University of Hawaiʻi has made a big leap in helping students succeed by introducing AI chatbots across all ten campuses. These chatbots, named ‘Bow and Moa, are part of a broader strategy called “common standard care,” aimed at providing support to all students.
The chatbots are proving to be popular. With a 94% opt-in rate, students are excited about their virtual helpers. According to a report from EdSights, students shared messages like, “Thank you so much for your support,” and even casual responses like, “Thanks dawg!” This shows just how connected they feel.
From August to December 2025, students sent a staggering 72,089 texts to their campus chatbots like Lehua at Hilo and Koa at Kauaʻi Community College. Engagement was especially high at Honolulu Community College and University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu, with rates climbing to 62% and 61%, respectively.
University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel noted, “Our AI chatbots have become more than just digital tools; they are a 24/7 support system.” This initiative ensures that students can reach out for help anytime and receive immediate responses.
The chatbots help answer questions and connect students to resources. They handled 4,294 inquiries all by themselves, saving staff nearly 357 hours of work. When deeper support is needed, the bots can direct students to 5,554 campus resources and highlighted 2,533 students for staff follow-up.
Moreover, the chatbots engage students by checking in on their well-being. In just one semester, they found that 1,905 students felt nervous, 251 struggled with belonging, and 389 weren’t enjoying their classes.
The AI initiative gained recognition when the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa received the Community Connector Award at the 2025 EdSights PERSIST Summit, highlighting its innovative use of student feedback.
Historically, chatbots in education have gained traction, showing notable benefits. A recent study showed that institutions using chatbots saw a 25% increase in student engagement and retention rates. As technology develops, universities are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI to personalize learning experiences.
Overall, the introduction of AI chatbots at the University of Hawaiʻi illustrates the shift towards embracing technology for student support. This system not only boosts academic success but also fosters a sense of community among students.
For more details, check out the EdSights Community Connector Award.
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