News
AWC faculty and staff lead workshop on student belonging at HSI Summit
October 16, 2026Glendale, Ariz. (October 16, 2026) – Arizona Western College faculty and staff presented at the Arizona Consortium Summit for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), leading professional development trainings on the steps institutional leadership can take to steward a sense of belonging for their students.
AWC history and sociology professor Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cárdenas and University Partnerships Manager Eva Aviles presented "Cultivating a sense of belonging: Faculty and Staff Servingness Strategies," which combined two professional development trainings that the AWC Excelencia team has been conducting over the past year.
The workshop explored the quality of "servingness" in education through academic metrics like course completion, graduation and transfer rates, in addition to nonacademic outcomes, including the development of academic self-concept, leadership identity, educational aspirations, civic engagement, and positive campus experiences.
“Something that I appreciate about the organization of the AZ HSI Summit is the sense of community,” Dr. Ketchum-Cárdenas said. “Everyone attending is committed to making higher education in our state accessible to all. Rather than presentations about what an expert thinks will work, we learn how the work is done and connect with those who have real experience and are passionate about supporting la comunidad of HSIs across the state.”
As a proud HSI serving a student population that is approximately 77% Hispanic, AWC remains committed to advancing equitable, culturally responsive support for all students. Faculty participation at gatherings like the HSI Summit provide opportunities to advance this mission at AWC and beyond.
"Being in a room full of leaders at the AZ HSI Summit was a reminder of why we do this work,” Aviles said. “For our community colleges, serving our Hispanic students isn't just about opening doors, it’s about creating spaces where they feel seen, valued, and genuinely supported every step of the way.”
AWC student Vicente Guerrero also attended the Summit to participate as a member of the student panel. Guerrero joined students from across the state to answer questions about his college experience, including challenges he has faced and how faculty create an environment for students to thrive.
“Speaking about my lived experience was an empowering experience among educational and industry leaders,” Guerrero said. “HSI has meant community, outreach, problem-solving, and noticeable change in the educational community throughout the State of Arizona. It was an honor and a genuine privilege to be a past speaker in this organization, making education accessible where it’s needed.”
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About the Arizona HSI Consortium:
The Arizona HSI Consortium, founded by the University of Arizona, brings together Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the state to collaborate on research, professional development, and evidence-based practices that strengthen Latino student success. Through shared initiatives, grant opportunities, and cross-institutional partnerships, the Consortium supports HSIs in improving access, persistence, transfer pathways, and degree completion for the students they serve.
Contact:
Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cárdenas
Professor of History & Sociology
Arizona Western College
monica.ketchum@azwestern.edu