HACU 39th Annual Conference Announcement by Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Agenda At-A-Glance

(Agenda is subject to change.)

All times noted are Mountain Time.

Thursday, Oct. 30

9:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Youth Leadership Development Forum Location: TBD

Friday, Oct. 31

7:00 a.m. – noon

HACU 14th Annual Deans’ Forum (Pre-conference event. Additional registration required.)

7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

HACU Third Women’s Leadership Symposium (Pre-Conference event. Additional registration required)

Noon – 8:00 p.m.

General Conference and ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (Student Track) Registration

Saturday, Nov. 1

7:00 a.m. – Noon

¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (Student Track) Registration

7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

General Conference Registration

7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

HACU 11th PreK-12 Higher Education Collaboration Symposium (Pre-Conference event. Additional registration required)

7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

HACU 24th Annual Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute (Pre-Conference event. Additional registration required)

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Installation and Move-In

8:00 a.m. - 3:55 p.m.

¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (Student Track)

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Commission on International Education (This is a closed meeting.)

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Opening Plenary

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Opening Reception & Grand Opening of Exhibit Hall

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Cyber Cafe

Sunday, Nov. 2

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee Break

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Executive Leadership Breakfast and Session (This is a closed meeting for Presidents/CEOs only)

8:00 a.m. - 5:10 p.m.

¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (Student Track)

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

General Conference Registration

9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

9 Concurrent Workshops

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Associate Member Meeting (This is a closed meeting)

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

International Networking Session

10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Cyber Cafe

10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall (Closes from noon to 1:30 p.m.)

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

9 Concurrent Workshops

Noon - 1:30 p.m. Power Lunch

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

9 Concurrent Workshops

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting (This is a closed meeting)

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

College and Career Fair

3:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Coffee Break

3:55 - 5:10 p.m.

9 Concurrent Workshops

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Colorado Higher Education Convening (This is a closed meeting. All Colorado Higher Education Professionals registered for the HACU conference are welcome to attend.)

5:15 - 6:30 p.m.

California HSI Summit

(This is a closed meeting)

Monday, Nov. 3

8:00 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Adelante! Leadership Institute (Student Track)

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee Break

8:00 a.m. - noon General Conference Registration

9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

International Plenary

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall (Closes from noon to 1:30 p.m.)

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cyber Cafe

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

9 Concurrent Workshops

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Partnership Lunch

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

9 Concurrent Workshops

3:15 - 3:30 p.m. Coffee Break

3:30 - 5:00 p.m. HACU Town Hall

6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Networking Dinner/Dance

Hotel Information

The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center will be the host hotel for HACU’s 39th Annual Conference.

• Online reservation is available at the 39th Annual Conference hotel web page at hacu.net.

• To make guestroom reservations by phone, call 888-840-3143

• Make sure to request HACU or Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ group rate of $274.00 per night (plus occupancy tax) The deadline to make reservations at the HACU group rate is October 8, 2025 or until the room block is full.

Check in time: 3:00 p.m.

Check out time: 11:00 a.m.

About the Hotel

Standing at the edge of the Front Range, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, our Denver International Airport hotel, showcases the state’s alpine charm and offers guests a welcome reprieve from the typical mountain resort stays. From our thrilling Arapahoe Springs Water Park to an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our luxury hotel in Aurora, Colorado.

Pre-Conference Events

Friday, Oct. 31

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

HACU’s 14th Annual Deans’ Forum

Shaping Visionary Leaders for a Thriving and Democratic Future

An outstanding, half-day experience for faculty and staff who are currently serving in the role as a dean or aspire to serve in this role at some point in their career. The Deans’ Forum focuses on bringing diverse perspectives from renowned speakers who have hands on experience in implementing innovative and creative practices in higher education. Participants will engage in dialogue with a panel of experts and network and learn from each other.

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

HACU’s Third Women’s Leadership Symposium

A day-long event for women higher education professionals. Explore, dialogue, and learn from other women in executive leadership positions on topics related to successfully navigating the higher education work environment, building a strategic network, and becoming better prepared to assume executive roles in education or any other career field.

