About Us | African Students' Association

About ASA

Who Are We ?

The African Students Association (ASA) is a group of students at Truman State University (T.S.U) of African and non African decent who are dedicated in their common goal to act as resources of information on Africa, promote African issues on Campus and create an awareness of Africa by encouraging the positive interaction between its members and students of African decent and their campus and community. It is a service and social association.

ASA consists of about 25 student members as well as faculty. These members have spent a considerable amount of time in Africa or are really interested in the continent. These people have been in close contact with various cultures of the continent and can therefore answer any questions you have. Please click here to see a list of our members and the countries they are represent.

Eligibility of Membership

All students at TSU are eligible for membership. All ASA Alumni are eligible for membership. African Students are strongly encouraged to join. See our page listing of Association members, Officers and Committee Heads.

Our Objectives

Bring awareness of African issues to TSU it’s surrounding community
Act as a resource of information on Africa
To help rid misconceptions on/about Africa
Act as a support group for African students at T.S.U
Encourage positive interaction between African students and the Truman community

What Services does ASA provide

Assist lecturers, clubs, groups, organizations or events by providing information on specific countries from individual members who are citizens of that country or those who have connections with particular countries. This includes music, artwork, literature, historical and social information. For a list of countries represented on campus see our members page.
Provide assistance to students seeking information onspecific countries. For quick access to information see our page for links to Information on African countries.
Participate or support other student or non-student organizations on Campus or in the community
Provide student speakers for lecturers,organizations or events

Main Events

The ASA puts together events of various types during the school year. Some are educational and others mainly entertainment oriented, although most events are usually a combination of both. Our annually scheduled events are listed below, watch out for announcements for other events.

Sights and Sounds of Africa: Spring Semester
International Idol*: Fall Semester

*Organized in collaboration with the International Club

Activities

We have loads of activities all year round, from dinners, and small in-house party's to road-trips, and field trips. As an organization that is focused mainly on supporting each other, we try to arrange activities that build lasting bonds amongst our members. We participate in events organized by other groups on campus, like dance performances, and providing speakers for other campus organizations.

Awards

In 2003, we were judged Outstanding New Organization during an award banquet organized by the Center for Student Involvement. Our show, International Idol was also awarded the prize of Outstanding Entertainment Event.

In February 2008, we recieved the award of Best Multi-cultural show in the Midwest region. This award was given to our organization for putting together an extremely entertaining as well as educational show. The show was called “Sights and Sounds of Africa” and the theme “Africa Through My Eyes”