Begin by introducing yourself and important course information online before the first class meeting.

• Offer a glimpse into your academic journey by discussing your path to teaching and your passion for the subject matter.
• Create a personal touch to help them see you as a human being and not just a faculty member by sharing photos or videos that highlight your hobbies, interests, or family via a welcome message.

• On the first day, establish a welcoming atmosphere by arriving early to greet students, taking oral attendance to learn names, using name tents, and maintaining an accessible presence throughout class.
• Keep accessibility in mind. Review Receiving A Student Accommodation Letter Quick Tips and visit the Caption Support Services page to easily add video captions as needed,
• Cultivate a sense of community by creating opportunities for students to connect with each other through icebreakers and group activities.
• Facilitate student introductions using a digital platform like Padlet. 
• Encourage students to make their introductions more engaging using multimedia elements, like videos and images, easily created with tools like Adobe Express.
• Enliven class discussions with gallery walks to encourage collaboration and discussion. 
• Learn more about your students' backgrounds, interests, and goals by using "get-to-know-you" surveys, polls, or informal discussions to help you tailor your teaching to their needs and create a more engaging learning experience. Utilize Microsoft Forms or iClickers for easy data collection and analysis
   

• Use a variety of methods, including syllabus overviews, course maps, and in-class discussions, to ensure students understand what is expected of them and what student services are available to them. 
• Establish a structured learning environment by clearly outlining course expectations, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and guidance on the effective use of required materials. 
• Spark student engagement by incorporating interactive activities that connect to course content from the start. 
• Provide regular opportunities for students to practice and improve their understanding through low-stakes assessments and the ability to revise their work.
• Give frequent and thorough feedback easily using the Canvas comment library. Review How do I use the Comment Library in SpeedGrader, How do I use the Gradebook, and Canvas Analytics for more.

You won’t get a second chance to make that first impression, so make it count!