Cultivating the Online Graduate Student Experience

Abstract

This chapter presents recommendations for creating co-curricular engagement opportunities for online graduate students with evidence and examples drawn from both research and practice. Examples of successes and challenges from a leading online master's program are explored that ultimately led to the creation of multiple events including advising intake sessions, social opportunities, professional development experiences, and a virtual commencement. Four key considerations are provided to those interested in advancing new initiatives: know your audience and your goals, know your time and capacity restraints, consider partners and/or collaborators, and do not be afraid to fail.