SMS Chatbot - Victor E. Bot

Project Status: Implementation/Assessment

Student Success has partnered with EdSights to implement a campus-wide SMS chatbot that can serve as a first-line problem solving and wayfinding tool for students. The goal of this project is to provide students with a convenient way to find answers to questions, get automated and tailored messages aimed at improving connection to PSU, and creating a mechanism for student success staff to provide additional support —thereby increasing overall student engagement and persistence.

Accomplished

91% opt in rate and 57% student engagement
Web Bot Launch Feb 2024
Temporary mascot image acquired from UComm
Partnered with the Career Center, TRSRC, and Financial Aid to create custom campaigns for targeted groups of students.
Year-long communication plan created for the 24/25 Academic Year.

In Progress

OSS Progression Team connecting to drop-out alerts and students identified as needing support by the Bot.
DOSL receiving and connecting with students who trigger mental health and violence alerts.
myPSU integration
Developing assessment plan for second year of the tool being active

Project Team

Sponsor: Erin Shortlidge
Project Lead: Andrea Garrity
Project Manager: Beth Harris
Team: Michael Mitchell, Cori Watkins, Alice Wang, Noah Spencer, Taylor Burke, Aimee Shattuck, Becki Ingersoll, Eleanor Hart, Megan Looney, Nicolle DuPont, Shoshana Zeisman-Pereyo, Beth Harris
Collaborators: Office of Information Technology, Registrar's Office, Student Financial Services, Advising and Career Services