INTRODUCTORY LETTER FOR ONLINE COURSES

Some instructors take advantage of a service we offer; to send out an introductory letter from the instructor to all registered students.

These introductory letters are created by the instructor and typically contain the following:

• contact information for the instructor
• the software platform the course will be utilizing (BlackBoard, WebCT, FirstClass, etc.) and how to obtain access
• brief description of the course
• contact information for technical support for the course
• when the course website will be made available to students
• course materials which are required/recommended for the course and where students can obtain them

Do not submit a syllabus in place of this introductory letter. Syllabi are distributed through the bookstores, as handouts in ITV/compressed video courses or posted online.

If you would like us to send out one of these letters for your online course please forward a copy to Karen Proulx (kproulx@maine.edu, 46 University Drive, Augusta, ME 04330).

2-3 weeks before the start of the course an e-mail, with your letter attached, will be forwarded to every student registered in your course. The e-mail asks that the students acknowledge receipt of the letter. Those students who do not respond are mailed a copy of the letter to their home addresses. Registration lists are checked daily until the start of the course to ensure that newly-registered students receive a copy of the letter.