Andrea Vassar

Experience

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  THE FOUNDATION FOR THE SCHOOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

  Aug 1990 - Jul 1992

  Special Education Teacher

  • Taught elementary school students with learning and developmental disabilities at The School for Young Children.

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  Alief ISD

  Aug 1992 - Jul 1994

  Special Education Teacher

  • Taught elementary students with severe psychiatric disabilities at Liestman Elementary School.

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  School District of Hillsborough County

  Aug 1994 - Jul 2006

  Elementary School Teacher

  Taught at Carrollwood Elementary School (Special Education), Dunbar Magnet School (Technology), and Lanier Elementary School (Art)• Developed a curriculum and instructed students in all the areas of visual arts: painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture, and ceramics.• Provided students with various experiences in visual art with a focus on the elements of art, principles of design, and art history.• Managed a networked computer lab and instructed students in all areas of computer application software – basic keyboarding, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, Internet research, web page design, interactive multimedia projects, and graphic art, including digital photography.• Designed advanced curriculum in math and science with an emphasis on integrated technology projects and innovative teaching methods. • Developed and adapted curriculum and implemented individualized educational plans for students with significant developmental delays, severe emotional disabilities, and specific learning disabilities. Show less

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  International Academy of Design and Technology

  Apr 2003 - Mar 2011

  • Designed, developed, and implemented a centralized academic advising program based on the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Core Values and Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) standards.• Provided vision and leadership for the academic advising department including the oversight of new student scheduling, current student registration, and advising for academically at-risk students.• Managed all facets on department administration including budgeting and resource allocation.• Selected, mentored, and trained a team of four academic advisors in programmatic knowledge, institutional policies and procedures, and advising best practices.• Developed and implemented retention, new student advising program, Orientation, and early intervention initiatives. • Managed and provided forecasting data regarding student population budget.• Produced and distributed daily, monthly, and annual reports analyzing trends in student population management data. • Improved retention by 1.81% from 2009 to 2010.• Decreased the percentage of academically at-risk students on warning and probation by 2% from previous year.• Ensured compliance with all institutional, accreditation, and federal policies and procedures including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).• Coordinated all American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Sections 504/508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 legislation disability services including the development of auxiliary aid contracts for self-identifying students.• Assisted in developing the institution’s learning support center, known as The Learning Center (TLC). Since, its inception TLC programs have impacted a diverse variety of undergraduate students – first-year, first-generation to returning adult learners. • Served as the Blended Learning Advocate for students enrolled in online distance learning. Show less • Coordinated and managed two degree programs including course scheduling, staffing, budget, books, and materials.• Researched and developed graduate level curriculum proposal for a redesigned M.F.A. degree program in design management.• Instructed M.F.A. and B.F.A courses in creativity, design team leadership, thesis, measurement, research, and analysis. • Assisted with student recruitment by training admissions representatives via extensive program knowledge and recruitment strategy sessions.• Chaired the Graduate Steering Committee. • Served as lead advisor on several M.F.A. candidates’ thesis committees. • Advised students and assisted with retention of students from admission to graduation. Show less • Instructed A.S. and B.F.A. courses in digital illustration, digital imaging, page layout, and creative thinking.• Served as a subject-matter expert (SME) in the instructional design of online curriculum for courses in digital illustration, digital prepress production, and creative thinking.• Designed instructional curricula based on standardized syllabi.• Utilized industry standard programs in graphic design and interactive media to meet course objectives.• Provided educational support for faculty members, including faculty-wide training.• Advised students and assisted with retention of students from admission to graduation. Show less

  • Department Chair, Academic Advising

    Jan 2010 - Mar 2011

  • Program Coordinator, MFA Media Design Management & Advertising Programs

    Jul 2006 - Dec 2009

  • Faculty, Graphic Design and Interactive Media

    Apr 2003 - Jun 2006
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  Moravian University

  Jun 2011 - Jan 2012

  Assistant Dean, Comenius Center for Continuing and Graduate Studies

  • Advised liberal arts undergraduate students regarding enrollment and registration.• Prepared transfer credit evaluations for all students enrolling in undergraduate and certificate programs.• Created course guides for undergraduate majors based on articulation agreements and transfer guides from two local community colleges for the purposes of maximizing transfer of credits.• Managed the website redesign project to rebrand the Comenius Center and its programs.• Developed a social media campaign using Facebook® and LinkedIn® for the purposes of recruitment and the creation of an extended virtual learning community.• Designed recruiting materials including brochures, postcards, newspaper advertisements and advertorials, and billboards.• Organized the new student orientation program.• Participated in recruiting events at local community colleges and other community venues Show less

