The African American Academic Network (AAAN) is an academic and student development resource program that seeks to address the unique interests and needs of African American undergraduate students at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
AAAN has three teams of academic professionals who work with students through the admission process to graduation. While each team has its own function, they all work together to provide a seamless and comprehensive approach to address student's individual needs.

RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSION ASSISTANCE TEAM

The AAAN recruitment team offers a full range of admissions services to individuals, organizations, and groups serving the African American community of greater Chicago. Our recruiters perform traditional admissions services such as guiding students through the application process and promoting interest in higher education and college readiness. These services include:

• College awareness and preparation workshops for elementary through high school audience
• Scholarship information
• Presentations at college fairs sponsored by high schools, churches and community organizations
• Opportunities for applicants to experience UIC for a day through the AAAN Immersion Day and other visitation programs
• Facilitate admissions through an individualized process

ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Once applicants are admitted to UIC, the academic advising and student development team supports and encourages students toward personal excellence. Advisors challenge students to make the most of their college experience and to effectively address personal challenges that may impact their progress. AAAN advising services focus on the unique interests, concerns and needs of African American students by providing:

• Campus orientation programs
• Assigned, individual advising
• Program planning and course selection
• Career and major exploration
• Mentoring
• Personal effectiveness development
• Assistance with goal setting and effective decision making

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

The focus of this team is to facilitate student's adjustment to the academic demands of college. AAAN staff assesses student's motivation, study skills and habits. We offer several academic interventions, including free individual and group tutoring in a variety of subjects. We also hire highly accomplished students as peer tutors who are carefully trained to pass on their skills and experience to participants. The team's additional services include:

• Access to a computer lab featuring instructional software
• Academic skill development workshops
• A resource library featuring current textbooks for on site usage
• Organized group study programs