Frequently Asked Questions
What is APASA?
The Asian Pacific American Student Assembly (APASA) is the largest cultural assembly under the Programming Branch of USC’s Undergraduate Student Government, its event-planning wing. We proudly represent 37+ Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) student organizations at USC, acting as a source of funding and advisement for our members.
APASA additionally hosts a diverse series of signature events throughout the academic year, from night markets to advocacy initiatives. We reach nearly a quarter of USC’s undergraduate student body, attracting student audiences of thousands at our events. APASA’s day-to-day operations are led by an Executive Board of 20 talent student leaders, who are supported by an annual cohort of promising interns.
WHAT ARE OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS?
Our programming varies from year to year, but some traditional favorites include:
Community Dinner. Our premier preprofessional event. APASA invites twenty APIDA trailblazers to share their experiences with students over a meal. Past professionals have come from advocacy, business, and healthcare spaces, among many others.
Night Market. One of our largest events of the year. APASA transforms USC’s Central Quad into a bustling market of food, games, and student performances from across the APIDA umbrella.
Speaker Night. Our most highly anticipated event. APASA invites a prominent APIDA figure to share their story in front of an audience of hundreds. Past guests include Stephanie Hsu, Ali Wong, Hasan Minhaj, and Constance Wu.
Cultural Arts Expo. A dazzling showcase. APASA welcomes APIDA creatives of all mediums to share their work with the USC community. Features live performances, art vendors, and student galleries.
WHY SHOULD MY student organization join apasa?
Student organizations that join APASA become a part of a vibrant, tight-knit community. We provide a space for collaboration with other APIDA-interest organizations, as well as advisement on event planning and other organizational resources. Further, APASA dedicates a substantial portion of its annual budget toward funding for our members, enabling us to directly support your organization’s programming and advocacy.
how do I join apasa’s executive board? Does aPasa have general membership?
If you’re a student looking to join APASA’s leadership or get involved with our behind-the-scenes operations, we’d love to have you!
APASA recruits for its Executive Board on an annual basis, toward the end of the spring semester. Each year, we bring on a fresh team of student leaders that fill all seventeen of our Executive Board positions. We look for talented, motivated individuals that are passionate about serving the APIDA community, and welcome Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Transfer applicants.
APASA also conducts an annual Internship Program, which welcomes a cohort of promising interns in the early fall semester. Our interns are directly involved in our everyday operations, shadowing our Executive Board and participating in APASA’s programming and advocacy work. Many interns go on to serve on APASA’s Executive Board, and we welcome Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Transfer applicants with potential for growth. Please note that the Internship Program is not compensated.
Unfortunately, APASA does not have a general membership. If you’re interested in either of our recruitment opportunities, please keep an eye on our Instagram for regular announcements!
What’s the difference between APASS, APASA, APAA?
In brief, APASS is run by university staff, APASA is led by (undergraduate) students, and APAA is managed by alumni.
USC’s Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) is a division of USC Student Life that provides resources to students, such as peer and career mentoring, and APIDA educational programming. APASS is focused on facilitating participation, dialogue, community-building, and empowerment among the APIDA student population. For more information on APASS, please visit their website.
USC’s Asian Pacific Alumni Association (APAA) connects USC Alumni of APIDA descent. APAA’s mission is to support the overall advancement of the University by engaging APIDA alumni for life, building a culture of philanthropy among the Asian Pacific Trojan Family, and being the representative voice for all APIDA USC alumni. For more information on APAA, please visit their website.
When and where are APASA meetings? Can I attend?
During the academic year, APASA’s General Meetings take place every Monday evening from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PST on USC’s campus. Our General Meetings are typically closed to the general student population (and the public), but we host a several open meetings throughout the year that focus on special topics and activities.
We welcome both USC and non-USC organizations interested in speaking to our Assembly. Please contact apasa@usc.edu with your inquiry at least 72 hours prior to the General Meeting you would like to attend.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about APASA?
Please direct questions to apasa@usc.edu.