Explore the richness, complexity, and intersectional experiences within Asian Pacific Islander Desi American communities across the Midwest
March 20 - 22, 2026 - Western Michigan University
2026 Spring Conference
Threads of Identity
The theme this year is “Threads of Identity”. What does that mean?
While the Asian American community shares general characteristics and societal issues, it is important to avoid generalizing these topics, as the community is still very diverse. For this theme, we want to challenge the monolith and bring to light certain perspectives and experiences that are often overlooked when discussions grow broad. Certain identities can involve mixed race, first-generation, adoptees, LGBTQ+, etc. The goal is to open the doors to new discussions that embrace and unite these unique experiences with the rest of the community.
When bringing up topics not often discussed, it promotes a space for empathy and reflection on creating a more inclusive environment. We may know a lot about our own experiences, but there is never a moment when you stop learning. In learning about these overlooked identities, we may even grow closer to our Asian American label that was already rich and multifaceted from the beginning.
Identity
/īˈden(t)ədē/
noun
The fact of being who or what a person or thing is.
The 2026 MAASU Spring Conference will be on March 20 - 22, 2026 at Western Michigan University!
Click below for more Travel and Lounging details!
When and Where?
Welcome to Michigan!
Welcome to Western Michigan University and to Kalamazoo, Michigan! Located in the southwest region of the state, Western Michigan University offers a vibrant, student-centered campus that blends academic excellence with a strong sense of community.
WMU provides the perfect setting to bring MAASU together for connection, learning, and celebration.
Win Scholarships & Travel Stipends!
We’re offering opportunities for attendees to receive scholarships and travel support to help make your MAASU conference experience more accessible and affordable!
Registration Dates
March 20 - 22, 2026 - Western Michigan University
January 15th - 31st
Early Bird
$40 member
$50 non-member
February 1st - February 28th
Regular
$45 member
$55 non-member
March 1st - March 15
Late
$50 member
$60 non-member
MAASU Research Briefings
MAASU Research Briefings are short-form, accessible publications that translate research, reflection, and lived experience into actionable insights for APIDA student leaders, advisors, and partner institutions. Grounded in qualitative and mixed-methods research, these briefings document the evolving realities of APIDA student involvement, leadership development, advocacy, and organizational sustainability across Midwest campuses.
MAASU Research Briefings highlight the process: how students learn to lead, how organizations adapt over time, and how community care and mentorship sustain leadership across generations. Designed for both scholarly and practitioner audiences, these briefings support evidence-informed decision-making while remaining readable and relevant to students and campus partners. Collectively, they serve as a living archive of APIDA student leadership, offering lessons that inform MAASU programming, advocacy priorities, and the broader ecosystem of student support in higher education.
Read more about the briefings below!
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The Effects of Covid on Involvement and Engagement
Conference: Association for Asian Studies Annual Conference at Columbus, Ohio, March 2025
Authors: Jordan Peyton, Board of Advisors & Michelle Lee, Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Citation: Peyton, J. M., & Lee, M. (2025). The Effects of Covid on Involvement and Engagement within Collegiate APIDA Communities. Poster presented at the Association for Asian Studies 2025 Annual Conference, Columbus, OH.
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Conference: Association for Asian American Studies Annual Conference at Boston, MA, April 2025
Authors: Jordan Peyton, Board of Advisors & Michelle Lee, Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Citation: Peyton, J. M., Lee, M., & Wang, S. (2025). Canaries on Campus: Illustrating the Needs of Student Leaders in the Age of Dismantling DEI at PWIs. Paper presented at the 2025 Association for Asian American Studies Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
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Limelight Legacy_ Reflecting on MAASU’s Past Executive Leaders
Conference: Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS) at San Antonio, TX, November 2025
Authors: Angelda Zheng, Research Fellow, Jordan Peyton, Executive Director, Jessica Lee, Board of Advisors, and Michelle Lee, Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Presented by: Jessica Lee, Board of Advisors
Data Collection & Analysis Credits: Angela Zhang, Programming Chair and Jessica Lee, Board of Advisors
Analysis and Writing Credits: Jordan Peyton, Executive Director and Michelle Lee, Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Citation: Zheng, A., Peyton, J.M., Lee, J., Lee, M. (2025). Commedia dell’ Community: Building the Foundation Skills and Empowering Asian Student Leaders in Collegiate Spaces, Limelight Legacy: Reflecting MAASU's Past Executive Leaders. Paper presented at the 2025 Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS), San Antonio, Texas.
