Before the Semester Begins

A few days before classes begin, introduce yourself to your students in an email, briefly explaining the course objectives and expectations.  This communicates that you believe they can be successful in this class and that you are willing to provide them with the tools to do so.  Be sure to state how students can contact you, whether you prefer email or Canvas chat, and your office hours. If you are teaching online, you might also direct them to key course features, especially if there is an activity due in week one.

Welcoming Your Students

A few days before classes begin, introduce yourself to your students in an email, briefly explaining the course objectives and expectations.  This communicates that you believe they can be successful in this class and that you are willing to provide them with the tools to do so.  Be sure to state how students can contact you, whether you prefer email or Canvas chat, and your office hours. If you are teaching online, you might also direct them to key course features, especially if there is an activity due in week one.

Pro Tip #1: Create a Welcome Video

Regardless of the course modality, consider making a welcome video. You can use Panopto or even use your phone. The best videos are not fancy, super short (1 – 2 minutes), and capture you, authentically speaking to your students.

Pro Tip #2: Continue with the “relentless Welcome”

In their book Relationship-Rich Education, Felten and Lambert argue that what drives success for college students is making meaningful connections on campus. Students need to feel that they belong in school, that they can find help when they need it, and, from everyone on campus, that they will receive what Felten and Lambert call the “relentless welcome.”  As faculty, we can help students feel a sense of belonging throughout the semester by

The value of a simple “how are you?” may surprise you but taking a minute to practice the art of listening to their response can resonate with students far longer than the exchange.   Why? It builds trust and understanding.  Students want to know that you see them beyond just being another paper to grade.
Try saying hello to students in your department or school. Help students make connections with other members of the campus community—whether it is another professor with similar interests or a tutor.
In Ken Bain’s What the Best College Teachers Do, he explains that highly effective teachers “reflect a strong trust in students.  They usually believe that students want to learn, and they assume, until proven otherwise, that they can.” [67]