What is the difference between the Ask Waldo chatbot and the Ask Waldo textbot?

The Ask Waldo chatbot is on the bottom right-hand corner of Weber State University's webpages and can be interacted with simply by clicking the purple “Questions?” button. It provides answers to questions and can connect you with the correct area of campus for more complex inquiries.

Ask Waldo text messages are sent to students one to two times a week with deadlines, services encouraging retention, campus-wide event information and just to check-in. This is an opt-out service for Weber State students. Just like the chatbot, Waldo can answer questions texted to him using the same knowledge system.

What about privacy?

Due to privacy laws, such as FERPA, there is some information we cannot communicate to you via text message. If you engage in a text message conversation about a sensitive topic, you may be asked to check your email or call a phone number for a one-on-one conversation. 

Does this cost anything?

Standard text messaging charges may apply based on your provider service plan or contract. Contact your carrier for details.

What if I want to add or update something in the knowledge base? 

If you have specific questions that you know your area gets or are aware of knowledge that you would like to update in the knowledge base, please fill out the form.

What if the knowledge base does not have an answer to a question?

If Waldo receives a text or chat question that he does not know how to answer, he gives the user an option to escalate to a human. That question is then flagged and the Ask Waldo team directs that email to the correct area (generally admins in colleges/departments). 

Can my department use Ask Waldo's text feature to reach students?

Waldo can text students, but in order to be considered for any messaging, Weber State employees need to fill out the text request form.

• Ask Waldo Text Request Guidelines

If someone opts out, will they still get Code Purple messages?

Yes. This initiative is separate from Weber State's Code Purple emergency messaging service.

What if a student texts or adds something in the chatbot around suicidality or violence? 

There are auto-escalating procedures in place if certain language is used in a text to Waldo or chatbot.

More questions?

For more information about this initiative, you can also email askwaldo@weber.edu.