Hi! I’m RITA, your Roadrunner Intelligent Technology Assistant…
Got questions about the university? RITA's got answers and can chat anytime, 24/7.
Your go-to for personalized guidance and on-demand support, RITA can help with it all — from academic assistance to well-being resources.
So, keep your phone handy! RITA checks in regularly to keep you on track and connected to all the resources you need to succeed.
About the pilot
Student Success and UTSA Online are partnering with EdSights to pilot an AI texting chatbot at the University of Texas at San Antonio. For the 2025-2026 academic year, 5,000 undergraduates (including all enrolled in fully online programs and a sample of first-time-in-college students enrolled in on-campus programs) will be introduced to RITA, our Roadrunner Intelligent Technology Assistant.
RITA will send an initial “hello” text message to all students included in the pilot on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Once that first text is received, students are free to ask RITA their questions about the university any time, day or night. RITA’s responses all come from a knowledgebase developed by Student Success and UTSA Online and covering a variety of topics:
- Academics (academic advising, study skills, etc.)
- Financial Matters (personal finances, financial aid, scholarships, etc.)
- Campus Life and Involvement (clubs, organizations, events, etc.)
- Student Well-Being (health clinic, recreation, counseling, etc.)
RITA is here to support Roadrunners in all aspects of their college experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can chat with RITA?
For the 2025-2026 pilot, RITA will only be available to a sampling of undergraduates, including all those who are enrolled in fully online degree programs.
How do I start chatting with RITA?
Students in the pilot program will receive an initial text from RITA. Simply save her name and number in your contacts, and reply to her text to start chatting.
What kind of questions can I ask RITA?
RITA has been trained on a wide variety of topics to assist Roadrunner students (see list above). If RITA cannot answer your question, someone from the Student Success team will contact you with an answer within 48 business hours.
Is RITA available 24/7?
Yes, RITA is available around the clock, so you can get help whenever you need it. Whether you're working on assignments late at night or need quick information during the day, RITA is ready to assist.
Can I opt out of receiving messages from RITA?
Yes, you can opt out at any time. Just follow the instructions provided in any of RITA's messages to stop receiving texts.
How is my information used when I chat with RITA?
Your texts with RITA are not anonymous, so if RITA is ever not the best resource, someone from the university may reach out to help.
Can I opt back in to receive messages from RITA?
Yes, you can opt back in at any time. Simply send RITA a text to start the conversation again!
Do you need more information?
Contact Student Success support if you have any other questions.