Saturday, Nov. 1

7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

HACU’s 11th Annual PreK-12/Higher Education Collaboration Symposium

A pre-conference event focusing on high impact collaborative practices implemented between colleges, universities, school districts and the community that have led to systemic change. The Symposium benefits higher education leaders, PreK-12 educators/administrators and other community stakeholders to be able to promote and empower their communities to implement collaborative practices utilizing the resources and connections highlighted during the Symposium.

7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

HACU’s 24th Annual Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute

Building Transformational Leaders at All Levels to Strengthen Democracy and Prosperity

A dynamic, one-day event for faculty, staff, and administrators at any stage of their careers, which will focus on strategies for moving up the faculty and administrative ladders in higher education. Expert presenters cover a variety of subjects related to the program theme, and breakout sessions will explore essential topics in greater depth. The day concludes with a panel comprised of college and university presidents.

HACU’s Annual Conference workshops showcase exemplary practices, programs and initiatives in higher education and at Hispanic-Serving Institutions among the following seven tracks:

Track 1: Capacity-Building for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Emerging HSIs

• Private and corporate foundation grant opportunities

• Researching and writing a winning proposal

• Innovative funding opportunities focused on student and faculty development

• Leading a campus-wide team through a proposal submission

• Transitioning an institution from HSI designation to student success

• Effective partnerships between HSIs and emerging HSIs

• The process of obtaining an HSI designation

• Effective alumni engagement practices and strategies

Track 2: Teaching and Learning

• High impact teaching practices such as learning communities, experiential learning, and supplemental instruction

• Integrating new technologies in education (AI Software, Learning Management Systems, Gamification, Adaptive Technology, etc.)

• Leveraging data to guide practice

• Delivering forward-thinking bridge programs to enhance STEM pathways

• Creating practices in the classroom that prioritize inclusiveness and fairness (discipline specific, interdisciplinary, etc.)

• Creating pathways that support college readiness (dual enrollment, summer bridge, P-Tech, etc.)

Track 3: Student Engagement and Success

• High impact practices in access, retention, and graduation for undergraduate and graduate students

• Systems of support to ensure student well-being, such as mental health services and student advocacy centers

• Programs and services that enable social and economic mobility

• Serving diverse student populations (low income, underserved, first generation, veterans, etc.)

• Effective practices for DACA students

• Successful transfer programs between community colleges and universities

• Effective partnerships between PreK-12 and postsecondary education

Track 4: Excellence in Leadership

• Developing your own cohort of institutional leaders

• High impact practices in developing high-performance teams

• Developing leadership capacity throughout the organization

• Strategies for fostering diverse perspectives and decision-making.

• How to assess leadership effectiveness: metrics, methods, and impact

• Mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching models to build talent throughout the organization

Track 5: Federal and State Advocacy, Policy and Research

• State legislation that impacts HSIs and students

• Federal and state resources for HSIs

• Research and policy analysis on student success in HSIs and HSSDs

• Policy as it relates to serving high need student populations

• Federal agency/HSI partnership grants and research opportunities

Track 6: Global Engagement

• The role of international education

• Cultivation of renewed faculty engagement in internationalization efforts and curriculum development

• New models for comprehensive and inclusive internationalization

• Research in international education as a catalyst for expanding global engagement

• Sustainable development and environmental initiatives

Track 7: Preparing the Future Workforce

• Responding to industry trends through microcredentialing, certifications, online programs and stackable courses

• High impact practices for adult learners (ABE, GED, returning students, etc.)

• Effective partnerships in the evolving workforce

• Successful community college practices for students entering the workforce

• Successful guided pathway models

• Aligning curriculum for high-skilled industries

• Leveraging workforce agencies to improve student employment opportunities

Saturday, Nov. 1

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Opening Plenary

Join us for welcome remarks and the State of HACU Address delivered by HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.

Sunday, Nov. 2

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Opening Reception & Grand Opening of Exhibit Hall Visit exhibitors and meet fellow attendees.

