“Cornelius” is a new AI-powered chatbot for UNL’s undergraduate students. Grant-funded for three years, the chatbot proactively conducts outreach to students, offers 24/7 assistance, and will support student retention and degree completion.
The chatbot conducts regular outreach to students across four categories: academic, financial, belonging, and well-being. Cornelius will contact students roughly every 10 days to keep them informed of resources and help them stay connected on campus.
The chatbot is a collaborative initiative between Undergraduate Education and Student Success and the Division of Student Life. All degree-seeking undergraduate students will have access to Cornelius. Students are encouraged to save the chatbot number in their phone, respond to its check-ins, and text it when they have UNL-related questions.
Laura Britten, Academic Navigator for the Explore Center, is coordinating student outreach coming from the chatbot. Laura and the AN team will facilitate follow-ups to students or coordinate with the appropriate campus partners to ensure students receive the necessary support and resources.
Cornelius will send its first message to students on Monday, November 3, 2025, inviting them to use the chatbot. A series of events and giveaways will be held across campus November 3 – 7 to promote the chatbot.
Read more about the new chatbot here: https://studentlife.unl.edu/meet-cornelius/
Note from Dr. Lacey: Yes, you can opt out. Please go the above website and read through the FAQs for more information.