VCCS Initiates New AI Chatbot for all 23 Schools

VCCS has initiated a new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. Developed by IntraSee, the chatbot is being rolled out to all the Virginia Community College System colleges. 

NOVA plans to launch the new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot within the next several weeks. It will be easily accessible through the NOVA website and will replace the current Ace chatbot. Stakeholders from across the College worked diligently to build the IntraSee chatbot’s database of answers to approximately 800 frequently asked questions. As with other AI technologies, the chatbot’s response time and knowledgebase will continue to improve the more it is used.  

Eventually, once the IntraSee chatbot is fully embedded in the Student Information System (SIS) in the next phase, it will be able to answer student-specific questions by accessing SIS data. Such capabilities will truly be a game-changer, as it will provide students with a convenient way to receive 24/7 support whenever they log in to SIS.  

If students would like to speak with a live person, or in those instances when the IntraSee chatbot is unable to answer a question, students will be referred by the chatbot to NOVA’s Call Center, Virtual Advising, the Financial Aid/Student Accounts Support Center or NOVA Workforce. Live chat functionality and the other methods of communicating with those entities will remain unchanged. The chatbot will provide a link to designated areas on NOVA’s website where students can find the contact information for reaching live support.

The implementation of this technology provides an alternate, cost-efficient and innovative mode of support to the NOVA community, particularly students, thereby helping to close the equity gaps identified in the VCCS’ Opportunity 2027 Strategic Plan.

Submitted by:
Dr. Deborah Wyne, Interim AVP of Enrollment Mgt, DWyne@nvcc.edu