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Amarilys Torres-Nunez
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The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) defines HSIs as not-for-profit colleges and universities where at least 25% of undergraduates identify as Hispanic. This definition comes from the Higher Education Act, passed by Congress in the 90s. There are currently 645 HSIs and 439 emerging HSIs in the USA. HSIs educate a diverse student population, with a significant concentration of students who identify as first-generation and who come from low-income communities.
HSIs enroll approximately 35% of all undergraduate students, including 68% of Hispanic undergraduates. They play a vital role in regional education and significantly support social mobility.
Salem State became MA’s first four-year public HSI last year, and our student population has been more than 25% Hispanic since fall 2024. SSU has been intentional about serving our student population and creating an educational experience where all students can thrive. We have an SSU Roadmap to Servingness, and an academic leader, Dr. Castillo, who is dedicated to helping SSU center and serve our growing student population. We also have an HSI watermark – the hibiscus- that the campus can use any time to signify our commitment to serving our students.
If you want to learn more about Latino college students in MA and the growing HSI community, you can read the White Paper, The Latino Higher Education Landscape in Massachusetts, co-authored by Dr. Castillo and colleagues at UMass Boston.
Events:
Starting the Year with Servingness
Wednesday, September 9, 9:15-10:30 am | ECC MLK Jr. Room
Join us as we kick off the academic year by grounding our work in the servingness framework! This engaging morning session invites participants to reflect on how servingness can shape their everyday interactions, teaching, programs, and services, and to identify practical ways to create more inclusive, culturally responsive, and student-centered experiences throughout the year. Come learn, reflect, and connect with colleagues over a warm breakfast as we begin the year together!
HSI Campus Briefing: Roadmap to Servingness Updates
Thursday, September 10, 12:30-1:30 pm | Zoom
Please register and join us on zoom to discuss what it means for SSU to be a Hispanic Serving Institution. We will discuss the SSU Roadmap to Servingness and how SSU has worked together to meet the recommendations in the Roadmap and become an intentional HSI. We will also discuss priorities for this academic year. Once you register, you will have the option to add it to your calendar.
Celebrating Hispanic and Latin@ Heritage Month 2026
Hispanic and Latin@ Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from September 15 through October 15. Be sure to check out SSU’s calendar of events for culturally affirming, educational, and community-building programs happening on campus and beyond! We'd love to see you at our HSI-led events!