Program Overview

Introduction to Peer Connections

Peer Connections supports students through tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction, learning assistants, and student success events in an inclusive, welcoming environment. It serves as a university-wide resource for the promotion of peer learning and retention.

Mission Statement

Peer Connections is committed to educating, retaining, and graduating students by assisting them in their holistic development at San José State University. Our team empowers students to become self-directed learners and active global citizens.

Vision

Peer Connections strives to be the hub of peer learning, practice, and research at San José State and in the field of learning assistance. By developing peer leaders, supporting students, collaborating with both faculty and staff on peer learning projects, and conducting undergraduate research, we will devise innovative approaches to peer education and expand the base of knowledge about peer learning for all.

Learning Outcomes for Students

• Students become independent and take ownership of their own learning and development.
• Students develop effective study strategies and organizational skills.
• Students increase competence in the areas in which they are seeking assistance.
• Students expand their metacognitive abilities, including an understanding of how they learn.
• Students learn and demonstrate critical thinking abilities: identifying problems, analyzing and evaluating solutions, and making sound decisions with use of quality information.
• Students demonstrate that they can find and utilize available campus resources.
• Students feel a sense of belonging and are connected to the SJSU community.
• Students persist and graduate.

Learning Outcomes for Peer Educators

• Peer educators augment their metacognitive abilities, including deepening their understanding of how they and others learn.
• Peer educators strengthen their interpersonal and communication skills, enhancing their ability to collaborate.
• Peer educators gain intrapersonal awareness and confidence in themselves as students, professionals, and people.
• Peer educators demonstrate sensitivity to and appreciation for diverse perspectives, experiences, and human differences.
• Peer educators exhibit critical thinking abilities through identifying problems, analyzing and evaluating solutions, and making sound decisions with use of quality information.
• Peer educators expand their knowledge of available campus resources for themselves and their peers.
• Peer educators acquire and utilize best practices from the fields of academic support and student development.
• Peer educators are engaged and committed to the program and the larger SJSU community.

AI Disclosure Statement

There are many Generative AI tools available, and the range of platforms is developing quickly. We believe these tools can be helpful for students, with training and guidance. Our peer educators may, at their discretion, utilize advanced programs and Generative AI tools to complement our peer academic support services.

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

The California State University, which includes San José State, does not discriminate on the basis of gender, which includes sex and gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation in its education programs or activities.

Programs and Services

Peer Connections offers a variety of programs and services, including:

• Tutoring
• Mentoring
• Supplemental Instruction
• Learning Assistant Program
• Workshops
• Spartan Support Network

About Peer Connections

Peer Connections is a university-wide resource that promotes peer learning and retention. Our team is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Colleges

San José State University comprises several colleges, including:

• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Graduate Studies
• Health and Human Sciences
• Information, Data and Society
• Humanities and the Arts
• Professional Education
• Science
• Social Sciences

Resources

Available resources include:

• Academic Catalog
• Basic Needs Assistance
• Clery and Safety Reports
• Bookstore
• Calendars
• Careers
• Employees
• Freedom of Speech
• Immigration
• Spartan Safe Safety Mobile App
• Well-being @ SJSU