Somali Student Association
The Somali Student Association (SSA or SSAUMN) is a student organization at the University of Minnesota that aims to connect Somali students at the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
It was formed in response to the growing number of Somali students at the University of Minnesota and has become most notable as the largest Somali Student Organization in the United States encompassing over 500 members. SSA has programs where students who are from different backgrounds can come and learn from each other. Also, educational programs which are beneficial to any student from the Twin Cities.[1] SSA is key in exhibiting the cultural heritage of Somalis at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as well as the surrounding communities.
Mission
Somali Student Association helps to connect Somali Students at the University of Minnesota with an environment of communication and collaboration.[2]
The organization's mission is to help new Somali students with different aspects of college life. Some of those aspects include helping Somali students learn more about financial aid, careers and work opportunities. Collaboration is a key aspect in which SSA wishes to develop with events like 'SSA Collaboration:Skills Workshop' and Brian Coyle Mentor-ship. With events like Cultural Sensitivity on campus with SMP and UMPD and Somali Cultural Day, the organization wishes to develop communication with the University Community. The organizations open-forums and annual meetings are designed to adhere to the voices of the greater Somali Community and the University of Minnesota.
Activities
Some of the organizations activities include:
| Essential Activities During the School Year |
|---|
| Iftar |
| Freshmen Welcome/ Open House |
| Brian Coyle Mentorship |
| Eid Celebration |
| Pre-College Workshop |
| Sisters Night |
| Know your Rights Forum |
| SSA Collaboration/ Skills Workshop |
| Cultural Sensitivity on campus with SMP and UMPD |
| Friday Halaqa (Every Friday @4:30pm) |
| Healthy Breakfast (Every first Friday of the month) |
| Somali Cultural Day |
| STD Forum |
| Somali Minnesota Voice Day |
| Graduation |
| Far-well Dinner |
Board
There are nine members on the board including the president. In Fall 2010 school year, the SSA Board ratified to have the Technology Coordinator position to be removed and in its place to have Historian/Webmaster.
| The Executive Board |
|---|
| President |
| Vice President |
| Event Coordinator |
| Secretary |
| Treasurer |
| Historian/Webmaster |
| Public Relations |
| Outreach Coordinator |
| Academic Affairs Coordinator |
External links
- Somali Students Event Shares Culture With Campus
- mndaily.com Somali life strong on U's West Bank Minnesota