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�鶹��ýAI Chatbots drive early intervention, surpass 100,000 student messages

The chatbots of the �鶹��ýcampuses

The University of Hawaiʻi is taking its AI chatbot strategy a step further, with students sending more than 100,000 messages since the start of the academic year—data that is now being used to identify when students may need help, often before they ask for it.

New data from the first quarter of 2026 report shows the scale of that impact. Since the beginning of the academic year, 51% of �鶹��ýstudents engaged with their chatbot, sending more than 100,000 text messages, approximately an additional 30,000 messages since last recorded in December 2025. 

Additionally, since August 2025, �鶹��ýMānoa saw some of the highest number of text exchanges with more than 32,000 student messages received by their chatbot ‘Bow, while �鶹��ýWest Oʻahu’s Pueo and Honolulu Community College’s Niu saw the highest student engagement with 61% and 60% respectively. 

Early signals, faster support

Those interactions are doing more than providing quick answers. Since January 2026, more than 3,000 automatic interventions were completed, connecting students with specific and targeted resources, while 1,924 students were flagged for a staff follow-up. More than 1,900 student questions were answered without direct human interaction.

“This technology is helping us shift from reactive to proactive support,” said Kim Siegenthaler, senior advisor to the �鶹��ýpresident. “By listening to students in real time, we’re creating a more responsive system that provides students the support they need to succeed.”

The Q1 data also underscores the system’s efficiency. The AI chatbots handled thousands of routine questions independently, saving staff 165 hours while still delivering immediate responses to students. 

Understanding the student experience 

Beyond individual interactions, �鶹��ýis using chatbot data to track broader trends. The report highlights areas of attention and potential stressors through regular temperature checks. These insights are helping campuses adjust outreach strategies and better align resources with student needs systemwide.

At the start of the semester, 47% of �鶹��ýcommunity college students said they feel good about the term and 33% said they feel nervous or overwhelmed, while 39% �鶹��ýfour-year college students said they feel good about the semester and 33% said they feel nervous or overwhelmed. 

40% of four-year and community college students said they need the most support in academics, followed by finances, wellness and engagement. 

These interactions are part of a growing data-driven system designed to make sure that no student slips through the cracks, ensuring a proactive approach to student support.