Redesigning STEM Courses to Advance Hispanic Student Success: A Case Study of OLLU’s Title V DHSI Initiative

Abstract

This case study explores Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) strategic initiative to enhance STEM education for Hispanic students, a project supported by a Title V DHSI grant. Facing challenges in STEM retention and success, OLLU implemented a multifaceted approach, including needs assessments to pinpoint student-specific obstacles. Key programmatic strategies, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Experiential Learning (EXL), and Writing to Learn techniques, were employed to redesign core STEM courses. The article will detail the implementation process, highlighting the establishment of the EXL STEM Studio and the subsequent redesign of the courses. Outcome analysis will focus on demonstrable impacts: student retention, graduation rates, and the increase in STEM degrees awarded to Hispanic students. This case study offers valuable insights for HSIs seeking to improve STEM outcomes, emphasizing the effectiveness of tailored academic support and innovative pedagogical approaches.