myUMBC Answers: AI-Powered Search Bar Updates
Providing answers that are unique to you!
In early February, the myUMBC team launched my UMBC Answers, an AI-driven search bar to improve experiences for students, faculty, and staff while ensuring security and privacy. Now, all campus members have been enrolled in this new feature! It helps provide fast, accurate answers to common student questions. The common questions focus on the student experience, but future updates will incorporate resources for faculty and staff. There is an option to opt out if users prefer.
Interactive Feedback Loop:A sophisticated mechanism allows users to contribute qualitative assessments of answer accuracy. University technology architect Collier Jones emphasizes a critical advisory: "While our AI system provides remarkable support, it is not infallible. Students must exercise due diligence by independently verifying critical information."
Privacy and Security: The system has been meticulously designed with privacy protocols, ensuring the protection of sensitive student information throughout every interaction.
What can it do?
The platform empowers students by providing rapid, secure access to essential personal information, including:
Academic performance records
Financial billing statements
Retriever Card balance details
Additional Resources
Privacy Information: https://privacy.umbc.edu/myumbc-data/
System Overview: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doit/posts/147188
The AI-powered answers system exemplifies UMBC's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance student support and institutional efficiency.
The following images show some examples of questions that MyUMBC’s Answers:
Image: A search bar with the question “What’s the last day of classes?” and underneath the question shows a toggle bar with myUMBC Answers “ON” and a disclaimer “Answers aren’t always accurate, double-check anything important.” The answer to the question is displayed as “May 13, 2025 is the last day of classes for the Spring 2025 semester.” Users can click to indicate if the answer provided was helpful.
Image: A search bar with the question “Who is my advisor?” and underneath the question shows a toggle bar with myUMBC Answers “ON” and a disclaimer “Answers aren’t always accurate, double-check anything important.” The answer to the questions is displayed as “Your academic advisor for Psychology - BS is Tasneem Khambaty. You can contact them at khambaty@umbc.edu” Users can click to indicate if the answer provided was helpful.
If you have any questions or comments, let us know here.
Posted: April 18, 2025, 1:53 PM
