This AI-driven platform allows alumni to stay connected with 鶹Ƶ as resources for students.
鶹Ƶ alumni often voice their gratitude for the experiential learning 鶹Ƶ has to offer. Consequently, many alumni are always looking to facilitate these experiences for current students.
“The number one thing we hear from alumni is they want to be a resource to students and fellow alums,” says Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Kendra Haskins.
Haskins and the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) partnered with a local software provider to bring 鶹Ƶ Q&A to campus and bridge that gap.
“The opportunity that 鶹Ƶ Q&A provides students to connect directly with alumni is what excites me most about the platform,” said Brooke Buffington, assistant vice president for student professional development center.
鶹Ƶ Q&A requires no app to download or login, fits easily into a busy schedule and allows for authentic conversations. All the student has to do is spend five minutes asking their questions and sharing a bit about themselves. The platform then shares the students’ questions with alumni, who usually respond within 2-3 days.
The ethos of paying it forward shared among alumni paired with the easy functionality of 鶹Ƶ Q&A meant that alumni, faculty and students began engaging with one another immediately upon the tool’s launch.
“We were told to expect 50 questions in 90 days,” said Haskins. “Instead, we got 50 questions in 90 hours.”
Within those 90 hours, alumni were answering questions on everything from finding your people as a first-generation college student and creating work-life balance to financing life after graduation and working in niche performing arts fields.
“We have outstanding alumni who are always looking for ways to give back to current students,” said Buffington. “They want to share their knowledge and expertise with a new generation of 鶹Ƶ graduates.”
Since its launch, 219 questions have been asked, with 579 alumni responses.
“To have surpassed our 90-day goal in only 90 hours speaks to the curious minds of our students and the giving spirit of our alumni,” said Haskins.
Feedback has been positive from alumni and students alike.
“I was able to connect with professionals in the field who had gone through the same experiences as me,” one student said. “I really appreciated the personal touch each one had on answering my question.”
“We’re so excited about the interactions that we’ve seen,” said Buffington. “Students are asking great questions and receiving really thoughtful, informative, and kind responses from 鶹Ƶ alums.”
The best part? As students, alumni and faculty continue engaging with 鶹Ƶ Q&A, the AI-driven tool will become more effective, promising even better experiences in the future.