Read the HSI Task Force Executive Summary Report, completed in December 2020.

In 2017, under President Sakaki's leadership, Sonoma State University achieved eligibility to apply for Title IX grants as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The campus continues to prioritize initiatives and programs to increase higher education opportunities and equity within the Latinx community as key components of internal strategic planning and implementation, and in response to the California State University Graduation Initiative 2025. 

In 2020, Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Jerlena Griffin-Desta commissioned an HSI Task Force. The Task Force was chaired by Dr. Elisa Velásquez-Andrade, Chair of the Psychology Department, and explored how to better serve our Latinx student, staff and faculty populations. In doing so, our aim is for all underrepresented populations to benefit. 

Charge of the HSI Task Force

• define and describe what an HSI should look like at SSU
• assess how SSU is meeting that definition
• develop goals and objectives that will ensure we can make claim to being an HSI
• provide other recommendations that will enrich the campus climate for Latinx students, staff, and faculty at SSU
• develop a list of "promising practices" from model institutions across the nation

Task Force Membership 

• Elisa Velasquez-Andrade, Professor and Chair Psychology Department (Task Force Chair) 
• Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Programs and Policy Specialist (Task Force Staff)     
• Laura Alamillo, Dean School of Education                           
• Catherine Fonseca, Outreach & Inclusion Librarian                
• Christina Gomez, Chair of Associated Students Senate                   
• Julia Gonzalez, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications 
• Angelina Gutierrez, SSU Alumna 
• Maricela Ibarra Aceves, Credential Office, School of Education 
• Elias Lopez, Senior Associate Vice President, Academic Resources 
• Karen Lopez, SSU Graduate Student 
• Andy Martinez, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology 
• Mario A. Perez, Vice President for University Advancement   
• Arcelia Sandoval, Compliance Officer, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
• Rheannon Torres, Administrative Analyst/Specialist English Department  
• Robert Train, Professor, Department Modern Languages