Asian Americans
Academic
Asian American Studies investigates cultural, political, and historical experiences of Asians in America while preparing students for service and leadership positions in their community and for graduate training, research, and teaching. Asian American Studies 2A and 2B fulfill the Reading and Composition requirement (ethnicstudies.berkeley.edu/as; 530 Barrows Hall; 510/643-6420).
The Asian American Studies Collection is part of the Ethnic Studies Library in 30 Stephens Hall (eslibrary.berkeley.edu/aasc.htm; 510/642-2220).
South and Southeast Asian Studies offers opportunities to explore the rich cultural, social, and religious histories, as well as the current cultures of South and Southeast Asia. South Asian Studies R5A and R5B, as well as South and Southeast Asian Studies R5A and R5B fulfill the L&S Reading and Composition Requirement (ls.berkeley.edu/dept/sseas; 7233 Dwinelle Hall; casmaoff@berkeley.edu; 510/642-4564).
Housing
Asian Pacific American Theme Program is a residence for 46 students who have an academic interest in Asian Pacific American history, culture, and contemporary issues. Through organized academic and social activities, the residence provides an informal environment for interaction and learning. For more information contact the Office of Student Development, Asian Pacific American Theme Program (housing.berkeley.edu/theme/apath.html; 2610 Channing Way; 510/642-3213).
Student Groups
Asian/Pacific Islander Recruitment and Retention Center (REACH) serves the needs of those who do not have equal access to higher education and empowers underrepresented recent immigrant and urban Asian/Pacific Islanders (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~reach).
The Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) is a collective of organizations that serves all interested Asian Pacific American student groups on the Berkeley campus. APAC facilitates inter-club relations and seeks to address issues of injustice and inequality through education and political and social action. At bi-monthly meetings, representatives exchange information, establish networks, discuss current issues, and plan events. Member organizations work together to sponsor such programs as the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, welcome activities, retreats, educational forums, and cultural events (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~apc/blog; 249 Cesar Chavez Student Center; 510/643-5497).
Hindu Students Council is an international forum that promotes understanding of Hindu culture and heritage. HSC fosters awareness of issues affecting Hindus, and provides seva (service) to the community (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~hsc; hsc-board@lists.berkeley.edu).
Indus is UC Berkeley’s premier South Asian cultural alliance and one of the largest student groups on campus. Its goal is to provide a forum where students can actively educate the community about the extreme diversity of South Asian cultures (ucberkeleyindus.com; induscouncil@berkeley.edu).
Pilipino American Student Orientation (PASO) is an annual program sponsored by Pilipino Academic Student Services, Pilipino American Alliance, Pilipino Association of Scientists, Architects and Engineers (pasae.berkeley.edu), Pilipino Association for Health Careers (pahc.berkeley.edu), and Partnership for Pre-Professional Pilipinos. All new Pilipino students receive invitations in late summer for an orientation held during the first week of fall semester.
Pilipino Academic Student Services (PASS) is an entirely student-run service organization formed to address the educational concerns of Pilipino students in pursuit of higher education (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~pass; 515 Eshleman Hall; ucberkeleypass@lists.berkeley.edu; 510/643-9302).
Support
Asian Pacific American Student Development (APASD) promotes the academic success of students through a variety of academic support services, programs, and cocurricular activities. Programs include cultural events, conferences, independent study courses under the auspices of Asian American Studies, leadership opportunities, internships, and community service projects. APASD serves the changing needs of a diverse student body and strives to enhance students’ educational experience. Students who are interested in working on APASD’s agenda of programs should contact the APASD office (multicultural.berkeley.edu/apasd; 249 Cesar E. Chavez Student Center; jeret@berkeley.edu; 510/643-5497).
The California Alumni Association (CAA) Student-Alumni Mentorship Program is an online service for Berkeley students where they may choose a Cal grad as a mentor. Alumni can be chosen based on career experience, cultural background, area of study, sexual orientation, and association with specific campus groups (alumni.berkeley.edu/samp).