The DCP Peer2Peer Program is a new initiative launching this summer that connects current students and/or recent grads with a small group of new incoming students.  Our goal is to make new DCP students feel welcome at Ramapo and to give them a chance to speak with others who have faced similar concerns about returning to college.  Since you are the ones actually in the classroom, you can offer valuable insights and advice.

Why are we doing this?

• To give new students a connection with someone who may have faced similar challenges in deciding to return to school.
• To help new students become acquainted with a current student/recent alum who can provide a first-hand perspective on both Ramapo and the Degree Completion Program.
• To introduce new students to each other in small group settings.
• To help new students create a sense of create community within the cohort, supporting the efforts of the DCP Director and fall faculty. This is especially important if Ramapo remains all or partially remote in the fall.
• To create a sense of identity as a Degree Completion Program student for new students.
• To help foster a sense of community within the Degree Completion Program for new students.
• To help foster a sense of belonging at Ramapo for new DCP students.

What would I have to do as a Peer?

• Share your first-hand experience of life as a DCP student at Ramapo.
• Offer advice that you feel might be helpful, or things you wish you had known before you started
• Offer reassurance to new students who may be nervous about resuming their studies that they can do this!
• Make sure that students in your group all know how to contact each other.
• Encourage students to use the resources of the College and the DCP program, especially the Program Director.
• Alert Trish to any issues that may be arising with your small group of new students, either in general or specific to a student.

Peers are NOT expected to be advisors. Direct new students to speak with Trish about any specific issues or questions that they have about their degree plan, registration, financial aid, etc.

What kind of time commitment would this involve?

Right now, I’m asking for 4-5 interactions with new students between the end of June and mid-September*.  Most of these will be done via email and/or text.  If you want to engage via phone or video, that’s fine too, but not expected.

• 3 points of contact over the summer with their small group of new students
  • Week of June 29: email introductions, contact info exchange
  • Week of July 20: advice and experiences
  • Week of Aug. 17: encouragement, additional advice
• If possible, participate in a Peer Panel via Webex during the week of August 10, exact date TBD.  Not mandatory and not all Peers may be needed for this event.
• 1 outreach in mid-September to see how students in the small group are doing in the first few weeks of the semester

*This plan may be adjusted depending on the College’s Return to Campus plan being announced in mid-July.

How do I sign up?

I’m glad you asked!  Fill out this form by June 15th if you are able and willing to be a Peer this summer: https://ramapo.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2cwKPCxrmSTMzOd

I have questions.

I’ll try to answer them!  Email me at plaprey@ramapo.edu.