Academic Achievement and Access Center names new director


LAWRENCE — Andrew Shoemaker has been named the new director of the Academic Achievement and Access Center (AAAC) at the University of Kansas. Shoemaker has served as associate director since 2009.

The AAAC offers services and programs to support students in their academic success and to enhance their experience at KU. The Center’s mission includes helping students have full and equal access across KU.

“I’m very excited to continue serving the KU community by increasing the Academic Achievement and Access Center’s collaboration across campus and look to further expanding our services to reach more KU students,” said Shoemaker. “As director, my goals will be to develop our newest program, Supplemental Instruction, to continue to build tutoring services and to promote a more inclusive environment for all students by actively promoting the social model of disability.”

The AAAC is one of several Undergraduate Studies programs dedicated to KU's progression and graduation goals. The university has set a goal of a first-year retention rate of 90 percent and a six-year graduation rate of 70 percent.

The AAAC is crucial to attaining those goals through its support of the intellectual development of all individuals by encouraging active participation both in and out of the classroom. The AAAC also works closely with faculty and students to ensure students are able to attain their academic and personal goals.

Among the services offered to students at the AAAC are academic accommodations, tutoring services and learning strategy consultations. One of its newest services, the AAAC Test Center in Strong Hall, is now in its second year. The Test Center administers exams with accommodations and surpassed the 1,000-exam mark in fall 2013.

Shoemaker joined the AAAC in 2003. Prior to joining KU, he worked with students at Arizona State University and the University of Iowa. In 2009, he was recognized with a C.L.A.S.S. award by the Board of Class Officers.

Shoemaker earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in education from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

Thu, 04/03/2014

author

Gavin Young

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Gavin Young

KU Office of Public Affairs

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