9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Concurrent Workshops

Community Partnerships: Building the Oregon HSI Consortium

Building strong community partnerships is essential to better serving our students. Oregon is developing an HSI Consortium to strengthen relationships between institutions and community organizations, enhancing student success. Panelists will share lessons learned in forming the consortium and facilitate an open discussion on the current state of HSIs, strategies for collaboration, and best practices for institutional capacity-building. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to support their own HSI initiatives.

From Classroom to Campus: Bilingualism as a Catalyst for Change

This session explores how institutions can center bilingualism and servingness to promote belonging, identity, and academic success. Presenters will share research and practice from three campuses in Indiana, Texas, and New York: a bilingual writing course designed to reduce anxiety and build confidence; a campus-wide bilingual seal recognizing linguistic assets; and an NSF-funded bilingual criminal justice pipeline. Together, these approaches offer multi-level strategies for empowering bilingual students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Impact of Mentored Research on Entry into Graduate Programs

This session presents almost 20 years of cumulative outcomes associated with an intentional planned path for undergraduates to acquire the elements associated with increasing credentials, competence, confidence, and vision connected to graduate/professional postbaccalaureate programs entrance for STEM undergraduates. Comprehensive data addresses junctures in the pathway creating critical support systems and elected choices supportive of confidence and competence leading to entry into these post-baccalaureate programs.

SUCCESS Scholars: Transforming Equity through Mentorship and Support

The SUCCESS Scholars Program supports Black, African American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ students. Through coaching, advising, tutoring, mentoring, and more, SUCCESS services are designed to strengthen outcomes for students facing systemic barriers highlighting the unique structure and collaborations that drive success. Special attention will be given to activities designed to enhance Latinx student engagement and retention. Participants will gain insights into best practices and strategies to support underserved students on their campuses

Enhancing EQ in Higher Education: A Case Study Roadmap

Explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) transforms student outcomes and organizational dynamics in higher education. This session presents a case study from a large urban campus, offering a roadmap for EQ skill-building. Attendees will gain insights and tools to foster EQ within their institutions, enhancing academic success, organizational culture, and leadership formation.

Innovation driven Partnership: UAEMEX & Stellantis Program for Automotive Electrification Mexico and Michigan have automotive plants and engineering schools, yet few academic-industry collaborations. The Master in Automotive Electrification is an innovative higher education model designed to meet automotive plants’ needs. Along with Stellantis, we train engineers in electric-mobility technologies through real industry-oriented projects. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures the development of highly specialized talent, strengthening industry competitiveness. This presentation will highlight how this model can be replicated to drive transformation in education and industry.

Sunday, Nov. 2

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Celebrando Juntos: Cost-Effective EOF Partnerships Among HSIs for Success

The panel discussion highlights how New Jersey City University, Saint Peter’s University, and Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey, collaborate through their Educational Opportunity Fund programs. Initiatives like Celebration on the Hudson, EOF Graduate Achievement Awards, and statewide conferences showcase cost-effective strategies, such as shared transportation and resources. Attendees will learn how these partnerships foster student success, institutional collaboration, and advocacy for underserved populations, offering replicable models for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Faculty Learning Communities: Transformative teaching, scholarship, and student impact.

Join us for a workshop on transformational Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) at Miami Dade College and Sacramento State. Discover how FLCs drive innovation, support faculty development, and promote student success. This session will share customizable digital tools for documenting and showcasing faculty work products from HSI professional and faculty learning communities. Research quantifying the impact of faculty development programs on student success will also be presented.

Building Belonging: HSI Retention and Engagement Research shows that culturally relevant orientation programs enhance student engagement, motivation, and success by integrating cultural references into support systems for Hispanic students (Derby et al., 2005; Romero et al., 2020). A key element is family inclusion, allowing relatives to participate, ask questions in their native language, and better understand college expectations (Auerbach, 2004). This session explores best practices for designing inclusive orientation models that foster belonging, improve student outcomes, and strengthen institutional connections.

