Whitworth Launches AI Chatbot “PatchChat” to Promote Student Well-Being
PatchChat will be used as an extra tool to help promote student well-being, connecting with students through their phones, where they spend a good deal of time.
“Whitworth University is dedicated to supporting students on their journey to graduation,” says Tim Caldwell, assistant vice president of student retention. “The launch of this innovative AI chatbot reflects our commitment to meeting students' needs in real time, providing immediate assistance, and enhancing their overall success.”
If Captain Patches can’t answer a question directly, the chatbot will notify the appropriate team member on campus who will reach out to that student directly.
Captain Patches will also send check-ins throughout the year using a targeted framework, designed by EdSights and customized by Whitworth, to initiate conversations with students and collect real-time information in areas such as belonging, wellness, financial stress and academic engagement.
Students will receive an introductory text from Captain Patches. They should just add his number to their contacts and simply reply to the message to initiate the chat. They can then text Captain Patches whenever they’d like, 24/7, 365 days a year.
More than 70 universities and colleges are using the EdSights chatbot. The company reports 64 percent of students actively engage with the bot and 98 percent of students remain opted in to receiving the chatbot messages.
For more information on PatchChat, click here.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
