Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week".
Impact
If adopted, this resolution would formally recognize the importance of HSIs in the educational landscape of the United States. It emphasizes their significant enrollment numbers, with over 615 HSIs educating more than 5.6 million students in the 2023-2024 academic year. Furthermore, a substantial percentage of undergraduate students, particularly Hispanic students, benefit from the educational services provided by these institutions, which together account for 20% of all higher education institutions yet serve a notably larger share of Hispanic undergraduates.
Summary
House Resolution 969 expresses support for the designation of the week beginning on September 8, 2025, as 'National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.' This resolution aims to highlight and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which are defined as degree-granting institutions with a full-time enrollment of at least 25% Hispanic students. The resolution notes that HSIs play a pivotal role in providing education to low-income and underserved students, enhancing access to higher education, and serving as a vital component for economic mobility in the U.S.
Contention
While the resolution itself is largely a symbolic gesture aimed at raising awareness, it reinforces the need for continued support and investment in HSIs. Some may argue that beyond recognition, more tangible measures are required to address the challenges faced by these institutions, such as funding disparities and resource shortages. Therefore, while there appears to be a consensus on the value of HSIs, the implementation of policies that provide substantial support and a commitment to their advancement remains a topic of discussion among stakeholders.
Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2025, as "National Hispanic Nurses Day" and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses.
Expressing support for the recognition of September 22, 2025, to September 28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.