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Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are defined in Title V of the Higher Education Act as not-for-profit institutions of higher learning with an undergraduate student enrollment that is at least 25 percent Hispanic. Institutions designated as HSIs serve students of all backgrounds and belong to the larger group of Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) given their diverse student enrollment. HSIs play a vital role in student success, social mobility and contribute significantly to economic growth in their communities.

Salem State is currently classified by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) as an HSI based on its student demographics this academic year (2024-2025).  We hope to apply for the Department of Education designation in the coming academic year.

The HSI designation is a public affirmation that, in addressing the needs and expectations of all students, the institution has committed to intentionally including Hispanic or Latino students, post-traditional students, and students from various communities in its efforts. As a public institution, our HSI-MSI identity is connected to our mission to provide a high-quality, student-centered education that prepares a diverse community of learners to contribute responsibly and creatively to a global society and serve as a resource to advance the region's cultural, social and economic development.

A Note About Terminology  

*We use the term “Hispanic” throughout this page because it reflects the official federal term for the designation we are pursuing. We realize, however, that the word “Hispanic” is not inclusive of all Latin American identities and experiences, nor does it account for the rich differences among them.

Throughout the university’s written materials, we use a variety of terms for different contexts, including Latino, Latina, Latine, Latinx, Afro-Latino, Afro-Latina, Afro-Latine, Afro-Latinx, and more specific references such as Dominican, Guatemalan and Puerto Rican. Part of becoming an HSI involves engaging in ongoing conversations about terminology and identity within our community. We look forward to continuing this dialogue.  

A Focus on Servingness 

Advancing the ability to serve all students well, and anticipating future needs in doing so, is a basic function of public higher education.  

Salem State is proud of its diverse student population, 40 percent of which identify as students of color and over 50% identify as first-generation college students. Our focus on “servingness” means that we strive to ensure each student has the resources and support to explore their interests and passions, succeed academically, and grow as an individual.   

By focusing on how to best support the needs of a growing Hispanic student population, Salem State will engage in best practices that support all students. Producing equitable outcomes while increasing overall degree attainment is the top policy and performance priority for Salem State’s governing body, the Massachusetts Board and Department of Higher Education. 

“Equity is more than simply creating a level playing field; it requires a concerted and intentional effort to remove barriers and obstacles that hinder the success of students that heretofore did not have these advantages.” – Massachusetts Board of Higher Education   

Next Steps 

Elisa Castillo, PhD, of Salem, will be the first to fill a new senior-level role created by Salem State University to prepare the university to better serve students of color. Castillo has been named assistant vice president of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) initiatives, a role she assumed in July of 2023. 
Read more on Dr. Castillo's role.

Salem State’s inclusive excellence office is coordinating efforts, with the help of faculty fellows, graduate students and student employees. 

Learn More

For questions about Salem State’s HSI preparedness efforts, please email HSI@salemstate.edu.