Promoting Equity and Social Justice Through an Academic Advisor Training Framework for Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are pivotal in enrolling and graduating Latino students, with 600 HSIs comprising 20% of colleges and universities and enrolling 63% of Latino undergraduates (Santiago et al., Latinos in higher education: 2024 compilation of fast facts. Excelencia in Education, 2024). Despite their significance, HSIs face challenges in equipping academic advisors with the necessary competencies to support these students effectively. This chapter addresses the critical gaps in advisor training at HSIs and proposes a comprehensive framework tailored to the HSI context. The framework emphasizes the importance of aligning advisor competencies with training content, focusing on traditional advising skills alongside additional competencies such as cultural competency, antiracism, and intercultural communication. By fostering these skills, advisors can become active agents of social justice, advocating for equitable outcomes, and effectively supporting diverse student populations. The proposed training framework integrates the HSI identity, centers student and advisor voices, and promotes continuous professional development. This approach aims to transform academic advisors into advocates for equity, enhancing the overall advising experience and contributing to the success and well-being of Latino, and all, students at HSIs. Through intentional training and support, HSIs can advance their mission of promoting student success and fostering inclusive educational environments.