HACU Professional Leadership Programs—Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

HACU’s professional leadership programs discussed during this presentation include La Academia de Liderazgo (Leadership Academy) and Enlace Mid-Level Leadership. The programs were created to increase the number of highly qualified executives and mid-level leaders in higher education. The Women’s Leadership Symposium, Annual Dean’s Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, PreK-12/Higher Education Symposium, Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute, Ascend PreK-12 Leadership Program will be discussed as well.

Concurrent Workshops

HACU Government Relations Briefing

Join the HACU Government Relations team for a briefing and update on higher education policies impacting HispanicServing Institutions. This session will highlight the latest policy developments on Capitol Hill, including the status of the Federal Fiscal Year appropriations and its impact on the Hispanic higher education community. A portion of this workshop will highlight best practices and strategies amplifying HSI messaging and outreach.

Empowering

Futures: Bridging Identity, Access, and STEM through the Building Hispanic Talent Initiative

This session spotlights the evolution and enduring impact of Dominion Energy’s Building Hispanic Talent Initiative® Summer Bridge Program. Designed to build college-going identities and demystify STEM careers, this equity-centered program provides high school students with immersive exposure to higher education and the energy industry. Attendees will gain insights into intentional partnership strategies between industry, colleges/universities, and families, as well as hear student success stories that demonstrate the power of early intervention. Join us to explore how culturally responsive bridge programming can shift the narrative, elevate student confidence, and ignite a long-term passion for STEM.

Tale of Two Cities: Advancing First-Generation Pathways for Social Mobility

A Tale of Two Cities examines institutional and firstgeneration student experiences across Alamo Colleges and City College of New York. Amid rising underemployment and limited social capital, both institutions advance social mobility through career-integrated learning, mentorship, and leadership development. Highlighting replicable models like work-study employment and TIME for a CURE, this mixedmethods research reveals how faculty, employers, and students can co-create sustainable pathways from classroomto-career, uplifting prosperity and fostering democratic access to opportunity.

Sunday, Nov. 2

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Power Lunch

The luncheon program will include presentations of HACU Awards of Excellence to individuals and organizations that have exemplified HACU’s mission of championing Hispanic higher education success.

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Role of Vision in Building Programs and Fundraising.

A well-defined and compelling vision drives successful efforts for schools and institutions. This session explores how vision is a strategic foundation for setting priorities, aligning initiatives, and inspiring stakeholders. Participants will learn how to harness vision to establish clear fundraising goals, build trust and credibility, engage donors and supporters, and adapt to evolving challenges. Through practical insights and real-world examples, attendees will discover how a shared vision can unify departments, student programs, and key stakeholders, ensuring sustainable growth and longterm impact. Join us to explore the essential role of vision in creating purposeful, cohesive, and effective fundraising and non-fundraising strategies.

Rethinking Remedial Math: Different Approaches for Student Success

Remedial math is a key step for many students, specially those from underserved backgrounds, including many Hispanic learners. Traditional in-person formats often don’t meet the needs of today’s diverse students. With online and hybrid models, robust support systems, and concurrent enrollment in college-level math, we can transform course delivery. Summer and winter programs offer students a fast track to college level math. By embracing flexible, inclusive approaches, we can improve student success, retention and progression.

Summer Programs As A Way to Transform STEM Student Habits

As STEM majors and careers increase in popularity, higher education institutions must transform the way we interact and support students. At St. Francis College, we enhanced our Summer STEM Institutes to introduce students to course content, wrap around services the college offers, alumni and other health care professionals. We track the success of participants participating in the STEM Institute and connecting with support services, versus their peers who did not attend the program.

Uniting through Public Purpose: Providing Year-Round Civic Engagement Exploration

In this session, leaders from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, The University of Texas San Antonio, University of Nevada, Reno, and University of Colorado Boulder will lead a panel discussion exploring innovative best practices and howtos helping participants learn the nuances of supporting yearround effective nonpartisan civic engagement programming.

Concurrent Workshops

More Than a Haircut: Supporting Hispanic male students’ retention/success

The barbershop initiative provides a culturally affirming space where Hispanic male students receive free highquality haircuts, community support, and connection to campus resources. Through monthly men’s circles and weekly outreach, students engage in conversations around mental health, masculinity, and academic success. This workshop will explore how this nontraditional approach fosters belonging, well-being, and retention for men of color, offering a blueprint for replication.

