The Campaign for College Opportunity recently announced that HSU was one of the colleges and universities leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx students on their path to a degree.
The recognition highlights efforts that HSU has made to close the equity gap for Latinx students, including the University’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
HSU has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2013; the University has qualified each year since by consistently serving a student population that is at least 25% Hispanic. The designation demonstrates HSU’s commitment to focus on student success for all students, including Latinx, first-generation, and low-income students. Currently, 32% of HSU’s student body identifies as Hispanic.
Several academic programs were created to support Latinx students and other students of color. ¡Échale Ganas!, for instance, is designed to support hands-on learning and career advancement for Latinx students in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Diverse Male Scholars Initiative works to promote a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and a contemporary understanding of what it means to navigate life as self-identified men of color. Similar programs include HSU’sfirst-year Klamath Connection and Creando Raices (Creating Roots) learning communities.
An essential platform for Latinx voices at HSU are the University’s three bilingual publications: the Toyon Multilingual Literary Magazine, published in both English and Spanish; El Leñador, a bilingual monthly newspaper launched in 2013; and CouRageouS Cuentos, a student journal published by the Department of Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
Founded in the summer of 2015, El Centro Académico Cultural is committed to student success with a responsive approach, which includes the development of academic, intellectual, personal, and professional growth. El Centro is one of five Cultural Centers of Academic Excellence at HSU, which include the Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP), the Social Justice, Equity & Inclusion Center, and the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence.
The Campaign for College Opportunity will recognize HSU at a virtual event, Champions of Higher Education Celebration, on Tuesday, Nov. 16.