Online programs offer flexibility, accessibility, and pathways to higher education for many learners, especially those balancing coursework alongside careers, family responsibilities, or other commitments. However, online programs involve less face-to-face interaction with classmates and instructors.
Meaningful connections can still be created though online learning. Building relationships with classmates, faculty, and other MSU students can enrich your learning experience, expand your professional network, and create a sense of community in your program. Here are some tips for fostering connections while learning remotely.
Make yourself known
Don’t neglect get-to-know-you assignments. Introduce yourself in discussion boards and class introductions. Share a little about your professional background, why you chose your program, and what you hope to gain from the experience. In, often specialized, online cohorts many classmates have similar goals or experiences.
Post about your program on LinkedIn, add Michigan State to your education bio, and follow other Spartans in your class.
Social media can be useful for connecting to the Spartan network long after your program ends. By furthering your education with MSU you are gaining valuable skills, demonstrating a commitment to life long education, and joining a larger network of learners and professionals.
Attend events
Some programs have online or in-person events. Ask your professors and classmates about virtual coffee chats, guest speaker sessions, networking events, seminars, or informal meetups associated with your program.
You can also explore university-wide offerings. The events page on online.msu.edu regularly highlights virtual programs designed for online and graduate students. Attending even a few events each semester can help you recognize familiar faces, hear different perspectives, and feel more connected to the university community.
Create group messages
A graduate certificate or Master’s degree is rewarding, it expands your worldview and skillset, but it is also challenging at times. Creating a group message with classmates can serve as a support network for classes and a way to connect digitally with your peers. Having classmates you can reach out to can make the online learning experience feel more social and supported.
Familiarize yourself with alumni networks/ events in your area
MSU has an alumni network of over 550,000, scattered all over the globe. From networking to recreation, there are many ways to connect in-person or online. Here are some highlights:
Spartan Alumni Events Calendar: The best place for up-to-date information on ways to connect, from networking events to game day parties. Some events are virtual, and some happen in-person. You can connect with other Spartans based on your location, interest, field of study, identity, or common traits. Always open to newcomers, these events are a great way to connect. https://alumni.msu.edu/events-calendar
Spartan Community Locator: Looking to meet other Spartans living and working in your area? From East Lansing to Tokyo there are regional groups worldwide who host in-person or online events. This is a great way to meet people in-person, share about your experience, and expand your local network. https://alumni.msu.edu/connect/alum-communities/community-locator
Career Network: For job-oriented alumni resources, take a look at MSU’s career network. You can connect with alumni, view job postings, and receive guidance for a job hunt. For recent MSU grads, Alumni Career Services offers additional guidance to help Spartans new to the job market find the position that is right for them. Take advantage of these resources! https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/alumni/
The reality of online learning is that connecting requires you to be more outgoing and intentional. It’s one of the major trade-offs for students who choose to study online, but many students take advantage of the unique opportunities that remote learning offers including flexible scheduling, maintaining a professional network where they already love and expanding it through MSU, the ability to continue working full time, all while having access to a quality education. Michigan State is a large university with resources, students, alumni, faculty, and staff living all over the world, and working in every sector. Reach out to your classmates, and Go Green!