How VCCS Rolled Out One AI Chatbot Federated to 23 Colleges and Integrated to GPT

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 10:15AM–11:00AM CT | Poster #205, Halls F1, F2, Level 3
Session Type: Poster Session
Delivery Format: Poster Session
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) implemented an enterprise AI platform to automate student support across 23 schools. The federated model allowed each school autonomy with their own bot while leveraging system-wide innovation. The bot provides more than just Q&A—it includes access to student records, live agent transfers, and personalized attribute-based answers. The latest release incorporates OpenAI's GPT model to enhance answer quality and increase automation. The presentation will highlight the implementation journey, including challenges, successes, and technology deployment with change management.

Presenters

  • Andrew Bediz

    Practice Lead AI & UX, Gideon Taylor

  • Jennifer Perkinson

    Coordinator of Virtual Student Support, Tidewater Community College

  • Nicole Stewart

    Assistant Vice-Chancellor - System Office ITS, Virginia Community College System

  • Holly Whistler

    Coordinator, Course Development and Online Programs, Virginia Community College System

Resources & Downloads

  • PDF of VCCS 23 College Chatbot Model

    Updated on 6/14/2026