The Asian Pacific American student population on campus has risen more than 40 percent in the past seven years, reaching a total of about 3,600 students.
More than 25 APA student groups organize these students to perform in cultural shows, do community service and discuss cultural issues.
Now, the numbers are adding up.
The University is ranked 15th among large universities as the best place for APA students, according to an "A. Magazine: Inside Asian America" survey.
"It shows U of M has a lot to offer academically," said Marie Ting, program director for the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
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| EMILEY NATHAN/Daily Engineering senior Matther Wang, LSA senior Tricia Bagamasbad and LSA junior Andrew Wong, United Asian Organization members, work together yesterday on office hour scheduling for the group. |
LSA sophomore Jane Kim has always been impressed with the University's opportunities for APA students but never fully appreciated them until this summer.
Working as an intern in Washington D.C., Kim met students from schools including Yale University and University of Maryland.
"In talking to other interns from around the country, I came to realize what an APA-sensitive school U of M is," Kim said. "I was able to leave my internship with a very positive feeling about U of M."
Kim realized that the University has administrators overseeing the organization of unique resources. Ting and Tait Sye, a student services associate at the University's Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs division, are two such people.
"Unfortunately, I learned no one had awesome resources like Tait Sye and Marie Ting," Kim said.
Jim Cho, assistant editor at A. Magazine, said the magazine created the survey "in response to other general surveys that are published regardless of race." He added that the A. Magazine survey is geared toward East Asian, South Asian and Pacific Island students.
The University was among three Midwest schools in the top 15, while six colleges from California dominated the rankings. But Ting said the survey breaks the stereotype that the Midwest is an inhospitable place for APA students.
"There is a stereotype that the Midwest is not diverse," Ting said. "U of M shatters that misconception."
Jonathan Ying, an assistant dean of students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said more schools in the Midwest are attracting APA students.
"It isn't realized that there are such high numbers of Asian students at (midwestern) schools," Ying said.
Cho said the survey may be repeated next year because of the positive feedback from university officials and students.
"It received a great response and adds a twist to college rankings," he said.
APA student organization leaders said they were proud and satisfied with the University's ranking.
"Any time we are recognized it is a great accomplishment, especially from a source like A. Magazine," said Engineering senior Brian Ebarvia, vice chair of the United Asian American Organizations.
Ebarvia said his group represents 19 separate student campus groups, which collaborate on an annual cultural show.
Tushar Sheth, president of the Indian American Student Association, said he's pleased with the survey results, but wants more interaction between APA faculty and students.
"When you know you have support, you get involved," Sheth said.
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