HISTORY
The history of Asian American student organizations at the University of Illinois is diverse. Several originated as clubs for Asian international students (i.e., the Indian Students Association and the Philippine Students Association) and later evolved into organizations for Asian American students, whereas several others were conceived primarily for Asian American students (e.g., the Asian American Association and the Taiwanese American Students Club). Regardless of the origins of these student groups, it was the collaborative efforts of the various Asian American student organizations and the faculty, staff, and administration that resulted in the formation of the program in Asian American studies.

In Fall 1997, the Asian American Studies Committee was organized, with the charge to build an academic program in Asian American studies. George Yu became AAS's first director and served a five-year term. This academic program was created in Fall 2000, with six faculty lines filled. In Fall 2002, the minor in AAS became available, and Kent Ono was hired as director of the program.

MISSION
AAS at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to expanding the traditions of knowledge within academia to address Asian American epistemologies, activities, and experiences. The program also seeks to render scholarly intellectual efforts integral to those of local, regional, national, and international Asian American communities. Faculty, staff, and students associated with the program are expected to contribute to this mission not only through teaching, research, and service activities, locally and nationally, but also through active participation in social, intellectual, and political endeavors.