The Turkish American Student Association (TASA) is a student organization currently registered with the University of Minnesota, and is also a member of the Minnesota International Student Association (MISA).

TASA was founded in 1988. Originally it was formed to serve the needs of the increasing number of Turkish students at the University of Minnesota. Over the years, TASA has become the student organization representing all the Turkish students in Minnesota. Since its foundation in 1988, membership in TASA has grown to its current membership of over 200 people, including former students who are now working in Minnesota.

What does TASA do?

1. Presents a way of uniting the Turkish speaking people living in Minnesota, especially the student body.

2. Accommodates the basic needs of Turkish students new to Minnesota by helping them with settling in, finding temporary housing, and providing general orientation to the University.

3. Introduces Turkish culture through social activities and events to people who are interested in learning about it.
What has TASA accomplished?

Since its initiation, TASA has helped new Turkish students with their basic immediate needs. TASA has organized various social gatherings to allow the Turkish community stay in touch, exchange information and socialize. By organizing picnics, tea socials, and movie nights, as well as organizing soccer teams which have competed in the University’s Intramural League, TASA has tried to connect Turkish students with each other and students with various ethnicities during their stay at the University of Minnesota. TASA also sponsors a web page, designed to provide assistance with the daily problems Turkish students might face in Minnesota, as well as to serve a medium of information exchange between Turkish students and between other ethnic goups here and around the world.

TASA Board
–as of September 5, 2008–

President: Rukiye Kahraman,
Vice President: Gozde Goncu,
Secretary: Serkay Olmez,
Treasurer: Erkan Toraman,
Officer: Banu Altun,
Officer: Eren Gultepe,

Please email us at turks@umn.edu.