UNO’s Housing and Residence Life Team finds Unexpected Efficiency with ChatGPT
- published: 2025/09/25
- contact: UNO Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI)
- email: innovate@unomaha.edu
Sometimes, low expectations yield the greatest impressions.
The Housing and Residence Life team didn’t know what to expect with a ChatGPT enterprise license, yet they found themselves saving time, simplifying workflows, and even enjoying using the technology within their team.
When they first chose to participate in the OpenAI Challenge—now known as ChatGPT EDU—Associate Dean of Students Trent Fredericksen detailed this opportunity as a low-risk chance “to explore and try to think a bit outside of the box with how AI might simplify some of the work that we do in a way that provides benefit to the students we work with."
Putting AI to Work
As the team began implementing AI, they decided on two main ways that they were going to try to streamline their work.
The first was data analysis. Using AI technology, they sourced data from multiple areas including their housing deposit clearing file to easily search and find the information they needed. Without their custom GPT, this type of work would take around 30 hours each quarter—but this time? It took less than two hours.
The second way was to review their housing community policies and draft communication that students would find helpful. For example, AI might find some content on weather preparedness policies and the team could send an email to students reminding them of safety procedures.
Trent shared, “The more we were able to utilize it [new AI technology], the more we were able to think of new ways that we could potentially use it.” These uses for AI saved the team time and gave them simple ideas on how to better engage students with information that was actually beneficial.
Getting the Most of AI Support
The support from Cassie Mallette, Program Manager for the AI Learning Lab, and the rest of the lab was instrumental in setting a solid foundation for their team. From introductory resources, AI workshops, and frequent check-ins, the Housing and Residence Life team felt supported.
“Those in the department who participated in the AI Challenge did meet every other week for 45 minutes to talk about what we've been learning, what we've been doing, and to spend some time brainstorming together and often, tips that we'd learn through the AI Learning Lab were shared with the group,” Trent said.
Implementing AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming—in fact, it shouldn’t be! If you’re looking for a place to start, check out the Division for Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives’ website for their AI support resources, or learn more about ChatGPT EDU.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.