AbstractsSociology

This qualitative study examines the experiences of Asian American students at a predominantly White institution in the cultivation of their racial identity development with the support of resources and services on campus, specifically an Asian cultural center. Six participants at a large, public research institution in the Northwest region were individually interviewed and analyzed through a narrative inquiry methodology. The researcher utilized the frameworks of the Asian American Identity Development theory, Critical Race Theory, and Asian Critical Theory to make meaning of the experiences of the participants. Three themes emerged from the data: pre-college experiences and socialization, community and engagement, and support and growth. Each theme contributed to the experiences of the participants prior to and during their time at the institution. This study contributes to the existing literature focusing on Asian American students and their narratives to analyze the ways they initially developed and cultivated their racial identity. The researcher concludes with implications and recommendations for student affairs professionals to utilize on their campuses.