Tips for Hosting Virtual Programs
by Carolyn Jesko, Assistant Director, Programming
YSU Office of Student Activities
As we begin a new semester, we continue to think of ways for students to find community and build connections on campus. Planning virtual programs for students allows them to establish a sense of belonging in a safe environment. The Student Activities Office has some tips to help you plan a successful online program.
Evaluate your true purpose for gathering. Is it to help students have fun & feel connected, create some friendly competition, learn about health & wellness, or digitize existing campus services? Make sure your program is intentional and let students know your goals. Consider creating an online signup or registration for students to reserve their spot.
Identify a host to help facilitate the program and set expectations. Student leaders or staff members can help facilitate activities, reflection questions and small group discussions to help create interpersonal connections. Rather than trying to let meetings or programs happen organically, having a plan and detailed structure for the virtual setting is helpful for students during this time. You can select a couple other leaders to help keep your program on the right track.
To help facilitate engagement, set expectations at the beginning of the gathering. Your host can involve participants by encouraging them to answer a question to break the ice, use the chat feature throughout the meeting, and go over logistics like keeping your cameras on and microphone on mute. Inclusion remains important, and we should make sure all students feel heard. Be mindful of who you’re calling on to speak and enable mechanisms for nonverbal feedback.
