October 22–23, 2026 | Ford Alumni Center | University of Oregon
HSI Symposium:
Building a Latinx-Thriving University
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.
Free to attend • Lunch provided both days
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., followed by a reception at 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — limited capacity
Why We’re Gathering
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. These students bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and aspirations—and their experiences should help shape the university’s future.
A vibrant Latiné community already strengthens UO through academic programs, research, student organizations, cultural initiatives, mentorship, advocacy, and community partnerships. This symposium is an opportunity to build on that foundation and ask what students need to thrive throughout their university experience.
As UO considers its HSI pathway, we want to connect conversations about enrollment with the everyday experiences of students: finding community, accessing support, pursuing research, reaching graduation, and imagining what comes next.
How can UO strengthen support, deepen belonging, and expand opportunities to meet the needs of its growing and diverse Latiné student community?
Answering that question takes many voices. We’re inviting 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 current and prospective Latiné students and youth across Oregon.
Two Days of Learning, Connection & Planning
Thursday builds a shared understanding through research and lived experiences. Friday turns those conversations into ideas, priorities, and initial action plans for UO’s continued HSI work.
Draft schedule. Program details are subject to change.
Thursday, October 22
Building a Shared Understanding of Latiné Student Experiences
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Reception at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a keynote address and four panel conversations exploring the HSI landscape, academic success, Latiné research, and community and belonging. Attend all or part of Thursday’s program.
Complimentary coffee and tea will be served all day.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome Dr. Christopher Chávez Carolyn Silva Chambers Distinguished Professor of Advertising Director, Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS) HSI Task Force Project Leader |
| 9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks Provost Christopher P. Long |
| 9:30 a.m. | Keynote Address Dr. Marcela Cuellar, UC Davis Dr. Cuellar’s research examines student experiences and outcomes at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and how colleges can move beyond enrollment benchmarks toward meaningfully serving students. |
| 11:00 a.m. | Panel 1: The State of the Hispanic-Serving Institution Explore federal and state developments, enrollment trends, and perspectives from higher education and student leadership. |
| 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch Break Lunch provided by Pupusa Time Enjoy Salvadoran pupusas & aguas frescas! Gluten-free & vegan options will be available. |
| 1:00 p.m. | Panel 2: Centering Academic Success Consider the advising, resources, and support students need to succeed academically and reach graduation, informed by student experiences. |
| 2:30 p.m. | Panel 3: Building Latiné Research Explore how UO can support and develop research on Latiné issues among faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. |
| 4:00 p.m. | Panel 4: Community and Belonging Discuss the social and emotional factors that help Latiné students feel connected, supported, and able to shape their university experience. |
| 5:00 p.m. | Reception Continue the conversation with acoustic music by Ricardo Cardenas, delicious bites and refreshments by Shield Catering, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants. |
Friday, October 23
Moving from Conversation to Action
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Collaborative Planning Workshop
Day Two has limited capacity and requires a commitment to participate for the full session on Friday, October 23, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. If you would like to participate in Day Two, please email cllas@uoregon.edu to share why you’re interested in participating and the perspectives, experiences, or ideas you would bring to the conversation.
What can we begin now, and what will take more time? Friday’s workshop will bring participants together to develop specific ideas for UO’s continued HSI work. Participants will choose a planning group based on their interests and experience, then work together to identify priorities and outline possible actions.
The goal is to leave with initial action plans that UO can build on: practical steps that could begin soon, ideas that need additional time or resources, and longer-term possibilities.
Facilitator: Abigail Leeder, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Experiential Learning
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| Morning Beginning at 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome & Day One Recap Reflect on Thursday’s key themes and introduce the collaborative planning process.Collaborative Planning Groups Participants will choose one of four focus areas:
Groups will develop specific ideas and consider what could happen soon, what requires more time or resources, and what might be possible over the longer term. |
| 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Continued Conversation Sandwich buffet provided by University Catering. |
| 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Share Priorities & Wrap Up Bring the groups’ ideas together, outline initial action plans, and consider next steps for UO’s continued HSI work. |
| 2:00 p.m. | Workshop Concludes |
Detailed morning session times will be finalized with the facilitator. Participants will select their planning groups during the workshop.
Your Voice Belongs in the Conversation
Students and the people who work directly with current and prospective Latiné students are especially encouraged to participate.
- Students and alumni: Share what has helped—or would have helped—you thrive in higher education.
- Educators, counselors, and advisors: Bring what you’re hearing from students and their families.
- Community leaders and youth advocates: Help connect UO’s work with Latiné communities across Oregon.
- Faculty, staff, and higher education partners: Contribute your experience in teaching, research, recruitment, student support, and institutional change.
You don’t need a particular title or affiliation. If you care about the experiences and futures of Latiné students, we want you in the conversation.
Bring Your Voice to the Table
October 22–23, 2026
Ford Alumni Center | University of Oregon | Eugene, Oregon
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Reception at 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Free to attend • Lunch provided both days
Thursday is open to all registrants. Friday participation is very limited.
Please share this invitation with students, families, colleagues, and community partners who should be part of this conversation.
Questions? Email cllas@uoregon.edu
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).
Location & Parking
Ford Alumni Center
1720 East 13th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon
We suggest parking in the 13th Avenue Garage (1355 Columbia Street), located underneath the Ford Alumni Center. If you’re traveling east on East 13th Avenue, away from Agate Street, take a right toward the garage entrance.
- Rate: $3 per hour, with a daily maximum of $18.
- At the garage exit: Credit card payments only.
- At centrally located payment kiosks: Cash and credit cards accepted.
Please review UO parking policies before arriving and follow all posted signage, including restrictions for reserved, loading, and accessible spaces. UO is not liable for parking tickets received.