1. The document describes a virtual study-buddy program implemented at a distance university to address high dropout rates. 2. In the program, first semester students were paired with another student and engaged in relationship-building and curricular activities over 6 weeks through a online platform. 3. Evaluation found the program increased students' sense of belonging and integration, and indirectly led to higher exam registration rates, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in socially supporting new distance students.