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Communication and Respect
1.1 Setting expecations from the outset
Guidance for setting expectations
Let students know how you will communicate with them and what type of communications can/will be used for different platforms. For example, all formal communications about assessments, class times, notification of absences, might be via email.
A social media group might be acceptable for informal discussions, however if you do not manage the group, how do you ensure it is inclusive? Determine the best way for the group to talk to each other outside formal comms and ensure everyone can access it/is happy to use it.
For those who do not want to, or cannot join the socila media group, always ensure important messages reach them and they do not feel disadvantaged or left out.
Let students know the best way to reach you. This should be via a formal channel such as email when relating to academic matters, such as information about assessments, missed classes, etc.
Let the students know within what time period they can expect to receive a response from you (such as within two to three working days). Sometimes students send an email on a Friday night and expect an immediate response. However setting the expectation from the outset ensures students know reasonable response times, and also assists them in knowing when to send emails to you.
If you are going to be away from your communication channels for a period of time, let students know and use 'out of office" so they know they are not being ignored.
We want our students to start out on the right foot. We can help them to do this by setting reasonable expecations right from the beginning. How can you achieve this? By informing students clearly about how you will be communicating with them, when and how often, and how you expect them to communicate with you.
If students know what to expect, they will feel settled more quickly, and confident that they know how to communicate with you.