AI Assistant (Nia)

Meet Nia, your AI study buddy and campus companion! Nia is designed to help you with your studies, answer questions about campus life, and provide support throughout your academic journey.

Who is Nia?

Nia is Stride Campus's AI assistant, created to feel like talking to a knowledgeable fellow student. She's here to help with:

• Study Help: Understanding concepts, solving problems, explaining topics
• Campus Guidance: Finding resources, understanding policies, navigating campus life
• Academic Support: Writing tips, research help, exam preparation
• General Chat: Casual conversation and friendly support

Getting Started with Nia

Accessing Nia

1. Look for the Nia chat icon in the main navigation
2. Click to open your conversation with Nia
3. Start typing your question or message
4. Press Enter to send

Your First Conversation

When you first chat with Nia, she'll:

• Introduce herself and explain how she can help
• Ask about your studies and interests
• Provide tips on how to get the most out of Stride Campus
• Offer to help with specific academic needs

What Nia Can Help With

Academic Support

Study Help

• Explain complex concepts in simple terms
• Help solve homework problems
• Provide study strategies and tips
• Suggest resources for further learning

Writing Assistance

• Help structure essays and papers
• Provide feedback on writing
• Suggest improvements and edits
• Help with citations and formatting

Research Support

• Help find relevant sources
• Explain research methods
• Assist with data analysis
• Guide through the research process

Campus Life

Resource Discovery

• Help you find study materials in the library
• Suggest relevant spaces to join
• Recommend campus resources and services
• Guide you to helpful student organizations

Academic Planning

• Help plan your course schedule
• Suggest electives based on your interests
• Provide guidance on academic requirements
• Help with career planning

General Campus Questions

• Explain campus policies and procedures
• Help navigate campus services
• Provide information about events and activities
• Answer questions about student life

How to Chat with Nia

Effective Communication

Be Specific

• Instead of "help with math," try "help with calculus derivatives"
• Provide context about your course or assignment
• Mention your current understanding level

Ask Follow-up Questions

• If Nia's answer isn't clear, ask for clarification
• Request examples or additional explanations
• Ask for alternative approaches or methods

Provide Context

• Mention your course, professor, or assignment
• Share what you've already tried
• Explain your learning style or preferences

Example Conversations

Study Help

You: "I'm struggling with understanding photosynthesis in my biology class. Can you explain it simply?"

Nia: "I'd be happy to help! Photosynthesis is basically how plants make their own food using sunlight. Think of it like a solar-powered kitchen where plants take in sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Would you like me to break down each step?"

Campus Resources

You: "I need help finding study materials for my psychology midterm next week."

Nia: "I can help you find some great resources! Have you checked the Psychology space on Stride Campus? There are usually study guides and notes shared there. You could also upload your own notes to earn credits while helping other students. What specific topics are you covering?"

Writing Help

You: "I have to write a 5-page essay on climate change but I don't know where to start."

Nia: "Let's break this down! First, what's your specific angle or focus? Are you looking at causes, effects, solutions, or a particular aspect? Once we narrow that down, I can help you create an outline and find some solid sources to get you started."

Earning Credits with Nia

Credit System

• Chat Bonuses: Earn 1-20 random credits for engaging conversations
• Maximum per Session: 20 credits to prevent farming
• Daily Opportunities: Chat regularly to earn consistent bonuses

Tips for Earning Credits

• Have meaningful, educational conversations
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Engage with Nia's suggestions and advice
• Use Nia's help to improve your academic work

Nia's Personality

What Makes Nia Special

• Student-like: Feels like talking to a knowledgeable peer
• Encouraging: Provides positive reinforcement and motivation
• Understanding: Gets the challenges of student life
• Helpful: Always focused on supporting your success

Conversation Style

• Natural: Responds like a real student would
• Contextual: Remembers your previous conversations
• Supportive: Offers encouragement and practical advice
• Knowledgeable: Draws from extensive academic resources

Advanced Features

Context Awareness

• Nia remembers your previous conversations
• Builds on topics you've discussed before
• Adapts to your learning style and preferences
• Provides personalized recommendations

Integration with Campus Features

• Suggests relevant spaces to join
• Recommends resources from the library
• Helps you find study partners
• Guides you to campus services

Learning Progress

• Tracks topics you've discussed
• Suggests follow-up learning opportunities
• Helps you build on previous knowledge
• Provides personalized study recommendations

Best Practices

Getting the Most from Nia

Be Clear About Your Needs

• Explain what you're trying to accomplish
• Mention your current level of understanding
• Ask for specific types of help

Engage Actively

• Ask follow-up questions
• Request examples or clarification
• Share your thoughts and reactions
• Build on Nia's suggestions

Use Nia's Suggestions

• Try the resources Nia recommends
• Join suggested spaces
• Apply study strategies she suggests
• Follow up on her advice

What to Avoid

• Don't ask Nia to do your homework for you
• Avoid asking for answers to exam questions
• Don't use Nia to cheat or plagiarize
• Remember that Nia is a study aid, not a replacement for learning

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Nia not responding?

• Check your internet connection
• Make sure you have enough credits (10 credits per message)
• Try refreshing the page
• Contact support if the issue persists

Responses seem off-topic?

• Try rephrasing your question
• Provide more context about what you need
• Ask for clarification if needed
• Start a new conversation thread

Not earning credits?

• Make sure you're having meaningful conversations
• Avoid repetitive or spam-like messages
• Engage genuinely with Nia's responses
• Credits are awarded randomly, so be patient

Privacy and Safety

Your Conversations

• All conversations with Nia are private
• Your chat history is secure and encrypted
• Nia doesn't share your information with other students
• Conversations are used to improve the service

Appropriate Use

• Use Nia for legitimate academic help
• Don't share personal information unnecessarily
• Report any inappropriate responses
• Follow campus academic integrity policies

Getting Help

If you need assistance with Nia:

1. Check our FAQ for common questions
2. Visit our Support Center for detailed help
3. Use the in-app help system
4. Contact us through the support chat

Tips for Success

Making the Most of Your Conversations

• Be Specific: The more specific your questions, the better Nia can help
• Stay Engaged: Ask follow-up questions and build on responses
• Use Examples: Share examples of what you're working on
• Be Patient: Give Nia time to provide thorough responses

Building a Relationship

• Regular Check-ins: Chat with Nia regularly, not just when you need help
• Share Progress: Let Nia know how her suggestions worked out
• Ask for Advice: Seek guidance on study strategies and academic planning
• Stay Curious: Ask about topics that interest you beyond your immediate needs

Nia is here to be your study companion and campus guide. Use her knowledge and support to enhance your academic experience and make the most of your time at Stride Campus! 🤖✨