Each incoming first-year is matched with a second year student based on one or more demographic parameters. Big Sibs act as initial social, academic and personal contacts, and are available to offer advice, answer questions, and generally ease the new students' transition into P&S. Big Sibs contact their little sibs before or at the beginning of the academic year to arrange to meet, and often remain in contact throughout the year. This is a student-run, long-standing tradition at P&S that fosters interaction among classes and provides new students with a personal peer resource.