September 18, 2009

Week of September 20-26 designated as

"National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week"

 The resolution calls for observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities

The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) is proud to announce that Congress has approved a resolution for the observance of a National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week. The resolution, introduced in the House by Congressman Raúl Grijalva and in the Senate by Senator Robert Menendez, designates September 20-26, 2009, as Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

“As Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated across the nation, the impact that Hispanic-Serving Institutions have made in higher education is deserving of national recognition,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores. “We commend Congress for passing a resolution that honors the many achievements and contributions made by our nation's HSIs.”

HSIs are defined as colleges or universities where Hispanics constitute a minimum of 25% of the full time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate enrollment.

“Hispanic-Serving Institutions serve more than half of Hispanic college-going students,” said Grijalva. “Around the nation, these institutions serve the needs of this community and help to facilitate advanced educational training for this fastest growing group in our nation’s population. It is appropriate that we should set aside a time of recognition to honor these institutions.”

"As the only Hispanic Senator and Chair of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, I am proud to begin Hispanic Heritage Month by introducing a resolution that honors the importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in educating the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Menendez. “It is critical to honor those institutions that play a crucial role in increasing the access future generations of Latinos have to a better education, a better community, and a better future. We must continue to work to ensure Latino students have the resources they need to become contributing members of our society and economy."

The resolution calls on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for HSIs. 

Click here, for the House resolution

Click here, for the Senate resolution