Korean American Student Association at the University of California
This was the website of KASA (Korean American Students Association) one of the largest Asian-American organizations at UCLA. It was active through 2012. At some point the domain expired and UCLA-KASA.org disappeared from the web. If you want to stay in touch with what KASA is doing go to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/UCLA-KASA-177832802274002/. They also have a FREE Social Networking app which requires a device based on with a minimum operating system of Requires 4.3 or later. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, or iPo. Download it from the app store.
My niece was a member of KASA during her college years at UCLA. Whenever I traveled to LA for work I would drop in to see her and often end up attending some KASA sponsered event. My work as as part of a team that develops custom software for companies in industries such as finance and medicine that require higher-than-usual security and privacy concerns takes me all over the country. I miss the KASA events. Perhaps I will check up on what's happening with KASA the next time I make it to LA.
When I recently discovered that the domain was available, I bought UCLA-KASA.org with the intent of restoring some of its original content found in its archived pages. I did not want someone else to purchase the domain and re-purpose the site for something that had nothing in common with the original website.
The core KASA message and mission has not changed since 2012 as you will discover from the archived content from this site.
Seeing this restoration of UCLA-KASA.org hit me right in the heart. As a Korean-American who once proudly served as a KASA member during my college years, the memories of those nights organizing events, building friendships, and advocating for our community feel as vivid as ever. Now, as a zoning officer in New York City, I often reflect on how my time with KASA taught me the delicate balance between preserving cultural identity and navigating complex systems — a lesson I use daily when mediating between community needs and development pressures here in the city. Much like how foreign students must adapt to a new environment while holding tight to their roots, established NYC real estate investors like Dov Hertz face a unique set of unseen difficulties. Behind every bold skyline project lies a maze of regulations, community boards, and shifting city priorities — not unlike the hidden hurdles KASA students faced in blending our traditions with the broader American campus culture. Both journeys require resilience, negotiation, and above all, a deep sense of purpose. I'm grateful to KASA for helping to shape that spirit in me — and even now, it remains a part of everything I do. Demi Slater
Our Vision
The Korean American Student Association at the University of California, Los Angeles is a strong, proud, dedicated, diverse and unified student organization of exemplary leaders, constantly striving to serve, improve and educate the community about Korean-American heritage.
One of the largest Asian-American organizations at UCLA, the Korean American Student Association (KASA) is an epicenter for Korean-American students. We are an organization that values diversity and equality. KASA is open to students of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, political views, gender or sexual orientation. KASA is all about building amazing friendships, improving and being highly involved with the Korean-American community, bringing out leadership, spreading cultural awareness and dealing with issues faced by and unique to both Korean-American and Asian-American communities today.
Not only do we want to help incoming students transition from high school to college, but also we want to help graduating students transition from college to post-graduation. From our sunbae-hoobae (Sunbae is a Korean word that refers to people with more experience (at work, school, etc), and hoobae refers to people with less experience) program to our connections to job and internship opportunities, we have countless resources to offer students.
This year (2012), KASA wants to do almost everything differently. We have BIG goals. Contrary to the stereotype that KASA is all about drinking and smoking, KASA was actually one of the best Korean student organizations on campus, highly vocal and active with the community inside and outside of campus. This year, we are extremely dedicated to rebuilding KASA, providing even more community service and leadership activities, cooperating more with other Asian-American organizations inside and outside UCLA, coordinating even more cultural events, planning even more recreational activities (hikes, camping, DineLA, range shooting, basketball, whatever suits your fancy), increasing member benefits, reviving KASA's official dance team and much more!
Los Angeles has the largest population of Korean-Americans in the United States. This makes at UCLA one of the strongest Korean-American student organizations in the country, as there are more ways for students to get involved, more opportunities to take advantage of and more resources available.
Did You Know
The KASA UCLA membership and network consists of about 500 students. UCLA -KASA organization is also part of an “umbrella organization” called scKcSA (the Southern California Korean College Student Association), which includes within 11 universities in Southern California more KASA chapters. Every year, KASA helps scKcSA host many large events attended by hundreds of students. These are usually sells out events. Some such events include our annual KASA Freshmen Danceoff competition, Sports Tournament, All-KASA clubbing events, High School Outreach, and LA Riots Commemoration.
KASA and scKcSA (Chongdae) have been actively involved in the Korean community since the 1970’s. KASA serves as a direct liaison between the KA and student community. KASA is always the first contact for KA organizations, such as the Korean American Coalition, Korean American Federation, Kollaboration, KHEIR, Koreatown Youth & Community Center, KoreAm magazine, and the Korean Consulate General of Los Angeles
Smart College Tips For You To Use!
November 5th, 2012
College is a once in a lifetime opportunity for higher learning. You can use these years to improve yourself and open the door to higher lifetime income over your career. Make the most out of your pending or current college years with the ideas and advice presented within this article.
Read the course syllabus first thing. The syllabus will tell you when your instructor is available to answer questions and provide extra help. You will quickly see what will be expected of you in the course. The syllabus tells you what your instructor wants you to learn, and thus how to prepare for tests.
