MAASU
Membership
The Midwest Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Students Union provides resources and support to the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community and youth. The opportunities for networking, leadership, and personal development through our involvement is invaluable.
Why You Should Be a MAASU Member School
Becoming a MAASU Member School means investing in the leadership, sustainability, and success of APIDA student organizations on your campus and across the Midwest.
The MAASU Membership School Program strengthens APIDA student organizations by providing access to leadership networks, financial resources, and regional support that many campuses do not otherwise receive. Through this program, MAASU ensures that APIDA students are not navigating leadership, advocacy, and community building in isolation.
BENEFITS INCLUDE
For more information, contact chair@maasu.org.
Financial & Conference Incentives
$10 discount per attendee for MAASU conferences (8+ attendees fully recoups membership cost), Eligibility for travel awards, Eligibility for school-level funding awards, and Eligibility for individual scholarships and recognition awards
Professional & Leadership Development
Awards and recognitions that strengthen graduate school, fellowship, and honor society applications, Access to new and upcoming certificate programs for Membership Representatives, Certificate of completion presented at Spring Conference for active representatives, and Early access to leadership opportunities and MAASU initiatives
Exclusive Member Resources
Comprehensive Resource Packages for APIDA student organizations, Guides on leadership, programming, advocacy, and community building and Early insight into conference themes, workshops, and planning updates
Our Members
Marian University of Wisconsin
Oakland University
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University
MAASU Representatives
All member schools will select a MAASU Representative. MReps, for short, are the official liaison between member schools and the MAASU Executive Coordinating Committee (ECC). As stated in the MAASU constitution, each school may only have one MRep. The roles, duties, and responsibilities of the MRep consist of the following:
Respond to emails and messages from MAASU Communications chairs or other members of the ECC when necessary
Update their school’s APIDA organizations on MAASU information regarding campaigns, conferences, and fundraisers
Has the power to submit one vote for conference bids, ECC elections, and constitutional changes
Help elect the ECC for the upcoming year
Has the power to accept or decline amendments made to the Constitution
Voting requires a two-thirds attendance in order to reach a quorum. MReps will serve a full academic year in conjunction with the communications chairs. Should any MRep need to step down for any reason, the institution must replace the MRep and connect them immediately with the communications chairs for updates.
Any school or national organization falling within the Midwest region is eligible to join MAASU as set forth in the bylaws. All authority of MAASU shall ultimately rest in the member schools in conjunction with the Executive Coordinating Committee.
Respond to emails and messages from MAASU Communications chairs or other members of the ECC when necessary
Update their school’s APIDA organizations on MAASU information regarding campaigns, conferences, and fundraisers
Has the power to submit one vote for conference bids, ECC elections, and constitutional changes
Help elect the ECC for the upcoming year
Has the power to accept or decline amendments made to the constitution
Voting requires a two-thirds attendance in order to reach a quorum. MReps will serve a full academic year in conjunction with the communications chairs. Should any MRep need to step down for any reason, the institution must replace the MRep and connect them immediately with the communications chairs for updates.
Any school or national organization falling within the Midwest region is eligible to join MAASU as set forth in the bylaws. All authority of MAASU shall ultimately rest in the member schools in conjunction with the Executive Coordinating Committee.
MAASU Eligibility
MAASU recognizes the forms of membership as outlined:
Campus Organizations: Hereinafter referred to as "member schools." Membership shall be open to any formally recognized Asian Pacific Islander American student organization at an institution of Higher Education. Has voting privileges.
Affiliate Organization Membership: Hereinafter referred to as "affiliates." Membership shall also be open to any nationally recognized Asian Pacific Islander American organization. Must have college student representative in order to have voting privileges.
A Collective Investment in APIDA Student Success
The Midwest Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Students Union provides resources and support to APIDA students and youth across the region. The opportunities for networking, leadership, and personal development made possible through Member School participation are invaluable.
By becoming a Member School, campuses join a regional network of students, alumni, professionals, and APIDA leaders committed to:
Strengthening APIDA student leadership pipelines
Expanding access to professional and personal development
Building sustainable, connected APIDA communities
Membership is more than a designation; it is a commitment to ensuring APIDA student organizations have the support, visibility, and resources they need to thrive.
Why This Program Exists
Built in Response to Student Need
Historically, many APIDA student organizations have faced:
Limited institutional funding
Leadership turnover and loss of continuity
Lack of regional or national support
The Membership School Program was created to:
Provide consistent guidance to student leaders
Share knowledge and best practices across campuses
Reduce financial barriers to participation
Strengthen APIDA representation and voice in the Midwest
