Vision
To enhance the visibility of African students and scholars on the campus of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. 

Mission Statement
To promote and maintain social as well as professional programs and activities that will strengthen the capacity of African graduate students and scholars to share ideas, network with NGOs, and other organizations on projects that prioritize African affairs.

Philosophy
To empower graduate students and scholars in their social and professional ambitions guided by:

v  Collective approach to pertinent issues

v  Inclusivity and mutual respect for each other

v  Gender equality, equity and fairness

v  Attention to specific needs wthin the diversity of its membership without any form of discrimination

    Objectives

• To give guidance and support to new African graduate students and scholars 

• To introduce African graduates and scholars and orient them to the diverse academic, research environment of the university and the colleges in the Pioneer Valley with special reference to places where African issues are the focus

• To introduce AGASA membership to the university research community and to encourage departments to establish and conduct African oriented projects

• To network and collaborate with other organizations on campus, especially on issues of mutual interest – the Five College African Scholars Program, Graduate Student Senate (GSS), ALANA and the GEO

• To make AGASA prominent in the community both on and off campus, and to encourage people of diverse backgrounds to be more interested and involved in the issues affecting the African continent

• To develop liaison with legislative bodies (local and state) to highlight African issues in decision making

• To serve as a source of information for researchers on a wide range of issues concerning Africa

• To establish a roaster for membership to everyone interested in African issues in the Valley and beyond, and make this available to organizations and institutions interested in African projects.