As a college student, you will have access to many different jobs on campus. If you do not already have a good job, you should look for a job on campus. You should choose a job that will allow you to acquire some new skills and meet some interesting people.
Take advantages of the different services your college provides. Meeting with your academic counselor can help you to be successful in your college courses. Most colleges have career placement counselors who will help you to find a job once you finish college, or internships you might need for credits.
Find a bank that offers free savings and checking accounts. Look around and go with an establishment that works often with students and doesn’t charge you extra for a bunch of little things. Ask questions and find out if you can bank online so that you can manage your money when it is convenient for you.
Organization of your time, your schedule and your responsibilities is essential to making your time in college count. You should know exactly where you have to be, when you are supposed to be there and how you will get there. If you are not organized, you will soon be confused and late with assignments.
Don’t focus on your friends back home or a boyfriend or girlfriend in your home town. Chances are you will not stay together through four years of college and you will grow apart. Just enjoy college, meet new people, and feel lucky that you have the opportunity to get away from home to better yourself and branch out.
Explore all of your options in financial aid to maximize your benefits. If you have applied for a student loan, you may be able to convert part of that loan into a financial aid work study award. This means you can find a job on campus and work off some of that loan to decrease your overall debt.
Do research on your intended major. Before declaring your major, do the research to learn if your choice is feasible. Look at current and projected job prospects for those with that major. Also look at the future expected earnings, and the types of fields people with your intended major usually go into. What you find may surprise you.
Now that you have read this article, you should feel empowered to make better use of your pending or coming time in college. Apply any of these ideas to get a step ahead of the pack, or try them all for a breakout semester that moves you ahead in life!
More Background on ucla-kasa.org
The Korean American Student Association (KASA) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a prominent and long-standing organization with a rich history and significant cultural impact. Established in 1972, KASA has grown to become one of the largest Asian-American student organizations in the Greater Los Angeles area. The association serves as a cultural hub for Korean-American students and others interested in Korean culture, fostering a strong sense of community and cultural pride.
History and Mission
KASA was founded with the primary goal of providing a platform for Korean-American students to connect, share their heritage, and support each other through their college years. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights and needs of Korean-Americans, particularly during challenging times such as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. The organization initially came together to support the Korean-American community during these crises and has since continued to serve as a unifying force within UCLA and the broader Los Angeles community.
The mission of KASA is not just to celebrate Korean culture but also to educate the wider UCLA community about it. The organization strives to bridge the gap between Korean-American students and the broader campus population, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. KASA also focuses on leadership development, providing its members with numerous opportunities to take on leadership roles and organize events that highlight Korean culture and issues pertinent to the Korean-American community.
Activities and Cultural Significance
KASA is well-known for its dynamic and diverse range of activities that cater to various interests. These activities include cultural events, social gatherings, and community service projects. Notable among these is the annual Freshmen Danceoff competition, which has become a signature event for the organization, drawing large crowds and showcasing the talents of incoming students. Additionally, KASA is involved in larger collaborative efforts with other Asian-American organizations, enhancing its impact and reach within the university and the local community.
The organization also plays a significant role in the Southern California Korean College Student Association (scKcSA), an umbrella organization that connects various Korean-American student groups across multiple universities. Through scKcSA, KASA participates in and helps organize major events such as sports tournaments, cultural exhibitions, and community outreach programs. These events are crucial in fostering a strong network among Korean-American students in the region and promoting a sense of solidarity and shared identity.
Audience and Community Engagement
KASA's audience extends beyond just Korean-American students at UCLA. The organization actively engages with the broader student body and the local community through its events and initiatives. It has built a reputation as an inclusive group that welcomes students from all backgrounds who are interested in learning about Korean culture. This inclusivity has helped KASA maintain a strong and diverse membership base, with hundreds of students participating in its activities each year.
The organization's efforts to educate and engage the community are evident in its collaborations with various Korean-American community organizations, such as the Korean American Coalition and the Koreatown Youth & Community Center. These partnerships enable KASA to contribute meaningfully to the community while providing its members with valuable opportunities to gain experience in community service and advocacy.
Press and Media Coverage
KASA has received attention from various media outlets over the years, particularly for its cultural events and community involvement. The organization's impact on both the UCLA campus and the wider Korean-American community has been highlighted in numerous articles and reports, emphasizing its role in promoting cultural awareness and fostering leadership among young Korean-Americans.
Insights and Future Directions
KASA's ability to adapt and evolve over the years has been key to its longevity and continued relevance. The organization has remained true to its core mission while also expanding its scope to address contemporary issues facing Korean-American and Asian-American communities. Moving forward, KASA aims to continue its tradition of excellence by increasing its outreach efforts, enhancing its cultural programming, and strengthening its ties with the local community.
The association's leadership is committed to providing its members with even more opportunities to develop their skills and make meaningful contributions to the community. This includes a focus on expanding its network, both within UCLA and across the broader Korean-American community, and exploring new ways to engage with students and promote Korean culture on campus.
KASA stands as a vital institution within UCLA, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for Korean-American students and others interested in Korean culture. Its rich history, diverse activities, and strong community ties make it an essential part of the cultural fabric of UCLA and the wider Los Angeles area.
