Factors Influencing the Ethnic Identity Development of Latino Fraternity Members at a Hispanic Serving Institution

Higher education scholars have examined Latino/a student experiences and ethnic identity, yet there is no research describing the ethnic identity development of Latino fraternity members at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how membership in a Latino fraternity at an HSI enhanced members' ethnic identity development. Using Bronfenbrenner's (2005a) bioecological theory of human development as the guiding framework, six themes emerged that enhanced members' ethnic identity development. Implications for student affairs and higher education administrators at HSIs and non-HSIs are discussed.