Ben-Gurion University Launches ASK POLA: New AI Advisor for Prospective Students

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has launched ASK POLA, an AI-based academic advisor for prospective students. The system, built on advanced language models, provides 24/7 answers about degrees, tracks, admission requirements, dormitories, and scholarships. In complex cases, it refers to human advisors. The name POLA stands for Personal Online Learning Advisor and also honors Paula Ben-Gurion.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has launched ASK POLA, an AI-based academic advisor for prospective students. The system, built on advanced large language models (LLMs), provides immediate 24/7 answers about all degrees, tracks, and combinations open for registration, as well as information on dormitories and scholarships. It can decipher documents such as high school diplomas and retrieve real-time data from university systems. In cases requiring personal handling, it refers to an appropriate human advisor. Currently, ASK POLA only assists with bachelor's degree questions, with plans for future expansion. The name POLA was chosen as an acronym for Personal Online Learning Advisor and as a tribute to Paula Ben-Gurion, wife of the first prime minister, symbolizing personal guidance and support. The launch is the result of collaboration between the marketing and IT/cyber divisions. University CEO Tal Ben-Haim noted that AI is a concept reshaping the university, and VP of Marketing Roni Behat emphasized the importance of reducing friction in the candidate journey.