An AI tool called Smart Plan will soon be in the first phase of its implementation on October 27. It is designed to assist students in selecting which classes to take.
Purdue University Fort Wayne has implemented a new tool called the Smart Plan. It is an AI powered tool designed to help students eliminate a lot of the guesswork involved in choosing classes when weighing budgetary concerns and requisite classes.
The early registration window for Smart Plan is set to open on October 27 for students participating in the spring and summer plans as long as they are part of 17 degree programs. The AI tool is designed to make the experience of creating a personalized education plan simple for the student’s degree goals. Smart Plan is designed to be able to alert students to changes or conflicts with their degree or class schedule that may make it more expensive, or take longer to attain their degree. Nearly 800 students are eligible to use the new tool during the first phase of what is expected to be a multiyear start up.
In an article posted on Purdue University Fort Wayne’s website, Irah Modry-Caron, who serves as the executive director of institutional research and information management was quoted as saying about Smart Plan, “As one of Purdue Fort Wayne’s key initiatives to support student success, Smart Plan helps advisors and students focus on what matters most – each student’s success. A primary reason for its introduction is that it offers tools to help more students achieve their educational goals, whether earning a certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees, or even the addition of a new minor.”
The university also made sure to include a human element in this program, even as the new technology provides a lot of automated advantages. Director of advising and student academic success James McHann was quoted on this subject as saying, “Smart Plan will enable students and advisors to partner together to consider many complex variables over a span of several years. Anytime adjustments are needed due to changes in students’ life or work situations, or in curricular requirements or course offerings, this effective tool will help all involved quickly make changes in the plan. These capabilities will free up advisors’ time and energy from the more clerical aspects of their jobs so they can focus on coaching and mentoring students in more high-value ways.”
Smart Plan was developed by a company called Ellucian, which noted that one of its biggest benefits is a “what if” feature. The feature will allow students to be able to quickly see the impact of certain class choices they may make. They will be able to see the impact of what classes they take and when on their schedule, but also on the cost of their tuition.
Christa Van De Weg serves as a student information systems business analyst, and spoke about the ways students might benefit from the tool, saying, “Students will be excited to see how Smart Plan enhances their unique paths to graduation through real-time exercises that reflect their preferences. This technology helps the user adjust over the course of multiple semesters factors such as external employment, program requisites, and our recommended sequencing. We’re looking forward to having each new group gain access over the next few years until this is part of every PFW student’s experience from the moment they decide to come here.”
More information about the first group of programs at Purdue University Fort Wayne that will be able to use Smart Plan, such as frequently asked questions, can be found on its webpage.
A deeper dive into the tool can be found here, which is a slide show about a student named Ava who attends a fictional school called Evermont. Another informational video called Smart Plan: The AI-Powered Path to Graduation! is available to be watched on YouTube.
Purdue University Fort Wayne students have been encouraged to contact their human academic advisors on go.pfw.edu, where they can book an appointment through Navigate. Students can also contact Student Information Support Services by email through success@pfw.edu for more information.
Further information can be found by contacting Geoff Thomas at geoff.thomas@pfw.edu by email, or by phone at 260-437-6657.
More general information about Purdue University Fort Wayne can be found at the school’s website here.