Asian Pacific American Council

The UA President’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Council strengthens the relationships between the University and Asian Pacific American communities within the State of Arizona by serving as a communications conduit and by developing mutually-beneficial partnerships. Council members advise the President on matters of importance to Asian Pacific American communities as they relate to the University of Arizona.

Highlights of Council Recommendations/Activities

  • Create a customized web page for high school counselors filled with admissions resources to help them prepare students for college admissions requirements.  Review a resource page for high school counselors.
  • Recommend the UA use podcast and similar technology to reach out to students.  The UA Admissions Office has an online “Media Room” with podcasts, video, and publications for download that share resources to assist in the admissions process and which inform users about the student experience at the UA. 
  • Increase the number of professional development opportunities available for APA faculty and staff as one means to address the continued underrepresentation of APAs in the upper leadership ranks of higher education.  In spring 2010, the UA in cooperation with the Center for Creative Leadership established the UA Academic Leadership Institute, a yearlong program for department heads, associate deans, and emerging leaders that begins with a 360 degree assessment of the participants’ communication and problem solving skills, and extends to discussions of the internal and external challenges facing the University.  The Institute is open to applicants from across the University.


Select Council Interests and Initiatives

  • Assist the UA in developing and offering an Asian Pacific American Studies course.  A hallmark of a strong public research institution is to offer students from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the people who have contributed to the rich history and accomplishments of our nation and state.  While the UA offers courses and degrees in other ethnic studies programs it does not offer a course in Asian Pacific American Studies. 
  • Establish a formal mentoring program for junior faculty and staff. 
  • Ensure that the UA has an adequate number of leadership programs/opportunities available on campus that specifically help students from all backgrounds, including APA students, and develop cultural competency skills.  These skills are essential to students’ success in a diverse marketplace.  
  • Continue to offer and strengthen the culturally sensitive counseling services available to APA students. Research indicates that APA students may experience higher levels of anxiety and depression in college compared to their peers and yet, they are more resistant to seeking mental health assistance. The Council encourages the UA to think innovatively about how it can reach out to APA students to address their mental health needs. 

Council Updates
Learn more about current events at the UA and access important messages from the Council.

Council Members
Review a list of the current Council members.

Stay Connected
We are committed to serving as a communications conduit between southern Arizona’s Asian Pacific American communities and the UA President. We also value and welcome your input.  Please email your questions, suggestions, or comments. Contact us.  

Note:  The Council accomplishments and interests/initiatives above are not an exhaustive list, but rather illustrative of the Council’s work.  The University of Arizona is indebted to Council members who so generously volunteer their time and talent in support of students.