University of Nebraska-Lincoln Launches AI Chatbot "Cornelius" for Student Support
Meet Cornelius: UNL’s New AI Chatbot Revolutionizing Student Support
Last Monday marked an exciting milestone for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) as it rolled out its latest innovation: Cornelius, an artificial intelligence chatbot designed to assist undergraduate students. This progressive addition aims to enhance student support by providing instant answers to a myriad of university-related queries through SMS text messaging.
A Tool for Student Empowerment
According to Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education, Cornelius is primarily a tool for student support. The chatbot doesn’t just answer questions; it dynamically adapts its responses based on student interactions. After a user types in a query, Cornelius provides relevant resources or further information related to the topic. For instance, students can seek assistance with major changes, lost N-cards, housing contracts, and even study tips.
Cornelius doesn’t stop at merely answering questions. It proactively checks in with students every few days, reinforcing its role as a supportive companion in their academic journey. “We’ve answered typical questions that students might have, but as students ask other questions, we’ll continue to update our knowledge base,” Goodburn noted.
In just its first week, Cornelius received an astounding 15,000 messages, reflecting a clear appetite for such a resource within the student community.
The Technology Behind Cornelius
This innovative chatbot is powered by EdSights, a company that has already seen success in deploying similar solutions across over 100 universities in the United States, including UNL’s Omaha and Kearney campuses. One of the standout features of Cornelius is its customization. Messages are crafted to align with university branding and standards, ensuring a professional yet approachable tone.
Specialist Lydia Coulson, who spearheaded Cornelius’ implementation, emphasized the importance of accuracy, especially regarding regulated areas like financial aid. Experts from UNL’s financial aid office meticulously reviewed all entries to ensure students receive the most accurate information.
Funded through a generous $1 million grant shared among UNL, UNO, and UNK, the chatbot initiative aims to improve and promote AI support for students over the next three years. The specific funding source remains anonymous, although it previously supported similar initiatives for Nebraska’s state colleges.
Mixed Reactions from Students
Despite the promising features, reactions to Cornelius have been mixed among the student body. Concerns have surfaced regarding trust in AI, mismatches with existing academic policies, and doubts about university spending amidst budget cuts. Some students have taken to Yik Yak—an anonymous social media platform—to voice their frustrations, with posts jokingly threatening violence against Cornelius itself.
Goodburn addressed the lighter threats, reiterating that while some comments may be made in jest, the university takes all matters seriously. The team monitors conversations, actively reaching out to students expressing self-harm or violent thoughts to connect them with appropriate resources.
Interestingly, while a vocal minority shares skepticism, a significant majority of students—94%—have chosen to continue receiving texts from Cornelius, with around 40% actively engaging with it. This level of interaction has led to a total of over 27,000 messages since the launch, providing the university with valuable insights into student needs.
Understanding Student Needs
The data gathered from this interaction is not just numbers; it serves as a reflection of student concerns. Goodburn mentioned that many inquiries revolved around enrollment processes, signaling a gap in communication that the university must address. The ability to learn from these interactions allows UNL to refine its strategies and better serve its student population.
A Resource for All
Ultimately, the goal of Cornelius is to empower students and enhance their university experience. As Goodburn shared, “We hope that students will feel it’s helpful,” while also gaining a solid understanding of how the resource works. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly hinge on student engagement and feedback, making it a shared journey between the university and its student body.
In the fast-evolving landscape of higher education, Cornelius stands as a testament to UNL’s commitment to innovation and student support. As the feedback continues to shape its future, this chatbot may very well become an indispensable part of campus life.