myCSUSM
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) first achieved its designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education in 2010. An HSI is a college or university with an undergraduate full-time enrollment of at least 25% Latinx students. Over the following years, the number of students identifying as Latinx increased from 27% in 2010 to just over 50% in 2023. This steady and intentional growth reflects our dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student body, with a particular focus on supporting success by addressing the unique needs of students from various backgrounds.
Our commitment to access and success for Latinx students is reflected in a variety of initiatives, including culturally responsive instruction and programming, mentorship opportunities, and support services tailored to address the unique needs of our Latinx student population. Through collaborative efforts with student organizations, faculty, and staff, CSUSM is dedicated to promoting a sense of belonging and engagement with the campus community and ensuring every student can thrive academically and personally.
Additional details about our campus’ ongoing Latinx student success initiatives, services, and resources are below.
Intentional Outreach
In addition to traditional outreach and recruitment, we engage with Latinx communities through intentional efforts that craft pathways for academic success and opportunity.
- The Alliance
At the core of The Alliance are guaranteed admission agreements providing a framework for stakeholders to work together to close the achievement gap for the region’s most educationally at-risk students.
CSUSM and K-12 districts in the university’s service region share a commitment to enhancing student success. With an interest in expanding and enhancing student experiences, the university and partner districts have developed a mutual agreement in which K-12 districts to provide their students with a rigorous program of study and meaningful learning experiences and the university provides a guarantee of enrollment and experiences designed to support college perseverance through the K-12 pathway to college and career.
Students who meet the guaranteed admission criteria contained in districts agreements are guaranteed admission to California State University San Marcos.
Contact: thealliance@csusm.edu
- Cougar Blue Day
Cougar Blue Day offers admitted students and their families a unique opportunity to engage with the CSUSM community. Attendees can connect with current students, faculty, and staff to learn about campus life and available resources. The event features guided tours, open houses, and a comprehensive expo showcasing academic programs and student organizations. It's the perfect chance to get all your questions answered and embark on your journey at CSUSM!
Contact: cougarbluedays@csusm.edu
- College Is For Me!
Our Student Affairs Early Assessment Program (EAP) hosts College Is For Me!, an annual conference in collaboration with regional partners, including the Escondido Educational COMPACT and San Diego Workforce Partnership.
The conference emphasizes the value of higher education for middle school and high school students and their families. It aims to instill a college-going mindset through various workshops, panels, campus tours, and engaging activities. Workshops are offered in Spanish, with live translation available for all general sessions, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all participants. The conference encourages students and families to envision their future in higher education and promote social mobility.
- Discover CSUSM
An open house event for 12th graders and transfer students to explore majors, discover campus resources, and apply for on-the-spot admission.
Contact: discover@csusm.edu
- Migrant Scholars Summer Institute
The Migrant Scholars Summer Institute (MSSI) is a transformative 9-day residential summer program funded by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Migrant Education Program, Region 10. It is designed to provide a unique all-expense-paid educational experience for high school students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds. MSSI prepares and inspires participants to pursue higher education.
Contact: Maria Venegas-Escobedo | mescobedo@csusm.edu
- PUENTE Student Conference
The Puente Student Conference aims to boost the enrollment of educationally underserved students in four-year universities, help them obtain degrees, and empower them to become leaders and mentors within their communities for future generations.
Contact: Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs | studentaffairs@csusm.edu
Academic Excellence & Support
Academic support and resources empower Latinx students and foster a culture of achievement and growth.
Engagement Opportunities
Student life centers and campus programs offer a variety of resources, mentorship, and community-building tailored to Latinx students, promoting a sense of belonging and educational equity.
- College Assistance Migrant Program
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally funded program that supports students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds. CAMP offers pre-college transition and first-year support services, empowering students to develop the skills needed to stay in school and graduate from college.
Contact: Maria Venegas-Escobedo | mescobedo@csusm.edu
- Cross-Cultural Center
The Cross-Cultural Center encourages identity exploration by challenging students to think critically about social justice issues and appreciate differences. Our programs promote the development of cultural intelligence, examine various forms of activism, and train students for campus leadership, community engagement, and social change. We create a space for marginalized communities to belong and support efforts for them to achieve their fullest potential for academic success.
