Nanook Navigator and Student Success Spotlight: Denise Kind
Nov. 21, 2022
The Nanook Navigator and Student Success spotlight for November is Denise Kind. Denise is an associate professor in the College of Natural Science and Mathematics in the Department of Biology and Wildlife.
Why are you passionate about UAF students & their success?
Our students are amazing. They pursue such a wide range of goals and have so many different things they are planning to achieve. It’s great to be able to be part of their journey. Their motivation and determination are inspiring.
Favorite part about being an instructor?
My favorite part about being an instructor is being able to help students make progress toward their goals. Seeing students figure out biological concepts, how topics connect to each other, or how something from the class applies to their lives, connects to other courses, or relates to things in the news are all great. I also really enjoy talking with students about their interests and topics they’re excited about.
What is your favorite feature in Nanook Navigator?
The information available about each student (e.g. first-gen, veteran, etc.) helps me talk with students about resources they have access to that could benefit them. Seeing that information helps me know what resources advisors would be pointing students to and reinforce those recommendations. I also like how easy Nanook Navigator makes it to enter progress reports and enter alerts, although I’m still working on using it more consistently for issuing alerts.
How long have you been utilizing Nanook Navigator?
I only started using it in Fall 2020. I find that I am still adjusting how I use it as a communication tool with advisors and students to give them the information they need when they need it.
Tips, advice, or ideas to support other Nanook Navigator users or student success practices?
A tip I got from a colleague and an advisor to enter alerts & kudos in the week and a half to two weeks before the W date to help advisors and students know whether things have changed since midterm grade reports. Having more up-to-date information about grades can help with decision-making for students who are considering withdrawing.