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The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) celebrated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution Week, September 23 through September 29, 2024.
“This is our first ever AANAPISI Week celebration at CU Denver, which is a wonderful opportunity to cultivate community and celebrate the accomplishments of our AANHPI student-led AANAPISI team that has been working to design and pilot meaningful support services to increase student success and a sense of belonging on campus,” said Daranee Teng, AANAPISI Graduate Assistant.
CU Denver’s AANAPISI team celebrated the week with a boba social on September 28, by inviting students, faculty, and staff to learn more about the AANAPISI program, and explore initiatives designed to support AANHPI undergraduate student success.
“To be an AANAPISI institution means that we’re committed to ensuring that AANHPI students have the necessary resources to grow, prosper, and thrive in their educational journey as they develop a holistic approach to academic success and student well-being,” said Teng. “It also means that we collaborate in solidarity with BIPOC and systemically marginalized communities beyond our own, recognizing that our successes are intertwined.”
According to Duy Tran, AANAPISI Program Director, CU Denver has made significant strides since receiving its Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation and the accompanying $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in May 2023.
As the first university in Colorado and the six-state Rocky Mountain region to attain this status, CU Denver has been actively working to enhance support for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and the broader campus community.
Student-Led Initiatives
One of the most notable aspects of CU Denver’s AANAPISI program is its student-led approach, which is unique among AANAPISIs in the United States. The AANAPISI office has hired undergraduate and graduate students to participate in identifying with the approach that allows for a more tailored and responsive support system that directly addresses the needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students, while also benefiting the broader student community at CU Denver. This initiative empowers students to play an active role in shaping the support systems and resources available to their peers.
Needs Assessment and Program Development | In the first year since receiving the designation, CU Denver has been proactive in identifying areas for improvement and development. The AANAPISI team conducted a comprehensive survey of over 300 students who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander to better understand their experiences and needs on campus. This data-driven approach has allowed the university to pinpoint specific gaps and barriers faced by AANHPI students, informing the development of targeted support programs and resources.
Academic and Mental Health Support | The grant funding is being used to boost academic programs and enhance mental health resources for students. CU Denver is working on implementing various student success initiatives, including expanded peer coaching and improved campus mental health services tailored to the needs of AANHPI students.
Inclusive Campus Culture | While the AANAPISI designation specifically targets support for AANHPI students, CU Denver is committed to using these resources to benefit all students on campus. The university aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds, aligning with its goal of becoming an equity-serving institution.
Community Outreach and Dual Enrollment | CU Denver has initiated outreach programs to local high schools, exposing diverse students to college-level courses and the possibilities of higher education. The university has also expanded dual-enrollment ethnic studies courses at area high schools, providing early access to culturally relevant education.
Leadership and Career Development | The AANAPISI program at CU Denver includes leadership training and career exploration services, helping AANHPI students prepare for success both during their time at the university and after graduation.
Future Plans
As the program continues to develop, CU Denver plans to utilize the grant funding to create and develop a blueprint that provides additional resources and programming based on the identified needs of the student population. The university is also positioning itself to apply for additional federal grants available to institutions with the AANAPISI designation, which will further enhance its ability to support AANHPI and other underserved student populations.
Through these initiatives, CU Denver is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive academic environment that prepares students for success in an increasingly global workforce.
“We’re creating a space to understand the AANHPI community at CU Denver,” said Monica Vu, AANAPISI Undergraduate Assistant.
“By having a better understanding, we can create an environment that best addresses their concerns and needs to cultivate a community that understands one another.”
The CU Denver AANAPISI team includes:
Dr. Faye Caronan (Principal Investigator)
Dr. Samuel Kim (Co-Principal Investigator)
Dr. Terrence Hughes (Grant Writer)
Duy D. Tran (Program Director)
Tara Lepale (AANAPISI Cultural Research & Engagement Liaison)
Jihee Yoon (Research Implementation Specialist}
Graduate Assistants
Daranee Teng (Action Research Specialist}
Patricia Yumi Park (Student Success Specialist}
Salena Tran (Content Creation & Knowledge Dissemination Specialist}
Judy Tran (Mental Health Specialist}
Undergraduate Assistants
Monica Vu
Jaslyn Nguyen
Tien Nguyen
Zhou Chen
Jade Keomanivong
Grace Dunlap
Undergraduate Field Researchers
Lucie Dao
Nhi Dang
My-Quynh Ta
Bertina Quach
A Proclamation on Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution Week, 2024
Our Nation’s nearly 200 Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) open doors of opportunity for millions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) students. AANAPISIs provide a pathway to the middle class and a better life for their students, many of whom often come from low-income neighborhoods and may be the first in their families to attend college. During AANAPISI Week (September 23 through September 29, 2024), we celebrate these critical institutions for the resources and support they provide to students, and we recommit to advancing their mission and success. AANAPISIs play a critical role in the lives of so many of our Nation’s AA and NHPI students.
See full proclamation at: whitehouse.gov
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