2008 Woodie Awards
UPeers breaks into social scene
Amanda Moutner
Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: Arts and Leisure
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Nearly every college student has a Facebook or MySpace profile. But now, a new student network called UPeers has broken its way onto the scene.
Produced by GoalQuest, Inc., a software company based in New York City specializing in programs for higher education, UPeers is a part of their larger Universe Suite of Tools. According to their official website, UPeers is "a safe, secure and fun interactive environment in which prospects, current students and alumni can learn more about their peers, share interests, build relationships, form study groups, communicate with mentors and more."
Sign-up tables and flyers were set up and distributed around campus the week following spring break by Drew University Admissions as a way of advertising for the new site.
"It's a chance for the entire student population to have the opportunity to speak among themselves in the Drew-only community. It's not just for freshmen," said April Vidor, special assistant to the dean of college admissions and financial assistance. "Faculty, staff and alumni can join the community."
The point of UPeers is to "boost involvement" in campus life to aid in making the college experience a rewarding and successful one. Facebook and MySpace center on the social scene, UPeers takes on the academic sphere and the social one.
While you can search for clubs and organizations at your school, leave messages and friend people on UPeers like you can on Facebook and MySpace, there are several helpful features available only on UPeers. The "places" module allows students to list their favorite restaurants, clubs, theaters and activities that are in and around the college's local town. The "stuff for sale" module allows students to search for items or sell them, much like a smaller, localized eBay. While this may entice some to use the program, others don't think it's anything special.
"I looked at UPeers, but I had no interest in joining it. It looks just like Facebook, except it has restaurant reviews," freshman Chris Hayden said.
Produced by GoalQuest, Inc., a software company based in New York City specializing in programs for higher education, UPeers is a part of their larger Universe Suite of Tools. According to their official website, UPeers is "a safe, secure and fun interactive environment in which prospects, current students and alumni can learn more about their peers, share interests, build relationships, form study groups, communicate with mentors and more."
Sign-up tables and flyers were set up and distributed around campus the week following spring break by Drew University Admissions as a way of advertising for the new site.
"It's a chance for the entire student population to have the opportunity to speak among themselves in the Drew-only community. It's not just for freshmen," said April Vidor, special assistant to the dean of college admissions and financial assistance. "Faculty, staff and alumni can join the community."
The point of UPeers is to "boost involvement" in campus life to aid in making the college experience a rewarding and successful one. Facebook and MySpace center on the social scene, UPeers takes on the academic sphere and the social one.
While you can search for clubs and organizations at your school, leave messages and friend people on UPeers like you can on Facebook and MySpace, there are several helpful features available only on UPeers. The "places" module allows students to list their favorite restaurants, clubs, theaters and activities that are in and around the college's local town. The "stuff for sale" module allows students to search for items or sell them, much like a smaller, localized eBay. While this may entice some to use the program, others don't think it's anything special.
"I looked at UPeers, but I had no interest in joining it. It looks just like Facebook, except it has restaurant reviews," freshman Chris Hayden said.
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