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The Institute for African American Studies (IAAS) develops and oversees teaching, research, and cultural programs that focus on the African-American experience. IAAS seeks to provide the University of Connecticut community with an enriched and diversified educational experience and environment while actively promoting its conviction that the culture and history of African Americans must be recognized, validated, and supported. The mission of IAAS is to enlighten and inform the University of Connecticut community and the people of the state of Connecticut, the nation and the world about the heritage, struggles, and aspirations of people of African descent in the United States while advancing the highest quality research and teaching on the African-American studies. The IAAS seeks to develop a strong, viable academic program that focuses on African-American studies from interdisciplinary perspectives and through three interrelated spheres of activity: teaching, research, and cultural programming. IAAS administers an interdisciplinary major, and minor concentration, in African American Studies that provides university students with an understand and appreciation of the heritage, culture, contributions, experiences, socioeconomic conditions and political life of people of African descent. This program familiarizes students with the issues that African-Americans have faced, and continue to face, in the United States. IAAS also hosts general tours of the Storrs campus for elementary and secondary school students. These tours include meetings with University students, faculty, staff, IAAS Advisory Board members, and classroom visits. Visits have successfully encouraged young people to make a commitment to pursue a college education, and to consider attending the University of Connecticut. In addition to its academic component, IAAS has also initiated a public outreach program, and continues to develop a strong network between state and city governmental officials, community leaders, and the University community. Hosting programs and workshops, IAAS has become a positive link and active participant in addressing the most critical issues facing African-American communities in the U.S. today.
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