Latinx faculty and staff are constantly taxed to fill the void in an effort to satisfy students’ needs. More importantly, the lack of diversity in personnel limits the diversity of curricular and programmatic offerings. The crucial connection that exists between students and faculty of traditionally underrepresented or marginalized groups cannot be overstated. The presence of such faculty certainly attracts students from similar backgrounds and unquestionably plays a key role in their retention—as they eventually imagine themselves in similar roles. Thus, the need to honor and empower this connection is at the very core of any HSI conversation and all possible resources should be invested in diversifying faculty and staff. HR and departmental hiring policies and practices need to strengthen their intentionality on diversifying faculty, populating hiring committees with diverse members, and advertising nationally and internationally with competitive salaries, structural support, and flexibility in the negotiation processes. Such an approach can only benefit CWU in every possible dimension for, in order to continue serving and diversifying our student population (a national trend), we first need to diversify who we are (here). Current Efforts In this section we are identifying key organizational places where Latinx-oriented content is at the forefront of these initiatives. Academic programs • ¡SOBRE Mexico!: This academic program introduces students to conservation biology experiences in bicultural, bilingual settings in Mexico. The program has exposed students for almost 20 years to the challenges and potential of international research and local collaborations. • Center for Latino and Latin American Studies (CLLAS): The CLLAS combines an interdisciplinary academic program with a community partnership initiative to engage CWU and the surrounding community in an intensive study of Latino and Latin American peoples and cultures. • World Languages Department: The World Languages Department at CWU offers a major and minor in Spanish. Students develop language proficiency and in-depth knowledge of culture through coursework that covers Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. Latino population. Programming • Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) Initiatives: The DEC advocates to create an inclusive space for all students while aiming to engrain a love and respect for cultural and personal diversity as a cornerstone of their professionalization. Specialized committees and initiatives • Mexico Special Interest Group: This interest group was formed to explore and enhance cultural and international exchange programs and initiatives between Mexico and the United States. There are several goals that align with the HSI, which makes this group’s approach synergistic:
CWU HSI Initiative 7.12.18
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