The department goals are to promote study and research by, for, and about Asian and Pacific Islander Americans; to teach students about the experiences of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the US and in the world; to teach students critical thinking and communication skills; to prepare students for social and community engagement by providing opportunities to gain skills and organizational experiences; and to advance social justice for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. ASAM often collaborates with the Department of African American Studies, the Department of Chicana/o Studies, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty & Staff Association, the Asian Pacific American Resource Center, various student organizations including the Student Association for Asian American Studies, alumni, and various community-based organizations in Orange County.