{"id":202746,"date":"2024-08-27T16:10:21","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T02:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=202746"},"modified":"2025-03-17T08:32:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T18:32:48","slug":"bow-rainbow-warrior-chatbot-expands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/08\/27\/bow-rainbow-warrior-chatbot-expands\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa chatbot improves, expands to better support undergrads"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
\"phone
‘Bow is a resource students can contact and utilize via text message.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“New phone, who dis?”<\/p>\n

It\u2019s ‘Bow, the artificial intelligence (AI<\/abbr>) Rainbow Warrior chatbot buddy, reaching out to undergraduate students at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa from his new number! At the start of the fall 2024 semester, ‘Bow (short for Rainbow) contacted undergraduate students via Short Message Service (SMS<\/abbr>) (better known as texting) and offered his support and services, informing them that he is a resource they can utilize anywhere, any time, 24\/7.<\/p>\n

All undergraduate students received an introductory text from ‘Bow at the start of the semester. Those who have not yet received a text from ‘Bow can contact vpss@hawaii.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

‘Bow is an initiative under Division of Student Success<\/a> (DSS<\/abbr>) and was first introduced to undergraduate students in fall 2023<\/a>. Students can exchange text messages with ‘Bow and ask any UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa related questions.<\/p>\n

“Because ‘Bow is just a text message away, asking him questions when I\u2019m busy or on the go is extremely convenient. I enjoy interacting with him and see him as a personal helper whenever I need one,” said McKenzie Kurosu, a senior majoring in communications. “Students from every year can benefit from him! I feel supported by ‘Bow.”<\/p>\n

Last academic year, DSS<\/abbr> reported that ‘Bow received more than 100,000 messages, ranging from academic advising, to finding more about athletic events, to resources for mental health support. This led to more than 7,600 actions taken where ‘Bow proactively identified challenges and connected students to UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa resources.<\/p>\n

“DSS<\/abbr> wanted a way to support students in their academic journeys in a fast, efficient and friendly way, and ‘Bow was the perfect tool to implement for undergraduates,” said Interim Vice Provost for Student Success Katrina-Ann R. Kapāʻanaokalāokeola<\/span> Oliveira. “During the first year ‘Bow was introduced, we saw how he generated a positive response from students and had a major impact on how they navigated their student experience. We hope to see this trend continue for years to come.”<\/p>\n