ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan has been named one of the top universities for Asian American students in the current issue of A. Magazine: Inside Asian America.

The August/September issue of A. Magazine lists the top schools for Asian Americans based on a variety of criteria ranging from retention rates and acceptance rates of Asian Americans, to the percentage of Asian American students, faculty and staff, to the resources available for Asian Americans. The U-M is ranked 15th among research universities.

The University’s Asian American population has increased 40 percent in the 1990s to 3,642 students. Asian Americans are the largest student of color population on campus, representing 11.3 percent of the student body. The retention rate for Asian Americans is 85 percent. There are 320 Asian faculty members on campus, representing 8.2 percent of the faculty.

Another reason for the high ranking is the active Asian American student body. There are more than 18 Asian American student groups, ranging from ethnic-specific student groups such as the Thai Student Association to an Asian American acting troupe, the Descendants of the Monkey God, and an Asian American literary magazine, the Asian Pacific American Women’s Journal. Students are active in everything from planning cultural shows and workshops to promoting Asian American awareness and pride and participating in community service.

In the past year, a number of Asian American speakers also have visited the campus. Norman Mineta, former U.S. congressman from California and one of the first Asian Americans elected to Congress, visited for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Urvashi Vaid, an Indian American gay/lesbian rights activist, also spoke to students. Yuri Kochiyama, a leading civil rights activist and confidant of Malcolm X, also addressed students when she was on campus to be honored by the University.

A. Magazine is a bimonthly magazine written for and about Asian Americans. It covers a wide range of issues, from politics to entertainment to fashion. 

More information: 

• Asian American student groups