Answer U has officially launched at the J. Willard Marriott Library to help students navigate university processes and connect with specialized resources. The service was designed to provide a starting point for students who may not know which university office handles specific questions.
The initiative grew from a broader university effort to simplify the student experience. According to a 2024 assessment by the National Institute for Student Success, navigating university processes can act as a barrier to academic progress. Sarah Shreeves, Alice Sheets Marriott Dean of Libraries, stated that making it easier to find help at the right time is a student success issue.
During summer orientation, the team responded to approximately 840 questions. During the first week of the fall semester, Answer U supported approximately 300 additional student contacts through in-person service points, electronic messages, and UBot interactions. These inquiries covered more than a dozen functions, including academic advising, registration, financial aid, housing, dining, and well-being.
To build the service, the Marriott Library team worked with an advisory group including representatives from academic advising, admissions, student affairs, and campus wellness. This collaboration helped establish referral pathways and procedures to clarify the roles of different university offices.
Answer U generalists aim to move students toward solutions by listening to their needs and identifying next steps. April Ollivier, an Answer U generalist, noted that the goal is to help students build the confidence to navigate university systems independently.
The service aims to reduce student stress and remove barriers to academic progress. While it is too early to measure the long-term effect on student success, the team plans to continue using student interactions to strengthen connections across campus.
