Borrow what works. Edit to taste.
A small, growing collection. You can personalize each prompt to what you’re looking for.
From Meeting to Action Items
Here's a meeting transcript: [paste]. Return: 1) a 3-sentence summary, 2) decisions made, 3) action items with owners and rough deadlines.
Workshop Outline
Outline a 60-minute workshop on [topic] for higher-ed staff. Include: learning goals, agenda with timings, one interactive activity, and a takeaway handout idea. Here is my brain dump on what I want to talk about: [paste].
Medium High Retention Outreach
I need to reach out to a student who has been flagged through a retention outreach and I think they were flagged because of [reason, e.g., missing assignments, low midterm grade, attendance concerns]. They are a [year] majoring in [major]. Draft a warm, non-judgmental email that checks in, opens the door for a conversation, and provides a link to my appointment calendar (z.umn.edu/claappt) without being alarmist.
Difficult Conversation Follow Up Email
I just had a challenging advising conversation with a student about [topic, e.g., academic dismissal, changing majors away from their goal, missing a deadline]. Help me draft a follow-up email that summarizes what we discussed, affirms the student, and clearly outlines next steps — without sounding bureaucratic or cold.
Mid-Semester Outreach Campaign Email
I want to send a proactive mid-semester check-in message to my caseload of approximately [number] students in [major or population]. Help me write a short, friendly email (under 150 words) that encourages students to reach out if they have concerns, highlights 1–2 upcoming deadlines, and reminds them of available resources — without sounding like a mass email blast.
Polish - Keep My Voice
Lightly edit this for clarity and flow. Do NOT change my voice, word choices, or argument. Show changes inline with brief reasons. Text: [paste].
Appointment Prep
(for that student who is like “pulling teeth”)
I have an advising appointment with a student majoring in [major]. They are a [year] who has mentioned concerns about [issue, e.g., major requirements, internships, academic standing]. Help me prepare 5–7 questions to guide a productive conversation and anticipate resources I may want to have on hand.
Explaining A Complex Policy
Help me write a clear, student-friendly explanation of the following academic policy: [paste policy text or describe it]. The audience is undergraduate students who may be encountering this for the first time. Use plain language, avoid jargon, and include a short FAQ with the 3 most likely questions students would ask.
Undecided Major Exploration Framework
I'm working with an undecided student who has interests in [areas, e.g., technology, helping people, creative work] but hasn't committed to a major. They have shared that they value [e.g., flexibility, salary, social impact] in their future career. Help me create a set of 5–7 guided reflection questions I can use with this student to help them begin narrowing their options and connecting their values to potential majors.