 59% of the total cases served.
This honor is especially important in San Antonio, which has become the largest Latino-majority city in America with a Hispanic or Latino population of 65.7%. With UTSA’s Hispanic or Latino population at 59%, the seal establishes the university as a place where all bold futures can thrive.
To learn more about the UTSA’s recertification, visit utsa.edu/today/2023/09/story/recertification-of-seal-of-excelencia-2023-2026.html. For more information on the Seal of Excelencia, visit edexcelencia.org/seal-excelencia.
