Exploring Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Emerging HSIs: Institutional Characteristics, Student Experiences, and Future Directions

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is rapidly increasing and is expected to further grow with several institutions on the path to becoming HSIs, more commonly referred to as emerging HSIs. Although only 10.5% of all colleges and universities are currently designated as HSIs, these institutions enroll approximately 56% of all Latina/o college students. While HSIs and emerging HSIs are relatively underexplored in the literature, research on these institutional contexts is emerging. The purpose of this session is to showcase current research on HSIs and emerging HSIs from institutional and student level perspectives, utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Further, the session aims to offer future directions for research and practice at these dynamic institutions.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Section 6: Society, Culture, and Change

Chair

• Laura Jean Cortez, The University of Texas - Austin

Papers

• Framing a Typology of Hispanic-Serving Institutions - Anne-Marie Nunez, The University of Texas - San Antonio; Gloria Crisp, The University of Texas - San Antonio; Diane Elizondo, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Advancing a Framework for Studying Hispanic-Serving Institutions’ Organizational Identity - Gina Ann Garcia, University of Pittsburgh

• Emerging as Hispanic-Serving: Students’ Perceptions of the Hispanic-Serving Institution Designation - Brighid M. Dwyer, Villanova University

• Latina/o Student Empowerment at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs, and Non-HSIs - Marcela Cuellar, University of California - Davis

Discussant

• Anne-Marie Nunez, The University of Texas - San Antonio