Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at The University of Chicago

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Multicultural Undergraduate Student Organizations

African and Caribbean Students' Association (ACSA)

ACSA seeks to promote the unique cultures of African and Caribbean countries. We aim to do this by creating an awareness of the socio-political issues, cultures and foods that are integral to African and Caribbean societies. We not only seek to maintain cultural ties but to facilitate cultural diversity at the University of Chicago.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA)

The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination; however, its influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.

Since its founding over a century ago, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission has been to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APA)

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

The objectives of this Fraternity shall be: to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid down-trodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status

For more information about how to get involved contact Jared White at jaredw@uchicago.edu

Asian Student Union (ASU)

http://asian-students-union.uchicago.edu/
The Asian Student Union is an organization created to foster respect through understanding between different cultures and ethnicities. Our goal is to build working relationships between our communities and ourselves.

Balle Bhangra

Members of Balle Bhangra, the University of Chicago Bhangra Team, aim to promote Bhangra as a dance and an art form to the university community and the greater Chicagoland area while improving their own skills through performance and competition opportunities with groups from around the country.

Brazilian Student Association

Website: http://bsa-info@lists.uchicago.edu

This organization tries to unite the Brazilian community present on campus, as well as students that are interested in Brazilian culture. At the same time, BSA aims to expose Brazilian arts, culture, folklore to the students, faculty and staff of the University of Chicago

Chinese Undergraduate Students' Association (CUSA)

http://chinese-undergrads.uchicago.edu/
CUSA, or Chinese Undergraduate Students Association, is an Asian interest group. CUSA is open to anyone that would like to participate on campus at the University of Chicago. This organization strives to meet the needs of its members by providing a forum for unity, and a place to learn about Chinese culture. Meeting new people and making friends in CUSA is one of the most important benefits that this RSO can provide.

Members of CUSA frequently provide social activities, entertainment, and Chinese cultural events for the University of Chicago in order to promote social awareness, diversity, and fun.

Meetings are informal and open to any visitor or member. Meetings are scheduled by the board and sent out to the CUSA email list. Contact our public relations officer for more information.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Programmatic Thrust:

Gingarte Capoeira

http://www.gingartecapoeira.org/
Capoeira is a martial art of resistance and liberation, developed by people from Africa who were forced to work as slaves in Brazil. Disguised as a dance, the capoeira arts were able to maintain community and cultural heritage in song and music. Gingarte Capoeira is dedicated to preserving the cultural significance of capoeira by promoting the art form through workshops and performances, and educating the community by making capoeira accessible to a broad spectrum of people. Our capoeira group at The University of Chicago is made up of members of the community, undergraduate, and graduate students. Classes in Afro-Brazilian music, dance, and capoeira meet several times a week, please see our Web site for the updated schedule.

Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA)

http://hongkong-students.uchicago.edu/

Korean Student Organization (KSO)

http://kso.uchicago.edu/about.html
Founded in 1976, the Korean Students Organization (KSO) is a registered student organization at the University of Chicago. Since then, we have grown tremendously and boast having more than 100 active undergraduate and graduate members each year. Setting a precedent in 1980, we hosted the first culture show on campus and have since established an annual KSO tradition for the past 23 years.

Our mission is to represent the Korean community and strengthen its voice on (and beyond) campus and to bring together those who have a common interest in Korean culture through social activities and events. Additionally, we seek to extend an open dialogue between a diverse range of ethnic groups in order to establish a positive relationship for the whole of the University community. Finally, we hope to spread awareness of the Korean culture to the entire student body by sponsoring various University-wide events.

Finally, we seek to give to the community by raising funds for various charitable organizations like Korean American Women In Need (KANWIN) and Agglobe Services (North Korean food aid).

Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha shall be to provide a sisterhood based on Unity, Love, & Respect. To develop strong Leaders who will then provide and practice political, social and cultural activities. To promote Latino Unity through charitable and educational programs. To maintain a high standard of learning and serve as a voice for all Latino students. For information contact Omaris Zamora at omaris@uchicago.edu

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated primarily seeks to take a leadership role in meeting the needs of the Latino community through academic achievement, cultural awareness, community service and promotion of the Latino culture and people. For more information contact Luis Amaya at lamaya@uchicago.edu

Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity

We, the members of Lambda Phi Epsilon National Fraternity, strive to promote Asian American Awareness in our surrounding communities through the promotion of Asian American interest activities. Such events, include philanthropic causes, educating the community, and preserving Asian American culture.

