Today’s students expect seamless, personalized interactions that fit their digital-first lifestyles. They don’t want to wait on hold or deal with outdated call centers. Instead, they want to connect instantly with AI-powered agents that understand their needs and offer real solutions in real time.

Colleges and universities can now offer prospective and enrolled students the option of connecting by voice to one of the limitless Bolt AI Assistants available in our Engage CRM. Unlike call centers, there are no caps on how many calls our AI assistants can handle at one time. And they’re at-the-ready 24/7.

The new functionality is called Advanced Voice Mode. It leverages significant improvements in artificial intelligence that make Alexa and Siri feel last-century. Engaging with an AI assistant in voice mode is like having a natural, smooth-flowing conversation with a human. Schools can even customize the tone and personality of their AI assistants.

These advanced assistants (part of the new era of agentic AI) can complete tasks, too. For example, if an admitted student calls about their financial aid, the AI Financial Aid Advisor might enroll them in a webinar about managing money as a freshman.

As we expand what our Bolt AI Assistants can do, schools will be able to use them to proactively reach out to students as part of messaging campaigns — everything from deadline reminders to academic check-ins.

The Growing Demand for Convenient, Personalized Conversations

According to a YouGov poll of 1,000 adults, 62% of Americans say they have sent a voice message instead of a text. Younger people are using voice messaging even more, with some 43% of 18- to 29-year-olds who responded to the survey saying that they use the feature at least weekly. And WhatsApp said last year that over 7 billion voice messages are sent on the app every day.

While YouGov’s poll and WhatsApp’s figures are focused on voice messages rather than real-time, synchronous communication, the shift in behavior, according to a Vox analysis:

“Suggests that people — especially young people — are taking more ownership of their daily communication habits. They’re not just defaulting to texts, calls, or video chats, but instead experimenting with new ways to interact that feel more natural to them.”

“I use voice messages every single day,” Kennedy Dierks, a 21-year-old student at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, told Vox. “I find it to be a lot more personal than a text.”

Convenience is another attractive feature of voice interactions. There’s no stopping to text if a student is on the go, and they can express themselves more easily just speaking.

Accessibility is also enhanced with voice enabled AI assistants. Students with disabilities, including visual impairments, as well as those with temporary injuries that make typing challenging, aren’t hindered by screens and keyboards. They simply call their school’s dedicated AI assistant and ask their question.

Limitless, High Quality 1:1 Communication with AI Agents

Colleges and universities face the daunting task of balancing high-quality student interactions with the practical limitations of time and resources. Internal staff and outsourced call centers alike simply can’t respond to as many students as a school would like. The physical demands (being constantly available, for example) and costs are prohibitive.

Advanced Voice Mode eliminates these barriers by enabling the AI agent to handle inquiries. It’s the next milestone in providing schools with AI-first solutions that immediately boost productivity and maximize existing resources.

Voice-mode enabled AI assistants also offer a more empathetic experience. The personalized interactions they offer, for example, create a sense of recognition and value for each student, fostering stronger connections. Additionally, voice enabled AI agents reduce language barriers, helping non-native English speakers feel more comfortable seeking guidance and minimizing stress associated with writing in English.

Powerful Features for a Range of Student Engagement Uses

Advanced Voice Mode empowers our Bolt AI Assistants to support a wide of higher ed scenarios. Here are some common examples:

Admissions
A prospective student’s grandparent, who is helping their grandchild apply to college, prefers talking to someone over searching online or sending emails. They interact with the AI Admissions Advisor, ask about programs and deadlines, and immediately receive detailed answers.

Student Success
A commuter student struggling to balance work and studies initiates a voice interaction with their assistant while driving. The AI Academic Coach helps them schedule tutoring sessions and provides advice on time management.

Financial Aid
A student recovering from a broken hand calls a financial aid hotline to clarify their loan repayment options. The AI Financial Aid Advisor offers step-by-step guidance, removing the need for typing or browsing complex documents.

Advancement
Alumni attending a reunion receive a call from an AI Alumni Advisor asking for feedback on the event and informing them about upcoming initiatives. The conversation feels personal and engaging.

Scalability Meets Efficiency

For institutions, Advanced Voice Mode for Bolt AI Assistants provides practical benefits to their operations. Automating routine inquiries helps reduce the workload on staff, freeing them to address more complex or sensitive matters. This shift not only streamlines activities but also improves how resources are used.

Why Advanced Voice Mode is Essential Now

Advanced Voice Mode equips our Bolt AI Assistants to meet the expectations of a generation accustomed to immediate attention and allows institutions to stay competitive by offering a student-led way to connect. Additionally, as the Vox report points out, students appreciate having options when it comes to how they communicate. Advanced Voice Mode adds another channel that makes it easier to build meaningful connections with students of all ages.

Conclusion: The Future is Calling

Advanced Voice Mode by Element451 empowers Bolt AI Assistants to transform student engagement and operational efficiency. By adopting this cutting-edge technology, institutions can pave the way for a more connected and responsive educational environment.

Are you ready to revolutionize your student engagement and propel your institution into the future?

Contact us to discover how Advanced Voice Mode can be integrated into your communication strategy today.