Description
The Peer Connector was an ongoing student in the Education Assistant & Community Support (EACS) who volunteered their time to welcome and support new students. They met with new students to share their experiences, help with understanding key concepts in the program, and answered any questions. The Peer Connector supported new students, helped to bridge the connection to instructors and peers, and ensured that new students were included in discussions and activities.
Position Overview
Peer Connectors are ongoing students in the Education Assistant & Community Support (EACS) program who volunteer their time to welcome and support new students. After being introduced and matched with new students at an orientation session, peers can meet either online and offline. Offline meetings will depend on geographic location and public health guidelines. Peer Connectors share their own experiences getting started in the online environment including any tips for success. They help with understanding key concepts in the program like the social model of disability, critical thinking, inclusion, and person-centeredness. They answer questions as they arise and they connect new students to VIU people and resources including the library, the writing centre, and student advising & counselling. They model and support active and respectful online participation and in this way assist new students to engage with others in new ways. By becoming a familiar face in the online classroom, they help bridge the connection to instructors and peers and ensure new students are included in discussions and activities. Peer Connectors contribute to a sense of belonging in the online environment.
Graduate Attributes Associated
Students in this position will gain skills in active learning, capacity to engage in respectful relationships, collaboration, and oral communication.
Sign Up Directions
For more information, please contact Alison Taplay at Alison.Taplay@viu.ca