AU launches peer networking app pilot
AU students will be invited to try new networking app to build connections across the university
Have you ever wanted to connect with other Athabasca University (AU) students with similar career or educational interests, but aren’t sure how to get in touch with them?
Or maybe you’re taking an individualized study course and would love to chat through questions with other students experiencing the same thing. Now you can, with Nearpeer!
AU has partnered with Nearpeer, a free networking platform that helps current AU students find and connect with other AU learners.
The Nearpeer platform will launch in stages throughout the year, with undergraduate students being invited by email to join the networking app.
Because our AU student body is so geographically dispersed, we wanted to find a tool that allowed for students to foster a sense of connection and find like-minded peers. Nearpeer provides the perfect platform to do that. Richard MacLeod, director of strategic enrolment management at AU
The Nearpeer app provides AU students with the opportunity to authentically connect with each other in a dedicated space just for students. Joining and using Nearpeer is optional, and students have the freedom to add as many or as few details about themselves as they would like.
To ensure that only AU students have access to the app, only those who receive the email invite to join Nearpeer will be able to sign up.
Currently, Nearpeer will only be available to undergraduate students. However, AU will be looking to expand the program based on the success of this first year pilot. Graduate students are encouraged to explore AU’s Alumni Connect networking and mentoring platform.
If you require any assistance while setting up your profile, email AU’s designated Nearpeer support team.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nearpeer?
Nearpeer is a free networking app that helps current AU undergraduate students find and connect with other AU students with similar educational interests, who live geographically close, or even those who have the same passions. Connecting with peers taking the same courses can also help provide students with the motivation and encouragement to complete their courses. Students provide as much or as little details on their profile as desired.
Can anyone make an account and join?
Nearpeer is a secure site. This means that only those who receive an email invitation to their AU email address can join and use Nearpeer at this time.
Is this being launched to all AU students?
Nearpeer will be rolled out in stages to all undergraduate students in the next year. The first group will include all undergraduate applicants (open studies and program students) since December 2023 and undergraduate registrants from Jan. 1, 2024 onward during this pilot period. Nearpeer is not being offered to graduate students at this time.
Is there a timeline to onboard all students?
We are hoping to onboard all undergraduate students within the year. However, this depends on the user experience with the product. We will start with all undergraduate applicants since December 2023, and undergraduate registrants from Jan. 1, 2024 onward during this pilot period. The second group will be undergraduate registrations and admissions since April 2023.
Is this for undergraduate and graduate students?
At this time, Nearpeer is being rolled out to undergraduate students, with plans to eventually extend to graduate students should the pilot be successful. Graduate students are encouraged to explore AU’s Alumni Connect networking and mentoring platform.
