04/30/2015
Frequently asked questions about the ASSA:
Q: How are you different from the Black Student Union?
A: The Black Student Union is a coalition of Black students from various majors and departments. They host a variety of events, including socials and demonstrations. They also serve to unify the Black population on campus and keep them informed about current events in the Black community.
The ASSA is specifically to supplement the academic and career ventures of the people involved in any capacity with the Africana Studies department, and for those who are interested in taking classes or becoming a major or minor. One main purpose of our organization is to promote network and camaraderie within the department. Through this network, we can provide job opportunities and help organize study groups for specific Africana Studies classes. We hope to utilize alumni of the department in our organization as well. Our association also serves the purpose of energizing students at SFSU to enroll in Africana Studies courses.
Q: Do I have to be Black to join?
A: No, you do not have to be Black to join. In fact, we would like to see a diverse range of members! It's important for EVERYONE to fill in the gaps of the historical narratives their taught in school; to understand the culture, contributions, and strife of a significant portion of the population who has been here since before colonial times. There are definitely non-Black members already involved intimately with the organization.
Q: I'm not enrolled in any Africana Studies courses, but I was in the past. Can I join?
A: Absolutely! But we're probably going to make you want to enroll in more ;)
Q: I'm not enrolled in any Africana Studies courses, nor have I ever been, but I'm interested in learning more about what you guys are being taught in your classes. Can you provide me with this information at your meetings?
A: Yes! We would love to tell you all about the classes we take and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to stop in at a meeting, or shoot us a message via Facebook or Orgsync.
Q: I'm a graduate student. Can I still join?
A: Absolutely!
Q: If I joined now, what would my role be?
A: Right now, we need passionate scholars from the department who are willing to go to Intro courses to get freshmen and lower-classmen energized about Africana studies. Most of us came in as different majors, but later changed to Africana studies. We also simply need to spread the word in these classes so that students know they can come to us for help organizing a study group and that we are here to help.
We also need people who can provide connections for opportunities (e.g., internships, jobs, summer programs, volunteering, events, etc.).
Also, the two main officers/founders are second semester seniors! Although they will try to be active in the association as alumni, the school requires current students to take leadership positions. If you're interested in becoming an officer, let us know and we'll hook you up (looks good on the resume, but we do need passionate scholars for these positions).
Q: Who is the advisor?
A: Serie McDougal
Q: What kind of events do you host or attend?
A: Since our organization is so new, we have yet to host any events. However, we currently promote events that are relevant to the purpose of the ASSA (e.g., speakers, book signings, cultural events, protests, etc.). We also plan on raising funds for trips to national and/or regional Africana Studies conferences.
Q: Are you affiliated with any other on-campus organizations?
A: Yes. We are currently working on collaborating with Rebound Scholars, a program through Project Rebound. They're a fantastic group that assists ex-convicts through the process of earning their degrees from San Francisco State. Our goal is to be able to provide academic energy and support to their members enrolled in Africana Studies Courses.
