Hispanic Serving Institution Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?
A: HSI is defined as “accredited and degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent student enrollment.
Q: How did CCA get this designation?
A: Since 2011, CCA has worked on a plan to increase its Latinx enrollment to better match the demographics of the service area. Currently, 28.8% of the population in Aurora is Latinx. Additionally, CCA has developed and implemented a variety of strategies and initiatives to ensure success for Latinx and other minoritized students in the areas of retention, graduation, transfer, and reducing equity gaps.
In 2016, CCA obtained the Hispanic Serving Institution designation after surpassing the necessary 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent student enrollment.
Q: What are the benefits of this designation?
A: The HSI designation allows CCA to apply for federal grant funding to assist in strengthening institutional programs, facilities, and services to expand the educational resources and opportunities for Latinx students and other minoritized populations.
Q: How is CCA sustaining the designation?
A: CCA is continuing its broad work in Inclusive Excellence, curriculum development, culturally relevant events, offering scholarships, supporting affinity groups, including student lead organizations, and Latinx participating on the Inclusive Excellence Council. In addition, the college is applying to a variety of grants to sustain all these efforts.
Q: What the difference between Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx?
A: Although the terms are used interchangeably, Hispanic is a U.S. government designated term referring to people of origin or ancestry from Spanish-speaking countries. Latino/a refers to people whose origin or ancestry is in Latin America. The “x” in Latinx affirms people who do not identify in the gender-binary of the Spanish language. In sum, language and geographic location are what separate Hispanic from Latinx. Other common self-identified terms include Chicanx, Afro-Latinx, and Mestizx.
Q: What is the percentage of CCA Latinx faculty and staff?
A: 10% of CCA’s faculty and staff self-identify as Latinx, 4% of which is instructional and 6% staff
Q: What are CCA’s affinity groups for Latinx students, faculty, and staff?
A: Currently, there is a Latinx Student Alliance. Additionally, there is a Latinx Faculty and Staff Association (LFSA).
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