Conceptualizing "Servingness" in Hispanic-Serving Institutions

• In Event: The Development and Continued Evolution of HSIs

Abstract

Although 92% of California’s community colleges are recognized as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Hispanic/Latinx students have disproportionately low success rates. HSIs often use race-neutral policies, which fail to address the historical and ongoing oppression that creates racial inequities in education. This qualitative study explored how Student Services professionals at one Hispanic-serving community college define "servingness" for Latinx students. Using Gina Garcia's servingness framework and Yosso’s Cultural Community Wealth Model, the research included semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Twenty college employees participated, revealing that servingness involves creating a Hispanic-serving organizational identity, securing adequate funding for Latinx student initiatives, implementing culturally responsive and race-conscious practices, and addressing the influence of white supremacy within the institution.

Authors

• Christina Oja, Coastline Community College

• Alejandra Priede, California State University - Long Beach