BSA, HSA, NAC, ASA, and BGSA are all multicultural organizations that have gained little recognition on ASU’s campus.  Some of these organizations have been struggling to maintain membership because of the low enrollment of ethnically diverse students, but mainly because of the lack of publicity that each association receives. 

Each association was established to be a haven for their respective cultures.  The overall purpose of each organization is to provide a more comfortable atmosphere for their students within the ASU community.  Each organization also has more specific purposes as well. 

The Native American Council (NAC) has a three-part purpose in addition to its universal purpose.  As stated by Brandon Vickers, current chairperson, the purpose of NAC is “to help sustain Native American identity, to increase knowledge of Native Americans’ role in society, and to organize and carry out various activities.”  Vickers hopes that his organization will help to “re-establish the Native American Council as a positive image and a respectable community.” 

Jacky Ly, president of the Asian Student Association (ASA), has a similar purpose for his organization.  ASA’s purpose is “to create community for minorities, specifically Asians, to do community service, and to make sure that Asian students feel comfortable.”  Ly’s main focus this year is to recruit anyone interested in learning about the Asian culture. 

Aisha Little, chairperson of the Black Student Association (BSA), has the same ideas about recruitment for new members for BSA.  The purpose of BSA is “to promote unity among African-Americans; to have a more powerful presence with administration; and to better serve African-Americans,” according to Little.  BSA is one of the oldest and most recognizable multicultural organizations on campus. 

Two other organizations which are currently under reconstruction are the Hispanic Student Association (HSA) and the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA).  HSA is dealing with the adjustments of a new advisor and president, so getting underway this year is a bit of a struggle. 
BGSA is dealing with a similar situation within its organization. 

If you would like to contact any of these organizations, you may do so by contacting the Office of Multicultural Development.   Barbara Stewart is the director of Multicultural Student Development, and Tracey Wright serves as assistant director.