HCC as an HSI
Improving the academic success of Latino students will be the subject of a talk on Wed., May 23, by Carlos Santiago, commissioner of the Massachusetts Dept. of Higher Education, featured speaker at an afternoon event focused on strengthening Holyoke Community College as a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Santiago's talk, "Latinx Students in Public Higher Education," rescheduled twice because of snowstorms, will begin about 3 p.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater. It will be preceded at 2 p.m. by a faculty and staff panel discussion concentrating on HCC's future as a Hispanic Serving Institution, or HSI. On the panel will be HCC Spanish professors Raúl D. Gutiérrez and Mónica Torregrosa; Myriam Quiñones, coordinator of HCC's Multicultural Academic Services program; and Michele Snizek, HCC director of Retention and Student Success.
"Our goal is to develop a common understanding of our Hispanic Serving Institution designation and collectively form a vision of HCC as an effective HSI," said President Christina Royal.
"Hispanic Serving Institution" is a federal designation for colleges and universities where more than 25 percent of the student population is Hispanic. HCC received status as an HSI in fall 2016. As an HSI, HCC is now eligible for federal grants that can be used to improve services and programs that benefit all students.
This event is part of HCC's year-long strategic planning initiative.
Earlier in the day, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., HCC will be holding a "Future Walk" celebration in the hallways and theater lobby in the Fine & Performing Arts building. In addition to music and refreshments, HCC will unveil its new Strategic Plan, including mission, vision and values statements and a timeline showing how the plan was developed.
A reception in the theater lobby will follow Santiago's talk.
PHOTO: Carlos Santiago, Mass. commissioner of Higher Education, during a visit to HCC in 2016.
