RUTHERFORD, NJ – Felician University has proudly secured a Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program (DHSI) grant which will provide approximately $3million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education.

Title V grants are highly competitive and focused on improving higher education opportunities for Hispanic Serving Institutions by supporting new and innovative programming. Felician University’s program is entitled FALCONS Connect, (Felician Advising Learning Communication On-boarding Navigating Supporting).

FALCONS Connect will promote the academic, social, and emotional well-being of Hispanic students through the expansion of Summer Bridge courses to ensure college preparedness, strengthening the GRIT (Goals, Resiliency, Integrity, and Tenacity) Program for students on academic probation, and enhancing mentoring through a peer-lead team model. The DHSI funds will support these new and existing services as well as the creation of student services hubs called FALCONS Commons on both campuses in Lodi and Rutherford. In this way, the award will ensure that Felician students realize their goals and reach degree completion. Hispanic student organizations, and faculty and staff training that allows for a better understanding of student life experiences will also be available.

Forty percent of Felician’s student population identify as Hispanic and come to the university with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Many face financial and other challenges as they contribute to the richness of Felician’s values-based Franciscan community.

“Hispanic Serving Institutions play a pivotal role in providing equity in education and workforce preparation,” stated Dr. Mildred Mihlon, Acting President of Felician University. “Felician embraces this responsibility, ensuring excellence in academics and career-based learning, bolstered by the global values of our Franciscan tradition. We are grateful to be able to continue our success through awards such as this.”

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About Felician University

Felician University inspires and engages more than 2,100 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students through programs in the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education. Over the past five years, Felician University has ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. The Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Felician University was designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the ninth year recognizing its strong support for Veteran students. The university is recognized for its diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), having underrepresented students comprise more than half of the student population. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, the Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.