This year San Diego State University approaches a decade as a federally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), continually working to support and uplift Latinx students, faculty, and staff. This title, defined by the US Department of Education as “an eligible institution” with “a full-time equivalent undergraduate student enrollment that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students.”
As of fall 2021, 31.8% of SDSU’s undergraduate population is Hispanic according to SDSU’s Analytical Studies and Institutional Research team.
In collaboration with HSI Affairs, the Department of Chicanx Studies, multiple Cultural Centers and the Latinx Student Union, SDSU will host events to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning September 15th.
Originally designed as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first piece of legislation celebrating Latinx contributions to the US, as well as several Latin American independence days also happening in the same week. Twenty years later, Pres. HW Bush expanded Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month, as it is currently known. Every US president has recognized Hispanic Heritage Month each year on September 15th.
Here are some upcoming events that highlight the richness of experiences and diversity within Latino cultures and identities.
Latinx Social Community
The SDSU Latinx/Hispanic community invites you to join us for a social to connect with the SDSU Latinx/Hispanic/Chicanx family on Tuesday, September 13, from 3:30-5:30 pm The social will welcome members of young staff and connect them with our community of Latinx faculty, staff and students. We will also recognize everyone who has earned promotions and accolades this year (eg promotions, promotions, professorships, and awards). This social, conceived and inspired through recommendations from the HSI Campus Advisory Committee and the HSI Student Advisory Board, is being planned in collaboration with the Latinx/Chicanx/Hispanic Faculty and Staff Association, the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies, the Latina Network, the Resource Center Latinx, Center for Undocumented Resources, Latinx Student Union, Center for Intercultural Relations, and MEChA (among others). Latinx Resource Center is offering additional information
In confidence
En Confianza is a support group where you will learn how to face the challenges of culture shock, generational differences and the challenge of belonging to two or more cultures. At En Confianza, we will learn how to be successful in our lives emotionally, academically and professionally. Group meetings will take place on Thursdays from 3-4 pm in the Latinx Resource Center Conference Room, where Spanish, Spanish and English will be welcome.
Want to connect with more students who identify as Latina/o/e/x, Chicanx, or Hispanic at SDSU? Or have you had trouble identifying as part of the SDSU community?
Want to connect with other students who identify as Latina/o/e/x, Chicanx, or Hispanic? Or, are you having trouble identifying as part of the SDSU community?
Joteria without Borders
Joteria Sin Fronteras is a support group where students who identify within the intersections of LGBTQ+ and Latinx come together to build community through radical joy, friendships, knowledge, and fun activities. Joteria meets every Thursday from 7-8 pmand is a collaboration between the Latinx Resource Center and the Pride Center.
Pachanga
A final celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month will be held on Thursday, October 13 in the courtyard of the Conrad Prebys Student Union. There will be music, food and entertainment to enjoy, as well as a tableau event for Latinx student organizations.
For a full list of events see SDSU Hispanic Heritage Month Events Calendar.
