Student Success Central

Billy Chat

Billy Chat logo with the words "Introducing Billy Chat, Cal Poly Pomona's text messaging robot!" with a paper airplane flying in the background

About Billy Chat

Billy Chat is an artificial intelligence texting robot. You can ask Billy questions, and he'll answer 24/7. If Billy doesn't have the answer to your question, he'll get a human to help. 

Over the last few years, incoming students have met Billy Chat as they joined CPP. In the 2021-22 academic year, we're able to expand access to undergrad students who joined CPP before Fall 2019.

You can text Billy your CPP questions 24/7 and get instant answers. If Billy doesn't know the answer, the bot gets a team of humans to help. Billy also sends reminders and mini-surveys throughout the term to help you keep track of what's happening at CPP.

If you want to get Billy's messages, it's crucial that that CPP has your up-to-date cell phone number. Learn how to check and update your cell phone number in your BroncoDirect Student Center below.

Checking or Updating Your Cell Phone Number

If you are an undergraduate student and want to get Billy Chat, you need to have a cell phone number listed in your BroncoDirect Student Center. Here's how to check that you have one listed or update it:

  1. Log into your BroncoDirect Student Center via MyCPP
  2. In the Personal Information section, find My Phone Numbers in the drop-down menu. 
  3. Make sure your phone numbers are up to date. Label your cell phone number as Mobile, and check it as Preferred. 

A GIF showing you how to change your phone number

Need help? Email askbilly@cpp.edu 

 

The Opt-Out Process

Students are automatically opted in to getting Billy’s texts upon being admitted. You should receive an email and an introductory text to the cell phone number we have on file for you. If you would like to pause getting Billy’s texts, you can text PAUSE to the bot to pause messaging for 2 weeks. If you would like to opt out, you can text STOP to the bot. If you need help pausing or opting out, please email askbilly@cpp.edu.

Billy Chat as a CPP Communication Channel

Billy Chat is an official university communication channel and, as such, you are expected to communicate in an appropriate manner. Misuse of Billy Chat, such as sending obscene, intimidating, and/or abusive messages, may be considered a violation of the Student Conduct Code and will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Integrity. A student’s ability to use Billy Chat may be removed for failure to follow expectations. The Office of Student Success staff periodically review incoming text messages to answer time- or topic-sensitive questions and improve Billy’s answering capabilities. Staff may respond directly to students.

Billy Chat in the News

Screenshot from Good Day LA segment -- the anchor looks at a screen of CPP's panelists

CSU students connect with Bots to help get through the semester

In 2019, Cal State University campuses launched an artificial intelligence program to help students stay on track to graduate. At Cal Poly Pomona, students have "Billy Chat" named after their school mascot-- Billy Bronco. The "chatbot" is available to answer student's academic questions 24-7. But it turns out because of the isolation so many students were feeling during the pandemic, academics weren't the only thing they wanted to talk to Billy about. Billy Chat's managers and CSU students talk about how Billy is helping them get through the semester.

Cecilia Santiago-Gonzalez and Zoe Lance hold phones with Billy Chat logos

Artificial intelligence meets real friendship: College students are bonding with robots

“It took a lot of hard work, perseverance, and strength to get here, but you’ve finally made it to the other side — the end of the semester! I wanted to take a minute and say that I am so proud of you ...” Three emoji hearts concluded the message.

A flood of Cal Poly Pomona students responded:

“You’re a King Billy. Never change.”

“Love you Billy thank you.” Heart heart heart.

“Thanks Billy, we did it together.”

A student holds their phone that's showing text messages from Billy Chat

Cal Poly Pomona chatbot takes on deeper role for students in distance learning

Sometimes you need to talk to someone. For many students at Cal Poly Pomona, that "someone" is a robot named Billy. 

Administrators launched Billy Chat to remind students about registration and other college tasks, but Billy took on a more profound role when schools transitioned to distance learning.

Bronco Scoop logo

Bronco Scoop Podcast

Learn more about Billy Chat by watching our Bronco Scoop podcast episode! You can also listen on Spotify.

Watch on YouTube