JSRCC used the Summer 2011 registration period to pilot the Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) program – an initiative that allowed the College to train four students and supply them with laptops and headsets so the students could provide online assistance to prospective students after normal business hours. The College launched its “Skype with a PAL” campaign, encouraging those in need of assistance to contact a College PAL via Skype, a free online chat tool, in the evenings after Student Success Centers were closed. For those new to Skype, easy-to-use instructions were posted on the College website. The program was funded through a VCCS Chancellor’s Innovation Fund and was designed to increase student retention, success and support.
“PALs is essentially an online component of the College’s Peer Advisors,” explained QEP Assistant Coordinator Meg Foster. “It’s able to provide services to students after hours so they can get answers to their questions in the comfort of their own home. And it is particularly attractive to our students and prospective students that are comfortable with technology.”
The College has agreed to support the PALs program for fall registration. PALs will be available for Fall 2011 registration via Skype beginning July 11 (when early bird registration begins). PALs will keep evening hours, Sunday through Wednesday each week, through the first week of classes.
