History
After the East Asian Center was discontinued in January 2018 and in response to the anti-Asian racism following the Atlanta spa shootings in 2021, AAAPI community action groups were formed to condemn racism, discrimination, and violence. The AAAPI community organized a panel discussion in April 2021, advocating for Central to become an empowering and inclusive space for all. Following this discussion, students and faculty expressed a strong need for resources and a dedicated space to support the AAAPI community on campus. In addition to the East Asian Studies program, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Studies minor was inaugurated on campus in December 2021. After three years of preparation and collaboration with students and faculty, the Asian American, Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAAPI) Center officially opened in September 2024 on the second floor of Elihu Burritt Library.
Mission
The mission of the center is to provide a space for students, faculty and the overall university community to connect. This space serves to provide academic, cultural, professional development and community support for AAAPI students and the AAPI academic programs that are offered at the university. By providing a physical space for student organization meetings, academic use and community connection, this center addresses the academic, cultural and social needs of AAAPI students at Central.
The Asian American, Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAAPI) Center at Central Connecticut State University develops and promotes teaching, research, services, and outreach to AAAPI communities on campus and beyond. The Center provides students, faculty, staff, and community members with academic resources and a supportive environment, including lectures, conferences, student activities, and community events to learn about and engage with AAAPI communities, with collaboration from academic programs and student clubs. The Center’s mission promotes the University’s commitment to encouraging diversity and inclusion by valuing an equitable learning environment that supports diversity of people and ideas.
Vision
The vision of the center is to promote and benefit the academic, cultural and social needs of the AAAPI community and academic programs at Central. Its vision is to promote academic achievement and retention, connection with faculty and community members, leadership, research, archival data and foster social connection.