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Enter Solidarity_ Guiding Asian Student Leaders Toward Empowered Campus Communities
Conference: Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS) at San Antonio, TX, November 2025
Author: Jordan Peyton, Executive Director
Citation: Peyton, J. M. (2025). Commedia dell’ Community: Building the Foundation Skills and Empowering Asian Student Leaders in Collegiate Spaces, Enter Solidarity: Guiding Asian Student Leaders Toward Empowered Campus Communities. Paper presented at the 2025 Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS), San Antonio, Texas.
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Casting Call_ What is Next for Direction Asian American Student Advocacy
Conference: Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS) at San Antonio, TX, November 2025
Author: Michelle Lee, Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Citation: Lee, J. (2025). Commedia dell’ Community: Casting Call: What is Next for Direction Asian American Student Advocacy. Paper presented at the 2025 Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS), San Antonio, Texas.
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Carrying the Torch_ What a 501(c)(3) Student Union Reveals About Building Leadership Legacies
Conference: Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) Conference at Anaheim, CA, April 2026
Authors: Jordan Peyton, Executive Director & Michelle Lee, Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Citation: Peyton, J. M., Lee, M., & Wang, S. (2025). Canaries on Campus: Illustrating the Needs of Student Leaders in the Age of Dismantling DEI at PWIs. Paper
Presented at the 2025 Association for Asian American Studies Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
Author Positionality Note
Please note that the positions listed next to each author reflect the roles they held within MAASU at the time of the presentation or research briefing. These titles are included to provide context for the authors’ perspectives and do not necessarily represent their current affiliations or positions.
Conference Schedule
Friday
Check In………………………………………………………………………………………… 5pm
Opening Remarks…………………………………………………………………… 6pm
Icebreaker…………………………………………………………………………………… 6:10pm
Family Time………………………………………………………………………………… 6:30pm
Dinner & Night Market………………………………………………………….. 7:30-9:30pm
Alumni & Advisors Happy Hour
6-8pm @ Hou Jia (downstairs)
Sponsored by APIAVote
Saturday
Breakfast (optional)……………………………………………………………. 8:30am
Start……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9am
Opening Remarks………………………………………………………………… 9:15am
Family Chants…………………………………………………………………………. 9:30am
Keynote………………………………………………………………… 9:45-10:30am
Workshop 1……………………………………………………………. 10:45-11:45am
Lunch (provided)………………………………………………………………….. 11:45am-12:55pm
Workshop 2…………………………………………………………… 1-2pm
Family Debrief…………………………………………………………………………. 2:05-2:35pm
Workshop 3…………………………………………………………… 2:45-3:45pm
Debrief, Evals, & Tees………………………………………………………….. 3:45-4:15pm
Banquet & Dance Party…………………………………………………….. 7pm-midnight
Banquet Schedule
7pm - Doors open
7:15pm - Dinner
8pm - Performances, Raffles, & Awards
9:20pm - Group Photo
9:30pm - Dance Party and Family Photos
Midnight - End
Sunday
Breakfast (optional)……………………………………………………………. 10am
Start……………………………………………………………………… 10:15am
Family Chants & Games…………………………………………………. 10:30am
Closing Remarks………………………………………………………………….. 11:50am
Group Photo……………………………………………………………………………. Noon