AANAPISI

In March 2023, UC Berkeley filed an Institutional Exemption Application for Title III/Title V programs with the Department of Education. Title III/Title V programs include the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Program and the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Program. In April 2023, the U.S. Department of Education notified our campus that our application was approved, granting UC Berkeley an AANAPISI designation and making our campus a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) for the first time. This development brings us closer to achieving our goals of becoming a Thriving institution for all Cal communities. 

In September 2023, UC Berkeley was awarded its first AANAPISI federal grant, marking a historic moment in our commitment to equity and transformation. This grant serves as a catalyst for positive change, supporting the expansion of multiple student leadership and mentorship programs. Additionally, it provides seed funding to cultivate research and scholarship in the fields of Critical Pacific Islander Studies and Critical Southeast Asian American Studies through artist and scholar in residence programs and fellowships that support undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty mentors. 

The University’s investment in pursuing the AANAPISI / MSI designation demonstrates its commitment to improving the educational experiences on our campus, and creating a more inclusive and equitable campus for all. With the support of competitive grant funds, UC Berkeley continues to increase its capacity to address the diverse and complex needs of AA & PI students, faculty, and staff in service to our whole campus community. 

The Division of Equity & Inclusion leads this work in partnership with Asian Pacific American Student Development (APASD), the Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies (AAADS) program, the Asian American Research Center (AARC), and the Berkeley Research Development Office.