The beginning of the semester can be a busy time for students. When faced with events that meet at a specific time, students will often put those ahead of events that can be done at independently, without a specific commitment. It is easy for students to put off beginning their independent learning course. Sending a welcome letter as a student enrolls or at the beginning of the class is one way that instructors can make contact with their students and encourage them not to procrastinate and get with the program.

There are important elements that a welcome letter should include. Some suggestions have been added as a resource to the CDE Checklist.