Department Name Change
UWM's Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) has changed its name to the Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL), learn more about it in our official statement. Alongside the name change, our website's url has changed to uwm.edu/advancing-learning/. Please update any bookmarks or links to point to our new url!

Writing a Welcome Message for Your Online Course

A well-crafted welcome message is a powerful way to connect with students and set the tone for a successful online learning experience. It helps students feel more comfortable, introduces them to the course and instructor, and fosters a sense of community. Your message should convey that you are accessible, knowledgeable, approachable, and a real person within their UWM network. The sample welcome message below includes a student-friendly and welcoming tone. 

Hi everyone, I’m [Instructor Name] and I’m really excited to learn and grow with you this semester. I’ll be actively involved in our class—sharing weekly announcements, joining discussions to help clarify ideas, and offering thoughtful feedback on your major assignments. 

When I notice common themes or questions in our work, I’ll share general insights with the whole class so we can all benefit. You’ll also have the chance to share your thoughts with me through feedback surveys at the middle and end of the course—your voice matters and I do make changes off the feedback you share.  

If you ever have questions or run into challenges, please reach out early. I’m here to support you, and together we can make this a successful and meaningful semester. Looking forward to our learning journey ahead!

Note: The welcome message is typically separate from the course syllabus, which contains detailed information about expectations, learning objectives, due dates, policies, assignments, and assessments. 

What to Include in Your Welcome Message? 

  • Clearly state that the course is online and explain the format
    • Example for a Fully Online Course
      • “This is a fully online course. We will not meet in person; all communication and coursework will take place through Canvas and via your UWM email. Although the course is entirely online, it includes interactive activities designed to help you connect with your peers and with me.”
    • Example for Hybrid or One-Time In-Person Requirement
      • “This course is primarily online, but includes one required in-person session during Week X (DATES). You’ll choose from three available time slots for a small group presentation and peer observation. More details will be posted in the assignment section of the course Canvas site.” 
  • Make  Instructor Contact Information Clear and Easy to Find
    • Let students know how and when they can reach you. Include your preferred contact method, office hours, and response time expectations. 
    • Examples
      • “The best way to contact me is via email. I typically respond within one business day (excluding weekends and holidays).” 
      • “I check email several times a day and will respond as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours.” 
      • “For general questions, please use the ‘Ask the Instructor’ discussion forum. For personal matters, contact me directly.” 

Share  Next Steps & Tips for Success 

  • Help students get started and understand how to succeed in your online course by including tips
    • Example
      • “Learning is an active process, and your participation matters! To get the most out of this course, it’s important that you engage with the online materials regularly and manage your time so you can complete readings and activities on schedule. Posting your responses by the deadlines helps keep the conversation flowing and gives everyone—including you—a chance to learn from each other. Let’s work together to create a supportive and respectful learning environment! “  
    • Examples for Online Learning Tips
      • Test your access to Canvas, Zoom, and any other technology related to the course.
      • Online courses require active participation and time management. 
      • Post questions in the General Course Questions discussion forum. 
      • Review the syllabus for key dates and assignments. Add them to your calendar. 
      • Respect deadlines to support peer interaction. 
      • Use the flexibility of online learning to explore topics deeply and work at your own pace. 
      • Consider reading the article, What Makes a Successful Online Student? from the University of Illinois.  

Include Words of Encouragement

  • End on a positive note and reiterate your availability
    • Example:
      • “I look forward to collaborating with you online and hope this course provides opportunities for both personal reflection and shared learning. If you have any questions, please email me at EMAIL.” 

Record a Video Welcome Message in Canvas Announcements

  • Using a video for a welcome message is beneficial because it fosters a stronger connection between the instructor and students, enhances social presence, and can improve student engagement and learning outcomes. It allows for a more personal introduction than text alone, helping students see their instructor as a real person and potentially easing anxiety, especially in online courses. 

Using Canvas Announcements

You can create an announcement to share important information with all users within your course and with users in sections of a course. 

  • Your course must be published for students to receive announcement notifications. If you import an announcement from another Canvas course, new announcement notifications will not be sent to course users. 
  • Notifications are not sent for announcements created before the course has been published. 
  • Student app users cannot view announcements on the homepage. However, they can view announcements in the course’s Announcements Navigation. 

Welcome Message Template for Instructors and TAs