U of MN Asian American Studies

08/10/2026

Please join us for a hybrid mini reading group “Foundations of Global Asias: Tactics and Theories” facilitated by the Approaching Global Asias Collaborative. The group will meet in-person and online on September 9, 16, and 21 from 2-3:30PM in Social Sciences Building 710.

Please RSVP at z.umn.edu/AGAReadingGroup!

07/09/2026

Professor Fajardo (Director of the Asian American Studies Program) is teaching this course in American Studies. If you’re an undergraduate student still looking for a fall course to add to your schedule, he welcomes your participation!

07/06/2026

A friendly reminder that our Graduate Summer Writing Retreat is happening on Thursday, July 23rd! Join us for some dedicated writing time, food, and community.

RSVP: z.umn.edu/AASWriting26

Join AAS for a one-day graduate student writing retreat this summer! This retreat includes dedicated time and space for writing, facilitated writing exercises and consultations, and opportunities to connect with other graduate students. In addition to the main classroom, there will be a separate quiet room.

Date: Thursday, ,July 23
Time: 9AM - 3PM
Location: Heller Hall, 1210

RSVP: z.umn.edu/AASwriting26

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. This event is free and open to UMN graduate students. Registration is required.

Questions? Please email [email protected]

06/10/2026

Community Event: Join folks for a moderated conversation on: The Things That Made Us: Family, Food, and Film with authors Curtis Chin and Jeff Yang as they discuss The Things That Made Us: Family, Food, and Film.

Set at XIA Books & Café, this special evening invites attendees into a thoughtful and lively conversation about the stories, memories, and cultural influences that shape identity and creative expression.

Come for an inspiring discussion, stay for the community, and enjoy an evening centered on family, food, and film.

Sunday, June 28, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM XIA Books & Café

05/27/2026

Join AAS for a one-day graduate student writing retreat this summer! This retreat includes dedicated time and space for writing, facilitated writing exercises and consultations, and opportunities to connect with other graduate students. In addition to the main classroom, there will be a separate quiet room.

Date: Thursday, ,July 23
Time: 9AM - 3PM
Location: Heller Hall, 1210

RSVP: z.umn.edu/AASwriting26

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. This event is free and open to UMN graduate students. Registration is required.

Questions? Please email [email protected]

05/18/2026

The Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) is holding their Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Unity Summit in Minneapolis and St. Paul from June 27-28. Register at the link below for a free and public Zoom info session to learn more about the Summit!

Zoom Info Session: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3DcVNBF4RmWaARjLabwnMQ

Conference Info: www.aauc.us/summit2026/

05/14/2026

This event by Theater Mu is happening today!

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with an evening of Asian American storytelling on May 14! ➙ theatermu.org/oops

OOPS, WE HAVE OPINIONS! is bursting with sharp humor, personal stories, and the first look at Mu's 2026/27 season. Make sure to bring a food donation for Keystone Community Services, and raise a pint to our partner, Urban Growler Brewing Company.

05/12/2026

AAS is offering a limited number of scholarships to cover registration fees for AAS-affiliated students, faculty, and staff for this year's AANHPI Unity Summit hosted by the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC)! This year's AANHPI Unity Summit is taking place at the University of Minnesota and includes a tour of community sites. Please review the guidelines below and complete the Google Form before the deadline on Sunday, May 24, at 11:59PM CST.

To apply: z.umn.edu/AANHPIUnity

-You must be a University of Minnesota undergraduate student, graduate student, faculty, and/or staff.
-You can apply for the scholarship even if you can only attend one of the two days.
-The scholarship can cover the optional $25 dinner reception on Saturday, June 27.

For any questions, please contact AAS at [email protected].

05/11/2026

The Asian American Studies Program (AAS) celebrates former AAS Program Coordinator and dear friend, Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, on serving as the 2026 commencement speaker for the University of Minnesota Morris on Saturday, May 9.

The original article by Sue Dieter can be found at the following link and highlights Vongsay's work and accolades: https://morris.umn.edu/news-events/news/vongsay-will-serve-umn-morris-commencement-speaker

Go Mooks! 👏🏼

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/07/2026

Peng Liu, a Teaching Assistant in AAS last fall, designed and will lead this field-trip at Lake Phalen. It looks & sounds great, and Peng’s great! She says the tour is inspired by learninginplaces.org.