October 22–23, 2026 | FORD ALUMNI CENTER | University of Oregon
What Does a Latinx-Thriving University Look Like?
Let’s Build It Together.
As the University of Oregon explores its pathway toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we’re bringing campus and community together to consider how UO can better support the success, belonging, and aspirations of current and future Latiné students.
How can the University of Oregon strengthen support, deepen belonging, and expand opportunities to meet the needs of its growing and diverse Latiné student community?
The HSI Symposium: Building a Latinx-Thriving University is a free, two-day gathering bringing together students, alumni, families, educators, counselors, faculty, staff, community leaders, and higher education partners to learn from one another and help shape UO’s continued HSI work.
You do not need to attend or work at UO to participate.
We especially welcome people with lived or professional experience related to the needs of current and prospective Latiné students and youth across Oregon.
THURSDAY, OCT. 22
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Keynote + Panels + Discussion
Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Marcela Cuellar
FRIDAY, OCT. 23
9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Limited Capacity; selected participants will be contacted by Oct. 16
Collaborative Planning Day
Participants will work together in facilitated sessions to share experiences, identify needs, develop ideas, and consider opportunities for UO’s continued HSI work.
FREE TO ATTEND
Lunch provided both days • Attend all or part
REGISTER FOR THE HSI SYMPOSIUM
Why This Conversation Matters
UO’s Latiné student community is growing. In 2024–25, 3,902 UO students identified as Hispanic, representing approximately 16% of the university’s total enrollment.
At the same time, UO is exploring its pathway toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Building a Latinx-thriving university involves more than enrollment. It means asking how recruitment, student support, research, institutional culture, community partnerships, and investment can evolve alongside the students and communities UO serves.
Building on a Strong Foundation
A vibrant Latiné community already shapes the university through academic programs, research, cultural initiatives, student organizations, mentorship, advocacy, and community partnerships.
This symposium is an opportunity to build on that foundation—and to hear from the people who should help determine what comes next.
What to Expect
Thursday, October 22
Day One: Building a Shared Understanding of Latiné Student Experiences
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Day One will bring together students, faculty, staff, administrators, graduate students, and community partners for a keynote address, panel conversations, and opportunities for discussion.
Topics will include:
- The current HSI landscape
- Latiné student success and belonging
- Latinx research
- Institutional culture and investment
Featured Keynote
Dr. Marcela Cuellar
Higher Education Leadership, UC Davis
Dr. Cuellar’s research examines student experiences and outcomes at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the ways colleges can move beyond enrollment benchmarks toward meaningfully serving students. Cuellar also served on the UC Davis campus task force that helped guide the university’s work toward HSI eligibility.
Stay for the Reception!
Thursday, 10/22 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Ford Alumni Center
Continue the conversation after Thursday’s program with acoustic music, refreshments, light catering, and an opportunity to connect with fellow participants.
Friday, October 23
Day Two: Moving from Conversation to Action
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Day 2 has limited capacity; selected participants will be contacted by Oct. 16
Friday shifts from discussion toward collaborative planning. Participants will work together in facilitated sessions to share experiences, identify needs, develop ideas, and consider opportunities for UO’s continued HSI work.
Conversations will include:
- Recruitment and enrollment
- Retention and graduation
- Research
- Culture building
- Partnerships, resources, and institutional support
Friday is designed to give participants a voice in what comes next.
Your Voice Belongs in the Conversation
We want this symposium to extend beyond university leadership. Students and the people who work directly with current and prospective Latiné students are especially encouraged to participate.
🎓 Students & Alumni
Share what has helped—or would have helped—you thrive in higher education.
🏫 Educators, Counselors & Advisors
Bring what you’re hearing from current and prospective students and their families.
🤝 Community Leaders & Youth Advocates
Help connect UO’s work with the experiences and needs of Latiné communities across Oregon.
📚 Faculty, Staff & Higher Education Partners
Contribute your experience in recruitment, advising, teaching,
research, student success, and institutional change.
💬 Anyone Invested in Latiné Futures
You don’t need a particular title or affiliation to participate.
If you care about the experiences and futures of Latiné students,
we want you in the conversation.
Event Details
HSI Symposium: Building a Latinx-Thriving University
Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Reception: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 23, 2026
Day 2 has limited capacity; selected participants will be contacted by Oct. 16
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Ford Alumni Center
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
🎟️ Free to attend
🍽️ Lunch provided both days
Bring Your Voice to the Table
Join us as we learn, listen, collaborate, and consider what it means to build a Latinx-thriving University of Oregon.
Please share this invitation with students, alumni, families, educators, counselors, advisors, professionals, and community partners who should be part of this conversation.
Additional speakers and the full symposium program will be announced in the coming weeks.
The HSI Symposium is made possible through the support of the
University of Oregon Office of the Provost,
the Division of Equity and Inclusion, and the
Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS).