Last revised on 2/11/25 by KK
Overview
Communication with students is a key part of Managing Your Online Course; this post has announcement and email templates to aid with that communication.”
Before the Course
Welcome Message (Version 1)
Send several weeks or more before the course begins.
Note: eCampus also sends a welcome email; review this email to online students to see what information is already provided.
Dear Students,
Welcome to [course] taught during [semester/session]. I am looking forward to learning with you in our online course. I am writing prior to the official start of classes to cover a few items.
Course Availability: The online course will be open on [date course will open, usually set to be available one week prior to the official start date] in HuskyCT. Please familiarize yourself with HuskyCT, begin the Course Orientation, read the syllabus, and introduce yourself. The first official day of the semester is [date]. I will be available on this date. If you discover technical difficulties before the first official day of the semester, please contact the university Technology Support Center at techsupport@uconn.edu or 860-486-4357.
Syllabus, Schedule, and Required Materials: I have included a tentative course syllabus and schedule [link to or attach syllabus and schedule]. Read the syllabus carefully, as it contains materials you will need to purchase prior to the start of class as well as course expectations. Note: The official syllabus and schedule will be linked in the HuskyCT course site.
Time Commitment: An online course requires discipline, self-motivation, collaboration, and organization. It also requires the same credit hours of work as a face-to-face course. Although there is greater flexibility for “when” you may complete coursework online, there are required due dates. Class participation is required and expected. You should expect to spend between [X and Y, based on the University's Credit Hour policy] hours per week working and learning in the course. Please plan your time accordingly.
Sincerely,
[name by which you want students to address you]
[signature line]
Welcome Message (Version 2)
Send several weeks or more before the course begins.
Note: eCampus also sends a welcome message; review this email to online students to see what information is already provided.
Dear Students,
This is [name by which you want students to address you]. As your instructor, I’d like to welcome you to [course].
I'm looking forward to working with you to explore [your general topics] during this semester. The course will begin on [date]. You will be able to access the course on [date course will open, usually set to be available one week prior to the official start date]. Once the course becomes available, please begin by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and schedule. Once the course begins, I will be using announcements for reminders, comments, and other course-related communications. Please check the announcement regularly!
If you are new to online courses, it's worth taking the time to also go over the various parts of the course. Course content is delivered in weekly modules that consist of [customize: lectures, readings, activities, and discussions]. Each new module will be released every [day of the week]. You will also find several assignments throughout the course. There are [customize: two exams, a mid-term and a final exam], in this course.
Please note that this course is not self-paced. Your weekly participation is expected. Refer to the Participation Expectation section in the syllabus for further details. It is very important that you set aside time each week to work on your course to keep up. It can be extremely difficult to catch up once you fall behind.
If you ever experience issues with the course site, reach out to university Technology Support Center at techsupport@uconn.edu or 860-486-4357. If you have any questions about the course, please [preferred method of contact].
Sincerely,
[name by which you want students to address you]
[signature line]
“Course is Open for Viewing” Announcement
Send when the course opens, which is usually set to be available one week prior to the official start date (a.k.a. “Orientation Week”).
Hello and welcome to [course]!
This class will officially begin on [date].
Meanwhile, feel free to familiarize yourself with our HuskyCT course site and the material in our Course Orientation. To get to our course and the Course Orientation area follow the steps below:
- Access HuskyCT by navigating to lms.uconn.edu and logging in with your NetID and password.
- On the left menu, select Courses. Then select [course name].
- Once in the course, the Course Orientation is the first module.
Again, the course is opened early for your benefit. I will not be available until the official first day of classes. If you have any technical issues navigating HuskyCT, please use Student Help in HuskyCT (on the Institution Page) or contact the university Technology Support Center at techsupport@uconn.edu or 860-486-4357.
See you soon!
[name by which you want students to address you]
Throughout the Course
General Weekly Announcement (Example)
Send general announcements throughout the course, likely on a weekly basis.
From KINS 6425 - Special Topics in Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
KINS 6425 Module 2 Wrap-up
Hi All, What a terrific discussion last week! Your reflective essays were equally well done. [Provides feedback] A terrific start to our semester together. [The informal social greetings and use of "our" facilitates instructor presence] Compared to classes in the past, when considering the final list of the top three in the US and the world, low and behold there is really no consensus among you with the exception of the following:
- In the US physical activity/the built environment emerged at the top of your list followed by CVD, cancer, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease. The surprise concern on the list for some of you was hypertension both in the US and the world;
Globally, a point of consensus was the list varied depending on the type of country developing or developed. Nonetheless, CVD, diabetes, and nutrition under and over emerged as your top choices. - Last, although not at the top of the list, the future estimates about the prevalence of mental health were eye catching as were your points made about the stigma relating to seeking treatment. [Wraps-up discussion post by highlighting key points]
Classes very relevant to our discussions this week are Module 4: Weight Stigma in Health Care by Dr. Puhl, Module 8: The Exercise Paradox by Dr. Taylor, Module 9: Chronic Emergency by Professor Buckley, and Module 11: Health-Related Issues of Global Warming which maybe the biggest health concern of all that did not make our list. [Facilitates transition from one topic to the next.] Stay Tuned!!! Dr. P.
End of the Course
Student Experience of Teaching (SET) Announcement
Send during the last week of the course.
Hello class,
I hope that you will be able to find about 15 minutes to complete the Student Experience of Teaching (SET) and internal "Final Survey." We rely upon your anonymous feedback to guide our continuing efforts to make this class worth the time and money you (and in many cases, your employers) invest. Whether your feelings about the class are positive, negative, or mixed, please take a few minutes to let us know.
Thanks,
[name]
Course Wrap-up Announcement
Send on the last day of the course (or soon after).
Hello class,
It's hard to believe that today is the last day of [course]! It has been a pleasure working with you all. [Optional: Include any last reminders for assessments due by the end of the day. Share some highlights from the course, such as a few key takeaways or a quick summary of how far students have come since the beginning of the course.]
If you haven't already, please take about 15 minutes to complete the Student Experience of Teaching (SET) and internal "Final Survey."
The course will remain available until [date 3 weeks after the end of fall/spring semester or 2 weeks after the end of summer/winter session]; be sure to download or print any work you'd like to save before then.
I wish you the best of luck moving forward, and please reach out if I can be of any assistance.
Best,
[name]