IBM currently revealed that it has partnered with Penn State, which is often rated in the top 6% of colleges worldwide, to develop and implement MyResource, a student concierge created using Watsonx, IBM’s line of artificial intelligence technologies. When the generative AI-powered assistant opens, which is anticipated to happen in the fall semester, it will simplify information for Penn State’s almost 90,000 students on campus services and how to find them.
The initiative was started by Penn State student leaders who saw a need for better access to campus services including financial aid, health and wellness, and academic advising. The university also found comparable results in their investigation. In response to student feedback, Penn State and IBM are working together to develop a concierge service that will assist students in utilising the various resources at their disposal, boost support, and enhance student happiness.
Student success is first priority at Penn State, and this is an exciting step towards continuing to enhance the lives and experiences of students across it University. Penn State is excited to work with IBM on generative AI to enhance student experience, reduce obstacles, increase retention, and achieve more. A sense of belonging for all Penn Staters by allowing Penn State students to navigate Penn State’s institution seamlessly and intuitively.
IBM General Manager is honoured to co-create a solution with Penn State that will play a significant role in its goal to advance engagement from students through an AI-infused assistant. “Students at Penn State desire easier access to the critical tools they need to succeed both in and out of college. Penn State can open up new opportunities for its students by using IBM’s AI.
Watsonx Assistant’s conversational AI capabilities are being used by IBM consultants and professionals to develop MyResource. Foundation models will be hosted, trained, and adjusted using Watsonx.ai using Penn State data. This will enable the system to quickly provide responses and suggestions while utilising AI safeguards to identify and exclude sensitive information or possibly dangerous words. Additionally, the application will make use of Watsonx Discovery’s conversational search features to enhance the calibre and precision of MyResource replies.
IBM intends to implement this solution in other US higher education institutions as part of this partnership.
Summary
This news release details Penn State University and IBM’s partnership to create “MyResource,” an AI-powered virtual assistant intended to enhance the educational experience. Developed with IBM’s Watsonx AI platform, MyResource seeks to meet a need noted by university analysts and student leaders by expediting access to vital campus resources such as financial assistance, health services, and academic advice. By making it simpler for students to explore the university’s programs, the aim is to increase student performance, retention rates, and a sense of belonging. In the end, IBM intends to expand this solution to more US higher education institutions.
About Penn State
Teaching, research, and service are ways that Penn State, a public research university with many campuses and land grants, helps people and communities while educating students from all over the world. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education ranked Penn State as an R1, one of the top research colleges in the United States, with a record $1.337 billion spent on research in fiscal year 2023–2024. As the land-grant university of Pennsylvania, Penn State offers unmatched educational and public service opportunities to benefit Commonwealth and beyond residents. The university is dedicated to giving students lots of chances to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom and to get them ready for highly sought-after employment after they graduate.
FAQs
What is the AI virtual assistant developed by IBM for Penn State?
The intelligent, conversational AI virtual assistant helps Penn State students with academics, campus life, and student services by providing resources, guidance, and real-time replies.
How will the AI assistant help Penn State students?
It will make it simpler for students to get vital support around-the-clock by helping them with scheduling, financial aid, course information, campus resources, and general questions.
How can students access the AI virtual assistant?
The assistant will be accessible to students via the Penn State mobile app, official website, and maybe integrated channels like chatbots and email.
What AI technology powers the virtual assistant?
IBM’s AI and natural language processing capabilities were used in the development of the assistant, which most likely makes use of IBM Watson to deliver thoughtful, context-aware replies.
