Ivy is a “vendor-operated solution” that was developed externally by Gravyty, an AI-powered platform, Peter Siermacheski, KPU’s director of IT business services, wrote in a statement to The Runner. Ivy is not introduced as an AI chatbot, rather a “virtual assistant.” Siermacheski wrote that Ivy is classified as a “virtual assistant” as it employs “conversational AI technologies to support users.” Siermacheski wrote that Ivy may see a long-term expansion to human resources and facilities. “Any future chatbot initiatives would be evaluated based on institutional needs, priorities, user feedback, and opportunities to improve service delivery,” Siermacheski wrote.