The Hispanic Serving Institution Advisory Council
The goal of the Council is to guide decisions about curriculum, programs, resources, and evaluation that support Latinx students, faculty, and staff for the benefit of all students and the entire Saint Mary’s community of learners. By finding the best ways to serve and empower our community in a comprehensive manner, the Council will promote an inclusive educational environment where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard, and every student feels valued and
supported in their academic journey. This work can only be done if faculty and staff are also supported, their voices heard, and their expertise, lived experience, and knowledge acknowledged, validated,sought out and included. Additionally, the Council strives to cultivate a campus culture that not only recognizes the unique needs and strengths of Latinx students, faculty, and staff but also embraces the richness of cultural diversity as a fundamental aspect of the educational experience. By prioritizing equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, the Council aspires to create a more just and equitable society within Saint Mary's College and beyond its walls. The Council will serve as a hub for HSI initiatives, providing resources, consulting, and support services designed with a comprehensive approach to inclusion and empowerment within the SMC community.
The Council's responsibilities include:
1. Identifying and addressing barriers hindering Latinx student success.
2. Utilizing disaggregated data to raise awareness of educational disparities.
3. Making the campus aware of culturally informed teaching and learning innovations.
4. Empowering institutional agents to foster partnerships for equity.
5. Exploring opportunities for faculty to incorporate this work in their research, develop appropriate curriculum, and do research with students, including strengthening existing college programs that enhance and document the student experience in concrete ways.
6. Seeking and providing opportunities for collaboration across academic and non-academic programs and offices on campus and beyond.
7. Seek out grant funding in a sustainable way to assist with strengthening institutional programs, facilities, and services
Central to the Council's mission is the establishment of an HSI success construct based on the concept of "servingness," as advocated by scholars such as Gina Garcia, Anne-Marie Núñez, and Vanessa A. Sansone. This construct aligns with the college's core values as outlined in its Strategic Plan, Transformation 2028, committing to long-term efforts to ensure Latinx students fully integrate into the SMC community, achieve academic success, and make meaningful contributions to society.