Date
Spring 2022
Type of Culminating Activity
Student research paper
Abstract
The question of how to get online students to engage outside of the course curriculum is not a new problem, but it is one that became a higher priority after Covid-19 caused universities to change their learning models in Spring 2020. Peer-to-peer support programs can foster online student engagement and enable connections that benefit both the university department and the students. This paper overviews a service-learning project that sought to start building a framework for peer support based on perspectives from Boise State University Multidisciplinary students and the Multidisciplinary Department (also known as the Interdisciplinary Professional Studies Department). I used interviews, surveys, and observational data to gain an understanding of the perspectives of the stakeholders who would benefit from this project. The results of the project showed that MDS students do feel peer connection is important and they show an increased sense of connection when networking opportunities are available, but they also want student-led programs that enable them to connect with classmates.
Degree Program
Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies
Mentors
Margaret Sass, J.D., Ed.D.