Penji enhances student support options

University of Delaware students now have a new and simpler way of getting help from a tutor to support their academic success.

Fully launching this fall, Penji allows students to see tutors' availability in real-time, gives students the option to select a tutor they've worked with in the past and allows both parties to send private messages. Additionally, students can upload materials in Penji prior to their scheduled session and will have access to their tutor's Zoom link as soon as a virtual session is scheduled.

The new system complements a wide range of tutoring services, including drop-in and study group options, all tailored to students' learning needs.

Penji is available on the web or through a mobile app, said Sally Healy, director of UD's Office of Academic Enrichment. OAE has transitioned from Blue Hen Success to Penji for undergraduate students on the Newark campus, while those in UD's associate degree programs will continue to use Blue Hen Success.

"Streamlining this process helps us to increase the possibility of student success at UD," Healy said. "Because the platform is user-friendly and much more simplified, we hope this transition will chip away at any hesitation that students may have about scheduling a tutor."

Julia Querey, a rising junior majoring in biological sciences and a tutor who has been using Penji since June, is excited for students and tutors to begin using Penji this fall.

"A significant change that I've noticed is how simple the process is for scheduling tutoring sessions," Querey said. "Penji cuts out extra steps to communicate, requires students to provide details about what they need help with and gives students meeting locations to choose from while scheduling an appointment."

More information about Penji can be found in OAE's user guide and demonstration video.