Leading an HSI When Hispanic is Not Your Diversity

Many HSI’s are led by folks who do not identify as Hispanic, yet bring their own perspectives due to their lived experience. In this session, two leaders who have been involved nationally will discuss how they lead a diverse institution that is different than their identity. The group will discuss what areas apply and where caution is needed as well as take audience questions.

HACU Spanish Learning Training Platform: Exploring Spanish Language and Cultural Identity

HACU is developing a comprehensive Spanish learning platform in collaboration with the University of Salamanca. This platform aims to facilitate the acquisition and mastery of the Spanish language, emphasizing its role as a symbol of cultural identity and richness. It will serve Spanish educators for professional development and teaching resources, offer students at various proficiency levels tools for testing and certifying their Spanish skills, and provide a wealth of resources for individuals interested in exploring Hispanic culture. This workshop will be interactive and the audience will have an opportunity to participate in a group activity.

Accelerating Hispanic Student Success Through Innovative Workforce-Aligned Microcredentials

Discover how Territorium’s partnership with HACU’s Avanza initiative bridges education and workforce readiness through innovative microcredentialing and stackable skills programs. Drawing insights from successful collaborations with institutions like the University of Texas System, Kean University, Northwest Florida State College, University of Maryland Global Campus, and Wichita State University.

Sunday, Nov. 2

3:55 - 5:10 p.m.

The New England HSI Movement: Building Consortium Success

An interactive presentation showcasing how four Massachusetts institutions (two HSIs, two emerging HSIs) collaborated to better serve Latina/e/o/x students through a state-funded consortium. Presenters will share their journey of planning and executing two high-impact events while building valuable regional partnerships. You will learn about the sold-out Inaugural New England HSI-MSI conference titled: “From Enrolling to Thriving” and the first student leadership summit of its kind, “Si Se Puede.”

Expanding Experiential Learning: High-Impact Practices for Latinx Student Success at HSIs

Experiential learning and high-impact practices are proven to enhance student engagement, retention, and career readiness, especially for Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. We explore how HSIs at different stages of experienced, newly designated, and emerging can implement experiential learning opportunities, including internships, undergraduate research, service-learning, and project-based learning. Through examples from institutions at different levels of HSI development, we will provide practical strategies to enhance experiential learning that align with institutional capacity and student needs.

Advancing Mental Health for College Students: Solutions and Recommendations

Higher education institutions can play a critical role in optimizing student wellness on campuses by investing in resources that ensure academic success. This presentation addresses a) the application of an institutional change intervention, the Mental Health on Campus program, b) examples of creating inter-institutional collaborative partnerships to identify and address college student mental health disparities, and c) the use of psychological and organizational consultation in targeting specific social justice issues on campus.

Concurrent Workshops

Data-Informed Leadership: Empowering Teams for Institutional Excellence

To accelerate student success, Cerritos College has developed a data-informed leadership model that empowers its 60-member management team to drive institutional effectiveness. This session explores how leveraging realtime analytics, key performance indicators, and structured leadership development can enhance decision-making, strengthen accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for integrating data into leadership practices to align teams with student success goals.

Higher Education Legal Update

An update on the state of the law impacting higher education and HSIs, with a focus on litigation and developments related to Executive Orders and other actions from the executive branch.

Increasing HSI Community College Students’ CareerAligned Professional Connections

How can Hispanic-Serving Institutions better equip students with the connections and skills needed for career success? This session explores how the Community College of Aurora integrated a career readiness measurement tool and social capital curriculum to increase students’ careeraligned professional connections and drive post-education employability.

Monday, Nov. 3

9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

International Plenary

This plenary session will feature a panel discussion on the latest trends related to the internationalization of higher education. A question and answer session will follow.

