ADVi SMS Terms of Service

Last updated August 19, 2026

By opting in to receive SMS/text messages from ADVi, you agree to the following terms and conditions: 

Commitment to Privacy: The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (“THECB”) is committed to data privacy. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) are designed to inform you of how THECB (“we,” “us,” “our) collects and processes the information you share when you utilize the ADVi chatbot (“ADVi”), also known as “Ask ADVi” and as the “Virtual Advising Project.” 

About ADVi: ADVi, operated by THECB, is a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to provide on-demand support and answer student questions about attending or returning to higher education. ADVi sends weekly text messages with important reminders, timely information, and helpful tips to make sure students stay on track to meet their college and career goals. ADVi subscribers can also text the chatbot anytime and get an immediate response. If ADVi can’t answer a question or a student needs personalized support, a team of human advisors from THECB step in to help by reviewing student conversations and responding to open questions.

You must be at least 13 to access ADVi: The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) requires that all online service providers obtain parental consent before knowingly collecting personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. THECB does not knowingly collect or solicit any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. Children under the age of 13 are prohibited from using any ADVi services offered through THECB. If THECB learns that our agency or its partner entity has collected information from a person under the age of 13 that does not comply with COPPA, THECB will delete that collected information in a reasonably prudent amount of time from when THECB obtains notice that the information was collected.

Ownership of Intellectual Property: THECB shall own all intellectual property rights in or relating to ADVi. “Intellectual property rights” means any rights or titles to inventions, discoveries, concepts, methods, processes, data, trade secrets, branding, trademarks, copyrights, computer programs and related documentation, works of authorship fixed in a medium of expression, or mask works, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, eligible for registration as a trademark, or subject to mask work rights or other similar statutory rights, as well as applications for any such rights which are created or produced to deliver ADVi. 

Sovereign Immunity: No part of these Terms, nor your use of ADVi, or any subsequent modification of these Terms shall be construed: (1) as a waiver of the doctrine of sovereign immunity or immunity from suit as provided for in the Texas Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas, (2) to extend liability to THECB beyond such liability provided for in the Texas Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas, or (3) as a waiver of any immunity provided by the 11th Amendment or any other provision of the United States Constitution or any immunity recognized by the courts and the laws of the State of Texas and the United States. The State of Texas and THECB specifically retain such immunity and all defenses available to them under the laws of the State of Texas and the United States or the common law. 

Access Conditioned on Accepting Terms: Your access to and use of the ADVi chatbot and our SMS (text messaging) communications is conditioned on your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to all persons who access or use ADVi. By accessing or using ADVi’s services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the Terms, you may not access ADVi services and should email the THECB at AskADVi@highered.texas.gov with the subject line, “Delete my ADVi account.”

Updates to Terms: THECB reserves the right to modify and/or correct this agreement at any time; your continued use of ADVi’s services implies agreement with the modified Terms. As additional services are provided, these Terms may change.

Termination of Service: We may terminate or suspend access to our services immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if you breach these Terms.

 

AI Disclosure

ADVi’s Use of Generative AI: The ADVi chatbot uses artificial intelligence (AI), and in some cases generative AI, to answer student questions. Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that function with human-like intelligence. These systems rely on algorithms (step-by-step mathematical instructions) to carry out tasks. Generative AI is a specific branch of artificial intelligence (AI). Like other AI systems, it can look at large sets of data to find patterns, make predictions, and solve problems. But generative AI can also create new content on its own, such as text, images, or ideas, based on what it has learned.   

While THECB strives to provide accurate information through the AI chatbot, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or up-to-date nature of the information provided. We recommend that you use the chatbot’s responses as a starting point and verify the information with the colleges and universities you are interested in. 

User Responsibility: As a user of the ADVi chatbot, you acknowledge the chatbot’s use of generative artificial intelligence and bear sole responsibility for your interactions and reliance on the information provided through the chatbot. No Generative AI tool is perfect. They can produce wrong answers due to “hallucinations,” or inaccurate data they were trained on. It is important to exercise caution and use your discretion while interpreting and acting upon the chatbot’s responses. We cannot be held liable for any actions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of the chatbot. Always double check information with your prospective universities.

 

SMS Communications

Types of SMS Messages You May Receive: By opting in to ADVi SMS communications, you consent to receive informational and conversational text messages related to the college planning, admissions, and enrollment process, such as: 

  • Reminders about key deadlines and actions you may need to complete 
  • Information about how the college admissions process works 
  • Tips for completing important enrollment tasks 
  • Guidance on applying for financial aid and paying for college 

Messages may also include optional surveys that are designed to collect more information on where you are in the college planning process or how satisfied you are with our service so we can send you more personalized and relevant messages that are targeted to your needs.

SMS Messaging Frequency: Message frequency may vary. You may receive multiple messages per week depending on your engagement with ADVi. 

SMS Message and Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply for messages that ADVi sends you or that you send to ADVi depending on your mobile carrier plan. If you have questions about your text message plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.

SMS Opt-In Instructions: To sign up for ADVi SMS/text messages, you must have an ApplyTexas or My Texas Future account and complete the applicable opt-in process for either platform:

Through ApplyTexas: Complete the application screener to determine your eligibility for ADVi messages. If eligible, an invitation to opt in will appear in a pop-up on your dashboard. To opt in, provide your mobile phone number, select your learner type (high school student or adult learner/college student), consent to receive messages from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and its authorized representatives at the number provided, and select “Save.” 

