As universities endeavor to cultivate inclusive cultures, they encounter the formidable task of effectively engaging and empowering stealth students while combatting the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). However, AI offers a promising solution to identify and stealth students. Stealth students operate discreetly within university systems. They learn about the university, apply for admission, and enroll in classes without seeking attention or assistance. In addition, these stealth students blend into their academic environments. They avoid campus interactions and remain “invisible” within the higher education landscape. These stealth students also pose a significant challenge for universities as they often fly under the radar and are less likely to use support services. As a result, stealth students can possibly lower retention and graduation rates.

Universities and colleges need to leverage technology such as AI to provide a more robust and compelling student support system. Yet, AI should not be viewed merely as a remedy but as a collaborative partner for universities. After all, human connection is still highly desired, despite the advancements of technology. Therefore, institutions must harness the capabilities of AI in tandem with empathy to create a student-centric environment that can reach mature outcomes.

Identifying Stealth Students through Artificial Intelligence

The initial phase involves pinpointing these stealth students concealed on-campus. For example, universities need to access extensive historical datasets through their CRMs and learning management systems. By leveraging these datasets, AI algorithms can meticulously analyze vast amounts of information. By doing so, AI can effectively identify stealth students who may require additional support.

Reaching Out to Stealth Students through Artificial Intelligence

After identifying stealth students, universities can initiate personalized outreach campaigns and offer tailored recommendations to support them. Here’s an example message:

“Hi Shaun! We’ve noticed your stellar performance in history quizzes, but we understand that math might be posing a challenge. How about exploring our Math Mentorship Program? We’ve designed it with strategies to suit your needs, including practice quizzes and personalized feedback to tackle those tricky math problems. Your privacy is paramount to us, so rest assured, everything is strictly confidential. Give it a try! Remember, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.”

Then, integrate this outreach campaign with data collection processes to track engagement metrics, such as email open rates, the number of students reaching out after opening the email, and the subsequent participation in support services. Analyzing this data can unveil trends and insights to refine and enhance future outreach campaigns.

Providing Empathy to Stealth Students Every Step of the Way

Identifying and reaching out to stealth students through AI marks only the beginning; the crucial next step is to support them throughout their academic journey. While universities often focus on creating first-year experiences, it’s imperative to recognize that students require ongoing support. Challenges encountered by freshmen are likely to persist through their sophomore, junior, and senior years. Therefore, universities must leverage AI to establish a comprehensive support system. This system must consistently assist and empower students throughout the student lifecycle.

However, amidst the technological advancements, it’s vital not to overlook the significance of human connection in supporting stealth students. While AI serves as a valuable tool in outreach and assistance, nothing can replace the empathy and understanding offered by human interaction. Therefore, universities should blend the efficiency of AI with the warmth of genuine human engagement. This personal touch can be experienced with virtual counseling sessions to peer mentoring programs.

Embracing the Synergy of Artificial Intelligence and Empathy

As we navigate through the complex and challenging landscape of higher education, it’s evident that AI will increasingly become a linchpin in reaching and supporting stealth students. Through predictive analytics, we can ensure that every student receives the assistance they need, leaving no one behind. However, let’s remember that beyond each line of code and algorithm lies a genuine student with aspirations, challenges, and dreams. It’s imperative to merge the efficacy of AI with the human touch that defines the transformative essence of higher education.

Ultimately, our goal extends beyond merely reaching stealth students – it’s about empowering them to flourish and thrive on their academic journey. With AI and empathy as our ally, we can turn this vision into a tangible reality for every student, fostering meaningful digital interactions one step at a time. By creating a supportive environment that values each student’s unique journey and needs, we can ensure that every stealth scholar feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

If you are ready to create a strategy to leverage artificial intelligence to serve stealth students, contact. Dr. Theresa Billiot or connect with her on LinkedIn.