Integrating Chat Bots into your uConnect platform
uConnect supports integrating third-party chatbot platforms — like Tawk.to, Ocelot, and others — so you can offer live chat or AI-powered support directly on your platform. This guide walks you through the process, requirements, and key considerations.
Before You Begin: A Note About AI Search
uConnect's built-in AI Search provides a conversational interface that helps your users discover career content, resources, and opportunities already published on your platform. AI Search is not a traditional chatbot — it's designed specifically to surface relevant platform content through natural language.
If you choose to add a custom chatbot alongside AI Search, you may need to adjust the position of the AI Search launcher to prevent overlap. You can do this under Customize > Settings > AI Search.
Supported Chatbot Platforms
uConnect supports integration with most chatbot providers that offer a JavaScript or HTML embed code, including:
- Tawk.to (free live chat)
- Ocelot (AI-powered student engagement)
- Salesforce Chat
- Other providers — if your chatbot provides a standard embed code, it will likely work. Reach out to us if you'd like to confirm compatibility before proceeding.
Note: Facebook Messenger retired their chat plugin in May 2024 and is no longer available for integration.
How to Integrate Your Chatbot
Step 1: Get Your Embed Code
Log in to your chatbot provider's dashboard and locate the JavaScript embed code (sometimes called a "widget code" or "snippet"). For example:
- Tawk.to: Go to Administration > Chat Widget and copy the code from the Widget Code field.
- Other providers: Check your provider's documentation for instructions on generating an embed snippet.
Step 2: Send the Code to uConnect
Send your embed code to the uConnect support team at support@gouconnect.com. Our team will add it to your platform via the Custom Code settings area.
⚠️ For security and platform stability, only the uConnect team can add custom code to your platform. Please do not attempt to add the code yourself.
Step 3: Verify on Your Platform
Once our team has added the code, refresh your platform's front page. Your chatbot widget should now appear. If you don't see it, try clearing your browser cache or opening the site in an incognito/private window.
Compatibility Requirements
To ensure platform stability and security, please keep in mind:
- Embed method: Your chatbot must use a standard JavaScript embed code. Chatbots that require server-side installation or WordPress plugins are not supported.
- Iframe allowlisting: Some chatbot providers render their widget inside an iframe. If your chatbot doesn't appear after installation, its domain may need to be added to uConnect's iframe allowlist. Our team will handle this for you — just let us know.
- Content Security Policy (CSP): If your chatbot provider requires specific CSP settings, please share those details with our support team so we can evaluate and apply them.
Important Considerations
|
Area |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Configuration & Branding |
Welcome messages, availability hours, agent assignments, and widget appearance are managed entirely within your chatbot provider's dashboard — not within uConnect. |
|
Placement |
Your chatbot will typically appear as a floating widget on your platform. If it overlaps with AI Search or other elements, let us know and we can adjust positioning. |
|
Multiple Instances |
Need different chatbot configurations on different pages (e.g., one on a specific landing page and another everywhere else)? Let us know — this may be possible depending on your provider, but requires additional setup. |
|
Accessibility |
uConnect meets WCAG 2.2 AA standards, but we cannot control the accessibility of third-party chatbot widgets. Please confirm with your provider that their widget is accessible. |
|
Mobile |
Ensure your chatbot provider's widget is responsive and mobile-friendly, as many of your users will access the platform on mobile devices. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my chatbot instead of AI Search?
Not exactly— you can use a custom chatbot with AI Search enabled but you cannot disable AI Search, so in this situation, both features would be active.
Can an external chatbot pull content from my uConnect platform?
Some institutions want their own AI chatbot to reference content hosted on uConnect. This may require enabling a sitemap or allowlisting specific IP addresses. Contact us to discuss your use case and we'll work with your IT team.
How long does setup take?
Once you provide the embed code, our team can typically add it within 1–2 business days.
Is there an additional cost?
uConnect does not charge for adding a custom chatbot embed code. However, any costs from the chatbot provider (e.g., Tawk.to premium plans, Ocelot licensing) are managed separately between you and that vendor.