Chatbot for Academic Advising: Case Study at Saudi Electronic University

Abstract

Student support solutions in higher education are evolving, with an increasing focus on making services more accessible and providing individual assistance. Chatbots are emerging as powerful tools for academic advisors in this environment. This study centers on the design and refinement of a chatbot specifically customized for the requirements of students in higher education. By conducting an extensive analysis of the current literature on chatbot applications in academic environments, the aim of this study is to develop a framework for an academic advising chatbot. We (A) analyze the problems and needs of chatbot applications for students attending the computing and informatics college, Saudi Electronic University (SEU), by conducting surveys and gathering feedback from students and academic advisors, and (B) propose a design for an academic advisor chatbot specifically tailored to meet the academic guidance needs of SEU students. By actively involving key stakeholders, we identify critical areas where chatbots can enhance academic advising, bridging the gaps in current methods. Then, a chatbot for academic advising is implemented and evaluated using metrics such as student satisfaction, advisor workload reduction, and chatbot accuracy. The results demonstrate the chatbot's effectiveness in providing timely and relevant academic guidance, highlighting its potential to enhance the advising process and improve overall student engagement. The chatbot's functionalities include assisting with course selection, academic planning, study skills support, and optimizing the use of university resources.