In line with its mission to connect students working in/on Africa from all colleges and units on campus, the ASC acts as the official sponsor of the African Students Association (ASA), a U-M student organization centered on issues and experiences affecting the African continent and its diaspora. ASA and ASC also work closely with the African Graduate Students’ Association (AGSA), whose president serves on ASC's Executive Committee.
African Students Association
The African Student Association (ASA) is a cultural group centered on issues and experiences affecting the African continent and its diaspora. ASA welcomes all interested students, undergraduate and graduate, alike. ASA’s mission is to portray Africa through its diversity to U of M’s campus and greater Ann Arbor community. ASA is thankful to be under the sponsorship of the African Studies Center (ASC). There are bi-weekly meetings for students to comfortably meet and hold discussions or engage in social activities. There are also frequent collaborations with other cultural organizations on campus, where students can share food, music, and their experiences. ASA’s largest event of the year is the Annual Cultural Show, which features diverse music, dance, and fashion from the continent. ASA has been recognized by many departments on campus, for its commitment to diversity, cultural awareness, inclusion, and initiative when applying for funding to host activities to fulfill their mission. All are welcome!
African Graduate Student Association
The African Graduate Student Association (AGSA) is committed to enhancing the University of Michigan community by hosting social, professional, and community service events for the benefit of African communities in the U.S. and in Africa. AGSA is open to all members of the U-M community who support the aforementioned initiatives and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.
AGSA serves as a social, academic, and professional network for graduate students and professionals of the African diaspora and their allies from all programs at the University of Michigan. Our events support the academic success of every individual member, provide a space for cultural exchange both among members and between the association and the wider U-M community, provide a forum for the discussion of issues that are critical to members of AGSA and that concern the continent of Africa, facilitate the connection of members with academic and professional opportunities on the continent of Africa as well as graduate students on the continent with academic and professional opportunities at the University of Michigan. AGSA focuses on creating space for mutual exchange, acting as a resource for undergraduate students who are interested in graduate school, particularly undergraduates and undergraduates of African descent, collaborating with the undergraduate African Students Association. Follow the group on @agsaatmichigan on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming events!
