AandPI Fall Welcome 

Campus resources and student organizations are invited to join us in welcoming our Asian and Pacific Islander (AandPI) communities to campus at the beginning of the fall quarter. This collaborative event is historically co-hosted by the Department of Asian American Studies, the Cross Cultural Center, MENASA Student Resources, and the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative. 

AandPI Student Leadership Conference (AandPILeadCon) 

The SAandPIRI Student Leadership Conference (AandPILeadCon) invites the Asian and Pasifika scholar leaders, emerging and current, to build professional development competencies, establish networks of support, and co-create strategies for self and community care at our one-day on campus conference. The conference brings together students, faculty, specialists, and experts from across campus, industry, and the greater AandPI community to engage, empower, and uplift student attendees. Participants gain access to concurrent workshops, community building modules, and dynamic guest speakers.

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM) 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, or Asian and Pacific Islander (AandPI) Heritage Month, otherwise known as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month or APAHM, is traditionally celebrated in May and commemorates the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans in the United States. The AandPI Heritage Month Events Calendar is a collection of colloquia, events, seminars, and other activities in supporting AandPI voices across campus during our heritage month. SAandPIRI partners with several community members, campus departments, and units to uplift AandPI cultures and communities during the month of May. The To feature your event, contact our office at apiretention@ucdavis.edu 

Filipinx Cultural Celebration (FilGrad)

The Filipinx Cultural Celebration, or FilGrad, is an annual ceremony honoring the personal and academic achievements of graduating students, undergraduate and graduate, who identify as Filipino/a/x, or are friends of the Fil-Am community on campus. Hosted by BRIDGE: Pilipinx Outreach & Retention, it was established in 1989 and is part of the affinity graduations hosted at UC Davis. 

Lunar New Year Celebrations

In honor of the diversity of celebrations across Asia and Southeast Asia, SAandPIRI collaborates across campus to celebrate Lunar New Year. Celebrations begin as early as November and culminate as late as February, depending on the lunar calendar. Lunar New Year commemorates the arrival of spring and is also known as the Spring Festival. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian and Southeast Asian countries including China, Korea, and Vietnam.  

Pacific Islander Cultural Celebration (PIGrad) 

The Pacific Islander Cultural Celebration, or PIGrad, recognizes the academic and personal achievements of students who identify with Pacific Islander heritage at UC Davis. As the only ceremony dedicated to this community, it provides a space to honor their accomplishments and the support networks that have contributed to their success. This celebration fosters a sense of connection and acknowledges the unique experiences of Pacific Islander graduates. Hosted by SAandPIRI, it was established in 2022 and is part of the affinity graduations at UC Davis. This celebration is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at UC Davis. 

If you are interested in volunteering to support the 2025 ceremony, please contact our office at apiretention@ucdavis.edu. 

Southeast Asian Cultural Celebration (SEAGrad) 

The Southeast Asian Graduation Celebration, or SEAGrad, is ceremony that allows students to celebrate and reflect on their academic journey with those closest to them. The ceremony also serves as a platform to inspire younger classmates to participate in planning the event and attending to celebrate their peers. Hosted by SAFE: Southeast Asians Furthering Education, it was established in 2007 and is part of the affinity graduations hosted at UC Davis.