We invite you to build on the equity, diversity, and inclusion programs we collectively engaged in back in 2022 to enhance our Asian, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern student experiences and attend the 2025 Symposium on Enhancing the Experiences of Students of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern Descent. This year’s symposium focuses on exploring UC San Diego's Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation. The theme of the 2025 symposium is continuing to transform from simply serving students to creating an environment in which students can thrive. The symposium will occur on February 11–13, 2025, between 9 a.m. – noon each day. There will be engaging opening and closing keynote speakers and breakout sessions that advance attendee learning.
The symposium is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life. Registration is open through Feb. 7, 2025. Please visit the symposium registration page to participate in this important work.
Presenting at the symposium will be Jacqueline Mac, a scholar who works as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Northern Illinois University. She researches racism and racialization of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in education, how campus environments support students of color and their liberation, and how minority-serving institutions advance racial equity, especially for Southeast Asian American students. Also presenting will be Sefa Aina, a founding member and current Board Chair of EPIC (Empowering Pacific Islander Communities). Sefa is the Associate Dean and Director of the Draper Center for Community Partnerships at Pomona College. He has taught courses on contemporary Pacific Islander issues and community engagement and has done countless workshops and talks at colleges and universities nationwide.
In recognition of this event, 2 hours of administrative leave with pay have been approved for employees to attend. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.