Consent to ADVi messages is not required to create an ApplyTexas account, submit applications, or opt in to receive text message notifications directly from institutions through their applications hosted in the ApplyTexas system. Consent is not a condition of purchase. 

Through My Texas Future: Set up your learner profile and identify your learner type (high school student or adult; middle school users are not eligible to sign up for ADVi). High school students must also provide their grade level. This information is used to determine eligibility for ADVi messages. If eligible, you can opt in to SMS/text notifications by editing the Communication Preferences section of your profile. To opt in, provide your mobile phone number, consent to receive messages from the THECB and its authorized representatives at the number provided, and save your profile preferences. 

Consent to ADVi messages is not required to create a My Texas Future account or use the website and its other tools and resources. Consent is not a condition of purchase. 

By opting in, you expressly consent to receive SMS (text) messages from the THECB, including messages sent using automated technology, AI-assisted systems, and/or prerecorded messages.

SMS Service Eligibility: By consenting to participate in this program and receive text messages from ADVi, you confirm that the mobile number you provided to sign up for SMS/text messages is correct and that you are authorized to receive text messages at that number. You acknowledge that you must have a valid mobile phone number with a +1 Country Code to receive text message communications from ADVi. Should your mobile phone number change while you are using the service, you agree to update your profile information as needed in ApplyTexas and My Texas Future at your earliest convenience. If you need help updating your information or have questions, you can contact ADVi’s support team at AskADVi@highered.texas.gov.

SMS Opt-Out Instructions: You can opt out of ADVi text messages at any time by: 

  • Replying STOP to the phone number(s) from which you receive ADVi’s text messages. After you send the message STOP to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will stop receiving ADVi texts and ADVi will no longer receive texts from you. To opt back in, text START to the same number. 
  • Updating your account preferences in ApplyTexas or My Texas Future, depending on where you opted in, to turn off text message notifications. After opting out through one of these channels, you will no longer receive texts from ADVi nor will ADVi receive texts from you. 

Please note: 

  • Opting out through any method will opt you out of ADVi completely, including messages sent through or received from ApplyTexas, My Texas Future, or ADVi. 
  • If you opt out through ApplyTexas account preferences, it may take a week or longer for THECB to receive and process your request. 
  • If you opt out through ApplyTexas or My Texas Future, you cannot opt back in through those platforms until the next academic cycle. Contact ADVi support at AskADVi@highered.texas.gov for help regaining access to services.

SMS Help Instructions: If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program, you can reply HELP in your conversation(s) with ADVi for more assistance, or you can get help directly by emailing the THECB at AskADVi@highered.texas.gov.

Carrier Disclaimer: Message delivery is subject to your mobile carrier’s network availability and is not guaranteed. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. 

Acceptable Use of SMS Services: You agree to use this service only for lawful purposes and not to misuse, disrupt, or interfere with the messaging service.

How the THECB Uses Your Data: ADVi collects limited personally identifiable information and non-personally identifiable information in connection with your use of the askADVi.org website and the mobile texting service. 

    • When you opt in to receive SMS/text messages from ADVi, we may collect the following personally identifiable and non-personally identifiable information from your ApplyTexas and/or My Texas Future account both at the time of opt in and throughout your use of the service: 
        • Your name 
        • Your mobile phone number and email address 
        • Your data of birth 
        • Your learner type and grade level, if applicable 
        • Your ApplyTexas application screener responses 
        • Your eligible application types in ApplyTexas 
        • Your ApplyTexas application status 
        • Information about the high school or college you most recently attended 
        • Your highest level of education 
        • Your participation in Direct Admissions through My Texas Future 
        • Information related to your questions or engagement with the ADVi chatbot 
        • Usage data from your ApplyTexas or My Texas Future account, such as a timestamp of when you opted in or a service eligibility indicator 
    • While using the service, we may ask you to provide personally or non-personally identifiable information so we can assist you with your questions about colleges and universities in the State of Texas. For example, we may ask you to share the name of the college you are most interested in so we can send you messages that are specific to that college. Or we may ask you if you’ve completed a certain task so we know if we should keep sending you messages on that topic.  
    • THECB may collect data about your use of ADVi, including frequency of use, duration of use, and engagement with specific components and functionality of the services, such as the number of times you ask to speak to a human advisor or your responses to an ADVi satisfaction survey. Collecting and analyzing this data is necessary for us to understand how students and educators are using the resources, to improve their efficacy, and to develop training materials for educators implementing the resources. 
    • While using the service, your conversations with the ADVi chatbot may be reviewed by our virtual advisors to answer your questions or by our content team to improve our services. While the system retains logs of these conversations, conversational data is neither used to train AI models nor shared with third parties. Although there are mechanisms in place to protect any sensitive data shared with the chatbot, we advise you to not disclose any personal information like your social security number or banking information. The ADVi chatbot will never ask you for this type of information. 
    • Information in your ADVi account may be shared with qualified researchers and other personnel engaged by THECB to inform agency reporting, services, and insights, as well as to better understand and support learners.

Data Privacy: Data you provide ADVi is considered confidential under Texas Education Code § 61.0511(l) and may only be released in conformity with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). This means THECB will not sell your personal information you give us and will keep it confidential in compliance with State and Federal law. For more information on how we collect, use, and safeguard your data, please review ADVi’s SMS Privacy Policy.

Links to Other Websites: ADVi may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by THECB. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that we shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such web sites or services.

Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns about the evaluation or use of your data or these Terms, please email the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at AskADVi@highered.texas.gov.