Discover How Agentic AI Agent Una Is Transforming Unity Environmental University

Unveiling Una: A New Era for Higher Education

In a groundbreaking move, Unity Environmental University in Maine has become the first U.S. university to integrate a custom AI agent named Una, built using Salesforce’s Agentforce platform. As universities continue to face challenges in efficiently managing prospective student inquiries and enhancing engagement, Una aims to streamline administrative tasks, provide personalized student services, and generate valuable data insights.

The Rise of AI Agents in Education

Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Una operates with deep reasoning capabilities and offers proactive assistance, making it more adept at understanding and resolving complex queries.

Unity Environmental University’s ambitious growth plan, which aims to increase its student population from approximately 10,000 to 50,000 by 2030, underlines the need for such innovations. Agentforce estimates that Una will save recruiters 17 hours per week by automating the applicant matching process with relevant academic programs tailored to students' interests and goals.

Empowering Students and Staff

As emphasized by Margo Martinez, Salesforce's vice president of education, Una empowers students by providing a knowledgeable, contextually aware AI resource available 24/7. This availability marks a significant enhancement in how students interact with the university, starting from the admissions phase.

The integration of AI agents not only assists students but also alleviates administrative burdens, as noted by the university’s President Melik Peter Khoury. By automating routine inquiries about financial aid and class registration, faculty and staff can focus on nurturing deeper, more meaningful interactions with students.

Transforming Data Insights with AI

Unity’s implementation of Agentforce extends beyond simple inquiries; it encompasses integrating student data onto a unified platform, allowing for deeper analysis of enrollment patterns and student progress. This data-driven approach has the potential to expedite class registrations and facilitate targeted outreach initiatives, ensuring every student feels valued in their academic journey.

Insights from the Wider Educational Landscape

Other institutions like Knox College in Illinois and Berry College in Georgia have began employing AI agents for various purposes, confirming a growing trend within higher education. According to a survey published in 2024, 50% of higher education admissions departments already use AI to enhance their processes. The industry buzz around ai agents indicates an imminent evolution of the admission experience, making it not only faster but more personalized and student-centric.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Higher Education

The journey for Unity Environmental University marks just the beginning of AI's role in transforming educational institutions. With advancements in deep reasoning AI and agentic capabilities, students will likely experience a more tailored and responsive educational environment.

Evolving alongside these advancements, admissions teams will be better equipped to manage their workloads and foster relationships with prospective students through personalized experiences powered by data-driven insights. As interest in using AI agents grows, educational leaders must remain proactive in addressing challenges and ensuring smooth implementations.

Call to Action: Embrace the Future with AI

As we look towards a new era in higher education where AI agents play a critical role in enhancing student experiences, it is vital for universities to invest in these transformative technologies. To ensure your institution remains at the forefront of educational innovation and student engagement, consider exploring AI solutions like Salesforce’s Agentforce to develop a responsive, efficient, and personalized admissions process today.