Cornell University Uses ConnectYard to Support Peer Mentoring Program

Social learning site facilitates the integration of students into campus

Wayne, New Jersey - August 31, 2009

ConnectYard, Inc. today announced that Cornell University's Office of Minority Educational Affairs (OMEA) is using its social learning service to support the launch of a new peer mentoring program designed to help facilitate the academic and personal adjustment of students to Cornell and increase graduation rates. The mission of OMEA is to effectively administer the institutional policies designed for the academic and social enhancement of minority students and others eligible for New York State Programs, through the facilitation of minority student related services and the advisement and consultation of the network of academic and non-academic individuals committed to diversity at Cornell.

ConnectYard leverages popular social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter, to better connect students, build a feeling of community and provide enhanced academic support - all of which positively affect a student's persistence through graduation. The company will host an introductory session for students in the mentor program that covers how they can use the service to connect with other students in their campus community, get help and advice from student mentors as well as stay informed of relevant campus events and services.

"ConnectYard will help students participating in the mentor program get connected and stay in regular communication, which can often times be a challenge for those already handling a full course load along with other extracurricular actives," said Donald Doane, the Company's CEO.

About ConnectYard
ConnectYard specializes in helping colleges and universities effectively leverage the power of social media to improve student retention by extending the learning environment outside of the classroom into where students live and socialize - online. The Company's Web 2.0 solutions are built upon a foundation of proven success and customer-driven innovation with a high focus on enhancing learning and building community amongst students.

ConnectYard, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For more information on how ConnectYard can help your institution maximize student recruitment and retention, please visit www.connectyard.com or contact us at 973-494-8041.

PRESS CONTACT: PR, ConnectYard - 508 Hamburg Turnpike, 105D - Wayne, NJ 07470 - Tel. 973.494.8041 - E-mail: pr@connectyard.com - Website: www.connectyard.com