Sonoma State University

Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force

Overview
The Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Task Force was established to advance Sonoma State University’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success. The Task Force examined how SSU can better serve its Latinx community and strengthen institutional practices that benefit all underrepresented populations. [Read the HSI Task Force Report here]

Background

In 2017, Sonoma State University achieved eligibility to apply for Title V grants as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The campus continues to prioritize initiatives and programs that expand higher education access and equity within the Latinx community as key components of strategic planning and implementation, aligned with the California State University Graduation Initiative 2025.

In 2020, the President commissioned the HSI Task Force to explore how Sonoma State University could more effectively serve its Latinx students, staff, and faculty. The work of the Task Force aimed to strengthen institutional practices and create conditions where all underrepresented populations could thrive.

Charge of the HSI Task Force

  • Define and describe what it means to be an HSI at Sonoma State

  • Assess how the university is meeting that definition

  • Develop goals and objectives to ensure SSU can authentically embody the principles of an HSI

  • Provide recommendations to enrich the campus climate for Latinx students, staff, and faculty

  • Identify “promising practices” from model HSI institutions across the nation