Hispanic-Serving Institution

Being an HSI

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) puts students first. We are proud to support Hispanic, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x students, staff, faculty, alumni and community. Our difference makes us stronger, and we’re building a campus where everyone feels welcome, included and supported.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), UNC is part of a national effort to expand access, opportunity and success for Hispanic and Latine Students. This designation strengthens our commitment to student success. Benefiting our entire university through new programs, partnerships and resources that create a richer learning environment for all.

We celebrate the culture, languages and histories that shape our campus community. Through events, scholarships and academic programs, we honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latine students while creating spaces for all Bears to learn and grow together.

At UNC, being an HSI means more than a title. It’s a promise to continue graduating diverse leaders who help shape Colorado’s future culturally, socially and economically.

Why HSI Matters at UNC

Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution is about more than meeting a number. It reflects UNC’s achievement of Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 to helping every student achieve their goals.

At the University of Northern Colorado, 25.5% of undergraduate students identify as Hispanic or Latine. This milestone moves us closer to federal HSI designation, but our purpose reaches beyond the title. We are focused on building strong systems of support, expanding opportunities and creating pathways that lead to student success.

Servingness at UNC means putting students first, listening to their experiences, and ensuring they have the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to reach graduation. By strengthening academic programs and fostering meaningful connections, we are building a community where every student can succeed and make a lasting impact.

Fostering a Culture of Servingness

At UNC, servingness means turning values into action. It’s about creating relationships, programs environments where every student can thrive, especially as we honor and uplift the strengths of our Hispanic and Latine communities. Through collaboration, mentorship and culturally responsive teaching, we continue to build a campus rooted in care, belonging and shared success.

Empowerment

Providing students with the resources, support and opportunities to achieve academic, social and personal success.

Cultural Responsiveness

Implementing pedagogies and practices that honor and integrate diverse cultural knowledges, perspectives and experiences.

Community Building

Fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection across campus, creating spaces where all students feel valued and supported.

Equity and Access

Actively working to eliminate equity gaps and ensure equitable access to resources, opportunities and support for all students.

Advocacy and Leadership

Cultivating students’ ability to advocate for themselves and others, preparing them to become transformative leaders who positively impact their communities and the world.

Institutional Integration

Infusing ‘servingness’ throughout all aspects of the university, including academic programs, student services and administrative
practices

Honoring Student Perspectives

Centering and valuing the voices and experiences of all students, allowing these to shape our HSI efforts.

HSI Steering Committee

The HSI Steering Committee guides UNC’s ongoing work as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by shaping strategies, goals and initiatives that strengthen a culture of servingness and student success.

HSI Communications Subcommittee Work

Implementation of HSI Mission/Vision
Operationalizes HSI-focused programming & best practices

Committee Lead: Whitney Duncan, PhD

Members:

Carlos Perez Samano, Bilingual Communication Specialist, Marketing and Communications
Jen Mayer, Interim Associate Dean, University Libraries
Andrea James, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences