Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern & Desi American Student Development Program

We empower students to explore leadership roles through community service, student organization membership and co-curricular involvement. The primary goals of the program are to recruit students from APIMEDA backgrounds, to connect them to resources and communities at TU, and to ensure their academic success and retention.

We celebrate the unique cultures and identities in TU’s campus community. Join us as we celebrate APIMEDA History & Culture.

 

History

The APIMEDA diaspora spans nearly 100 countries across North Africa to Asia, including the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. This diverse and vibrant community encompasses a wide range of experiences and contributions. By expanding traditional AAPI affinity groupings, we aim to be more inclusive of Middle Eastern and Desi Americans. We acknowledge and celebrate the rich diversity of these ethnicities and cultures within the APIMEDA community, recognizing the many ways they enhance the vibrancy of TU.

Programs and Activities

Welcome APIMEDA

The Welcome APIMEDA event is a much-anticipated occasion that highlights an informal gathering of both new and returning APIMEDA students, faculty, and staff. It serves as an invaluable platform for fostering connections and building camaraderie within the APIMEDA community. Participants can look forward to an array of engaging activities including networking sessions, interactive games, music, and a variety of food offerings. This event not only celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the APIMEDA community but also provides an opportunity for individuals to share experiences, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful relationships that extend beyond the confines of academia. Whether it's striking up conversations over a shared meal or bonding through friendly competition, the Welcome APIMEDA event embodies the spirit of inclusivity, collaboration, and belonging that defines the APIMEDA experience.

Welcome Jummah

Welcome Jummah is a gathering where new and familiar faces from the Muslim community, including students, faculty, and staff, come together. It starts with a lunch with traditional foods and invites attendees to chat and get to know each other. Then, everyone gathers for the Friday prayer, a moment of spiritual reflection. This event helps newcomers settle in and allows returning members to reconnect. Through conversation, sharing a meal, and prayer, Welcome Jummah reflects our institution's values of inclusivity, hospitality, and unity.

APIMEDA Graduation Celebration

The APIMEDA Graduation Celebration is an annual event dedicated to honoring the achievements and celebrating the success of APIMEDA graduating seniors. This significant occasion serves as a tribute to their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout their academic journey. The event features authentic cuisine that reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of the APIMEDA community, providing a memorable culinary experience for all attendees. Additionally, the celebration includes speeches delivered by distinguished guests, faculty members, and student leaders, offering words of wisdom, encouragement, and reflection. Through this event, we not only recognize the academic accomplishments of our graduates but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage and collective spirit that define the APIMEDA community.

Resources

Asian Studies Minor

The Asian Studies minor is for those students who are pursuing a major in a different field but have a curiosity about Asian nations and their cultures. It provides an opportunity for them to gain insights into various aspects of Asia's history, society, and traditions, complementing their primary area of study.

Asian Arts and Culture Center

The Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University facilitates cross-cultural exchange by providing a wide array of artistic and cultural encounters focusing on Asia to both the university and its surrounding communities. Our initiatives are designed to broaden understanding of global cultures, counter stereotypes, enhance cultural competency, and provide distinctive insights into creativity and the human condition.

Multicultural Student Organizations

Muslim Student Association (MSA)

MSA aims to provide a supportive and inclusive community for Muslim students on campus, offering various activities and events to promote Islamic awareness, education, and cultural exchange. MSA chapters typically organize social gatherings, religious events, community service projects, and educational programs to foster a sense of belonging and understanding among Muslim students and the broader campus community.  MSA invites the community to engage in interfaith dialogue and collaborations to promote understanding and cooperation among students of different religious backgrounds.

South Asian Student Association (SASA)

The South Asian Student Association (SASA) is a student-run organization commonly found in colleges and universities, particularly in regions with a significant South Asian student population. SASA typically aims to create a platform for students from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and others to come together, celebrate their cultures, and share their experiences.

The association often organizes various cultural, social, and educational events such as traditional dance performances, food festivals, language classes, and discussions on current issues affecting South Asia. These activities not only help in preserving and promoting South Asian cultures but also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and cross-cultural understanding among students from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, SASA may collaborate with other student organizations, host guest speakers, and participate in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about South Asian cultures and issues both on and off campus. Overall, SASA plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among South Asian students while also contributing to the multicultural fabric of the university environment.

Nepalese Student Association (NSA)

The Nepalese Student Association (NSA) is a student-led organization commonly found in colleges and universities around the world, particularly in institutions where there is a notable Nepalese student community. The primary aim of NSA is to provide support and create a sense of community for Nepalese students studying abroad.

NSA typically organizes various cultural, social, and educational events that celebrate Nepalese traditions, customs, and heritage. These events may include cultural festivals, traditional dance performances, food fairs featuring Nepalese cuisine, language classes, and discussions on topics relevant to Nepalese society and culture.

Pakistani Student Association (PSA)

The Pakistani Student Association (PSA) is a student-run organization commonly found in colleges and universities worldwide, particularly in institutions with a significant Pakistani student population. The primary objective of PSA is to provide a platform for Pakistani students to come together, celebrate their culture, and share their experiences while studying abroad.

PSA typically organizes a variety of cultural, social, and educational events that highlight Pakistani traditions, customs, and heritage. These events may include cultural festivals, traditional music and dance performances, food fairs featuring

Pakistani cuisine, language workshops, and discussions on topics relevant to Pakistani society and culture.

Society of Arab Students (SAS)

The Society of Arab Students (SAS) is a student-led organization commonly found in colleges and universities around the world, particularly in institutions with a significant Arab student population. The main objective of SAS is to provide a supportive and inclusive community for Arab students studying abroad.

SAS typically organizes a wide range of cultural, social, and educational events that celebrate Arab heritage, traditions, and identity. These events may include cultural festivals, music and dance performances, film screenings, food fairs featuring Arab cuisine, language exchange programs, and discussions on topics relevant to Arab society and culture.

Vietnamese Student Association (VSA)

The Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) is a student-run organization commonly found in colleges and universities worldwide, particularly in institutions with a notable Vietnamese student population. The primary goal of VSA is to provide a platform for Vietnamese students to come together, celebrate their culture, and share their experiences while studying abroad.

VSA typically organizes a variety of cultural, social, and educational events that showcase Vietnamese traditions, customs, and heritage. These events may include cultural festivals, traditional dance performances, food fairs featuring Vietnamese cuisine, language workshops, and discussions on topics relevant to Vietnamese society and culture.

Towson Alpha Sigma Rho

Alpha Sigma Rho (ASR) is a distinguished Asian-interest sorority, often established in universities and colleges globally, especially in institutions where there is a prominent Asian-American women community. ASR's core mission revolves around advocating for the representation and empowerment of Asian-American women while promoting awareness and appreciation for the multifaceted Asian cultures spanning across the continent.

ASR endeavors to provide a nurturing environment where members can cultivate academic excellence, personal growth, and moral development. Central to our mission is the cultivation of unity among our members, fostering a strong sisterhood built on mutual support, respect, and collaboration.

Chalak

Chalak is Towson University's premier Bollywood dance team, known for its vibrant performances and energetic choreography. Comprising talented dancers passionate about Bollywood and South Asian culture, Chalak captivates audiences with its dynamic routines that blend traditional and contemporary dance styles.

As ambassadors of Bollywood dance on campus, Chalak aims to showcase the rich diversity and exuberance of Indian cinema through its performances. The team's dedication to precision, creativity, and expression shines through in every routine, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.