Serving with Purpose: Sonoma State’s HSI Commitment
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)
Sonoma State University is proud to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a designation the University has held since 2017. As an HSI, SSU serves a diverse student body in California’s North Bay and is deeply committed to advancing equity, fostering belonging, and supporting the success of Latinx students through community partnership and culturally sustaining practices.
What Is an HSI?
A Hispanic-Serving Institution is an accredited, degree-granting college or university with an undergraduate enrollment that is at least 25 percent Latinx and meets eligibility under Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act of 1965. As an HSI, SSU goes beyond enrollment numbers. We intentionally center Latinx student success through culturally sustaining programs, identity-affirming spaces, and data-informed practices that promote equity across the student experience.
Supporting Latinx Students at SSU
Sonoma State’s commitment to Latinx student success is reflected in a network of programs, spaces, and partnerships that foster belonging, empowerment, and academic excellence from admission to graduation.
Alianza for Equity — Alianza for Equity is a coalition of Latinx faculty and staff dedicated to advancing equity, representation, and culturally sustaining practices across Sonoma State University. The group collaborates with campus leaders to shape policy, host professional development, and promote belonging for Latinx students, employees, and communities.
The HUB and Raza Success Space — Located in the heart of campus, the HUB and Raza Success Space provide mentorship, academic support, and programming that foster a sense of belonging for Latinx and other historically marginalized students.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) — EOP offers admissions access, intensive advising, mentoring, and Summer Bridge. In 2023–24, Latinx student retention in EOP rose to 87 percent, reflecting strong momentum and support.
TRIO Student Support Services — TRIO delivers tutoring, financial literacy education, and graduate-school preparation. Latinx TRIO persistence remains above 93 percent.
MESA (STEM Program) — MESA connects Latinx and first-generation STEM students to advising, research, and internships, achieving over 90 percent year-to-year retention.
DREAM Center — The DREAM Center supports undocumented, DACAmented, and mixed-status students through legal resources, financial-aid guidance, and advocacy.
Academic and Policy Impact
Faculty learning communities and equity-minded course redesigns have narrowed D/F/W gaps in key gateway courses.
Block Enrollment and first-year learning communities increase academic momentum and connection.
A Spanish-for-Heritage-Speakers policy allows bilingual students to start in advanced GE Spanish courses, affirming linguistic and cultural assets.
Project Progress aligns campus initiatives around student success, with Latinx first-year retention rebounding to 76.6 percent in 2024–25.
Financial Support and Scholarships
Approximately 64 percent of SSU students receive financial aid.
SSU awards more than $2.9 million in scholarships each year.
The Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) provides $2,500 renewable scholarships for first-generation students with family ties to the wine industry—over 200 recipients to date, 95 percent persistence, 85 percent Latinx.
FAFSA and Dream Act workshops are offered in English and Spanish.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
SSU collaborates with local schools, community colleges, and organizations such as Redwood Coast K-16 Education Collaborative, Migrant Education, and 10,000 Degrees to create clear college pathways for Latinx and first-generation students. Regional teacher-residency programs help diversify the North Bay educator workforce through paid field experiences and local hiring.
Quick Facts
Founded: 1961
HSI Designation: 2017
Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): ≈ 5,500
Latinx Students: 43 percent of undergraduates
Location: Rohnert Park, California