UC Davis HSI Forum Spotlights Advising Innovation, Yield Strategies, and Graduate Pathways

UC Davis recently hosted the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Forum, drawing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners into a half-day of discussion focused on strengthening student pathways and academic success. In a world where technology accelerates change, participants reflected on the importance of critical thinking and the shared responsibility to “affirm the dignity inherent in all of us,” as expressed in the UC Davis Principles of Community.

The forum opened with remarks from Chancellor Gary S. May, who emphasized how this work connects directly to California’s continued leadership in innovation and inclusive opportunity. Vice Chancellor Renetta Garrison Tull and HSI Director Blas Guerrero framed the forum as part of a broader institutional effort to build systems that support student success—from recruitment through graduation and beyond.

In a session on recruitment and yield, Robert Penman, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, presented data showing increased interest from transfer students, particularly those drawn to high-demand programs such as Animal Science. Penman shared how students and families—especially from rural communities or those who are new to the college-going process—often become enthusiastic about UC Davis once they visit. When families connect directly with current students, faculty, and staff, and see the programs designed to support their academic and personal goals, they recognize UC Davis as a place where students can thrive. 

“As you can see, once students and families see what UC Davis has to offer, they want to be here,” Guerrero said.

Advising was a major focus across multiple sessions. Kayton Carter, Executive Director of Academic Advising Enrichment, and Timo Rico, Director of Student Affairs Assessment, provided an overview of efforts to strengthen advising across the university. With its wide array of colleges, majors, and requirements, UC Davis can be an intimidating place to navigate—for any student. The advising team has mapped common pain points in the student journey, such as declaring a double major or preparing for graduate study, and is working to extend best practices across departments. These efforts are already improving students’ ability to make timely decisions, connect with enrichment opportunities, and move toward graduation with clarity and momentum.
Vice Chancellor Pablo Reguerín highlighted how consistent, coordinated advising is especially important in STEM fields, where national retention gaps persist. Access to timely information, mentorship, and coordinated support makes it more likely that students will stay in their chosen major, build confidence in their abilities, and participate in research and professional development opportunities that shape their future.

In the session on graduate education, Vice Provost Jean-Pierre Delplanque, Executive Director Fatoumatta Sisay, Graduate Diversity Officer Josephine Moreno, and Associate Dean Ellen Hartigan-O’Connor discussed new and existing pathways into graduate and professional programs. The panel emphasized early mentoring, clear funding guidance, and supportive writing communities as key elements in helping students imagine themselves as researchers and leaders—and pursue those paths with purpose.

Throughout the forum, presenters and participants affirmed that when UC Davis makes academic pathways transparent—whether into a major, a lab, or a Ph.D. program—it benefits every student. The work shared at the forum reflects a growing commitment to recognizing and building on the strengths students bring with them, and to ensuring that all students have access to the tools, information, and relationships they need to succeed.

“The efforts shared throughout the day represent a promise—not just to current students, but to future generations of scholars who will shape the region, the state, and the world,” Guerrero said of the event. 

Guerrero closed the forum with an invitation to remain engaged and connected.