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Co-Creating the Future of STEM at HSIs: A Collaborative Mini-Sandbox

This interactive sandbox session engages faculty, administrators, and researchers from Hispanic-Serving Institutions in co-developing solutions to STEM education challenges. Participants will identify shared barriers, leverage cross-institutional resources, and design collaborative initiatives to enhance student success, faculty mentorship, and research capacity. Through facilitated problem-solving and peer feedback, attendees will leave with actionable strategies and new partnerships to strengthen STEM programs at their institutions.

Cultivating a Culture of Philanthropy at HSIs

Hispanic-Serving Institutions are vital in advancing educational inclusion excellence and fostering student success within Hispanic communities. Creating a strong culture of philanthropy at HSIs is essential to ensure long-term sustainability, expand opportunities, and empower students and alumni to give back. Everyone plays a role in creating sustainability for institutions, not only the advancement program. This session will explore key strategies for building a philanthropic mindset across campus, engaging donors, and inspiring faculty, students, and alumni to contribute to institutional growth. Attendees will learn how to develop impactful fundraising initiatives tailored to the unique needs of HSIs, leverage cultural strengths to drive engagement, and create lasting partnerships within the community. Join us for an insightful discussion on how philanthropy can strengthen the mission and legacy of HSIs, fostering a culture of giving that transforms lives.

Transformational Micro-Internships for Early Momentum to Success into STEM Pathways

This program, funded by the NSF, provided 1,000+ community college students, particularly Latinx and female, with early and easier access to multiple, innovative and authentic short STEM applied learning and research experiences called Micro-Internships. These Micro-Internships promoted confidence, degree completion, transfer, careers in STEM pathways, and STEM workforce development. Key outcomes include doubling the transfer rate and improved success, making it a successful model for recruiting and retaining a stronger STEM workforce.

Building Pathways to SUCCESS for BIPOC Student: Wraparound Supports, Holistic Advising and Mentorship Discover Springfield Technical Community College’s (STCC) effective strategies for supporting BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation students through its premier programs: the Lead-Female Leadership and Mentoring program and the Male Initiative for Leadership and Education (MILE). This session highlights how these programs use holistic advising to enhance student resilience, retention, and graduation rates, significantly impacting access and fostering social and economic mobility. Learn about the comprehensive support systems that have transformed our diverse student body, offering practical insights for replication in other institutions.

Concurrent Workshops

Immigrant Parenting, Identity, and Academic Persistence: Latina Students’ Educational Journeys from High School to Community College

This presentation explores findings from a dissertation study conducted at City College of San Francisco on how Latina community college students navigate the transition from high school, focusing on their gender, ethnic, and academic identities. The qualitative study used one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 10 generation 1.5 or second-generation Latina daughters of immigrant parents. Findings reveal that immigrant parenting and daughters’ resistance to traditional gendered norms and values shaped the daughters’ emerging racial, gendered, and academic identities, significantly influencing their ability to persist in education during the transition from high school to community college.

Three Cs’ Driving Academic Success at NJCU: Community, Collaboration, and the CFO

This presentation explores the transformative role of the Three Cs’, ”Community, Collaboration, and the Chief Financial Officer” in driving academic success at New Jersey City University. Highlighting innovative strategies and cross-functional partnerships, we will share how fostering a sense of community, engaging in collaborative initiatives among faculty, staff, and students, and leveraging the CFO’s strategic financial planning have collectively supported student success and institutional resilience. Specifically, we will discuss how NJCU has worked with the CFO to increase and sustain enrollment by offering partnership discounting initiatives and collaborating with precollege programs to provide commitment scholarships to incoming freshmen. Attendees will gain insights into actionable practices that integrate financial stewardship with a peoplecentered approach to enhance academic outcomes and sustainability at HSIs.

STEM Pathways through Experiential Learning and Adaptive Skills between Universidad de Guadalajara and Universidad de Iberoamérica (UNIBE)

This session explores how through bridging international offices connected at HACU’s international conferences, experiential learning approaches and adaptive technologies can improve STEM pathways for underrepresented students. Through real-world applications, learning communities, and data-driven strategies, professors from International Christian School’s high school at UNIBE and Preparatoria 19 from the Universidad de Guadalajara can create inclusive, high-impact learning environments. Participants will gain insights into best practices to improve college readiness and student success in STEM disciplines.

