Furman University Partners with Wayhaven to Improve Student Well-Being

Wayhaven is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Furman University bringing an AI Well-Being Coach to Furman students, anytime, anywhere. This offering aims to enhance student well-being and belongingness by providing an always-available resource for emotional support, stress management, and Furman specific guidance.

Paladin (AI), the always-available AI Well-Being Coach for Furman students, is designed to offer a confidential and non-judgmental space to get connected to campus resources or discuss challenges and concerns. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence technology, trained on Furman’s resources, student clubs and organizations, and upcoming events, Paladin(AI) will provide students personalized recommendations, information, and coping strategies. Jason Cassidy, Dean of Students at Furman, said, “Wayhaven AI will provide our campus community with an innovative tool that will bolster student connections and belonging through individualized access to information, programs and support resources. We are excited about the possibilities ahead.” Sarah Gonzales, a rising Senior student at Furman, has also been a key part of the implementation team. She shared, "I am so excited for my community to get to know Wayhaven this school year and can't wait to see our vision come to life."

Key benefits of the AI Wellness Coach include:

• Always available: Students can access support anytime, day or night.
• Confidential: All interactions are private and secure, with exceptions for conversations that might suggest harm to oneself or others.
• Personalized support: The well-being coach can tailor recommendations based on individual needs.
• Reduced stigma: AI can help to reduce the stigma often associated with seeking help.

While Paladin(AI) by Wayhaven is a valuable tool, it is important to emphasize that it is not a replacement for human counseling. Furman University continues to offer a comprehensive range of mental health services provided by trained professionals. The AI coach is intended to complement these services by providing additional well-being support and resources. Furman’s Director of the Trone Center for Mental Fitness, Dr. Allyson Brathwaite-Gardner, said, “Employing cutting edge technology to facilitate and strengthen social connections on our campus has been an incredible journey so far. Christine and her team of talented technologists have been amazing partners.”  

This partnership marks a significant step forward in Furman University's commitment to student well-being. By embracing customized AI technology, the university is empowering students to take charge of their wellness! 

‍