The Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative is one of four student-centered success initiatives at the UC Davis. This initiative officially launched on May 15, 2019 with the hiring of the inaugural director, Noel Salunga, Ed.D.

In its second year, the initiative officially changed its name on July 27, 2021 to include 'and' in order to be inclusive of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. In March 2022, the initiative announced its second director Katherine 'Kat' Parpana, M.A. The initiative hired its inaugural associate director, Chris Pangelina M.A., or 'Pangie', in January 2023 and continues to expand the team of professional staff and scholar leadership cohorts including community organizers, undergraduate fellows, interns and volunteers.  

Within the first year of the initiative, SAandPIRI engaged with many students through one-on-one support and multiple community events. To provide in-person support, the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Academic Student Success opened at the University House Annex in Fall 2023. SAandPIRI is working with campus leadership to identify a physical space for its future center, which is projected to open in Fall 2025.

The initiative came into existence because of advocacy by students, faculty, staff and alumni who sought to increase academic retention services for students. They also wanted to offer the UC Davis community a welcoming and open space to develop their cultural competency and contribute to a campus environment that values diversity, connection and a shared commitment to student success.