EdSights has named Athens State University to their inaugural “SVS Honors List,” ranking the University’s Student Voice Score in the top 20% of all participating 4-year public institutions. Coming in at #3, Athens State’s rank reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to listening and responding to what students need.
EdSights is a higher education technology company that helps colleges and universities better understand, engage with, and support their students. They use AI-powered text messaging and chatbots to regularly communicate with students, gather feedback about their experiences and challenges, and identify students who may need additional support. The platform can then help connect those students with appropriate campus resources and provide colleges with real-time insights into student sentiment and persistence.
The Student Voice Score (SVS) is an industry benchmark designed to measure student satisfaction and provide colleges and universities with actionable insights into the student experience. Through an annual campaign, students provide feedback about their experiences, allowing institutions to receive an overall satisfaction score, compare results with national and peer benchmarks, and analyze trends across student demographics. The platform also uses artificial intelligence to analyze students’ written feedback, helping institutions identify common themes, understand what students value most and where improvements may be needed, and track changes in student sentiment over time.
Athens State utilizes EdSights’ technology through its Hebrew the Bear Chatbot, an AI version of the University’s mascot that is focused on helping students succeed at Athens State. Hebrew will send new students an initial message via text on their first day to introduce himself, welcome them to campus, and offer his support throughout their academic journey. His goal is to proactively engage with students on a regular basis and answer questions, provide resources, connect them to campus, and help to address any challenges they may face.
“We are honored to be recognized by EdSights for our innovative approach to student engagement and success,” said Derrek Smith, Senior Director of Student Success and Career Development. “Since launching our texting chatbot in 2020, Hebrew the Bear has become much more than a communication tool—it has become an extension of our commitment to supporting students wherever they are. By creating a friendly, familiar connection through personalized and proactive outreach, the chatbot helps us engage students at critical moments, and ensure they feel supported throughout their academic journey.”
Smith continued, “Equally important, the platform gives us a powerful way to listen to our students. Whether we are assessing needs, gathering feedback, or developing new initiatives such as our Bear Bash event, students can share their perspectives in real time, and we can quickly respond to what they tell us. In many cases, the majority of responses arrive within just one to two hours, allowing us to make informed, student-centered decisions faster than ever before.
“At the heart of this recognition is our belief that student success begins with meaningful connection. By combining innovative technology with a deeply personal approach, we are able to strengthen communication, foster belonging, and ensure that every student—whether learning on campus, online, or somewhere in between—knows they are seen, heard, and supported.”
Read the full report at https://bit.ly/4wLehDv.