Using AI to augment and enhance student advising
Conversation with Martin Lesaca
In this post, we had the opportunity to sit down with AI Task Force member Martin Lesaca to learn a bit about how he uses AI in his role. Martin is an academic advisor for CISA located at the Tempe Campus, serving Tempe, ASU Online and Downtown Phoenix students.
Q1: How are you currently using AI in your work with students?
A: I use AI as a behind-the-scenes support tool to enhance how I communicate and organize information for students. Whether it’s drafting follow-up emails, refining resource guides, or generating outreach ideas based on trends, AI helps me save time and stay efficient — which lets me focus more on building real relationships with students.
Q2: What’s your philosophy when it comes to blending tech with student support?
A: Tech should never replace connection — it should amplify it. I believe tools like AI, CRMs, and even scheduling platforms are most effective when they make it easier for students to access what they need and feel supported along the way. My role is to make those tools feel invisible and keep the human connection front and center.
Q3: What excites you most about the future of AI in advising?
A: I’m excited about how AI can help identify trends, personalize communication, and even predict potential obstacles students might face — all while freeing up time for deeper, more meaningful conversations. The goal isn’t automation for its own sake, but using AI thoughtfully so students feel seen, supported, and successful.
Prompt
We’re sharing an AI prompt that can help advisors create advising FAQs that could evolve into the backbone of chatbots and other intelligent tools. By mapping common student questions, organizing them into clear formats, and tying them to official policies, this process reduces repetitive inquiries and lays the groundwork for the next generation of advising support.
What we’re reading right now
The Task Force is reading a number of articles about how AI is changing the advising experience for both students and advisors in higher education. Here's a couple to get you started.
Discretion in the Loop: Human Expertise in Algorithm-Assisted College Advising explores how AI can enhance academic advising by providing support while ensuring human advisors maintain crucial oversight. The article emphasizes that technology should amplify, not replace, the essential human connection in student support.
An AI Boost for Academic Advising highlights how AI can streamline administrative tasks for advisors, allowing them to dedicate more time to meaningful student interactions. The article suggests that by automating routine processes, AI empowers advisors to offer more personalized and impactful guidance.