Rocky is an AI-powered Chat Tool
Developed by UC Davis for UC Davis. In Canvas, Rocky AI Chat can provide students with 24/7, course-specific responses grounded in instructor-approved materials. By reinforcing course expectations and addressing routine questions, Rocky can support both students and instructors.
In fall 2026, Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas is in an open beta, making it available for every course on an opt-in basis. Disabled by default, instructors have complete control over if and how Rocky is used in their courses. Review step-by-step instructions for how to enable, disable, and customize Rocky in Canvas.
While Rocky is in open beta, feedback from instructors and students will be essential in helping refine the service.
Faculty Control & Academic Integrity
Faculty control whether and how Rocky is used in their courses. Instructors decide which Canvas resources Rocky can access (e.g., Syllabus Tool, Announcements, Pages, Assignments, Files, etc.). Review the How do I enable, disable, and customize Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas (Beta)? KB article for step-by-step instructions. Ongoing support will be provided throughout the open beta.
Opt-In Capability
Rocky can be turned on or off on a course-by-course basis.
Fine-Grain Control
Within courses, faculty can limit Rocky's access to only certain content.
Pedagogical Integrity
By centering faculty control, Rocky remains a supplement to instruction that prioritizes the act of learning.
Benefits
For Instructors
- Innovation: Offers early access to emerging AI capabilities, enabling faculty with an appetite for exploration to incorporate new tools into their courses.
- Control: Retain full authority over if and how the AI is enabled for each specific course.
- Efficiency: Reduces repetitive workload by handling routine questions and course logistics.
For Students
- Support: 24/7 course specific support and clarification on readings, syllabi, and other course material.
- Literacy: Build AI skills in a safe, transparent, and policy-aligned environment.
- Engagement: Strengthens understanding by giving students an immediate, course aware resource to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Instructor View
Student View
Provide Feedback
While Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas is in opt-in open beta, campus feedback will be used during this phase to continue improving the service. Students and faculty are encouraged to share their experiences via the Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas feedback form.
Timeline
Winter 2026 - Early-Stage Pilot
- Deploy to a small, select group of early adopter faculty and their students to test core functionality and gather initial feedback.
Spring 2026 - Expanded Pilot
- Broaden access to additional faculty. Refine and expand features based on pilot data.
Fall 2026 - Open Beta
- Launch campus-wide open beta. Instructors can enable Rocky in their UC Davis Canvas courses. Comprehensive support available for faculty and students.
About Rocky AI Chat
Rocky is an AI chat designed specifically for the UC Davis community by UC Davis.
Developed as a collaboration between the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Information and Educational Technology (IET), Rocky knows UC Davis better than any other AI chats. It is specifically designed to answer questions about UC Davis - academics, university events, campus life, and more. Rocky is part of Aggie AI, the UC Davis ecosystem of AI tools and services.
Content on this website is subject to change as AI tools continue to develop.
Page last modified: