ONLINE ADJUNCT FACULTY TIP #4 - How to ensure that you welcome each student

I print the course roster and have it on the desk adjacent to my computer. When students post their biography the first few days of an online course, I make sure to read it and post a response that incorporates details of their biography - such as "Bill, I visited my brother-in-law in San Mateo last year. The weather was terrific! I imagine you sometimes take the rail line in to watch the San Francisco Giants games." I then highlight the student's name on my list to document that I made a personal welcoming communication to him. I've found this a helpful toll in ensuring that I respond to all students and make everyone feel welcomed to the course.