Member Advisory
Celebrate National HSIs Week - September 19-25, 2010
National HSIs Week
President Barack Obama has issued a Proclamation designating the week of September 19-25, 2010, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res. 1611, its version of a resolution to commemorate this week, which will recognize the contributions of HSIs in their communities, and the U.S. Senate will consider a similar resolution Monday, September 20. HACU is calling on all HSI to make plans for National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, September 19-25, 2010.
“Hispanic-Serving Institutions touch the lives of millions of students. As the nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s only fitting that we also celebrate and promote the work of HSIs in educating the future workforce of this nation,” HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores said. “HSIs play a unique role in communities across the nation and these institutions can celebrate their accomplishments during National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.”
Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Education Taskforce, and Senator Robert Menéndez, the nation’s only Hispanic Senator, introduced resolutions.
"As the only Hispanic Senator and as Chair of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, I am proud to once again introduce a resolution that honors the importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the role they play in forming the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Menéndez. “We must continue to work to ensure that Latino students have the opportunities and resources they need to become contributing members of our society and economy. These institutions help ensure they have access to a better education, a better community, and a better future.”
“Hispanic-Serving Institutions provide the support needed to help low-income Hispanic students, many of whom are first-generation college students, complete their degrees and prepare for professional careers,” Grijalva said. “This resolution honors the work and commitment of HSIs in facilitating the higher educational needs of Hispanic students through institutional and academic support, as well as tutoring and student services.”
HACU will begin National HSIs Week celebrations this weekend during its 24th Annual Conference in San Diego. At the conference, Dr. Flores will continue to encourage all HSIs to celebrate this week as they deem appropriate.
Listed below please are some suggestions from a July 22 Member Advisory on how to prepare to celebrate National HSIs Week, September 19-25, 2010, at your campuses.
1. Raise awareness
Partner with your local newspaper or radio station to advertise National HSIs Week and the events being sponsored by your institution. This increased visibility will highlight the outstanding contributions made by these institutions on a local, national, and international scale.
2. Host a campus forum
Organize a town hall meeting with students, faculty, staff and community leaders to explore issues of particular interest to the HSI community.
3. Organize a community-wide activity
Build and promote campus-community partnerships to address various issues impacting the local community.
4. Use the Web
Post acknowledgements of HSIs on your institution's Web site and download copies of the Congressional Resolutions and the Presidential Proclamation commemorating this event.
5. Hold a student showcase
Arrange for your institution's choir, band, cheerleading squad, fraternity or sorority to perform during events held to commemorate National HSIs Week. You may also highlight the week during a sporting event any day during that week.
6. Celebrate National HSIs Week in your own unique way.
7. Share your institution’s plans to celebrate National HSIs Week with HACU via social media.
Download a PDF of the proclamation.