Nanook Navigator and Student Success spotlight: Daniel Darrow
Dan Darrow is an advisor and instructor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
Oct. 11, 2021
The Nanook Navigator and Student Success spotlight from September was Daniel Darrow. Darrow is an advisor and a term instructor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in the College of Liberal Arts.
Why are you passionate about UAF students and their success?
I was a first-gen college student and had to learn while on the job. I enjoy helping students create an academic plan
Favorite part about being an instructor?
In the classroom, I really like seeing when a student gets that aha moment.
What is your favorite feature in Nanook Navigator?
The latest feature I’ve really enjoyed has been the link provided to my calendar from “my availability.” Students can set up an appointment for advising/help (whether they are my advisees or just in the classroom). I posted this link on my homepage in Canvas and quite a few have used it already. Nanook Navigator makes it really easy.
How long have you been utilizing Nanook Navigator?
A couple of years now I think. It all blends into one lately. Pink Floyd’s “Is there anybody out there?” is on continuous repeat in my head during the pandemic.
Tips, advice, or ideas to support other Nanook Navigator users or student success practices?
Sync your Google Calendar to Nanook Navigator to make it easier to make appointments, launch advising campaigns, etc. Use the notes and report on appointments features during/after meeting with students that can be shared by other advisors and to help you remember which classes you discussed, issues, etc. One really effective tool I found was using the “message student” under alerts. Most students respond right away when you send an SMS message as opposed to an email. This way you don’t have to share your cell phone number with anyone- the text comes through Nanook Navigator.
For more information about Nanook Navigator, contact Jessica Skipper at jrskipper@alaska.edu.
Student advising resources
Nanook Navigator resources
UAF Student Success program