Using Artificial Intelligence with Human Intelligence for Student Success

A large public research university figured out how to tap the power of artificial intelligence and human intelligence to produce impressive gains in student success. Over the past ten years, the University of South Florida (USF) has experienced dramatic improvement in student success, as measured by the first-year persistence rate, the four-year graduation rate, and the six-year graduation rate. Each of those metrics has improved substantially. To promote persistence and completion, the university implemented a wide array of programs, practices, and policies based on a campus Student Success Task Force Report released in April 2010. These initiatives included many of the standard student success initiatives in place at many other colleges and universities, including living learning communities, the professionalization of academic advising, gradual increases in admissions requirements, course redesigns, expansion of on-campus housing, and promotion of student engagement.