USF set to celebrate Hispanic Serving Institution week

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 Tour - University of St. Francis

Picture of the USF Campus. Photo via: stfrancis.edu


National Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) week takes place between September 8th through the 14th. According to Elizabeth Cambry, Retention Specialist at USF, a HSI is “ a college or university where at least 25% of full-time undergraduate students identify as Hispanic/Latino. But being an HSI is about more than just a number—it reflects our commitment to serving, uplifting, and celebrating Hispanic/Latino students and families,” in an email sent to students on September 8th.


The University of St. Francis became a HSI in 2023, and is one of 23 universities in the state of Illinois to be considered as such. In celebration of this achievement, the University has set up events to take place across campus during the week. In a flyer sent out by Cambry, the University promoted four on campus events. On Monday, there was a chalk event along with learning the Spanish language in the quad. Tuesday has a raffle and more information about HSI’s on the pavilion. On Wednesday, there is a meet and greet with student organizations in Motherhouse who are hispanic serving on campus from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Finally on Thursday from 2 to 3PM, there is traditional craft making next to Moes Room. Along with this, they also promote the Mexican parade in downtown Joliet on Saturday from 10:30am to 2PM. 


While USF continues to celebrate their position as an HSI, there are students on campus who feel the university has not upheld the standards to be considered as such. Many have said they were promised help, scholarships, or even just a more welcoming environment as hispanics while enrolling here. However, they were disappointed after seeing the university’s lack of effort in supporting them like they were told they would be. Even some faculty members have questioned the role that USF has as an HSI, and if they really do deserve this title. 


Regardless, USF plans on celebrating HSI week with their multitude of events. Students are encouraged to attend these events on campus throughout the week.


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