• Hispanic refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.)
• Latin* refers to a person with cultural ties to Latin American nations with history of French, Portuguese, or Spanish colonialism regardless of race. (Fernández-Morera, 2010) (Latina feminine, Latino masculine, Latinx gender inclusive and gender non-conforming, or plural)
• Want to learn more? Read Do You Know the Difference Between Hispanic and Latinx?

Becoming an HSI would allow SLCC to be more intentional in addressing the systemic and historical barriers that have negatively impacted the educational experiences and outcomes of Latinx/a/o students, as well as those of minoritized students at large.

Although the designation "HSI" includes the term "Hispanic," the HSI designation—along with efforts and programs developed through HSI funding—aim to be inclusive of all student populations. The HSI designation and identity can be used as a vehicle to fulfill SLCC's mission to engage and support students in educational pathways leading to successful transfer and meaningful employment.

• An intentional focus on increasing our Latinx/a/o student recruitment and enrollment will support the strategic goal of Institutional Sustainability and Capacity.
• Increasing retention efforts for Latinx/a/o students will support our goal to close the completion gap through targeted student support.
• Receiving an HSI designation represents our institutional value of Inclusivity and seeking to advance diverse cultures and perspectives. It also furthers our mission of being the community's college.
• Receiving an HSI designation has the potential to increase the sense of belonging for Latinx/a/o students and increase opportunity that Latinx/a/o community members will see themselves as college-going.
• Receiving an HSI designation, increases the opportunity to attract Latinx/a/o faculty and staff to better reflect our student population.
• As we grow capacity for faculty, staff, and administrators to be ready to support the Latinx community, we increase our institutional responsiveness to embrace equity-mindedness and inclusive practices in workplace and academic culture.