Peer to Peer Program

Settling into a new workplace can be both very exciting and a little overwhelming. To enhance the experience and ease some of the stress that can be associated with being in a new role and a new organization, the Peer to Peer Program was developed. This initiative is designed to seamlessly integrate new hires into the vibrant workplace culture at Virginia Tech while also welcoming them into the broader community. The program was first lauched in 2022. Here are the key features of the program:

• Mentoring Approach: The program uses a peer to peer mentoring approach. It pairs new hires with seasoned employees who can provide guidance and support based on their own experiences.
• Holistic Support: It offers a holistic view of the new hire. It does not only consider the new hire’s professional integration into the organization but also their assimilation into the broader community.
• Virginia Tech Culture: Understanding the specific culture of Virginia Tech is an essential part of the program. The Culture Champion mentor will communicate the strength and uniqueness of the Virginia Tech culture to the new hire. This will help the new hire align with organizational values, norms, and ways of working.
• Community Knowledge Sharing: The program provides knowledge about the surrounding community, which is crucial for newcomers to feel settled and comfortable outside of work hours. This might include information on local amenities, cultural activities, and community engagement opportunities.
• Organizational Structure and Professional Connections: The program also includes introductions to the university, departmental structures, and institutional traditions. Professional connections through the program can provide the new hires with a glance into opportunities for growth and career development. They play an important part in integration into the professional community at Virginia Tech.

Culture Champions

Culture Champions are experienced colleagues, who volunteer their time to work with new hires, introducing them to the opportunities they have to learn and grow at Virginia Tech. They support and guide the new hires to become comfortable with the day-to-day aspects of working at Virginia Tech and open the treasure trove of institutional knowledge and values. Culture Champions stand out as:

• Communicators:  They will provide relevant information to the newcomer and encourage a process of continued exploration.
• Role Models:  They are role models and exemplify Virginia Tech values.
• Motivators: They have a positive outlook on their work and use that perspective to help build self-confidence and loyalty in the newcomer.

Goal

The Peer to Peer Program was designed to enhance the overall experience of new hires by providing them with both practical knowledge and social integration support. This approach not only helps in quicker assimilation into the workplace but also fosters a sense of belonging and community among new employees. It can reduce the time and effort it takes to get new employees up to speed by providing a fun and engaging way to share important information.

At Virginia Tech we care about each new employee’s first interaction with the university. It’s part of our inclusive culture, which affirms that we believe in each individual’s outlook and contributions. A central part of the Peer to Peer effort is therefore to explore the Virginia Tech Principles of Community with the new hire.

Requirements

• Three-month Partnership: A three-month partnership is required but participants can stay connected for as long as they want. 
• Continuous Check-ins: Participants are highly encouraged to meet bi-weekly. The success of the mentorship depends on participant's commitment to meet on a regular basis. 
• Completion of Survey: Participants will be sent a survey to provide feedback regarding the program's effectiveness.

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