QUB Nightline’s Penpals:
Seeking A Friend For Lockdown
Welcome Letter and Participant Agreement
Hi!
Thank you so much for your interest in our Pen Pal Scheme! Here at QUB Nightline, we organised this scheme to help Queen’s students find a new friend in times when meeting new people is especially difficult. We hope that you’ll find someone you get along with, whether you’re looking for someone with similar interests, someone on your course, or want to take your chances at random!
While we hope you find what you’re looking for in your pen pal, if issues arise, please don’t hesitate to contact nightline@qub.ac.uk.
Below are some guidelines on the do’s and don’ts of the scheme – nothing too stressful, just outlining your responsibilities as they align with the already existing Queen’s University Belfast policies. Outlined below you will find the expectations upon you when participating in this agreement; as stated in the terms and conditions, you have a right to opt out at any time.
– The purpose of this pen pal Scheme is to allow students to make connections with other members of the Queen’s community, upholding the values of the university community. As a participant, we ask that you act with respect and kindness, this also includes adherence to the Queen’s University Belfast Social Media policy.
– If any instances of bullying, harassment or discrimination do occur, participants are encouraged to utilise the central university “Report and Support” scheme. If entering into this process, the Students’ Union is here to offer advice and support, so please reach out and we can help.
– As a participant in this scheme, your intentions are to reach out and make connections with other students, in a pen pal conversational capacity, engaging in respect and consensual behaviour.
– If any problems arise, please report them directly to QUB Nightline, and where inappropriate behaviour is found, the participating student may be removed from the scheme or rematched when/where appropriate.
– At this stage in time, QUB Nightline are only actively encouraging participation in email communication, if you and your partner decide to move your participation to other platforms of communication, that is completely up to you! Only do what you feel comfortable with, and remember, even in private communications, the Queen’s University Belfast Social Media policy applies to all students. See full policy here.
– Your time is of value, and you are able to give as much or as little as you want! Chat with your match and get to know them, but go at your own pace. There is no set commitment, and is there to be as flexible as it can with your availability.
Don’t be shy when reaching out to your penpal! There will be starter question ideas and tips on how to get started talking to your penpal in your initial connection email- these are just guidelines, please don’t feel like you have to stick to them! We hope you can make a new friend and above all, have fun! 😀
Kind regards,
QUB Nightline