Coming the May, the University of St. Thomas is partnering with EdSights, a technology company that partners with colleges to more effectively communicate with students directly on the device they are most comfortable with: their phones!

“During this COVID19 era, clear and timely communication with our students becomes that much more important,” David Hao, associate vice president of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, said. “We know that email can be hit or miss, and this is a way to communicate directly with students via their phones. UST is pleased to partner with a great company like Ed Sights that aligns with our student-centered and values-driven culture.”

EdSights Offers NewsFeed, Chatbot

This technology will allow St. Thomas to deliver proactive communication, similar to newsfeed updates on your phone. Additionally, EdSights has an AI powered chatbot - think Siri for college - that can answer basic questions for students 24/7, as well as refer students to the right university personnel and other resources. The chatbot is also able to “speak” multiple languages.

“The aim of this technology is actually to increase two-way communication with students, as well as to drive interaction between students and university personnel,” Hao said.

This initiative, paired with our ongoing online Celt Success Coach initiative, is just another way University of St. Thomas is boldly supporting our community during this time.

"Ed Sights is separate but part of the greater support strategy UST is offering to students,” Hao said.