Administrators at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) see the Seal of Excelencia as not only recognition of the university’s decades-long commitment to Latinx student success, but as motivation to do even better moving forward.
In its second year of being issued, institutions committed to Latinx student success have sought Excelencia in Education’s Seal of Excelencia, seeing it as clear affirmation of their missions. Excelencia in Education CEO 
To be eligible to apply for the Seal or to earn it, an institution does not necessarily need to be an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with an undergraduate student population of at least 25% of its full-time-equivalent students being Latinx. Santiago says that intentionality, data and strategies are what matter.
“We’re looking for institutions that have programs that are explicit and effective in serving Latino students,” says Santiago. “What stands out about University of Illinois-Chicago is that this is a Carnegie-designated Research 1 (R1) institution, and they’re focused on how to improve faculty representation, not just for UIC, but nationally. That shows a bigger vision and value.”
“Student success is at the core of the university’s mission,” says Dr. Nikos Varelas, vice provost for undergraduate affairs and academic programs. “We are using data extensively in developing and assessing programs.”
Dr. Michael Amiridis, UIC’s chancellor, says evidence-based tools are essential to a diverse and inclusive institution. “You have in place benchmarks that are available to facilitate and also to monitor the progress of the institution,” says Amiridis, who is committed to leading by example in embracing the commitment to Latinx student success. “Also, removing barriers.”
History of commitment
