Equity

Equity Statement 

Trinidad State College is committed to providing equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status. We continually implement responsive practices in recognition of the differing circumstances, resources, and opportunities experienced by our faculty, staff, and students. We are intentional in designing policies, systems, and processes that provide access and opportunities for faculty, staff, and student success. We actively acknowledge and address barriers to adapt support networks to help community members achieve their desired outcomes.  

Our Role as a Hispanic Serving Institution

A Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) is a federal designation for an accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institution of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. Along with a large percentage of students that are Pell eligible. This designation supports Trinidad State College’s mission is to provide quality educational experiences and lifelong learning while educating for the future. This designation allows us to apply for federal funding through Title V grants. Currently Trinidad State College’s student enrollment is

44% Hispanic,

54% first-generation,

57% Pell-eligible

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Diversity: We commit to increasing diversity, which is expressed in myriad forms, including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, (dis)ability status and political perspective.

Equity: We envision ourselves as a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable place for historically underserved students, our faculty, instructors, and staff.

Inclusion: We seek to provide an environment, events, and an educational experience that includes all voices. It is not enough for us to simply bring diverse individuals together. We want those individuals to know they are valued.

Creating a Sense of Belonging: It is essential that all faculty, staff, and students feel that they belong on our campuses and in our classrooms whether in-person or virtual. We are still a work in progress. However, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all at our college.

• We annually gather institutional data to identify equity gaps and develop recommendations to the President and Board.
• Our annual recommendations focus on the mission of academic excellence by diversifying and retaining faculty, staff, and students; encourage departmental and university collaboration to promote success.
• We’ve committed to ensuring our students have access to the latest technology and have purchased laptops for a laptop lending program for students in need.
• Our current Title V grant allows us to provide professional development to faculty so they can create more inclusive classrooms.
• Our current Title V grant allows us to work on improving the services we provide to our students, so they feel like they belong here.
• Hosting community events, including monthly Lunch and Learn public talks, HSI Week celebrations, student well-being activities, etc.

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