Contact: Cheryl Landin | clandin@csusm.edu
- Dreamer Resource Office
The Dreamer Resource Office (DRO) provides an inclusive, diverse, and safe space for undocumented and mixed-status students, staff, faculty, and community members.
Contact: Josefina Espino | jespino@csusm.edu
- Latinx Center
The Latinx Center is grounded on community-building standards deriving from “Familismo” principles and operates from a Latinx Critical Theoretical lens. It focuses on Latinx student cultural empowerment by providing affirming and validating literature, artwork, and media within its space.
Contact: Jackelin Villalobos | javillalobos@csusm.edu
- Pride Center
The Pride Center (PC) is an inclusive space that promotes positive interactions in a diverse environment. The PC celebrates and affirms CSUSM students identifying with all genders and sexualities and their allies.
Contact: Robert Aiello-Hauser | rahauser@csusm.edu
- Women & Gender Equity Center
The Women & Gender Equity Center strives to develop and maintain inclusive and validating environments at CSUSM, focusing on topics and issues broadly related to the experiences of women, trans and non-binary students, parenting students, and the impacts of sexism and misogyny.
Contact: Alycia McGeever | amcgeever@csusm.edu
Cultural Events & Activities
Cultural events and activities celebrate the rich diversity of Latinx heritage and provide platforms for cross-cultural exchange, appreciation, and education.
- Fall
- Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (September 15 - October 15)
- Día de Los Muertos (November)
- Las Posadas (December)
- Spring
- Latinx Center's (LXC) Carnaval (February)
- North County Higher Education Alliance (NCHEA) HSI Faculty Symposium (April)
- Latino Graduation Ceremony (May)
Annual HSI Summit
This in-person conference allows faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community partners to learn about/understand HSIs, the Seal of Excelencia framework, and best practices for serving Latinx students.
Faculty & Staff Resources
Resources for Latinx faculty and staff empower their professional development and foster an inclusive academic environment where the rich diversity of Latinx perspectives is valued and supported.
- Resources
- Latino Association of Faculty and Staff
- The Latino Association of Faculty and Staff (LAFS) strives to celebrate and promote the Latino culture on our Campus and throughout our communities. The LAFS Mission is to celebrate and promote the Latino culture, which includes all of Latinoamerica from Mexico, to Central America, to South America to Greater Antilles; countries with a majority of their population speaking the Spanish language.
- Contact: latino@csusm.edu
- National Latino Research Center
- The National Latino Research Center (NLRC) is an applied social science research center with longstanding community and organizational partnerships in the U.S.-Mexico border region. The mission of the NLRC is to promote research, training, and greater awareness of the unique needs and dynamics of U.S. Latina/o communities.
- Contact: nlrc@csusm.edu
- Latino Association of Faculty and Staff
Alumni Networks
Alumni networks and chapters serve as vital connections for Latinx graduates, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and continued engagement with the university community.
HSI Grants
CSUSM’s HSI designation allows us to apply for federal grants and other funding opportunities. We use this funding to enhance programs and services for all students.
- Active Grants
- Community Grants - Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub
- Developing Hispanic Serving Institution Grant (DHSI)
- Federal Minority Research Grant Program
- Hispanic Serving Institution Community Grant
- HSI Education
- HSI-STEM Building an Effective Ecosystem for Equity in STEM Careers
- Past Grants
- CSTEM - Providing and Effective Ecosystem
- LXC STEM Initiative
- Latino Association of Faculty and Staff (LAFS)
- Project Support (Title V)
- Si Se Puede! To Close the Equity Gap in Engineering Degree Completion - Engineering
- Pathways to Academic Success & Opportunities
HSI Organizations
CSUSM is actively engaged with regional, state, and national organizations dedicated to promoting Latinx student success.
Inclusive Campus
We stand against bias, hate, and discrimination and are dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all students, including Latinx individuals, can thrive.
Share Your Efforts
This website focuses on initiatives, programs, and events that support Latinx students at CSUSM. We welcome submissions from campus faculty, staff, departments, and centers interested in featuring their efforts on this page.
*Note: Website is still under development and revisions are ongoing.