Penn State Resources For Asian American & Pacific Islander Students
With the recent rise in anti-Asian racism and hate crimes, Penn State’s Asian community is left hurt and frustrated.
Along with the university’s efforts in standing by the Asian community through its programs and offices, student organizations have come together to offer their support, and let students know they don’t need to stand alone. Some organizations are there to help Asian students by organizing safe spaces, raising awareness, and advocating for change.
Here is a brief list of resources available for students at Penn State:
Educational Equity
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity advocates for diversity and inclusion through its initiatives, units, and programs.
Back in early March, Penn State Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst and Vice Provost of Global Programs Roger Brindley made a statement showing support for the Asian-American community.
Students can report bias or racism they experienced themselves or witnessed against someone else. Students can also anonymously report an incident through the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-560-1637.
Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC)
Located in the HUB, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) provides a safe space where students can explore and participate in activities and dialogues related to diversity, leadership, racial identity development, and community development.
Students can call the center at (814) 865-3776 or email it at [email protected].
Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) operates under the Educational Equity Office and serves the undergraduate multicultural students at University Park. Students can remotely meet with a counselor to receive individual counseling. The MRC aims to help students succeed and navigate a variety of challenges they may face.
Students can email the center at [email protected] or call (814) 865-1773 to set up a virtual appointment with their counselor.
Global Penn State
The Global Penn State Office assists and advises international students and works with the Directorate of International Student & Scholar Advising (DISSA) to support them. The office can be contacted at (814) 865-6348 (option #2).
Through the Global Office, the Office of Ethics and Compliance has a hotline where students can report violence and misconduct.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers virtual services to undergraduate and graduate students. CAPS provides therapy and services for marginalized groups where they can discuss racism, discrimination, and prejudice.
The office also provides wellness and self-help options: group, individual, and couples counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services, and community education and outreach.
CAPS can be contacted at (814) 863-0395, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If there is an emergency situation, contact the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line at 877-229-6400 or text “LIONS” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
UPUA Justice & Equity Committee
The committee is dedicated to addressing the issues regarding disability services, educational equity, and cases of bias and discrimination. It often collaborates with the Penn State APIDA Caucus to ensure student representation and advocacy in student government.
Students can follow the committee on Instagram or email any questions or concerns to [email protected].
Penn State APIDA Caucus
The Penn State Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Caucus serves the Penn State community and actively aims to raise awareness, address anti-Asian racism and hate crimes, and create a safe environment for the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community at Penn State. The organization also speaks on how students can be an advocate, serve as an ally, and stand up to Asian hate.
“After seeing the rise of Asian hate crimes across the country and both the mental and physical toll it has taken on APIDA communities in America,” the APIDA executive board said. “It was imperative that the APIDA Caucus mobilizes and works with State College and Penn State leaders to ensure that Penn State students have the support they need”.
After the murders of eight women in Atlanta, Georgia a few weeks ago, including six Asian women, APIDA formed a vigil in honor of the victims. The organization hopes these opportunities will foster discussions and provide solace among the community.
“We will continue to create programming, workshops, and community events that call out the systemic racism that has plagued the POC communities in America and empower APIDA students with resources to become stronger advocates,” the APIDA Executive Board said.
Students can join APIDA’s initiative by following it on Instagram or by contacting them.
Students can also report incidents to Penn State Police – Victim Resource Services, (814) 863-0823. For more campus resources on diversity go to Educational Equity’s page.
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