Since our inception, Lambda Phi Epsilon's goals have been to exemplify the highest standards of Academic Performance, Social Experience, Service to the Community, and most importantly Brotherhood among its members. For more information contact Leland Zhi at
leland1@uchicago.edu

Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA)

http://mecha.uchicago.edu/
The Chicano and Chicana student movement has been plagued by opportunists that have sought to re-channel the energies of our people and divert us from our struggle for self-determination. The educational plight of Chicana and Chicano students continues to be ignored by insensitive administrators. Overall, Chicano and Chicana junior high, high school and college push-out rates have risen since 1969, forcing many Chicanos and Chicanas to a life of poverty. These factors along with a growing right wing trend in the nation are combing to work greater hardships on Chicanos and Chicanas. New repressive and racist immigration laws are continuously directed at our Gente. The Federal government is campaigning to pacify and assimilate our Gente by labeling us "Hispanic." The term "Hispanic" seeks to anglicize and deny our indigenous heritage by ignoring our unique socioeconomic and historical aspect of our Gente. These factors have made it necessary for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan to affirm our philosophy of liberation (i.e. educational, socioeconomic, and political empowerment) for our Chicano and Chicana nation.

Joining with other community-based Chicano and Chicana nationalist organizations, M.E.Ch.A. is committed to ending the cultural tyranny suffered at the hands of institutional and systematic discrimination that holds our Gente captive. We seek an end to oppression and exploitation of the Chicano and Chicana Community.

Muslim Students Association (MSA)

http://msa.uchicago.edu/
The purpose of the Muslim Students' Association at the University of Chicago is to provide a fulfilling religious environment on campus for students of the Muslim faith, as well as create a place for our unique diverse Muslim community among the greater university community and Chicago Hyde Park neighborhood. Our MSA aims to enhance understanding of Islam and Muslims on campus through community service and social and academic events that engage all members of the university and other religious faiths. It is also our humble goal to help Muslims increase their faith, knowledge, and build Islamic character, Inshallah (God-willing).

Native American Student Association (NASA)

http://nasa.uchicago.edu/

Organization of Black Students (OBS)

http://obs1.uchicago.edu/about.html
The Organization of Black Students was founded in 1968 by a group of PhD candidates and Professional School Students. The organization was a unified effort by many members of the black community at the University of Chicago that evolved into one of the most active groups on campus. The (OBS) functions as both a support group and a cultural outlet for the Black student body at the University of Chicago. As we enter our 36th year of existence, we hope to continue our traditions that enlighten the University community as well as the greater Chicago community. As always, we will, through our members and events, permeate the University atmosphere. In this respect we hope to contribute to the pursuit of multi-cultural expression and understanding.

Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS)

http://olas.uchicago.edu
The creation of OLAS fulfilled the demand and need to promote awareness of the Latino cultures, both amongst the Latino students and throughout the whole university community. There is still uncertainty as to exactly when OLAS was founded. The first Latino organization began with the name HSA (Hispanic Student Association) around 1989. The name was changed to H.A.C.E.R. (Hispanic Association for Cultural Expression and Recognition) in 1990 to reflect the need for our cultural expression and recognition on the University campus. In 2000, the name was changed to its present name of OLAS.

PanAsian Solidarity Coalition

http://panasia.uchicago.edu/
PanAsia is a student organization committed to exploring Asian / Asian American / Pacific Islander identity and culture, as well as relevant political and social issues. In addition, PanAsia coordinates several events and initiatives throughout the year as part of its continuous outreach effort.

Phi Iota Alpha Latino Fraternity, Inc.

Puerto Rican Students Association (PRSA)

http://prsa.uchicago.edu/index.html

Samahan: The Filipino Students Association

http://samahan.uchicago.edu/about.html
As the Filipino Students Association at the University of Chicago, our goal is to create a sense of community and act as a resource to all those interested in exploring Filipino culture. Samahan, in tagalog means "unity" or "togetherness." Since 1995, our organization has given a sense of unity -- and community -- to Filipino and Filipino-American students at the University of Chicago, as well as to those interested in Filipino culture and history. Our activities range from social events to political forums and educational workshops. Our goal is to stimulate growth in our community through activities that are filled with cultural meaning and, of course, fun.

Singaporean and Malaysian Students' Union (SAMSU)

http://samsu.uchicago.edu/main.html

South Asian Students' Association (SASA)

http://sasa.uchicago.edu/
SASA stands for South Asian Students Association. The 7 countries in South Asia are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The purpose of the organization is to gather University of Chicago students who have an interest in South Asian culture and organize events for the entire university community to promote awareness of South Asian culture. Events emphasized shall be academically, culturally, socially, and/or community oriented in nature.

Students Promoting Interracial Networks

http://spin.uchicago.edu

We promote multicultural interactions and encourage members to explore other cultural groups and activities by providing the opportunity to meet other students from different ethnic and social backgrounds.

Taiwanese Student Association (TSA)

http://taiwan-student.uchicago.edu/
Taiwanese Student Association (TSA) at the University of Chicago is a voluntary society devoted to discussions of cultural, social, and political issues in Taiwan. TSA also provides Taiwanese students services of orientation, consultation, and information to get around on campus and in Chicago. As a member of the UC Registered Student Organizations (RSO), TSA welcomes anyone who shares common interests with us. A registered UC student status is required to be an official member of TSA. However, everyone is welcome to join our common activities.

