Nanook Navigator and Student Success Spotlight: Jessica Skipper
Portrait of Jessica Skipper, a Student Success Coordinator at the UAF Office of Student Success.
The Nanook Navigator and Student Success spotlight for January is Jessica Skipper. Jessica is a Student Success Coordinator at the Office of Student Success.
Why are you passionate about UAF students & their success?
Our students are our friends, family, and community members. They are also the future of so many great things. I chose this position at UAF because it provides the opportunity to advocate for our students’ education and experiences so they can achieve their lifelong goals and dreams.
Favorite part about being a Student Success Coordinator?
My favorite part about being a student success coordinator is learning about our students and their needs. Then on the flip side, getting to know employees across UAF and our rural campuses that are supporting our students and their needs. The more I learn about our students and their resources I am able to connect to assist with building bridges to the appropriate resources. I also enjoy being a part of the Retention Team and different retention projects.
What is your favorite feature in Nanook Navigator?
My favorite part of Nanook Navigator (https://uaf.edu/gs/nanooknavigator/index.php) is the data collection (https://media.uaf.edu/media/t/1_i6tmc0gs). With data being collected in the same place it allows me and other student support staff to see a bigger picture of a student’s challenges, needs and provided support. We can also start to dive deeper into intervention effectiveness & other retention data. This also assists me when I am assisting a student because then I can see who they have been meeting with and can reconnect them with that advisor or staff support.
How long have you been utilizing Nanook Navigator?
Since April 2019!
Tips, advice, or ideas to support other Nanook Navigator users or student success practices?
I encourage advisors and student support staff to utilize at least the appointment features. Having all of the appointment information and data in one place supports our students more holistically and throughout their educational experience which may include meeting with multiple advisors and support staff. There are tools for instructors too! Instructors are able to complete early semester progress reports and provide feedback about concerns and referrals throughout the semester. The feedback and referrals are utilized as a guide when advisors and staff provide student outreach and support.