Colleges and universities across the country celebrated National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Week, September 9-15, 2024. The observance took place right before National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. HSIs are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic student enrollment. In 2022-23, there were 600 institutions that met the definition of an HSI. Collectively, they enrolled 66.2 percent of all Hispanic undergraduates and 31.7% percent of all undergraduate students in nonprofit postsecondary education.
New Mexico State University Grants has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. This HSI designation allowed NMSU Grants to apply for and be awarded a competitive Title V grant, directed by the Department of Education's Office of Post-Secondary Education. This program provides grants to assist HSIs to expand educational opportunities and improve the attainment of Hispanic students. These grants also enable HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability.
A proposal for the Title V grant opportunity was submitted by NMSU Grants and awarded beginning October 2022. The NMSU Grants initiative is titled 'Student Quality in Culture, Comprehension, and Completion' (SQ3C). The focus of the initiative is helping students from the point of entry to their degree or certificate attainment, as efficiently and effectively as possible, using the Guided Pathways model. The award of the Title V grant has allowed for purchase and installation of study pods throughout campus, Starlink Internet equipment and subscriptions for students with limited internet access, and the redesign of courses for improved accessibility, engagement, experience and readability.
NMSU Grants observed HSI Week and will continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, through October 15th, with campus activities to heighten awareness of the important role HSIs play in improving access to education and advancing equity for traditionally underserved students. Some of the events that are planned include a salsa making contest, salsa dance lessons, a Hispanic food themed potluck, a door decorating event, and a Hispanic Heritage display in the Cyber Café, located in Martinez Hall. The Hispanic Heritage display will be exhibited until October 15th.