Vietnamese Students Association

The main purpose of the organization is to advance our knowledge of and embrace Vietnamese Culture for University of Chicago students who are interested.

Multicultural Graduate and Professional Student Organizations

African American MBA Association (AAMBAA)

http://student.chicagogsb.edu/group/aambaa/
The AAMBAA is a support group for African American students within the Graduate School of Business. The goals of the organization are threefold:

Examples of recent activities include weekly tutoring within Hyde Park, the sponsoring of a scholarship competition for high school seniors, and conducting alumni workshops focused on relevant business issues. The group's major event is the two-day DuSable Business Conference, which focuses on professional and personal issues relevant to African Americans in pursuit of excellence.

African American Student Association at the School of Social Service Administration (AASA at SSA)

The organization provides social, cultural, and educational activities, as well as support for African American students and other students of color enrolled in SSA. The AASA Buddy System (the organization's mentor program) matches a second- or third-year SSA graduate student with an entering SSA minority student.

Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)

http://apalsa.uchicago.edu/
The Asian Pacific Law Students Association (APALSA) is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the intellectual, academic, professional, social, and cultural life of students at the Law School. We serve as a resource for the Law School and the University of Chicago. We are a part of the Diversity Initiative at the Law School, a group of students and student organizations committed to the hiring of faculty and the admission and matriculation of students of diverse backgrounds. APALSA seeks to further the understanding of Asian American issues by hosting guest speakers, cultural events, and social gatherings at the Law School.

Asian Pacific American Medical Students

http://apamsa.uchicago.edu/

Asian American Law Students Association

http://aalsa.uchicago.edu/

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

http://blsa.uchicago.edu/
The University of Chicago Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is part of a national student organization that includes over 190 member chapters. The local chapter provides formal and informal academic, professional, political and social support to African-American law students. Students receive formal academic support through test-taking lectures and formal professional support by way of cover letter, resume and job-hunting workshops. In an effort to increase awareness of the issues facing Black law students and the Black community, BLSA hosts a number of guest speakers.

All interested members are encouraged to attend the regional and national conferences. For the last few years, the local chapter has sponsored most moot court teams who competed during the regional conference. BLSA plays a large role in the recruitment of admitted African-American students and continues to work toward increasing the presence of minority faculty members.

Chinese Student and Scholar Association

http://cssa.uchicago.edu/index.htm

Hispanic American Business Students Association

http://student.chicagogsb.edu/group/habsa
HABSA's mission is to advance the progress of U.S. resident, GSB Hispanic students by promoting meaningful academic, professional and social dialogue fostering understanding of our membership's unique assets, and mobilizing resources to accomplish our goals.

Korean Graduate Student Association

http://kgsa.uchicago.edu/

Latino/a Law Students Association (LLSA)

http://llsa.uchicago.edu/
LLSA provides a support network of Latino law students at the University of Chicago Law School. Our primary goal is to increase the representation of Latinos in the legal community by increasing recruitment, retention, and placement of Latino law students. It is also our desire to contribute to the discussion (and debate) of important social and political issues, especially those having a direct impact on the Latino community. Finally, it is our wish to continuously inject our varied and rich cultural heritage into the University community at large. The activities we promote to achieve our goals include:

Latino Student Association (LSA) at SSA

http://www.ssa.uchicago.edu/students/student-associations.shtml#lsa
The Latino Student Association provides social, cultural, and educational activities for Latino students at the School of Social Service Administration (SSA). The organization has sponsored an annual seminar at which issues of concern to Latinos are presented. The association collaborates with other student groups to provide support to students of color at SSA.

Minorities in Public Policy Studies (MiPPS)

http://www.harrisschool.uchicago.edu/mipps/
MIPPS serves as an academic, social and cultural resource for policy students in the Harris School whose goals are to: raise awareness concerning issues pertaining to minority students of the Harris School and the greater community; increase the number of minorities at the Harris School; and promote civic participation within the Harris School, the University of Chicago and the greater community.

Minority Graduate Student Association (MGSA)

The Minority Graduate Student Association (MGSA) is committed to providing intellectual, social and cultural opportunities for graduate students of color at the University of Chicago as well as on the numerous campuses throughout the Chicago area. Through networking at social events to intellectual exchange at the annual Eyes on the Mosaic Conference to service through our campus-wide mentoring program with the undergraduate students, MGSA provides a host of opportunities for Chicago's minority graduate population to enhance and supplement their educational experience. Contact Marcelle Medford.

South Asian Law Students Association

From samosa parties to political discussions, the South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA) was formed with the aim to promote an understanding and appreciation of South Asian political, legal, and social issues. In the past, we have invited South Asian political figures, screened films pertaining to South Asian history, engaged in many social events, and had South Asian dinners. This year, we plan to sponsor the National South Asian Law Student Association Conference. With the current trend of globalization, many law firms are setting up offices in South Asia. SALSA provides students with many opportunities to meet with firms and explore possibilities of working abroad. Open to all students, SALSA encourages anyone with an interest in South Asia to join.