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  Washington College

  Jan 2012 - Feb 2020

  ­- Provided vision, leadership, and oversight for all academic resources, recovery, and support programs and initiatives across campus, including the first-year advising program.­- Collaborated with faculty, advisors, and staff to develop intervention strategies for students having academic or other challenges.­- Interface with colleagues across campus using the CARE (early intervention) system and implement action items assigned to Academic Affairs.­- Reviewed and resolved student petitions for exceptions to academic policies in conjunction with the Registrar’s Office. ­- Supervised full-time professional staff: the Directors of the Writing Center, the Quantitative Skills Center, and the Office of Academic Skills; Disability Access Specialist; and the administrative assistant for student success and the first-year experience.­- Monitored and tracked first and second-year student retention and graduation goals.­- Partnered with Student Affairs on first-year programming, i.e., summer advising, pre-orientation, orientation, and Fall Family Weekend.­- Worked jointly with the faculty academic integrity coordinator on matters of academic integrity and the Honor Board.­- Taughy a First-Year Seminar section and advise a group of first-year students.­- Coordinated the Presidential Fellows program for high-achieving students.­- Represented the Provost's Office on the Committee on Academic Standing and Advising, Early Intervention Program committee, Retention Working Group, and Emergency Operations Group. Show less - Served as the Section 504/ADA Coordinator to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and other federal and state laws.­- Developed and implemented compliance policies, procedures, and processes using expert knowledge of disability laws and regulations to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.­- Ensured that appropriate grievance processes provide prompt and equitable resolution of disability-related complaints and inquiries from students, employees, and visitors.­- Collaborated with Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources staff, and other senior-level administrators across campus regarding compliance issues, grievance policies, and complaint resolutions. Establish partnerships with academic departments, residential life, facilities, information technology services, and student affairs to continually assess and improve access to information, facilities, programs, and services. ­- Designed and delivered presentations and training for students, faculty, and staff regarding academic skills, accessibility accommodations, universal design, compliance guidance, disability harassment, and discrimination.­- Communicated information to promote awareness and educate the campus and local communities on disability issues, accessibility, and compliance using print publications, the departmental website, and other digital materials. Show less - Led and managed the Office of Academic Skills (OAS) including disability and academic support services: accessibility accommodations for students and employees; academic skills and recovery programs; and College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA)-certified peer tutoring.­- Developed and implemented departmental policies and procedures as well as strategic planning and assessment processes to monitor the quality and effectiveness of disability services and academic support programs.­- Supervised full-time professional and student staff members: assistant director, academic resources coordinator, student office assistants, and tutors. ­- Reviewed documentation and determine reasonable accommodations for students and employees with disabilities using an interactive process aligned with guidance from the Association on Higher Education & Disability (AHEAD) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). ­- Supported and advised students with disabilities with regards to both academic and social life on campus. Show less

  • Assistant Dean for Student Success and First Year Experience

    Jul 2018 - Feb 2020

  • 504/ADA Coordinator

    Jan 2012 - Feb 2020

  • Director of Disability Services and the Office of Academic Skills

    Jan 2012 - Jun 2018
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  Temple University

  Mar 2020 - Jan 2022

  Director of Disability Resources and Services

  ­- Provided administrative oversight for all operations, policies, procedures, and processes for the Disability Resources and Services (DRS) department within the Division of Student Affairs.­- Identified and led the implementation of strategic objectives for the department.­- Supervised nine professional and administrative staff, including all staff hiring, training, and development.­- Oversight and supervision of staff responsible for proctored testing services, assistive technology, and communication access.­- Maintained a digital student accommodation database (Clockwork) for all students registered for and using disability support services. ­- Managed departmental and communication access budget, including fiscal year planning, budget analysis, monthly and yearly reporting, and spending approval. ­- Provided leadership and consultation to the University community on all aspects of accessibility – programs, events, facilities, and digital resources.­- Assessed and evaluated all DRS operations, programs, and employees.­- Participated in university committees and Division of Student Affairs Leadership Team.­- Designed and conducted educational programs and presentations on disability inclusion and accessibility.­- Developed and delivered professional training opportunities to the University community relevant to work in the disability field. Show less

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  Tulane University

  Jan 2022 - Jan 2025

  Executive Director for Campus Accessibility and ADA/504 Coordinator

  ­- Led efforts to improve accessibility on campus including employee and student accommodations and support, as well as digital, events, and physical facilities access.­- Engaged with campus partners to realize the mission of creating and maintaining fully inclusive programs, services, and activities. ­- Represented accessibility interests on university committees and in university initiatives.­- Served as the ADA/504 Coordinator to ensure compliance with Sections 503, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended, and other federal and state laws.­- Collaborated closely with the Office for Human Resources & Institutional Equity for employees requiring support through the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Workforce Possibilities Program, as well as short – and long-term disability benefits.­- Ensured that appropriate processes are in place to resolve complaints and inquiries promptly and equitably regarding compliance with the ADA and other applicable federal and state laws regarding discrimination based on disability.­- Supervised the Director of the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility, the Digital Accessibility Coordinator, and the Job Accommodation Specialist.­- Developed and implemented internal ADA compliance assessments and reports.­- Provided education, training, program interpretation, and advice on ADA/504 compliance to all sectors of the university community Show less

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  Swarthmore College

  Jan 2025 - now

  Director of Student Disability Services

  - Determines, coordinates, and monitors the provision of disability accommodations for students. - Engages in the process of determining eligibility of students for disability accommodations through review of documentation, consultation with administrators and professionals and intake interviews with students. - Works collaboratively with additional professional staff who provide other campus-wide support services and programming - including providing education around disability as diversity- Communicates regularly with faculty and staff to ensure that disabled students are provided with appropriate support and equal access. - Ensures compliance with and effectiveness of office procedures and related documentation, utilizing the disability services software Accommodate- Provides strategic leadership around disability inclusion. - Serves on college-wide committees, including the Student Disability Services Faculty Advisory Committee (chair), the Accessibility Working Group (member), and the faculty Committee on Academic Requirements (observer). - Develops and provides training and workshops for the campus community in order to raise awareness around disability and to promote full access for disabled students. - Conducts systematic assessment of services provided and provides statistical summaries as needed. - Demonstrates and maintains knowledge of current laws and best practices regarding disability accommodations in a post-secondary setting- Directly supervises the work of the Assistant Director of Student Disability Services and Co-supervises Administrative Assistant for the Office of Academic Success. Show less