Discover how to leverage in-person experiences (both mandatory and optional) to strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and foster community in your online graduate program. Through the lens of business education, learn how to apply practical strategies to engage your students on campus and maximize your impact during their time there.

The ever-evolving landscape of higher education has seen a dynamic shift with the growth of online graduate programs. These programs offer flexibility, increase accessibility, and provide new opportunities that aren’t limited to geographical constraints. However, this shift doesn’t come without challenges. One obstacle that sits at the forefront is building community and fostering relationships among cohorts of online graduate students. Relationships formed among classmates, faculty, alumni, and program administration are a critical factor in the successful outcomes that students experience, and these connections can also play a key role in fostering student engagement, increasing retention, and boosting overall program satisfaction. Our session will explore how to leverage in-person experiences (both mandatory and optional) to help students build face-to-face connections that will sustain their relationships in the virtual classroom for the duration of their program and beyond. Bolstering community in fully online graduate programs can be used to combat student isolation, student detachment, and the "silo" effect (individual students who are holders of knowledge aren't able to effectively share information when needed). When online students feel connected to their classmates, faculty, and the institution as a whole, they are more engaged, more participative, and feel more supported. Investing resources into enriching their sense of community can only promote a higher level of student success and increase peer-to-peer learning. In turn, engaged students become engaged alumni who can help continue the positive growth cycle within your online graduate program. Through interactive discussions, group activities, and time for brainstorming strategies that you can apply to your institution, this session will equip participants to utilize in-person experiences for online graduate students. We will explore various types of in-person offerings and what impact they can be expected to have. In addition, we will explore a variety of sessions that can be offered to maximize buy-in from students including teambuilding with classmates, professional development and continuing education opportunities, engaging with program faculty, and immersing themselves in the culture of the institution. Key takeaways for the session include: 1. The critical role of fostering connection and engagement in your fully online graduate program. Participants will gain insights into the role of community in promoting student success and satisfaction in online graduate programs, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities associated with building community in a virtual environment. 2. Innovative approaches for integrating in-person experiences into online academic programs. We will showcase best practices for incorporating in-person experiences, such as residencies/orientations, social meet-ups, and immersive workshops for professional development, into online graduate programs. Attendees will learn how these experiences can enhance student engagement, collaboration, and sense of belonging. 3. Strategies for increasing student buy-in to participate in optional or mandatory in-person experiences. The session will focus on building excitement and utilizing student input to build an experience that is most meaningful for them. 4. Practical tips for overcoming challenges and maximizing the impact of community building initiatives. Building community in online graduate programs is not without barriers, from logistical and financial constraints to technological and pedagogical considerations. The session will address common challenges and barriers to community building and offer practical strategies and solutions for overcoming them. In conclusion, this session will empower attendees with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to create engaging and inclusive online graduate communities. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative approaches, we aim to support the continued growth and success of online graduate education by highlighting the importance of in-person experiences.