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 our local 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 committement to studetn sucess. Benefiting our entire univeristy throgh new programs, parternships, and resouces that create a richer learning envrionment 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 to reach graduation. By strengthening academic programs and creating 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, and learning environments where every student can thrive, specially 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
Jorge Jaquez Marquez, Communication Specialist, Student Affairs
Andrea James, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences