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Cal State Fullerton Receives Prestigious Seal of Excelencia

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Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) has earned the prestigious 2021 Seal of Excelencia, which is granted to a small group of colleges and universities committed to accelerating Latinx student success.

CSUF is one of only 10 institutions in the nation to receive the three-year certification this year from Excelencia in Education, the nation’s authority in efforts related to Latinx student success. 

“As the No. 3 institution in the nation for conferring baccalaureate degrees to Latinx students, Cal State Fullerton is proud to purvey a college-going culture in which all Titans have equitable opportunities to cross our commencement stage into a brighter future,” said Fram Virjee, president of Cal State Fullerton. “The Seal of Excelencía not only recognizes this success but also challenges us to further eradicate systemic inequities and amplify our role as Orange County’s only Hispanic-Serving Institution. We are grateful for this prestigious recognition and applaud all Titans — faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors — whose work and investments made it possible.” 

Serving a student population that is 47.3% Latinx, CSUF ranks No. 2 in California and No. 3 in the nation for awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanic students.

“These Seal certified institutions have been able to articulate and demonstrate they are modeling the behavior we need to see to accelerate Latino student success,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “They are having a measurable impact in changing the face of higher education.”

An institution earns the Seal by demonstrating alignment across the three core areas of data, practice, and leadership, which show:

● Evidence of effectiveness and intentionality in institutional practices serving Latino students

● Positive momentum for Latino student progress in their data

● Dedication to transforming the institution into an environment where Latino students thrive

● Strategies in leadership that clearly articulate institutional focus on advancing Latino student success

Excelencia in Education’s mission is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education with a commitment to significantly increase the number of Latino students obtaining college degrees by 2030. 

About Cal State Fullerton

The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.

About Excelencia in Education

Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: https://www.edexcelencia.org/.