Student Navigators

The Academic Success Student Navigator is dedicated to the mission of providing high quality, student-to-student interactions focused on early student engagement while increasing student motivation for excellence at KU. Student Navigators engage directly with students and act as a referral agent to other units and departments as needed. The goal of the position is to ensure students have an advocate and accountability partner to increase student completion within introduction coursework at KU.
Navigate Jayhawk Word Cloud
Word Cloud Created by Student Navigators Describing Student Navigator Role

The Academic Success Student Navigator plays a critical role in student success by assisting students while using student academic case management features through KU’s early alert system, Jayhawk GPS. Through peer-level student outreach, Student Navigators work to create connection and guide students in developing fundamental student skills that will benefit students beyond the current semester. This individual student engagement focuses on helping students overcome personal and academic barriers. Intentional efforts in student referrals to success resources will help in reaching KU's overall academic success goals.

Student Navigators are trained on KU policies, FERPA, case management, and various technologies which allow them to refer students to the breadth of support systems available at KU.  Student Navigators are expected to be highly engaged in Jayhawk GPS where they document student outreach, (e.g., texts, emails, phone conversations, references to voice messages, SCRT tickets opened, etc.)  

Fall 2021 (Pilot)

  • 3 student hourly employees
  • Progress Reports (ACCT 200, BIOL 100, MATH 002/101, UNIV 101)

Spring 2022 (Pilot)

  • Expanded training
  • 5 student hourly employees
  • Progress Reports (ACCT 200, BIOL 100, MATH 002/101, UNIV 101)

Fall 2022

  • Expanded training and team building
  • 8 student hourly employees
  • Progress Reports (ACCT 200, BIOL 100, MATH 002/101/104/115/125, UNIV 101)

Spring 2023

  • Expanded training and team building
  • 5 student hourly employees
  • Progress Reports (ACCT 200, MATH 002/101/104/115/125, UNIV 101/105)

Privacy Acknowledgement

Academic advisors, Student Navigators and other members of your support team can see the information about alerts and any emails or texts that you reply to.  Please do not disclose any information that you would not want Jayhawk Advising or Academic Success staff to have access to.  Most KU staff members are also mandated reporters, which means we are obligated by law to contact (1) the Office of Title XI about any cases of harassment and discrimination or (2) KU safety and local emergency services if there is an imminent threat to safety. If you would like to speak with a KU staff member confidentially, please utilize CAPS services or the KU Psychological Services Clinic.