About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this AI-focused episode, hosts Daniella and Brendan sit down with Claire Skelton, Assistant Director of Content Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), to unpack the transformative role AI plays in streamlining student engagement and application processes. Claire shares SEMO’s journey from launching “Sadie,” an AI-powered bot, to creating custom AI teams tailored to unique student populations. The conversation covers everything from optimizing AI responses to designing AI-driven email campaigns, revealing how SEMO is setting a high bar for integrating AI in higher education admissions.
Key Takeaways:
- Efficiency Metrics: SEMO’s AI has saved the admissions team approximately 65,000 human hours in just three months, showcasing the substantial impact of AI on administrative workflows
- Targeted AI Assistants: SEMO launched tailored AI “Bolt” teams, each designed to address the specific needs of different student populations, such as online and international students. This customization helps reduce confusion and improve the relevance of responses.
- Real-Time Insights and Adjustments: By analyzing AI interactions, SEMO identifies frequent student queries, helping them improve website content and refine AI responses for more accuracy and efficiency.
- Human-Enhanced Automation: SEMO’s admissions team leverages AI to monitor queries, but student workers are ready to step in when nuanced support is needed, creating a balanced approach to atutomation and human interaction.
- Iterative AI Training: AI is treated like an intern that improves over time. SEMO's team provides constant feedback to hone responses, ensuring AI-generated content feels relevant and personal to students.
- Future Possibilities with AI Calls: SEMO is exploring AI-driven voice assistants capable of initiating proactive calls, a potential game-changer for connecting with students who may hesitate to reach out directly.
Calls to Action:
- Tune in and Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes on game-changing AI strategies in higher education admissions.
- Explore AI in Admissions: For teams considering AI, this episode is a roadmap for launching, customizing, and scaling AI tools in your enrollment workflows.
- Connect with Enrollify: Follow us to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies for leveraging AI in higher ed marketing.
- Try Custom AI Strategies: Consider how tailored AI assistants could serve different student populations at your institution.
- Share Your AI Journey: Connect with us on social media to discuss how your team is integrating AI into admissions.
Why SEMO Prioritized AI for Specific Student Populations
SEMO launched their AI assistant, Sadie Boltbot, to enhance their website’s functionality for diverse student groups, including online, international, and first-time students. Claire highlighted how Sadie initially struggled to provide consistent answers due to the varying needs of these groups. By creating specialized "teams" within the AI, SEMO aligned Sadie’s responses with specific student journeys, improving accuracy and user experience.
The institution strategically piloted these efforts with their online and international student pages, as these areas were priorities for growth. Their approach underscores the importance of identifying key target groups when implementing new technologies.
How SEMO Maintains an AI-Driven Yet Personal Approach
Claire emphasized the human touch in AI-generated communications. By personalizing dynamic emails to appear as if they are directly from an admissions counselor, SEMO ensures students feel supported. They also utilize engagement scores to segment communications, even targeting "lurker" students with specific follow-ups.
AI tools like Element 451’s co-pilot further enable SEMO’s team to refine content creation, from email campaigns to knowledge base updates. Claire likened the AI to a proactive intern—effective with clear instructions and iterative feedback.
The Mindset Behind SEMO's AI Adoption
One of SEMO’s key strengths is their team’s willingness to embrace new technology and adapt processes accordingly. Despite initial apprehensions, SEMO’s focus on constant iteration has turned potential flaws into opportunities for improvement. As Claire put it, AI isn’t about perfection—it's about progress and learning from each interaction.
The team also uses AI insights to identify gaps in their website content, addressing common student questions upfront and reducing confusion.
Looking Ahead: Real-Time AI Phone Calls
SEMO is already exploring the next frontier in AI innovation—real-time phone assistance. This upcoming feature will enable AI bots to handle both incoming queries and proactive outreach calls, enhancing accessibility and addressing the most common student hesitations. Claire sees immense potential in using these tools to help students feel more confident and supported in their application process.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: In Your Element is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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