By Jim Agutter, Associate Professor in the College of Architecture + Planning, Director of the Spark Design Initiative, and Director of the Bachelor of University Studies in the Office of Undergraduate Studies 

Navigating college can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing a major and planning a career path. At our university, we’re tackling this challenge head-on with innovative technology and a student-centered approach. Recently, Jim Agutter shared how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to empower students and improve graduation rates. 

The Problem: Too Many Choices, Not Enough Guidance 

Many students arrive on campus unsure of what they want to study. It’s common for them to change majors several times, which can lead to lost credits and longer time to graduation. Our institution has some of the lowest four- and six-year graduation rates among peer universities, and we know that helping students make informed decisions early is key to their success.  

Traditional Tools Fall Short 

Until now, students have relied on static web pages and outdated descriptions to explore majors. These resources often fail to provide a clear picture of what each major offers, what courses are involved, and what career opportunities exist. The result? Students are left hunting for information and making choices without a full understanding of their options.  

Introducing UGuide: AI-Powered Academic Advising 

Jim unveiled "UGuide," an AI assistant designed to revolutionize how students explore academic pathways. UGuide starts with a simple quiz that helps students identify their interests, thinking styles, and career goals. Using this profile, the tool recommends majors tailored to each student, pulling real-time data from our course catalog and career databases.  

What Makes UGuide Different? 

• Personalized Recommendations: UGuide doesn’t just list majors—it matches students to programs that fit their unique profiles. 

• Major Comparisons: Students can compare majors side-by-side, looking at graduation timelines, earning potential, job security, and flexibility. 

• Student Voices: The tool integrates feedback from current students about courses and majors, giving prospective students a real-world perspective.  

• Connections: UGuide links students to advisors and alumni, making it easier to find mentors and build professional networks. 

Real Impact: Piloting with Quest Students 

UGuide is currently being piloted with over 700 students in the Quest program, which supports those who haven’t declared a major. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—not just from students, but from parents who appreciate having a tool to guide family conversations about academic choices.  

Looking Ahead: Smarter, More Connected Advising 

The vision doesn’t stop here. Future plans include saving student profiles to further personalize recommendations, connecting students to campus events and co-curricular opportunities, and integrating with broader systems like "UCompass." The goal is to bring resources directly to students, rather than making them search for support.  

Ensuring Quality and Accuracy 

Jim emphasized the importance of validating the quiz and recommendation engine, working with assessment experts to ensure the tool is evidence-based and effective. This commitment to quality means students can trust the guidance they receive.  

A New Era for Student Success 

By harnessing the power of AI, our university is making academic advising more dynamic, accessible, and personalized. UGuide represents a major step forward in helping students find their path, stay on track, and achieve their goals. As Jim Agutter’s work shows, technology can be a powerful ally in shaping brighter futures for our students.  

For more information, you can reach out to Jim Agutter at agutterja@design.utah.edu.  

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