Making students feel welcome and clarifying their communication channels is an important step at the start of session. With the impacts of the pandemic, it’s even more important for students to understand how they can find information and get the support they need.
This session, subjects are timetabled on campus with course content offered online – the exception to this is subjects that are always timetabled fully online and classes with an offshore cohort. On-campus experiences must be included for domestic students.
The best way to inform students how their subject is being delivered is by posting a welcome announcement in Canvas. Read through our tips and copy our template below.
Tips
- Introduce yourself, the subject, and the purpose of the welcome message. You may choose to link to or include more biographical information here, otherwise be sure to provide a little more background about yourself.
- Include information about Canvas and how they use it – we suggest you include a link to the Canvas Student Guide on UTS website.
- Provide students with an outline of what to expect in the subject to avoid uncertainty later.
- Let students know how they can ask subject-related questions – remind them to seek support for Canvas technical queries via the options in the Canvas Help menu.
- Explain how students can be successful in the subject and the online environment, and how they can prepare before their first class.
- Provide information on how and when students can contact you (and when they can expect a response from you).
- Note that a welcome message should be separate from the subject outline, which contains more detailed information about the course expectations, learning objectives, assessment dates etc.
Template
Hello and welcome to <subject name and ID>. My name is <X> and I will be your Subject Coordinator for this subject.
Getting started with Canvas
- Log into canvas.uts.edu.au with your student ID and UTS password.
- You can also download the Canvas app for your mobile device from the Google Play store or App store.
- If you have any login issues, you will need to contact IT Support Centre on +61 2 9514 2222 or log an IT request via ServiceConnect.
Before we start the subject, some information and hints to help you prepare
- This subject focuses on (mention aim and learning objectives, connect relevance of the subject to ‘real-world’ examples).
- Week one starts on <date>. You will find all subject learning material, including information on assessments on this Canvas site. Submission of assessments, and all assessment feedback will also take place online through this Canvas site.
- It is important that you regularly check the subject site for any new resources and important announcements. It’s recommended you keep the default notification preferences in place so that you don’t miss any important announcements.
- The Subject Outline can be accessed via the link from the main menu. Please ensure you have thoroughly read this outline so you know what is expected.
COVID-19 impacts and response
UTS is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, following NSW and Commonwealth Government advice. You can visit UTS’s COVID-19 Updates page to keep up-to-date with information about studying at UTS, campus access and what we’re doing to keep our community safe. Visit Covid19 Support for Students or call 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887) if you are in doubt.
Questions
If you have any queries about this subject, you can contact me <add preferred contact methods here, including when students might expect a response from you>. My contact details can also be found in the subject outline.
I encourage you to familiarise yourself with the subject site and assignment due dates so that you can plan your session accordingly. My experience is that getting started and keeping on schedule are the keys to success in this subject. I look forward to working with you this session.