Who can participate in CSA events?
Everyone is welcome to participate in any event that CSA hosts! Whether you identify as Chinese or Chinese-American, you are interested in Chinese culture, or you are simply curious about our events, we highly encourage you to stay up to date with our events and show up to as many as you can!
What makes CSA different?
Every organization in WashU provides a unique perspective on student life and there is no way to compare any one of them. Our best answer is for you to come out to our first GBM every semester (look out for posters around the dorm hallways for more details). This way, you can get a first-hand look at who we are, what types of events we put out, and whether or not the CSA family is for you. Hopefully the answer is yes!
What do all the acronyms mean?
It is a well-known fact that WashU has a lot of acronyms! Hope you find these helpful:
CSA – Chinese Students Association: one of the largest cultural organizations on campus that hosts various events throughout the school year.
GBM – General Body Members: anyone who identifies as a CSA member, regardless of identity and background. We have group chats for GBM to get to know each other and an email list for weekly updates, but regardless of if you come to all of our events or just one, we welcome you to CSA’s GBM.
WUGO – Washington University Group Organizer: a directory for student organizations to provide background information and register events with the Student Union.
SU – Student Union: the student government that is in charge of budget allocation, school-wide events, and cross-campus event coordination.
Who organizes the events?
The executive board organizes the behind-the-scenes event logistics, funding, and execution.
Committees for certain subdivisions, such as formal and community service, work with an executive member and take charge in their respective events.
Everyone in CSA has a voice in what they want to see happen and are more than welcome to bring up ideas. Click here to submit an event idea.
What is a committee member?
Every semester, there are different events (e.g. formal, community service, CSA Families) that need a committee to help organize logistics. As part of a CSA Committee, you will be working directly with executive members to plan and market events, brainstorm new ideas, and organize events the day-of. CSA Committees are a great way to practice your organizational skills, build a stronger CSA community on campus, and make amazing new friends. The time commitment ranges around 1-5 hours a week, depending on the type of event.
If you are interested in becoming a committee member, depending on the executive member in charge, an application process may take place and will be publicly announced when the opportunity arises.
What is an executive member?
The executive board organizes events and opportunities for our GBM. Each executive member has a specific role and uses that role to plan, advertise, and execute different events every semester. Led by the co-presidents, this board aims to promote CSA’s mission statement through every aspect of CSA’s presence on campus.
If you are interested in becoming an executive member, we hold a recruitment process every semester. This process includes an initial written application and then a multi-part interview process in order to assess various qualities that we value in the leaders of the future of CSA. We send out information about deadlines and requirements after our first GBM.
How does CSA get money to fund its events?
CSA is funded mostly by SU’s semesterly budget allocation process. We get funds based on the types of events we propose and the size of our general body. On top of allocated amounts, we host fundraising activities every semester, including our ever-so-popular Dumpling Delivery event, to try to raise more money to give back to GBM.
I don’t know a lot of people at WashU. How do I get to know more people?
WashU has such a unique environment in that we have so many organizations that all welcome anyone to join. Especially with CSA, we have our arms open to anyone who wants to come out to our events and meet some new people. Even if you don’t know anyone in the organization, our activities are all based around group interaction, so you will be chatting it up with new potential friends in no time! Further, our committee system is a great opportunity to meet people while you collaborate on a project together.
How to I stay up to date with CSA events?
CSA posts new events and opportunities on various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and our WUGO (Washington University Group Organizer) page. However, for the most up-to-date information, join our email list and GroupMe chat!
Join us here!
*NEW* What will FL20 look like?
The executive board is currently in the process of adapting GBM events to fit social distancing guidelines and waiting to hear back from SU/Campus Life. We still plan on offering leadership and engagement opportunities, so stay tuned for future announcements.
Possible remote events:
Social Justice Discussions & Collaborations
Zoom-Dating
Speaker Panel
Voting Initiatives
CSA Challenges
Instagram Projects
Movie/Anime Nights
Tell us what you want to see here!