Student Organizations
Undergraduate student groups at Northeastern are organized, funded, and supervised by the Student Activities Office at the Curry Student Center. Listed below are a number of student-run groups that have specific interest in Asian/Asian American issues and student populations. These groups are not limited, however, to students who identify as Asian/Asian American, and are open to anyone with an interest in each individual groups’ mission and goals.
For specific information regarding each individual group, please contact the representatives listed below. For general information about student activities, a list of all current student groups, and how to form a new group, please contact the Center for Student Involvement.
ASU
Asian Student Union
The Asian Student Union serves to promote awareness of Asian American culture and Asian heritage in Northeastern University and the surrounding community. Asian Student Union assists in the facilitation of new-coming students into American culture and University life along with encouraging a spirit of friendship and unity among the student body and various student groups. Our goal is to unify and also to display the Asian heritage and culture to all who are interested.
BARKADA
BARKADA is a word from the Filipino language, Tagalog, which means a group of friends. NU BARKADA made up Filipinos and other ethnicities who are dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the Filipino culture through conferences, performances of Philipines songs and colorful dances, and other cultural activities. BARKADA was founded by a small group of American-Filipinos in 1998. With a vision in their mind and a passion to share and represent their roots BARKADA has since then grown to become a united family.
Chinese Student Association
The Chinese Student Association is a student organization that supports awareness of Chinese and Chinese American culture. As a group, we strive to unite students interested in Chinese American heritage and to give their voices representation in the Northeastern University community. Through general meetings and events, we wish to foster community, friendship and cultural awareness. We invite people of all backgrounds to join the Chinese Student Association.
Hawai’i Ohana at Northeastern University
The Hawai’i Ohana at Northeastern University or HONU was formed to bring together people who share the Aloha spirit. We strive to not only be a hānai ‘ohana (adoptive family) and provide a home away from home to those coming from the Hawaiian Islands, but also share local culture with those who are interested. As such, HONU is not restricted to those originating from Hawaii and we welcome people of all different backgrounds who have an interest in Hawaii’s culture.
Kappa Phi Lambda
The sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, strive to strengthen Sisterhood amongst women by providing service and promoting cultural diversity to our members and our community, thus securing the bond of kinship for posterity. Kappa Phi Lambda exists to further educate individuals about Pan-Asian culture, while keeping our own identities. The sisters aim for academic excellence, keeping in mind the importance of education and learning as the key to strength, awareness, and fulfillment.
KASA
Korean American Student Association
Recently founded in 2006, the Korean American Student Association (KASA) has been formed to promote Korean American cultural awareness to Northeastern University and to the surrounding Boston community. The main objective of KASA is to create a community where members can have an opportunity to identify themselves with other students, learn, and share about their cultural aspects and experiences of being a Korean-American. KASA also provides a social aspect for those
interested in meeting other students. KASA is not limited to just Korean-Americans, but to anyone who is interested in the culture. KASA hopes to promote the Korean American culture, the social and political aspects through various events, documentaries, discussions, dinners and collaborations with other student groups under the umbrella of the Asian American Center.
Pi Delta Psi
The mission of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. is to maintain its Fraternal existence by instilling values that nurture and perpetuate the continual growth and development of the individual through Academic Achievement, Cultural Awareness, Righteousness, Friendship and Loyalty while fostering ethical behavior, leadership, and philanthropy.
SASE
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers is a national non-profit organization that provides resources for professionals of Asian heritage to succeed in the global industry. The organization also serves as a platform for celebrating cultural diversity on campuses and workplaces, and as a community for members to network and connect with each other. SASE membership is open to all men and women professionals of all ethnic backgrounds.
UTSAV
Undergraduate South Asian Student Group
Utsav is Northeastern University’s Undergraduate South Asian Student Organization. Utsav, the Sanskrit word meaning ‘Festival’, was started in 1991 by a handful of South Asian students. Now in its 14th year, Utsav has grown into a large community of over 150 South Asian students; and continues to strive to provide the South Asian community with a sense of belonging and knowledge about South Asian culture and heritage. We represent students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
VSA
Vietnamese Student Association
We are a non-profit student organization committed to exposing and enriching the Vietnamese culture within the diverse community of Northeastern University. The fundamental mission of our association is to establish a network of individuals who are interested in understanding the Vietnamese heritage, have a sincere appreciation for Vietnamese traditions and beliefs, and are dedicated to the preservation of the Vietnamese way of life. This longstanding purpose is intended to reach out to all students and provide a ‘home’ where they can further develop their identity at Northeastern University.