Our Mission

The Chinese Student Association is an organization dedicated to sharing aspects of Chinese culture with the University of Virginia as well as with the Charlottesville community. While the CSA is governed by University students, it involves a greater range of participants, from University faculty to Charlottesville community members.

The main goal of the CSA is to create an atmosphere where Chinese, Chinese-Americans, and all those interested in Chinese culture can come together. From organizing small get-togethers to large-scale events integrated with college and community life, the CSA allows students to meet others to whom they can relate in various community, cultural, and social settings. As an awareness and promoting organization, the CSA also addresses and discusses issues concerning Chinese and Chinese-Americans as students and as a community.

While the CSA is devoted to Chinese culture and community within the University, it welcomes and encourages people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to participate in, contribute to, and become part of the CSA.

From The President

It is with much excitement and delight that I, on behalf of the Virginia Chinese Student’s Association, would like to say welcome to the 2007-2008 school year! To all who are interested in seeing what the CSA is all about, whether a returning student or a first-year eager to see what the University has to offer, our CSA has something in-store for you!

I realize that many of the new students to the University may feel overwhelmed by all the hundreds of organizations and clubs that UVA has to offer its students at the start of each semester. It seems just like yesterday I found myself a first year coming into this unfamiliar environment and community, not knowing who anyone was or what there was to do at a place like Thomas Jefferson’s university. Everywhere I looked, I saw flyers and promotions for different interests. Yet I took the chance to go out to one of CSA’s events and soon enough, I became more and more involved—to the point where I am now, sitting here as President writing my own letter to you. CSA serves as the medium not only for international students and Chinese-Americans, but anyone who has even a remote interest in Chinese culture (whether to learn, promote, or experience) or who just want to meet one of the largest Asian cultural organizations on Grounds! I know that I would love to meet every new student who comes in!

Our CSA is entering its 24th year as an organization here at UVA, and my officers and I feel that this year will not only live up to our history, but will be aiming to set new precedents! Although we have excelled in the past with both our social events and cultural galas, it is my desire that this year we can extend our reach to become more engaged with the rest of the Asian community here at the University and around Charlottesville. The CSA also has close ties with both the Wushu Team here at UVA as well as the Virginia Lion Dance Team! This year will see the inception of several new events with an emphasis on overall Asian culture and heritage—as well as collaborations with local organizations to help out the Charlottesville area! Thus not only can one learn and experience Asian culture, but we may also utilize our strengths to better improve our own community.

But while we look towards the expansion of CSA within the UVA-Charlottesville community, we will at the same time be seeking to strengthen our organization's inner workings to make it a better place for our members on a smaller level, instead of solely on those of a party or culture festival nature. I am extremely enthusiastic about our family program! It is at the forefront of CSA—not only does it help bring our members together, but all of our families participate in events such as capture-the-flag or some type of foods night! (And who doesn’t love free food?) I guarantee that you will share my enthusiasm if you come out and experience it first hand!

I am positive this year will be the greatest ever for the CSA, and I invite all of you to come out and enjoy it with us!

-Steven Song President, CSA

What We Do

The CSA organizes and oversees many activities and events on Grounds at the University and in the Charlottesville community. These cover a variety of aspects, including cultural awareness, social events, community service, issues and discussion, athletics, and bonding. Here, you can learn more about a specific event and/or facet of the CSA.

cultural

The Cultural Committee oversees and supervises all research and planning concerning activities organized for the purpose of promoting awareness and understanding of Chinese culture. These activities include CultureFest, ChinaFest, the Full Moon Festival, and other cultural presentations.

social

The Social Committee is in charge of planning and organizing social activities such as parties, outings, karaoke, and dinners, as well as designing entertainment for general meetings. They are also responsible for recruiting new members to the organization by directing activities involving prospectives, transfers, and First-year students; including the organizing of the Big Sibling/Family Program and working closely with the Asian Prospectives Day committee.

issues & awareness

The Issues committee organizes and leads discussions on current and fixed issues facing Chinese people and students at UVa. They will examine issues of the day and work closely with ASU to bring such issues to light. The chairpersons will also serve as the representatives for CSA to Building Linkages, an organization set up for communications with all other cultural organizations.

community

The Community Committee oversees all activities pertaining to community relations, including the University at large. They work with the Chinese and non-Chinese communities of Charlottesville in promoting CSA and the Chinese culture. They also help plan community service events for the CSA.

sports

The Sports Committee is in charge of organizing teams for intramural and sports tournaments, providing an additional means for networking and membership outreach. In addition, they are responsible for organizing sporting events outside of intramurals.

advising

Advisors are members of the CSA who were former officers or chairpersons and have a thorough knowledge of CSA and will be able to assist officers and chairpersons when they have questions. Advisors also take on responsibilities for special projects organized by the CSA which combine several different committees.