Otero Celebrates National HSI Week Sept. 12-16

This week, Sept. 12-16, Otero College is celebrating National Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Week. HSIs are defined as institutions of higher education that have an enrollment of undergraduate, full-time equivalent, students that are at least 25% Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application. Enrollment data shows that in 2021, Otero was at 39.5%. Recognized HSIs are eligible for federal grants to expand their educational opportunities for Hispanic students.

According to a report in Higher Ed Today, 74.1% of full-time students at public four-year HSIs and 77.9% of full-time students at private HSIs graduate within six years, compared to the federal graduation rates of 42.7% and 49.1%, respectively. They accredit these positive numbers to providing access to academics as well as social support for Hispanic students.

In an article by Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, the president at the Community College of Aurora, he points out that Hispanic-Serving Institutions only make up 17% of all U.S. public and nonprofit colleges—yet they enroll 67% of all Hispanic and Latino undergraduates. Community colleges account for approximately 41% of HSIs. The number of recognized HSIs has been increasing by approximately 29 institutions per year. Being designated as an HSI means that Otero holds the responsibility to use inclusive and well-resourced efforts to create learning settings that ensure the success of students of all races, cultures, and identities.

Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, Angela Moore, shared, “Bearing the HSI designation allows us the opportunity to unlock resources to better serve the diverse population of students who attend Otero. These resources are passed along to students, and not just those who are Latino and Hispanic. This designation shapes both the campus culture and experiences for all Otero students by providing funding avenues for new programs, campus development, and scholarships. The staff and faculty at Otero are always looking for better ways to serve our students and being an HSI allows us the opportunity to make decisions that align with the community that Otero College serves.”

Otero’s Student Life is hosting several events for students to participate in this week such as sharing a YouTube video of Gina Garcia on “Defining Servingness for Hispanic Serving Institutions.” They had Pan Dulce y Café on Wednesday and Thursday they will have Auga Fresca y Horchata and a mariachi band will serenade the students on the patio during their dinner.