UW-Green Bay Becomes First Universities of Wisconsin School to Support Students with AI-Powered Check-ins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2024
Mascot Phlash to Students: “I’ve Got Your Back”
Green Bay, Wis.— College students will rarely admit it, but most appreciate getting that quick text to check-in on how they’re doing, an answer to a question or having someone share those simple but reassuring words: “Just so you know, I’ve got your back.” Starting this fall, UW-Green Bay became the first Universities of Wisconsin school to leverage AI to support student success via a two-way texting service, providing proactive, anytime help with campus resources and other information.
The new tool to support undergraduate, degree-seeking students is Phlash, an AI chatbot, that empowers students by giving them a voice and the support they need to navigate college life.
“As an access instituation with a mission to make education available to everyone, UW-Green Bay is keenly focused on student success,” noted Chancellor Michael Alexander. “Students who feel connected and have a sense of belonging are more successful. When things get tough, they will forge on with their academic careers if they believe someone has their back. Our advisors do this personally, and now we have a little more help in doing this with Phlash.”
UW-Green Bay started texting students on Monday, September 23 and the results in the first week were promising: “Ninety-six percent of UW-Green Bay students have opted in so far to receive messages from Phlash, and we received 2,194 texts back from students in the first 24 hours of the launch of the tool,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Access & Success Meagan Strehlow “We are excited about this level of engagement and the opportunity to leverage technology to connect with students, answer questions, and direct them to resources. Last week, we sent our first proactive check-in to ask students how they are feeling and any struggles they may be experiencing.”
Phlash the AI Bot is available 24/7 to respond to students at any time, day or night. Proactive check-ins occur every 7-10 days, and students can choose to opt out of the service if they prefer. Students needing urgent support are referred to the appropriate support office who use their existing outreach processes and protocols. Students requiring extra assistance are directed to the Student Service Center, who manage referrals to other care units via the existing Navigate process. Understanding the student experience and the challenges they face guide UW-Green Bay staff in tailoring their communications to meet each student’s unique needs.
The technology that supports the texting is provided by EdSights. “We’re so proud and excited to partner with UW-Green Bay, our first partner in Wisconsin,” said EdSights Co-Founder and Co-CEO Carolina Recchi. “I can’t wait to watch this partnership unfold and see firsthand all of the amazing ways we can support their students and amplify their voices.”
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 10,300 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 85,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
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