Although online course enrollment is growing, while traditional face to face enrollments continue to decline, online classes are often intimidating for first-time or non-traditional students who may feel isolated or uncomfortable navigating the virtual classroom.¹ College is more than course material and providing a student with the tools for success is not always enough, especially when the student is a non-traditional learner juggling academic, economic, and familial obligations. Student engagement and a sense of community are fundamental components of student success as they “increase student satisfaction, enhance student motivation to learn, reduce the sense of isolation, and improves student performance.”² This presentation details a pilot program at SUNY Oswego designed to familiarize students with the online course environment while creating an active and engaging online community for non-traditional students in online and blended programs.

¹Lederman, Doug. "Inside Higher Ed." New Data: Online Enrollments Grow, and Share of Overall Enrollment Grows Faster. November 07, 2018. Accessed June 12, 2019. https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2018/11/07/new-data-online-enrollments-grow-and-share-overall-enrollment.

²Martin, Florence, and Doris U. Bolliger. "Engagement Matters: Student Perceptions on the Importance of Engagement Strategies in the Online Learning Environment." Online Learning22, no. 1 (March 01, 2018): 205-22. Accessed June 12, 2019. doi:10.24059/olj.v22i1.1092.