Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives (HSII)

Empowering Our Latine Community

California State University, Long Beach (ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú) was first designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in 2005. The U.S. Department of Education offers this designation to institutions of higher education who have an enrollment of Hispanic undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25 percent. In fall 2024, ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú reported 50.1% of undergraduate students are Hispanic (ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú IR&A).

Three Latine staff members smiling together.

In the fall of 2024, the Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives (HSII) at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú was established. HSII focuses on intentionally creating meaningful opportunities for Latine students, staff, and faculty to thrive. Our work is guided by our partnership with and the Seal of Excelencia framework, which helps to ensure institutional accountability to serve the Latine community with respect for their diverse cultural identities and lived experiences. Additionally and in support of the work and collaborative efforts of ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s El Concilio for Latine Success, HSII will increase the capacity of the institution to intentionally serve Latinx students, faculty and staff and to engage with external organizations and agencies to bring resources to the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú community. 

The purpose of HSII is to expand ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s awareness and capacity to serve the Latine community with intentionality and help create an environment where Latine students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

  • Advocacy and Policy Change: Ensure institutional policies reflect the unique strengths, needs, and experiences of Latine students.
  • Cultural Engagement: Elevate Latine culture through programming and initiatives that celebrate identity, heritage, and diversity.
  • Data-Driven Support: Use quantitative and qualitative data and community input to continuously assess and improve the effectiveness of campus initiatives.
  • Collaboration and Community Building: Work with faculty, staff, and community partners to engage and enhance resources and opportunities for Latine success.

 

  • Faculty and Staff Development: Partner with the Latinx Student Resource Center and other campus colleagues to provide workshops and programs that equip faculty and staff to better support Latine students in culturally relevant and meaningful ways.
  • Community and Foundation Partnerships: Build relationships with local organizations and foundations to create opportunities for students and secure resources that support Latine-focused initiatives.
  • Visibility and Cultural Representation: Coordinate campus-wide efforts to highlight Latine heritage and culture through events, programs, and visual representation, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Grant Development and Management: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and oversee the successful implementation of HSI-affiliated grants.
  • Assessment and Accountability: Lead the development of tools and processes to evaluate programs focused on Latine success, ensuring the tools are effective, data-driven, and continuously improving.
  • Advocacy and Policy Change: Represent the needs of Latine students, staff, and faculty in policy discussions and initiatives to influence institutional change.

  • Improved Student Success: Higher retention and graduation rates for Latine students, supported by culturally relevant programs and services.
  • Increased Representation: A stronger presence of Latine faculty, staff, and administrators, creating a campus environment that reflects the diversity of the student body.
  • Enhanced Cultural Visibility: A campus culture that actively celebrates Latine heritage and identity through visible representation, programming, and storytelling.
  • Stronger Community Connections: Expanded partnerships with local organizations to provide Latine students with internships, mentorship, and other real-world opportunities.
  • Data-Informed Growth: The development and use of assessment tools to ensure programs are effective and meet the evolving needs of the Latine community.
  • Policy and Institutional Change: Advocacy efforts that result in policies and practices that address systemic barriers and create equitable opportunities for Latine students, faculty, and staff.