Nanook Navigator and Student Success Spotlight: Trent Sutton
The Nanook Navigator and Student Success spotlight for February is Trent Sutton. Trent is the associate dean of academic programs and director of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA).
Why are you passionate about UAF students and their success?
As a first-gen undergraduate student, I distinctly recall what it was like to struggle in college and I always appreciated the faculty and staff that went out of their way to help me out. In particular, my academic advisor went above and beyond to help me out during a difficult time. If it would not been for him, I am not sure if I would be where I am today. I do my best to emulate that approach with students, to give back, because often it only takes one individual to make a difference, to help them out during a time of need. If our students are successful, then we as a university are successful as well.
Favorite part about being an advisor, instructor, and administrator?
Regardless of my role (faculty, advisor, administrator), I really enjoy interacting and working with students. I know that getting a degree is a challenge, even more so with COVID-19, so to see students persevere and achieve their goals is very satisfying. I find it particularly gratifying to see students accomplish their academic goals and then go on to graduate school or the workforce and do great things.
What is your favorite feature in Nanook Navigator?
I really like the early progress report feature. I was never sure if students were receiving the reports before when they were submitted via UAOnline. In addition, those reports lacked information. In Nanook Navigator, I know that they reach the student (for example, if I submit one for a student in my class). I also appreciate receiving progress reports (cases and alerts) for my advisees which allows me to reach out to them to see specifically the nature of the issue and help to identify solutions to get them back on track.
How long have you been utilizing Nanook Navigator?
Even though I was trained on Nanook Navigator about two or so years ago, my usage of this took has increased quite a bit over the past year (spring and fall 2021).
Tips, advice, or ideas to support other Nanook Navigator users or student success practices?
There seems to be a general reluctance to use Nanook Navigator because it is “one more item that required training.” While that is true, Nanook Navigator is actually very user-friendly and powerful. I am finding that the more I use it, the more comfortable I am with it. As a result, I can get more out of it which, in the long run, is to the benefit of the students because it facilitates their success. So my tip is simple – just do it!
Nanook Navigator and student success resources
Newsletters and past spotlights
For more information about Nanook Navigator, contact Jessica Skipper at jrskipper@alaska.edu.