Relationship is what humans do over a lifetime for which there is the least education and training.  

~Magi Aata

The welcome call is the moment of relationship formation that defines the tone for interaction between online students and online faculty.  This blog post speaks to the moment of first "LIVE" connection when online faculty dials new students for the first time.   The application is real.  The student's name is not.

The number is dialed.  The phone is ringing. This is not the time to wonder what you will say when someone answers.  A general format of script is recommended and helpful.

The call is answered.  The voice of a woman speaks saying, "Hello."

The faculty caller, "This call is for Jamaica Lee.  Is Ms. Lee available?"

The woman on the line yet unidentified asks, "Who is calling for Ms. Lee?"

The faculty caller responds, "I am Oscar Crawford calling for Ms. Lee.  I am calling from Grand Canyon University.  Is Ms. Lee available?"

The woman on the yet unidentified says, "Mr. Crawford, I am Jamaica Lee."

 "Thank you, