Meet Crisp!

CFANS Student Services is proud to introduce Crisp, a behaviorally smart SMS chatbot designed to connect directly with CFANS students — right on their phones. Since launching in March 2025, Crisp has already made a meaningful impact, with 88% of students opting in and 50% actively engaging. In just a few months, Crisp has exchanged 3,200+ messages with CFANS students, offering timely support and resources.

Crisp isn’t just a chatbot — it’s a new way to strengthen the CFANS experience. By checking in with students throughout the semester, answering questions tailored to CFANS life, and flagging Student Services staff when personal follow-up is needed, Crisp helps ensure students feel informed, supported, and connected.

CFANS partners on Crisp with EdSights, a higher education technology company that helps institutions better understand and support student needs through AI-powered tools. The platform uses AI to send supportive messages and connect students with campus resources they might need, helping them stay on track and feel connected.

Privacy is a top priority. EdSights handles student data with great care, using anonymized and aggregated information to identify trends and improve services. This means they focus on insights from student groups rather than individual data points, and no personally identifiable information is ever shared with third parties. Additionally, students are always in control and can opt out of the text message service at any time by simply replying with "STOP."

And yes — Crisp is adorable. Designed as a cartoon apple wearing a University of Minnesota sweater, Crisp is a nod to the U of M’s renowned apple breeding program, which has produced beloved varieties like Honeycrisp and First Kiss®. This playful character brings warmth and personality to student communications, making support feel more approachable and fun.

Crisp also played a key role in this year’s Student Voice Survey (SVS), conducted in partnership with EdSights. Thanks to student feedback collected via Crisp, CFANS scored above both the sector average (public 4-year institutions) and the overall industry average across all EdSights partners — a strong endorsement of the CFANS student experience.

Students shared heartfelt praise for CFANS, highlighting themes of community, quality education, and support:

• “Passionate and friendly professors, less people, better connections.”
• “Many opportunities. Faculty are good. I feel supported.”
• “The high quality of the education. The faculty, proximity to the amazing Bailey Hall and their wonderful residents! The CFANS experience is fantastic!”
• “The classes are good, the majors are excellent, there are tons of opportunities for research or other professional opportunities.”

These insights reinforce what makes CFANS special: a close-knit environment, dedicated faculty, and a commitment to student success. Crisp helps amplify these strengths by making it easier for students to access resources and share their experiences.

As we continue to grow and improve, Crisp will remain a key part of our student engagement strategy — helping us listen, respond, and support every CFANS student.

Questions about Crisp? Contact [email protected].

FAQ

How do I opt out of Crisp? 
Simply reply STOP at any time to opt out of receiving messages.

I opted out of Crisp, how do I opt back in?
If you still have the texts in your messaging app, you can simply reply HELLO to opt in again. If you no longer have the texts, email us at [email protected] from your UMN email account and we can add you back to the program

Do I have to respond to Crisp?
No. We will occasionally check in with you via Crisp. If you don't feel like responding, you don't need to do anything. If you ever have a question, you can send a text to Crisp. You don't need to wait for us to send you a text if you have any questions. Crisp is available 24/7 to help.

What can EdSights do with the information I send to Crisp?
Whether you are responding to a prompt from Crisp or you send a question to Crisp, your information will only be used for limited purposes. Crisp is a tool that lets CFANS provide you with information about resources and follow up to make sure that we are providing you with the support you need to succeed. EdSights can only use information about you if it is de-identified and aggregated. This means that EdSights can use data about CFANS students’ interactions with Crisp in general but not any information tied specifically to you. EdSights may also collect aggregated information about you through cookies and third-party analytics providers. For more information, see EdSights’ privacy policy.

What information is CFANS providing to EdSights?
In order for EdSights to provide Crisp services, CFANS will be providing EdSights with information including your name, phone number, student ID, and basic information to help us send specific messages (for example, your class level).

How can I delete information collected by Crisp?
If, at any time, you want to receive a copy of information collected by EdSights, correct information in EdSight’s possession, delete information collected by EdSights, or otherwise exercise your rights under certain privacy laws, please contact [email protected].