Minority-Serving Institution
UNLV prides itself on being an institution of opportunity where students traditionally underrepresented in higher education can receive the support they need to achieve their educational and professional goals. As a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) and Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), UNLV enrolls a high percentage of minority students and is committed to reducing barriers to their academic success.
What are MSI, HSI, and AANAPISI?
Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) are U.S. colleges and universities that enroll a high percentage of minority students. Because minority populations have experienced disproportionate barriers to higher education, the federal government provides financial support through various titles of the Higher Education Act.
MSI institutions under the Title III eligibility designation include Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Tribal Colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
The federal government includes institutions that serve high percentages of
Hispanic Americans and other underrepresented populations under Title V
eligibility for the HSI designation.
| Minorities | 70.3% |
|---|---|
| Native American or Alaskan Native | 0.3% |
| Asian | 14.8% |
| Black or African American | 8.7% |
| Hispanic | 33% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | .6% |
| Two or More Races | 12.9% |
MSI Task Force
The MSI Task Force (includes HSI and AANAPISI initiatives) is a coalition of UNLV stakeholders dedicated to advancing educational equity and eliminating the achievement gap among students of color.
MSI Opportunities
UNLV’s office of Sponsored Programs has identified opportunities for research funding for minority-serving institutions.
MSI Student Council
Students and faculty work together to review and refine student-facing programs, services, and policies that have implications for equity.
National Partners
Our national partners offer services and opportunities for faculty and student engagement, and community development that supports our mission for student success as an Hispanic-Serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
UNLV Designated AANAPISI, HSI, and MSI Institution
In 2021, The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) achieved designation from the U.S Department of Education as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Title III-Asian American and Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. In 2015, UNLV achieved designation as a Title V - Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
UNLV Designated: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Title III
An Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) is an institution of higher education that is eligible under section 312(b) of the Higher Education Act and at the time of application, have an enrollment of undergraduate students who are Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander that is not less than 10%.
AANAPISI Program
The purpose the AANAPISI program is to “Provide grants and related assistance to AANAPISI serving institutions to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Native Americans Pacific Islanders and low-income students” (84.031L; 84.382B).
As an AANAPISI, UNLV aims to increase retention, persistence, and completion rates and to expand its capacity to offer web-based undergraduate courses in computer science. Key services include academic tutoring; counseling (i.e., academic, undergraduate financial aid, career, and graduate/professional school admissions and financial aid); frequent, ongoing academic-progress monitoring; and financial-literacy instruction.
In 2013, UNLV became an eligible Title III institution by the Department of Education. UNLV was awarded Nevada’s first Title III grant in 2015 (AANAPISI Part A). UNLV received a second grant (AANAPISI Part F) in 2016. In 2020, UNLV received its third Title III AANAPISI Part A grant that will serve more than 1,000 UNLV students (low-income, first-generation, and those who need academic support) over the five-year grant period.
The Center provides information about UNLV services and assistance for eligible students under the Title III grant.
UNLV Designated: Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Title V
The Higher Education Act, 20 USCA Section 1101a, defines a Hispanic-Serving Institution as an institution of higher education that is an eligible institution under Title V of the Department of Education; at the time of application, has an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25% Hispanic; and provides assurances that not less than 50% of its Hispanic students are low-income individuals.
HSI Program
The purpose the HSI program is to “Expand and enhance the academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability of college and universities that are educating the majority of Hispanic college students and helping large numbers of Hispanic students and other low-income individuals complete postsecondary degrees” (20 U.S. Code, 1101a, n.d).
UNLV’s goal as an HSI is to increase retention, persistence, and completion rates and to expand the university’s capacity to offer web-based undergraduate courses in computer science. Key services include academic tutoring; counseling (i.e., academic, undergraduate financial aid, career, and graduate/professional school admissions and financial aid); frequent, ongoing academic-progress monitoring; and financial-literacy instruction.
Recent News
Spring semester begins with Native American ceremonies to bring campus community together.
Degree earners from 36 states and 39 countries to cross Thomas & Mack Center stage over course of three undergrad and graduate ceremonies held on Dec. 19 and 20.
Mellon Foundation award will support the creation of Neon Pacific Initiative to increase research, engagement, and community partnerships.