Novel approaches to preparing undergraduates for workforce entry

Have your students ever attended a reverse career fair? Does your programming help prepare students for workforce entry at matriculation or even earlier? Do you equip your students for careers that don’t yet exist? Attend this session to learn more about these novel approaches to preparing the future workforce that we have implemented at California State University, Stanislaus and that you can adopt at your own institution!

Monday, Nov. 3

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Partnership Lunch

The luncheon program will include presentations of HACU Awards of Excellence to individuals and organizations that have exemplified HACU’s mission of championing Hispanic higher education success.

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Generation FINN: Empowering Dual Enrollment Students

Generation FINN is a transformative summer enrichment program at Miami Dade College that engages dual enrollment middle and high school students while igniting a passion for STEM and non-STEM pathways. Now in its third year, this multi-department collaboration exemplifies the conference theme by addressing the unique needs of Hispanic and underrepresented students. The program features immersive STEM Enrichment Activities and workshops on financial literacy and emotional intelligence, integrating experiential and place-based learning to equip students with essential life skills.

Creating HOPE in STEM: A Two-Generation Model for Parenting Students

The Holistic Oasis for Parents’ Education (HOPE) Program is a five-year, NSF-funded research project. Our TwoGeneration (2Gen) Model provides parenting students with family, academic, and professional support during a 7.5week summer program. This session explores the 2Gen impact of the HOPE Program and offers insights into holistic programming that can be adapted at other institutions for other populations. Participants will engage in brief roleplaying scenarios to briefly illustrate how parenting students experience campus experiences.

Scaling Career Readiness & Social Capital Programming at UC San Diego

Scaling career readiness and social capital programming is a crucial element for Hispanic-Serving institutions seeking to increase student employability. This session explores how Student Retention & Success at the University of California San Diego has implemented a curriculum focused on developing students’ professional relationships to gain the career readiness skills and professional networks needed to secure internships/jobs in the hidden job market. Presenters will share research-backed strategies, implementation frameworks, and best practices.

Redefining Community in Higher Education: Making the non-traditional, traditional from entering higher education to graduate school

This workshop will offer insight from two different institutions (emerging and established HSIs) on how students view community, and the role community should have in student programming. Project one used participatory action research methodology, inviting students to describe key elements of community and to suggest action steps for our school to advance their success. Project two centered on an already established program that allows students to actively shape programming, outreach efforts, and recruitment strategies to engage future students.

Concurrent Workshops

Building the Next Generation of Hispanic Higher Education Leaders

Developing institutional leadership is critical for fostering diverse perspectives, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness. This session highlights evidence-based leadership development strategies from the State University of New York from its Hispanic Leadership Institute founded in 2017. Presenters will share high-impact practices in cohortbased leadership development, mentorship, and coaching, while providing assessment tools to measure effectiveness. Participants will gain insights into replicable models for leadership capacity-building in higher education.

30-Actions to Serve HSIs With or Without Federal Government Support

30-Actions to Serve HSIs will be a speed-learning experience. Attendees will be presented with three sets of 10 Actions and then connect with each other to bounce-off ideas and ask questions. Participants will determine possible new approaches through dialog and experimental thoughts. The session will end with the greatest participant ideas posted so that all participants can take pictures and bring ideas back to their HSIs to implement.

Expanding Global Perspectives: Enhancing Student Engagement Through International Summer Programs, Guest Faculty Modules, and COIL

This session explores innovative approaches to student engagement and success through international summer programs, guest faculty modules, and COIL initiatives. By integrating global perspectives into higher education, these programs increase retention, foster intercultural competencies, and expand career opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into designing scalable and impactful programs that address the needs of Hispanic and underserved students, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Monday, Nov. 3

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

HACU Town Hall

This interactive session will feature a panel discussion on a higher education topic of interest. A question and answer session will follow.

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Networking Dinner/Dance

The closing dinner event of HACU’s Annual Conference provides an additional opportunity to engage with fellow conference attendees at an evening of networking, with a dance to follow.

HACU 39th Annual Conference Announcement