Meet Your Institution’s New Best Friend: AI Assistants

In a recent episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadu, Founder & CEO at Element451, and Dr. JC Bonilla dive into the rapidly evolving role of AI assistants, focusing on how these digital helpers are poised to revolutionize sectors like higher education. They demonstrate their potential through concrete examples, giving listeners a real sense of what's happening behind the scenes in AI development.

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Student-Facing AI Assistants Impact Enrollment For Two Colleges

One school that is leading the way in AI is Guilford Technical Community College. From the first moment a prospective student interacts with GTCC, AI-driven insights are at work. CRM Specialist Orna Shearin notes, “We're using predictive analytics to anticipate needs, automating routine tasks to free up staff for meaningful interactions, and delivering tailored communication that resonates with each individual.” 

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As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, GTCC stands ready. Orna says, “We're not just adapting to change; we're leading the charge, embracing innovation, and ensuring our students are prepared to thrive in an AI-powered world. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to student success and a brighter future for all.” 

For students, AI assistants can act as academic advisors, recommending courses based on their previous performance, helping with registration, and even providing personalized guidance—all available 24/7. AI advisors can relieve overburdened faculty and staff by managing these repetitive tasks, enabling educators to focus on higher-level decision-making.

Luis Caloca, Dean of Student Access, College of Western Idaho has seen these benefits first hand. By automating tasks that trigger outreach to interested students, CWI has been able to engage with 1,910 students in under three months! They are also leveraging an engagement score to pinpoint students falling behind in the admissions process, allowing CWI to jump in at just the right time. 

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Luis notes, “This powerhouse CRM (Element451) is one of the reasons we boosted our Applicant to Admit yield rate by an incredible 21%! The results speak for themselves and we are just getting started!” 

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Staff-Facing AI Assistants Create Team Efficiency

On the administrative side, AI assistants handle tasks like creating marketing campaigns, designing visuals, writing emails, and even analyzing data—all in a seamless, integrated workflow. Ardis explains that while these AI assistants are incredibly autonomous, there’s always a "human in the loop" to ensure quality control and provide final approval, a critical element in building trust in these systems.

Ardis and JC don’t just talk about AI assistants—they show you what’s happening right now. From software engineering breakthroughs to game-changing applications in higher education, they offer a clear vision of how AI assistants, like Element451’s, are reshaping the workforce and what that means for professionals and students alike. Listen to the full episode today.

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Transform Student Engagement with the Power of AI

“BoltBot has become our best friend over the past year because it's helping us focus on the things we thrive at—being human! Having ‘Reggie’ available 24/7, 365 frees us up to focus on serving students better than ever before. We are able to be on the road, connecting with students in person full-time, while simultaneously answering chats and text messages in real-time... almost like we never left the office!” - Courtney Skiles, Director of Enrollment Services, at Trinity Valley Community College

From boosting application completions to producing personalized content, Element451’s AI solutions tackle the challenges that matter most. Learn more and see what AI can do for you. 

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But Wait, There’s More!

Sarah Custer, Editor-in-Chief at Inside Higher Ed, joins the Enrollify network as a guest in a recent episode of Mastering the Next. She sheds light on the transformative power of AI in higher education and explores more real-world examples of how AI is revolutionizing classroom engagement and student experiences. Tune in to discover why Sara believes educators must teach students how to effectively use AI tools, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.