Asian Pacific Student Coalition serves as umbrella organization

The Asian Pacific Student Coalition, formed as an umbrella group for other student Asian organizations, officially became active this month according to APSC Chairperson and College junior Gloria Lee. There are approximately 18 different ethnic associations within the Asian community. Of those groups, 12 are currently represented by the APSC, according to Lee. Approximately four of those 18 groups are represented by the United Minorities Council. "The idea for an umbrella group for the Asian American community has existed for about four or five years," Lee said. "Other people have tried to form such groups unsuccessfully. "I think our success means that the community is finally ready to be unified," she added. Chinese Student Association President Steve Lin said he believes the APSC is important to the Asian community. "The APSC definitely fills a need that exists in the community that was not being addressed before," said Lin, a College and Engineering senior. "The Coalition is more effective at addressing the issues and concerns of the Asian American community than the individual groups were by themselves. "Our purpose is not to undercut the UMC," Lin added. "We want to compliment the existing system, not compete with it." The APSC is currently working on a liaison relationship with the UMC, according to Lee. "I don't think the APSC competes with the UMC," said UMC President and College senior Onyx Finney. "I am glad they are bringing the Asian American community together." The APSC does not undercut the Asian Student Union either, according to Lee. "The ASU works more on a cultural and social level while the APSC focuses on political issues and any other issues that the constituent groups raise," Lee said. The APSC plans to establish ongoing communication with administrators to address the needs of the Asian American community. According to Lee, the APSC is presently looking into forming a campus interest in an Asian American studies program and more Asian American counselors. "A lot of the Asian American groups are isolated from each other," ASU President and College senior Tina Chinakarn said. "I think it is great that we are united under one umbrella." Lee said the theme of unity is at the core of the new umbrella group. "Traditionally, people of Asian descent have seen themselves as only belonging to their nationality group and not part of the larger group of Asian people," she said. "The APSC acknowledges the common ties between the different ethnicities. "We also acknowledge the common issues of the Asian community and we want to bring those issues to the greater Penn community," Lee added. A preliminary committee began meeting in December of last year to discuss the formulation of the APSC. In January, the committee drafted a constitution and they met with administrators over the summer. At a leadership retreat two weeks ago, the APSC ratified the constitution and board members were elected last night, Lee said. Asian Student Union Internal Vice President Hye Heo has worked with the APSC committee since last December. "I like the whole idea of a unifying group and I am excited that we finally have our constitution ratified. Now we can make progress," said Heo, an Engineering junior.