The Institute for Latino Studies

About

Since its creation in 1999, the Institute for Latino Studies (ILS) has played a vital role in fostering understanding of the U.S. Latino experience. Building upon the history of Latinos at Notre Dame and the outstanding intellectual legacy of Julian Samora, a pioneering Latino scholar and professor of sociology, the Institute supports Latino studies as a key part of Notre Dame’s academic mission.

By offering a supplementary major and minor, in addition to preparing leaders, advancing research, and strengthening community, the Institute is true to the distinct Catholic values of Notre Dame.

ILS is a member of the Inter-University Program for Latino Research and proud to partner with the Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame (HAND), Adelante ND: Latinx Staff & Faculty Association and the Latino Student Alliance on key projects.

Mission

The Institute for Latino Studies (ILS) advances understanding of the fastest-growing and youngest population in the United States and the U.S. Catholic Church. It strengthens the University of Notre Dame’s mission to prepare transformative leaders in all areas of society, including the arts, sciences, business, politics, faith, and family life.

Vision

To foster a deeper understanding of Latino communities to empower faculty, students, society — all of us — to make better strategic decisions as to what kind of a country we want to leave for our children and grandchildren.  

Goals

The Institute for Latino Studies (ILS) strives to achieve its mission by providing faculty and student support in the areas of Research, Academics, Leadership, Community Engagement, and Latino Spirituality.

• ILS fosters and develops Latino Studies research by faculty experts from numerous disciplines, positioning them as thought leaders throughout the U.S. and the world.
• ILS serves as a premier teaching and curricular institute at Notre Dame, and as a model and leader among institutes of its kind across the nation.
• ILS shapes the future of undergraduate and graduate students as transformative leaders with a depth of understanding about the capacity of Latino communities to enrich all aspects of American society and the world.

To take a deeper dive into the videos, podcasts, and articles from the Institute for Latino Studies on ThinkND, please visit their curated mini-library here.