Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Services

ASPIRE is a university-sponsored resource space supporting all students, with emphasis on Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.

About AAPI

The Asian American and Pacific Islander Resource Student Services (AAPI) is a welcoming space for all students. AAPI builds community and supports Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student success, academic excellence and personal growth. The center offers social and educational events, study space, workshops and snacks, plus referrals to campus resources and student organizations. Connected with staff, faculty and student clubs across campus, AAPI also provides opportunities for mentorship, networking and friendship. 

Referrals include academic advising, career development and leadership, community engagement opportunities, financial aid, internship opportunities, mental health, student clubs and organizations and much more. 

Land Acknowledgement 

We acknowledge that San Francisco State University is located on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Ramaytush Ohlone and Coastal Miwok peoples. We affirm that Indigenous peoples, ancestors and elders are the original and enduring caretakers of these lands. As guests, we wish to pay our respects by recognizing their sovereign rights as First Peoples and acknowledging that they are still here. 

Our Mission and Commitment

AAPI is an affinity and student resource space that uplifts under-served communities through critical dialogue, reflection and advocacy around AANHPI experiences in higher education. We support students in building upon their own knowledge, experiences and skills to navigate and persist in all aspects of their educational journey. We serve as a vital bridge to campus resources, leadership opportunities and community connections.  

Rooted in ethnic studies values, we envision SFSU students leading with self-determination, solidarity and critical hope. We are committed to honoring student experiences and creating an environment where students can utilize their voice and position to help challenge systemic barriers. We aspire for students to feel emboldened to use their power and agency to create meaningful and lasting impact for their communities.   

  • SFSU students will be able to engage in critical dialogue and relevant programming about the complex history, solidarity and experiences of AANHPI communities in higher education and beyond. 
  • SFSU students will be able to identify barriers within their own college experiences and cultivate the skills to advocate for themselves academically, socially and emotionally. 
  • SFSU students will be able to utilize AAPI as a supportive resource for academic support, college guidance, leadership opportunities and connections to campus resources and community.  

Our programs and services are open to all SFSU students and community members and are held in public places on campus. By participating in our programs and services and/or allowing photographs to be taken, you grant permission to AAPI and OSP to use your image, likeness or voice in any photographs, videos or other media (including social media) captured during the event(s).  
 
These materials may be used for promotional, marketing or educational purposes in print and digital formats such as for our website pages and our social media, without compensation or further approval. If you would like to be removed from our website or social media or from other promotional, marketing or educational materials we use, please contact us by email at aspire@sfsu.edu.

  • 1968 – Sprit of ’68 Strike
  • 2016 – Hunger strike in defense of ethnic studies; AANHPI grants awarded to ASPIRE, Responsive Education for Access, Community, and Hope (REACH) and Access, Relevance, Community (ARC) Transfer Pathways Initiative
  • 2017 – Affinity centers launch at SFSU
  • 2024 – Oceania Scholars Program (OSP) launches
  • 2025 – OSP launched in collaboration with AAPI to support under-served, socioeconomically diverse AANHPI students 

Our Programs and Events

Our programs and events celebrate community and connection while supporting academic and personal growth.

Oceania Scholars Program (OSP)

We promote educational equity for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students, with emphasis on first-generation students and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Our team provides personalized support, success advising and connects SFSU students to resources, leadership development and community engagement opportunities.

OSP is a grant funded program by the CSU ASAP. OSP is open to all SFSU students, and anyone interested in our activities and resources is welcome regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.  

Follow the Oceania Scholars Program Instagram page. 

ABC Night Market (Arts, Belonging and Culture)

The ABC Night Market is an annual fall campus tradition that highlights the rich artistic and cultural diversity of the SFSU community. Hosted by the AAPI office, community and campus partners, this evening event brings together students, alumni and local creatives for a vibrant celebration of arts, belonging and culture. Whether you're a first-year student or a long-time attendee, this annual event offers something for everyone.  

Attendees can enjoy: 

- Live performances from student and community artists 
- Unique items from local vendors, including student fundraisers, alumni businesses and small enterprises 
- Delicious food offerings that reflect the diversity of our campus community 
- Engagement opportunities with campus partners 

Crane Folding at the Garden of Remembrance

Co-sponsored by the Nikkei Student Union (NSU) and the Asian American Studies Department (AAS), this annual spring event invites the campus community to gather in the Garden of Remembrance for an afternoon of origami crane folding, music and reflection. 

This event has been located outdoors between Burk Hall and the Fine Arts Building. Here you can find rock installations by artist Ruth Asawa, held in honor of the 19 SFSU students who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II solely because of their Japanese ancestry. This event raises awareness about civil liberties, resistance and the ongoing fight for justice. 

Small Office Concert

The Small Office Concert is an annual event open to all SFSU students who sing, play musical instruments or perform spoken word and poetry. Each spring, students are invited to participate and attend. This concert offers a welcoming space for students to share their creative talents and connect with fellow artists on campus. 

The Small Office Concert continues to grow as a cherished tradition fostering creativity, expression and community connection at SFSU. 

Fueling for Finals 

At the end of each semester, we invite all SFSU students to take a moment for collective care and recharge with us. We offer a variety of free snacks and meals to help students stay fueled and focused during the busy exam period. 

This tradition fosters community support and wellness. Fueling for Finals encourages students to care for themselves and each other during one of the most demanding times of the semester. 

Support AAPI

If you’d like to support our office and programs through monetary funds, we welcome your donation.

Contact AAPI and OSP

AAPI

Location: Student Services Building, Room 206 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (with some later hours near finals week and for evening events) Follow us on Instagram @aapisfsu