FAQs

Q: Do you have to be Filipino to be in OYFA?

A: Of course not! OYFA may be a Filipino cultural interest group, but that doesn't mean that you have to be Filipino to join. In fact, anyone can. Some of our most dedicated leaders aren't Filipino. So come on out and don't be scared!

Q: What do you do in OYFA?

A: As a Filipino cultural interest group, it is our goal to heighten awareness and appreciation of Filipino/Filipino-American culture and to provide a cultural, social, service, and academic network for our members. And how do we do this? We hold an annual culture show, Barrio Fiesta, highlighting traditional and modern Filipino dances and customs. Our Initiative Studies In Pilipino (ISIP) committee is responsible for educating our members by way of Tagalog classes, Filipino game nights, and cooking sessions. The F.I.N.D committee serves as your liaison to other Filipinos not only within the state, but nationwide.

Q: Aren't you guys just an organization that does dances?

A: We definitely like to get down and boogie, but we're not just a bunch of dancers. Our annual symposium serves as an open forum for members to discuss issues relevant to Filipino-Americans. In addition to that we host bi-monthly Intercourse sessions, or mini-dialogues. We also sympathize that college can be a burden on your parents' wallet and to help alleviate this, an OYFA Excellence Scholarship Fund was created and is awarded annually to a well-deserving first-year OYFAn. And if that isn't enough for you, our community committee will warm your hearts, the social committee will throw potlucks to fill your stomachs, and the membership committee will make sure you feel right at home here at the University.