Equity
Trinidad State is committed to equal opportunity and a genuine sense of belonging for every student, employee, and community member across our Trinidad and Valley campuses. Explore our commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how to connect with the Equity Committee.
Our Role as a Hispanic-Serving Institution
A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is a federal designation for an accredited, degree-granting institution with 25% or more Hispanic or Latino full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. This designation supports Trinidad State's mission to provide quality educational experiences and lifelong learning, and allows the college to apply for federal funding through Title V grants. Trinidad State's current student enrollment is:
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Four commitments guide how Trinidad State builds a campus where every person can succeed.
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.
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, but we strive to create a sense of belonging for all at our college.
How This Shows Up at Trinidad State
We annually gather institutional data to identify equity gaps and develop recommendations to the President and Board.
Our annual recommendations focus on academic excellence by diversifying and retaining faculty, staff, and students, and by encouraging departmental and university collaboration to promote success.
We've committed to ensuring our students have access to the latest technology, including 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 improve the services we provide to students, so they feel like they belong here.
We host community events, including monthly Lunch and Learn public talks, HSI Week celebrations, and student well-being activities.
Equity Committee Leadership
Have a question, an idea, or want to get involved? Reach out to the committee's leadership below.
Desi Maxwell
Equity Coordinator
Desi has been teaching developmental math at TSC since June 2005. A lifelong resident of Trinidad, Colorado, Desi earned an Associate of Science degree from TSC in 2010 and a Bachelor of Applied Social Science degree from CSU Global in 2017.
Terri Herbstritt
Equity Committee Co-Chair
Psychology has always been Terri's passion. Terri earned an AA in Psychology & Liberal Studies at Mendocino Community College, and a BA in Psychology and MA in Education at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA.