Charge
The work of AAPISC is a comprehensive effort by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA and PI) undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and alumni to assess and provide recommendations on how to realize for members of our community the stated mission of the UC Berkeley Division of Equity & Inclusion “to create a campus where all Berkeley students, faculty, and staff feel respected, supported, and valued.”
Objectives
The objectives of AAPISC shall include but not be limited to the following:
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Improve the recruitment and retention rates of underrepresented AA and PI ethnic groups at both the undergraduate and graduate student levels;
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Develop and strengthen existing social, personal, and academic support systems for AA and PI students;
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Expand existing professional development and career enhancement opportunities and resources for AA and PI staff and faculty;
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Increase the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of those occupying critical campus senior management positions; and
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Ensure the continued growth and vitality of teaching and research efforts by and about AA and PI people and communities on campus.
Committee Leadership
- Fabrizio Mejia - Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity & Inclusion, and AAPISC Executive Sponsor
- Srijani Ghosh (F): Continuing Lecturer, Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, and AAPISC Faculty Co-chair
- Alfred Alipio Jocson (S): Information Systems Analyst, Financial Planning & Analysis, and AAPISC Staff Co-Chair
FAQs
What is the UC Berkeley Asian American and Pacific Islander Standing Committee (AAPISC)?
On May 31, 2018, upon the request of a coalition of Asian American Pacific Islander students, staff, and faculty representing the Asian Pacific American Student Development Office (APASD), the Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA), and the Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies Program (AAADS), then Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion Oscar Dubón agreed to serve as the executive sponsor of an inaugural advisory body dedicated to raising greater awareness about and developing strategic solutions to address the diversity and complexity of needs and interests of AA and PI undergraduate and graduate student, staff, and faculty members on campus.
A year later on May 8, 2019, the Division of Equity and Inclusion hosted the first meeting of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Standing Committee (AAPISC).
What is the purpose of AAPISC?
AAPISC advocates for increased visibility and understanding of the rich and complex experiences and needs of AA and PI communities on the UC Berkeley campus. When measured only by aggregate enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, AA and PI undergraduate students appear to be among the most academically successful on our campus. These numbers, however, render both marginal and invisible the diverse and critical issues and needs of not only AA and PI undergraduate and graduate students on campus, but also AA and PI staff and faculty -- including the prevalence of mental health issues within the AA and PI student population, the lack of AA and PI representation in senior management, and the disproportionate number of AA and PI faculty in comparison to the student body at large.
How is AAPISC structured?
AAPISC is governed by a standing committee of 10-15 undergraduate and graduate student, staff, and faculty members who serve as an oversight committee to its subcommittees.
How do I get involved with AAPISC?
Members of the AAPISC Standing Committee are recruited by an “open call” nomination and self-nomination process to the campus community via the Division of Equity and Inclusion in the spring semester.
