What is your title and how long have you been with the UI?
I’m an assistant dean in the office of the dean of students. My primary responsibility is the Asian Pacific American students on campus. I came here in August. The position was created in March.
What does your job entail?
I’m responsible for assisting and coordinating programming efforts for Asian Pacific American students and student organizations at the UI. I’m also responsible for advising and assisting individual students with personal or educational concerns. I’m responsible for communicating unique nonacademic and academic needs of undergraduate, graduate and professional APA students to administrators and staff and faculty members.
What groups do you work with?
I work with students, student leaders and a lot of people in the Illini Union when they do programming. I also work with many faculty members, and with Yuki Llewellyn, director of the registered student organizations in the Union, and my colleagues in this office. There are 23 Asian Pacific American student organizations on campus trying to reach out to approximately 4,000 APA students on campus.
What are some of the difficulties Asian Pacific American students face?
The first one would be the model minority myth. A lot of people think APA students are all academic stars, are good in the sciences, and have no problem finding jobs when they graduate. People think they are quiet, don’t cause trouble, are not articulate and that they don’t need social services and in turn, student services. [The APA students] are frustrated when faculty and staff members, and other students think all APA students are the same. But they are from Korea, Japan, India, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines — the list goes on and on. Each of these Asian countries represents a distinct culture and a distinct language and at times a different belief system, not to mention foods and world view. APA students have difficulties with parental expectations, perceived career restrictions, the challenges of participating in class discussion and meeting academic obligations. Many students grapple with their identity. They don’t see themselves as APA. They also face racial harassment.
Is there anything faculty and staff members can do to help get the word out on your new office and services?
I think faculty and staff members should share this information with students whenever necessary. If they have an APA student who they think could benefit from cultural-sensitive counseling, I hope they will mention my name to them. I can be contacted in the Office of Dean of Students at 333-0050 or jying@illinois.edu.
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