Key Takeaways
- Ben‑Gurion University of the Negev launched ASK POLA, an AI‑driven admissions advisor named after Paula Ben‑Gurion, the wife of Israel’s first prime minister.
- The tool provides 24/7 instant guidance on degree programs, admission requirements, documentation, scholarships, housing, and combined‑degree options, using large‑language‑model technology linked to university data.
- When a query requires human expertise, the platform seamlessly routes the prospective student to the appropriate admissions advisor.
- ASK POLA is part of a broader AI strategy at the university, which includes a new B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence, the Stein Faculty of Computer Science, and an AI Institute for executive education.
- University leaders describe AI as a mindset that “the way a university operates as a cultural shift: “artificial intelligence is not merely a tool; it is a mindset that is reshaping the way a university operates.”
Overview of ASK POLA
Ben‑Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) unveiled ASK POLA, an artificial‑intelligence advisor designed to assist prospective undergraduate students from the moment they ask, “What should I study?” The system is named after Paula Ben‑Gurion, spouse of Israel’s founding prime minister David Ben‑Gurion, reflecting both a tribute to her advisory role and the acronym Personal Online Learning Advisor. According to Roni Bahat, Vice President for Marketing and Digital, the project emerged from the recognition that the applicant experience is a core component of the university’s brand. “In a world where prospective students expect immediate, accurate, and accessible answers, our goal is to reduce friction throughout the applicant journey and create an advanced customer experience that combines intelligent technology with the personal guidance of our admissions advisors,” Bahat explained.
How the AI Advisor Works
Powered by advanced large language models (LLMs), ASK POLA can interpret a wide range of applicant queries in real time. It helps users identify degree programs that align with their interests and career goals, and it supplies detailed information on admission prerequisites, required documentation, scholarship opportunities, student housing, and combined‑degree pathways. Importantly, the platform is directly connected to BGU’s internal systems, allowing it to pull up‑to‑date data on course availability, deadlines, and procedural changes. As Alon Strasman, Head of Digital in the Computing and Cyber Division, stressed, “This project was built with a commitment to accuracy, reliability, and high‑quality data. Our goal is to provide prospective students with trustworthy information drawn from official university sources, while delivering it in natural, conversational language.”
Document Analysis and Escalation
Beyond answering general questions, ASK POLA can interpret and analyze applicant documents, such as matriculation certificates, to verify eligibility and suggest next steps. When a question exceeds the AI’s scope—perhaps involving nuanced personal circumstances or complex policy interpretation—the system seamlessly directs the prospective student to the appropriate university representative. This hybrid model ensures that users receive the speed and convenience of automation while retaining access to human expertise when needed.
Current Scope and Future Expansion
At launch, ASK POLA focuses exclusively on undergraduate admissions. The university has articulated plans to broaden its capabilities in subsequent phases, potentially encompassing graduate programs, international student services, and alumni relations. This staged rollout mirrors BGU’s wider investment in AI infrastructure, which includes the recent inauguration of a B.Sc. program in Artificial Intelligence, the establishment of the Stein Faculty of Computer Science and Information Systems, and the creation of an AI Institute for executive education. Together, these initiatives signal that artificial intelligence is becoming an integral facet of the university’s operational fabric.
Leadership Perspectives on AI Integration
University executives frame the deployment of ASK POLA as more than a technological upgrade; it represents a cultural shift. Tal Ben‑Haim, CEO of Ben‑Gurion University of the Negev, declared, “For us, artificial intelligence is not merely a tool; it is a mindset that is reshaping the way a university operates. From marketing and student recruitment to student services and internal operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, implementing innovation that creates real value for prospective students, current students, and the university as a whole.” This viewpoint underscores the institution’s commitment to embedding AI into everyday processes rather than treating it as an isolated experiment.
The Symbolism Behind the Name “POLA”
Roni Bahat elaborated on the dual meaning of the name. First, POLA stands for Personal Online Learning Advisor, highlighting the tool’s role as a digital companion throughout the admissions journey. Second, the name honors Paula Ben‑Gurion, who was widely regarded as a strong, influential figure and trusted advisor to her husband. Bahat noted, “The name reflects not only innovation and technology, but also the values of personal guidance, presence, care, and support that we aim to bring to every prospective student’s experience.” By marrying a homage to a historical matriarch with cutting‑edge AI, BGU seeks to convey both tradition and forward‑thinking ambition.
Development Collaboration and Technical Assurance
ASK POLA was a joint effort between the university’s Marketing Division and its Computing and Cyber Division. Alon Strasman emphasized that the platform goes far beyond a conventional chatbot. “This project was built with a commitment to accuracy, reliability, and high‑quality data. Our goal is to provide prospective students with trustworthy information drawn from official university sources, while delivering it in natural, conversational language. We are proud to launch an innovative platform that will support thousands of conversations and offer an advanced, intuitive, and always‑available service experience.” The emphasis on sourcing data directly from official repositories ensures that users receive consistent, credible information—an essential factor in building trust during a high‑stakes decision‑making process.
Implications for Prospective Students
For applicants navigating the often‑overwhelming landscape of higher‑education choices, ASK POLA offers a low‑friction, always‑on resource that can clarify pathways, reduce uncertainty, and save time. By delivering instant answers to common queries—such as required tests, tuition estimates, or housing options—the tool empowers students to make more informed decisions earlier in the process. Moreover, the seamless hand‑off to human advisors when needed preserves the personal touch that many applicants value, blending efficiency with empathy.
Conclusion
Ben‑Gurion University’s introduction of ASK POLA marks a significant step in the digital transformation of student recruitment. By leveraging large‑language‑model AI to deliver real‑time university data, the institution provides prospective undergraduates with a reliable, 24/7 advisor that mirrors the supportive role once embodied by Paula Ben‑Gurion. As the university continues to expand its AI initiatives—spanning academic programs, research centers, and executive training—ASK POLA exemplifies how technology can be harnessed not just to automate tasks, but to cultivate a more accessible, personalized, and ultimately human‑centered higher‑education experience.
Quoted material included as indicated above.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-903753
