Transforming First-Gen Success at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa serves a diverse student body, including a significant population of first-gen students. Historically, UH Mānoa faced challenges in identifying and supporting first-gen students due to the complexities of defining this group, particularly among students with international or immigrant backgrounds. Traditional outreach methods often fell short, leaving gaps in understanding their unique needs and providing timely interventions. 

Challenges Before ‘Bow

• Limited Identification: The complexity around defining first-gen students, particularly those with international or "1.5 generation" immigrant backgrounds, created barriers to effective outreach. Many students remained unidentified and unsupported, making it challenging to address their specific needs.
• Gaps in Engagement: Without precise data, UH Mānoa's efforts to connect with first-gen students were less impactful, resulting in lower participation in university events and a lower sense of belonging among these students.

Introducing ‘Bow

In October 2023, the University of Hawaii at Mānoa launched 'Bow, an AI-powered chatbot developed in partnership with EdSights, to transform student support across campus. 'Bow engages proactively with students, offering personalized outreach and 24/7 assistance tailored to their unique needs—from confirming which students identify as first-gen to providing immediate support during crises like the Maui fires. By connecting students to the right resources before they even seek help, 'Bow has redefined UH Mānoa's approach to student success, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported when they need it most.

Life with 'Bow

Following the implementation of 'Bow, UH Mānoa now accurately identifies and engages first-gen students, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.

• Targeted Outreach and Engagement: Bow enabled UH Mānoa to refine its definition of first-gen students through targeted check-ins, helping identify those who might have been overlooked. This approach led to increased participation in first-gen events, such as celebrations, and allowed for more effective, tailored support for this group.
• Immediate Intervention and Support: 'Bow proactively identified first-gen students struggling academically or financially and immediately connected them to critical resources such as academic advisors, financial aid, and career services. This allowed UH Mānoa to intervene with these students much earlier than they would have if they had relied on traditional, lagging alerts. 

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Moving Forward with ‘Bow

Student satisfaction has been high, with over 80% of students expressing that they enjoy texting 'Bow, while the real-time data provided by EdSights has empowered UH Mānoa staff to prioritize their efforts on the most critical areas of student need. Moving forward, UH Mānoa plans to continue leveraging 'Bow to support its diverse student body, with a particular emphasis on refining support strategies for nontraditional students. Through Bow accessing real-time feedback from 66% of their student population, the university has the data it needs to confidently invest in resources and staffing focused in areas where students face the greatest challenges.

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"Using EdSights has been a game-changer for us. It allows us to create personalized, meaningful connections with students—especially those juggling multiple responsibilities. The real-time data we get from 'Bow helps us see beyond the surface and understand the true needs of our students. It's like having an extra staff member dedicated to student success, helping us be more responsive and effective in our support."

-Wiliama Sanchez, Student Success Operations Manager

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