Meet Crisp: The CFANS connection that’s just a text away

College life is a whirlwind of deadlines, campus events, and new responsibilities. As we kick off the spring semester this January 20, students at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) have a powerful ally in their pocket. Since its launch last spring, Crisp—our behaviorally smart SMS chatbot—has become an essential link for our students, providing immediate assistance and a sense of belonging right from their smartphones.

Support at your fingertips

Crisp was designed with a simple goal: meet students where they are. While traditional emails often sit unread in crowded inboxes, Crisp uses text messaging to proactively check in. This shift reflects a national trend toward high-touch, digital-first student support. Whether a student is navigating a new class schedule on the first day of the spring term or needs a quick link to academic advising before a big deadline, Crisp is available 24/7 to provide answers and interventions.

The impact since the initial launch in March 2025 has been remarkable. Over the past 10 months, Crisp has received more than 5,400 texts from CFANS students. Currently, 87 percent of our students are opted in, with 59 percent actively engaging with Crisp to navigate their CFANS experience. From housing and dining to campus safety and billing, Crisp acts as a digital concierge that ensures no question goes unanswered.

A voice for students, a resource for success

What makes Crisp "smart" isn’t just its ability to provide facts; it’s its ability to capture the student voice. By using an evidence-based retention framework, Crisp helps the college identify where students might need extra help before a small hurdle becomes a major obstacle. This allows CFANS to provide targeted support and promote overall well-being throughout the academic year.

Students have embraced the tool with a level of warmth and humor that reflects a true sense of connection. Responses like “wow that’s so awesome you da goat Crisp,” and “I appreciate you,” show that this isn't just an automated service—it’s a trusted part of the CFANS community. Crisp helps students build independence by giving them the tools to solve problems on their own, while ensuring that critical resources for public safety and mental health are always a few taps away.

Privacy and peace of mind

We understand that with increased digital connection comes the need for increased security. We want to remind both students and parents that all information shared with Crisp is protected. Data privacy is a top priority, ensuring that students can be honest about their needs and questions in a secure, confidential environment.

As we move into this new semester, we encourage all CFANS students to keep texting. Whether you need help with a complex financial aid question or want to find a new club to join this spring, Crisp is here to help you thrive.

Questions about Crisp? Contact [email protected].