Case Study: How Elon University Deployed AI Tutoring with TUEL

In Fall 2025, Elon University became the first institution to deploy TUEL-powered AI tutoring at scale. The Elon AI tutor served multiple departments with course-grounded responses, faculty controls, and full compliance logging. This case study examines the implementation and its outcomes.

The Challenge

Elon University wanted to provide 24/7 tutoring support for students across multiple disciplines. Previous attempts with generic AI chatbots raised concerns about accuracy and academic integrity. Faculty needed confidence that AI responses would align with their course materials, not generic internet information.

The institution also required FERPA-compliant infrastructure with audit capabilities. IT staff needed visibility into AI usage patterns without compromising individual student privacy. Administrators wanted metrics on adoption and effectiveness.

Implementation Approach

The deployment followed a phased approach. Initial pilots ran with two faculty members who uploaded course materials and configured AI behavior for their specific courses. TUEL indexed textbooks, lecture slides, and supplementary readings to create course-specific knowledge bases.

Faculty received training on the administrative dashboard, including how to review AI interactions, adjust response parameters, and view usage analytics. Students accessed the tutor through a simple web interface branded as "Elon AI."

Measured Outcomes

The pilot ran for one semester with comprehensive data collection. Key metrics demonstrated strong adoption and satisfaction across both faculty and students.

Faculty particularly valued the citation system, which allowed them to verify AI responses against course materials. Several faculty members noted that the AI explanations helped them identify concepts students found confusing, informing their lecture planning.

Lessons Learned

The most important factor in successful deployment was faculty buy-in. Courses where faculty actively promoted the AI tutor saw significantly higher adoption than courses with minimal faculty engagement. Clear communication about the citation system helped students understand that the AI was teaching from approved materials.

Technical integration with existing LMS platforms reduced friction for students. Single sign-on meant students could access the tutor without creating new accounts. Usage analytics showed peak demand during evening hours and before exams, validating the value of 24/7 availability.