Advocacy

As part of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 26^th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, members of MSU Denver along with the President of Adams State University, met with 8 members of Colorado’s delegation – Representatives DeGette, Crow, Lamborn, Perlmutter, Buck, Neguse, Boebert, and Senator Bennet.

HACU provided members with the following four asks which allowed members of MSU Denver the opportunity to highlight MSU Denver and the types of programs we offer our students (see programs below).

Equitable Funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment (HERE) Act
Capital Financing Bill
Immigration Reform

First-Generation Initiatives Program

Look at our programs in action with the story of Estéfani Peña Figueroa at the bottom.

First-Generation Initiatives serves all first-gen students at MSU Denver which makes up 56% of the student body. First-generation students are defined as neither parent nor guardian has obtained a bachelor’s degree. The FGI program focuses on building community, empowerment, leadership development, and providing tools to help student reach their goals. We do this through workshops, events, and our First Generation Leadership Program for first-year students.

FGI has a video series that educates students on a variety of academic and non-academic topics including time management, money management, interpersonal communication, and personal goal setting.

To learn more click on the link and see our phenomenal work

www.msudenver.edu/first-gen/

Estéfani Peña Figueroa Health Care Management

Peña Figueroa, a student with DACA protection, graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver this month with a degree in healthcare management. Her younger sister is graduating from Denver’s DSST: College View High School.

But because the coronavirus pandemic upended academic life and put a halt to large gatherings, there has been no pomp, no circumstance, and no graduation stage to complete the Figueroa’s’ educational odyssey.

Many Colorado academic institutions canceled or postponed their graduation ceremonies to reduce the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus. For first-generation college students such as Peña Figueroa — the first person in her family to earn a college degree — the dissolution of a graduation ceremony felt especially stinging. “I really wanted to go to school since I was little, but the education in Guatemala was so expensive and not the best opportunity,” Peña Figueroa said, her voice cracking. “Although my mother didn’t really know how to read back then, she would always try to read to me and always tell me — sorry I get so emotional — she would always tell me about the importance of going to school and going to college. My parents decided to give my little sister and me a better future.”

By Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post

Read the rest of the article here.

Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy (GITA)

The Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy (GITA) creates space for oppressed groups to build community, organize for liberation, and engage in self-care. Additionally, GITA reaches students by teaching critical analysis, communication, and organizing skills so that students feel empowered to work against the systems of oppression in their lives and communities. GITA’s values include intersectional feminism, activism, access, community, and learning.

GITA is comprised of two major arms—the Gender and Women Studies department and GITA student support services.

The Gender and Women Studies dept offers one major in GWS studies, two minors in Gender and Sexuality Studies, and 1-2 credit fast-paced courses on career and personal development. GITA program administrators actively assist students, faculty, and staff who are facing harassment and/or discrimination on campus.

GITA support services offer a range of support including a one-snack stop for students experiencing food instability, as well as dedicated lactation stations, wellness/quiet rooms. GITA offers scholarship services to educate students on this process, 2 grants for students who are above 60 credits hours or who would like to attend a conference.

Year-round events and programs that are student-centered and student-led. Training and education are available on topics including systemic oppression, LGBTQ inclusion, conflict resolution, anti-racism, etc.

A community space for students to gather and relax, study, do homework and build community. This space also serves as a meeting space for student organizations and groups coordinating programming that promotes diversity across campus. Emphasis is placed on issues and concerns of underrepresented populations.

Co-author of the BIPOC Safer Spaces Resolution (www.msudenver.edu/gita/safer-spaces-resolution/), GITA Hold of Yourself official podcast (student-curated and led) (https://gitapodcast.libsyn.com), and DEI advocacy and service at MSU Denver.

Eneri “Netty” Rodriguez Arauz

Associate Director

303-615-2036

[email protected]

To learn more about our phenomenal work!

www.msudenver.edu/gita