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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Signature Programs

Students pose in graduation sales.
 

The A3C provides a variety of signature programs and annual events to the campus community. 

APIDA Gala & Student Organization Awards Ceremony The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Gala & Student Organization Awards Ceremony’s purpose is to showcase and celebrate all the phenomenal APIDA organizations on campus. Student organization members and student leaders are recognized for the culmination of their hard work throughout the academic year. Typically held in April, this gala is open to any student who has committed time to promoting and advancing the APIDA community at Cornell. 

APIDA Heritage Month In honor of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, the A3C hosts a series of events in April in collaboration with campus departments and student organizations. Celebrated nationally in May, APIDA Heritage Month honors Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans who have enriched U.S. history and are key to its future success. The month consists of programs and events that educate all members of the Cornell University community about the histories, cultural diversity, contributions, and often underreported challenges of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans. 

Be-Coming Lunch Series In partnership with the Asian American Studies Program, the A3C hosts the Be-Coming Lunch Series. Be-Coming features undergraduate and graduate student speakers who enact their academic passions outside of the classroom. Come enjoy a catered lunch while listening to students talk about their exceptional research and work inside and outside the academic setting.  

Boba Talks Boba Talks is a collaboration with the Asian American Studies Program (AASP) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The main goal of this program is to address mental health within the APIDA community. Discussions in the past included: LGBTQ+ Experiences Within the APIDA Community, The Pressure to Succeed in Asian America, and The APIDA Year in Review. 

CommUNITY Series  The 6-week CommUNITY Series will engage participants in an examination of social and identity-based issues that affect APIDA identities. Weekly sessions will include various discussion topics ranging from APIDA history and immigration to mental health, racial solidarity, and more. Light refreshments are provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, connect with your community, and engage in meaningful conversation.  

Elevating Asians Elevating Asians is a new program dedicated to supporting the personal growth and professional development of first-year and transfer Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students. It is a space that allows individuals to gain transferable skills and achieve their full potential as it relates to being an active member of Cornell University and beyond. Topics range from community service, leadership, multicultural exploration, career preparedness, professional networking, and discussions about post-collegiate life.​

To be eligible for Elevating Asians, students must meet the following criteria: Be a first-year or transfer student at Cornell University; be committed to professional and leadership development; and support the mission of the A3C.  ​

The application deadline is Friday, September 15, at 11:59pm. An optional information session takes place on Friday, September 22, at 3pm (location TBD).  Elevating Asians meetings will take place on 3 Fridays at 3pm in October - November and 3 Fridays in February - March.  

Please click on this link for the application.  

InspirAsian Speaker Series The InspirAsian Speaker Series invites a wide range of speakers from the APIDA community to Cornell. Past speakers include Eric Nam, Justin H. Min, Asian Boss Girl, Wong Fu Productions, MILCK, Nicole Chung, Dr. Nimmi Gowrinathan, Ashly Perez, Nathan Chen, Karen Chen, Inga Lam, and Christine Ha.  

RelaxAsians RelaxAsians is an initiative focusing on the health and well-being and for APIDA students at Cornell. In RelaxAsians, students can expect a safe and brave space where they can release, relax, and recover from any pressures they may be experiencing. These workshops will focus on self-care, community, and resilience.  A3C recognizes the violence and anti-Asian tragedies that have impacted the APIDA community nationally and globally. As we grieve and honor the many lives lost, we create this space to remind ourselves of things that we have control over such as our healing journeys and finding peace and joy amidst chaos. 

To access information on all of our events, please click on this link to receive our weekly newsletter and follow us on Instagram.