Ortiz: There really is not a Latino agenda

Dr. Ortiz is the director of the Latino American Studies program at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). He has been a teacher here since August 2001. This position was created because of the need to consolidate the numerous programs that did exist, but were inconsistent because of the lack of organization within the programs. The focus now is to bring together Latino/a and other ethnic students who need help with education resources. Although the program is focused on Latino/a students it is not limited to just one ethnicity. With the rise of Latino/a students, there is a need for assistance. Dr. Ortiz felt that it is more important to look at the students as a whole to better serve students, and to contribute to knowledge that is pertinent to the demographic importance of the students, not just at the school level, but in their communities and countries, to focus on all walks of life. When asked about the Latino/a agenda Dr. Ortiz stated that there really is not an agenda, it is more a systematic plan of action, which really is trying to improve the educational needs of the students. It is more of a need on the faculty and administrator side to better aid students who are in need of assistance and how the NEIU community can help them to better their lives and education.

Dr. Ortiz pointed out that the Strategic Plan that has been implemented by President Hahs, recognizes the Latino/a students and makes NEIU a school of choice for many Latino/a students. It is not only the fact that NEIU is recognized as a Latino/a serving institute but also the role they will come to play in our country very soon. We have to invest in their education. So the agenda is not about tailoring to a specific group, but to a set of services to allow us to recognize the talents and needs to address particularities for areas of concern.