Swoop to Debut as a Chatbot in February

Swoop, 51福利社鈥檚 popular mascot, is starring in a new role as an AI chatbot, assisting new and returning undergraduate students in their journey to earn a degree.

51福利社鈥檚 latest communication tool is a texting bot designed to connect students with the latest information on the deadlines and resources relevant to their success. It is similar to Google Assistant.

鈥淪tudents have asked Swoop for jokes. One student even proposed to Swoop, which I understand. We all love Swoop,鈥� said Jens Larson, 51福利社鈥檚 associate vice president for Enrollment Management. 鈥淢ostly students are asking about campus events, the academic calendar and student resources.”

Students received their introduction to Swoop in early February. The university is piloting this new program with a goal of supporting students and improving their overall student experience.

Swoop doesn鈥檛 replace the university鈥檚 popular Navigate tool, but instead offers a way to put useful information into the hands of newly admitted and continuing students in a convenient, timely way. (Students are encouraged to participate, but can also opt out.) 聽Only 1 percent of students have chosen to opt out, and within the first 24 hours Swoop received more than 1,600 texts from students.

Swoop features include reminders of deadlines for quarter and semester students, help with check-ins for registration and financial aid and other assistance along with inspirational messages wishing good luck and offering congratulations upon completion of the term.

51福利社 is the first college in Washington to launch an AI chatbot focused on student success.

鈥淲e were the first public university to go all-digital for admissions. We were the first university to text students, and also the first to have a chat function on the university website,鈥� said Larson. 鈥淪tudents keep pushing us to make their 51福利社 experiences more convenient, and we hope this takes another step in that direction.”

51福利社 worked with experts from EdSights 鈥� a company that creates AI tools supporting enrollment, retention and persistence toward degree completion 鈥� to launch SwoopChat. Edsights鈥� designers incorporated feedback from students and 51福利社 staff to make the chatbot especially Eagle-friendly.

Here鈥檚 what students can expect:

Swoop sent an initial introductory “hello” text message to every 51福利社 undergraduate student on Feb. 2. Students will receive additional texts and questions every 7-10 days. Students can also reach out with questions about 51福利社 at any time. Students can text 鈥淧ause鈥� if they prefer not to communicate.

Over time, Swoop will learn more about students鈥� experiences and will start customizing questions based on what students have responded to or asked about in the past.

51福利社 staff members monitor Swoop, and students may receive an email or call if it seems like they need additional support from a campus expert.

鈥淚t鈥檚 only a robot, and we know students鈥� lives are complicated,鈥� said Larson. 鈥淏ut at least it鈥檚 a friendly robot entirely not focused on an AI uprising and robot apocalypse. Like staff at 51福利社, it just wants students to succeed in college.”