hands drawing and highlighting on white paper At this phase in your course design, you should be ready to finalize the policy sections of your syllabus. For online classes, it can be helpful to set clear expectations and guidelines for students. You can do this in your syllabus as well as in an orientation module or as a recorded introduction video. Students will benefit from hearing these messages more than once.

Students sometimes expect online courses to be easier than face-to-face classes, when the opposite is usually true: online courses generally involve more assignments, more reading, more writing, and more self-regulation than traditional face-to-face classes, all of which can be challenging for some students. Setting clear expectations from the beginning can better prepare students for success.

Consider and clarify the expectations and policies in your syllabus about each of the following:

Communication

How will you communicate with students?
How do you prefer that students to contact you?
How quickly can students expect a response?
What turnaround time should students expect for grades and feedback?
What do you expect from students' writing, especially in the class discussion forums? It can be helpful to remind students to be professional and respectful, especially when they disagree with you or another student.

Start Dates, Due Dates, and Late Work

When will you post new modules?
When do modules end?
Do you accept late work? What are the penalties, if any?

Resources for Online Students

Your syllabus and your course should also mention the resources that are available to support your students. If you are using the syllabus template, all of these resources are already included, except for the Tips for Success in Online Classes, which can be added to your Canvas course by your ID upon request.

Tips for Success in Online Classes: The ID team created this tip sheet for online students.
La Salle University Helpdesk: Students can reach the Helpdesk by calling 215.951.1860 or emailing helpdesk@lasalle.edu.
Student Guides and Resources Course: This non-credit Canvas course provides students with training and information on Canvas and other instructional technologies.
Classroom Accommodations: Students that require accommodations should contact the Academic Affairs Support Specialist as early as possible.
The Connelly Library: The experts at the Connelly Library can help students with their research. This self-paced guide provides a quick overview of the library resources. Students can get in touch with the library by phone at 215.951.1287 or by email.
Academic Support Services: This resource center offers online services for writing support, study strategies, and time management. Online tutoring is also available for some subjects.
Student Counseling Center: Full time undergraduate students and residential graduate students are eligible to utilize these services. Part-time students and non-residential student can call for referrals.

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