Developing AI readiness
This virtual assistant, know as Project Belong, is designed to help prospective students assess if they’re ready to begin their studies with us. It answers questions about the skills, knowledge, and preparation needed to succeed at university, offering guidance and encouragement along the way. When students feel prepared, the AI can also provide step-by-step instructions on how to enroll. The Readiness Assistant is here to make sure students feel informed and confident as they take the next steps toward university life.
The Belong Project is a critical initiative aimed at improving student engagement, retention, and success. The project leverages AI-driven agents, to provide personalised, 24/7 support during key stages of the student journey—from application to enrolment. The Belong Project addresses enrollment challenges by focusing on:
Personalised support: The AI agents provide tailored responses to students' queries, helping them navigate complex processes such as enrolment, unit selection, and understanding course requirements. For example, one student asked, "How many units do I have to enroll in for trimester one of the bachelor of psychological science?" The AI agent provided detailed guidance, helping the student make informed decisions about their study load.
Timely interventions: The AI agents are available 24/7, ensuring that students receive immediate assistance during critical decision-making moments. This is particularly important during the offer-to-enrolment phase, where delays or confusion can lead to students dropping off. As one student expressed, "I think I deferred my offer but I’m not sure," the AI agent promptly guided them on how to check their deferment status, preventing potential disengagement.
Data-driven insights: The project also provides UNE with valuable data on student behavior, allowing for more strategic decision-making. For instance, the dashboard tracks key metrics such as application-to-offer and offer-to-enrolment conversions, enabling UNE to identify where students are dropping off and implement targeted interventions. This data is crucial in addressing the current challenge of declining conversions from acceptances to enrolments. This dashboard allows us to support specific students with targeted AI agents relevant to their circumstances.
Sector leadership: By integrating AI-driven support into the student journey, UNE is positioning itself as a leader in the higher education sector. The Belong Project not only enhances student engagement but also sets a new standard for how universities can leverage technology to improve HEPPP student retention and success rates.
AI readiness is already delivering help
Increased enrollment: AI agents will maintain continuous engagement with students during the critical offer-to-enrollment period, aiming for a measurable increase in the conversion rate from offer to enrollment for HEPPP students.
Ongoing student support: The AI platform will provide real-time assistance, answering students' queries about UNE’s programs and support services. This personalised communication is expected to reduce dropout rates, enhance retention, and improve preparedness for university studies.
Graduation readiness: By 2026, AI agents will assist in preparing students for graduation and transitioning to the workforce, offering career planning support and boosting final-year student retention.
World class innovation: This work goes hand in hand with being innovative, genuinely human focused, needs driven and sector leading. The project will be able to demonstrate how a whole university came together to solve a sector wide problem.
