Ask Knightbot! Implementing an Ethical AI Chatbot at Scale for University of Central Florida Students

Program Abstract: Artificial Intelligence Chatbot solutions are becoming increasingly expected by our incoming students, but there are challenges to implementing this technology in an ethical and effective way. Join us in learning how the University of Central Florida, a HSI institution serving over 69,000 students and awarding 4,119 STEM baccalaureate degrees during 2022-2023, implemented an AI chatbot at scale using the Mainstay platform. We will discuss key design elements and lessons learned to ensure the technology is used in an effective manner for our students. We will also discuss how ethical challenges addressed, including topics such as mandatory reporting. Engagement data will be provided to demonstrate effectiveness, and next steps will be discussed, including how, as part of a Postsecondary Student Success Grant from the DoE, UCF is bringing the chatbot into a gateway math course to improve academic outcomes, students sense of belonging, and retention in the STEM fields.