Erica Romero presented “Hispanic Serving Institutions 101” on Tuesday, April 7 in the University Union at Sacramento State. Her discussion focused on the benefits and challenges of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Romero is the senior executive director of Western States Legislative Affairs at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and said she is passionate about the improvement of policies that affect Hispanic students.

She said the problem may be that many people in power do not see that a problem already exists and has for a while.

“[There is] no recognition that Hispanic-Serving Institutions may be facing issues,” Romero said.

HSIs must have a minimum of 25 percent Hispanic enrollment level at the undergraduate level. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions have a minimum of 10 percent Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander enrollment level at the undergraduate level.

“Sac State is already an AANAPISI and will become an HSI,” Romero said.

Over the past decade, there have been efforts made across the country to improve policies and increase Hispanic retention and success in colleges and universities.

“Now 400 HSIs [exist], 139 in California,” Romero said. “Nine years ago, not a single UC was Hispanic-Serving; now there are four.”

During the presentation, Romero asked several questions about the general problems that need to be addressed at the student, faculty and institutional levels.

“What does it mean to serve your students?” Romero said.

She discussed how recruiting Latino students also means recruiting their parents, and how ideas like parent workshops in English and Spanish could be useful.

“Most Latino students are gonna be first generation,” Romero said.

This means there is little help with explaining to these students how college works. The support system for many Latino students does not include an experience factor for them to rely on when they have questions.

The issue of funding to improve the student experience was also addressed by Romero and discussed among the audience.

Brenda Martinez, psychology major, said Sac State needs more money to support its students.

“As a campus, I don’t think it’s just Hispanic students, we are very diverse,” Martinez said. “We need more funding for more classes, more faculty.”

However, there are also financial aid programs that are not being utilized, mainly because of a lack of awareness.

“Only 30 percent of Latino students use a grant,” Romero said.

She explained the average Latino makes around $30,000 a year, and many households would qualify for the grant, if the student applied for it, but many first generation students are not aware of the application process.

Mayra Villarreal, facilitator advisor for the College Assistance Migrant Program, said it is crucial for institutions to talk about funding, financial aid and how to better serve traditionally underrepresented students.

“[It is] extremely critical that we begin to have a conversation about what this means, the potential of serving multiple groups,” Villarreal said. “A huge population of what we will be serving as an institution are Hispanic students.”

Romero said these issues should be improved at the college level because major political changes usually have a slower pattern to success.

“Congress is famous for saying this is a good idea, but we’re not going to fund it,” Romero said. “You fund what you prioritize.”

Many changes can be made at the college level to improve awareness and retention. One solution Romero mentioned was when colleges have a strong tenure system in place, the benefits go beyond the professor. Students who spend four or more years in college will need mentors to guide their education, and professors who have tenure are more likely to be around those crucial years to serve as a mentor.

Students who feel at home on their campus are more likely to stay longer hours and access all of the health, counseling, clubs and other resources available to them during their time in college. Students who are more connected to their school and resources also have higher success and retention rates.

“That safe zone should be campus,” Romero said. “Campus is home.”

She also addressed one of society’s existing political ironies regarding immigration and citizenship.

“Apparently you can die for us, but we won’t grant you a path to citizenship,” Romero said.

Romero said students can begin to fuel the change themselves.

“You guys are the best advocates,” Romero said. “I would strongly encourage students, those who can’t show up because of classes, send an e-mail.”

Romero also suggested the idea of colleges using surveys and other information gathering methods to find out what their students need.

“I’m always surprised when institutions don’t talk to their students,” Romero said. “It’s here to serve students.”