What Services Does APARC provide?
This space contains a study area; lounge area; computers; kitchen; conference room; tutoring services, which is in partnership with SMART Commons ( academic learning success centers) and the Writing Center—APARC works with them to get AAPI tutors so to have representation; a cute nook of a library full of empowering books; and printing services. But what sets this resource apart is that it focuses on the AAPI community, which is not often seen on college campuses. It is committed to providing resources that benefit AAPI students. Currently, APARC operates the following programs:
- Teaching Pathways Program: To address the need for more Asian American teachers, the Teaching Pathways Program provides courses, workshops, professional development, and network opportunities for students who are interested in teaching in educational careers.
- ASPIRE Program: A first-year transition experience where first-year students are paired with second-year students to explore the U of M campus. Students have access to educational events, discussions, workshops, social events, and even movie nights! These events center around themes of identity and history, which are important topics that APARC wants first year students to know about.
- Career Connections: This series of workshop engage AAPI students with topics relating to career readiness and incorporate unique perspectives such as parental expectations, cultural values, and life roles. AAPI students, faculty members, staff and AAPI professionals are brought into the discussions and students have the opportunity to network and learn about resources for their career advancement.
- AAPI Youth Summit: This summit engages AAPI students in leadership development, idea sharing, and advocating for changes that affect their experiences and community. Distinguished guests speakers are brought in to lead workshops and discussions, and there are opportunities for professional networking as well.
- Speaker Series: Scholars and leaders in the areas of policy making, education, research and more are brought in to engage students about issues at the local, national, and global level that affect the AAPI communities. This series allow students to think critically about AAPI issues and studies, network with AAPI figures, and enhance their experience on campus.
- This World is Ours to Build: A story-telling project consisting of a series of workshops led by award-winning AAPI artists to invite AAPI students to explore their identities, history, and experiences through the creative arts such as photography, film, movement, spoken word, and story-telling.
Who are the students that APARC serves?
Roughly 3000 students visit APARC per year—many of whom are Southeast Asian and Pacificic Islander American students. Most of these students belong to the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Liberal Arts, a few in the College of Biological Sciences, and other colleges.
What Are Some Things You Want People to Know About APARC?
If none of these things stood out to you, at the very least APARC wants you to know that you APARC is more than an office or space. APARC is a community for you! You don’t need any formalities, appointments, or meetings to be able to come here. Students don’t need any justification to be a part of APARC—this small community space. The staff and everyone here want students to know that they care about students and that their identities matter, their voice matters, their feelings matter and most importantly that they can ask for any help they want.
APARC sets up an environment where AAPI students may find social support among each other, as well as academic support with assignments and writing from individuals that are responsive, understanding, and respectful of each students’ background and heritage.
Want to Stay Connected?
Checkout APARC on Facebook here. If you are a fan of APARC, don’t forget to spread the word!