The Role of AI in Student Services at Park University

AI is becoming an integral part of student services, enhancing how institutions like Park University can support students. From chatbots answering FAQs to AI tools assisting with advising and early interventions, these technologies can make services more efficient. However, AI should complement—not replace—human interaction, ensuring that the student experience remains personal and ethical.


 

AI-Powered Chatbots for Routine Student Inquiries

  1. Streamlining Information Delivery
    Park University’s Student Services team can use AI-powered chatbots to answer routine questions from students, such as inquiries about enrollment, deadlines, or campus resources.

    • Example Tools: ChatGPT, Intercom.
    • Use Case at Park: Students frequently have questions about financial aid, course registration, and academic calendars. A chatbot can respond to these common inquiries 24/7, freeing up staff time for more complex issues.

  2. Enhancing Access to Student Services
    AI tools make student services more accessible by offering quick responses and directing students to appropriate resources.

    • Use Case at Park: A first-year student unsure about how to register for classes could interact with a chatbot for guidance and then be directed to an academic advisor for further assistance.


AI for Personalized Advising at Park University

  1. Early Alerts and Student Success Analytics
    AI can help identify students at risk of academic failure by analyzing attendance, grades, and engagement data. This early warning system allows advisors to intervene before students fall behind.

    • Use Case at Park: Using AI-driven analytics, advisors at Park can receive early alerts about students struggling academically or showing signs of disengagement. This enables timely interventions, such as personalized support or additional resources.

  2. Personalized Academic Pathways
    AI tools can generate personalized academic plans for students, recommending courses that fit their degree requirements and interests.

    • Use Case at Park: An AI-powered tool could help a student interested in switching majors by quickly analyzing their completed coursework and suggesting a new academic pathway that would minimize time to graduation.


Balancing AI and Human Interaction in Advising

  1. Maintaining the Personal Touch
    While AI can enhance efficiency, it’s critical to maintain personal interaction, especially in student advising. AI can handle routine inquiries, but Park University’s advisors should still be the ones handling complex, emotional, or nuanced discussions about academic and career goals.

    • Best Practices: Use AI for administrative tasks like scheduling and routine FAQs, but ensure that personalized advising meetings and one-on-one consultations remain human-centered.

  2. Ethical Use of AI in Advising
    Advisors must ensure that AI recommendations are fair and unbiased. AI systems should be regularly reviewed to prevent biases in advising, particularly those related to gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

    • Use Case at Park: Before adopting AI tools for student advising, Park University should conduct regular assessments of these tools to ensure they align with the university’s commitment to equity and inclusion.


AI as a Supportive Tool, Not a Replacement

At Park University, AI should be viewed as a supportive tool to enhance the student experience, not replace human touchpoints. While AI streamlines processes and improves efficiency, the personal relationships between students and advisors remain critical for student success.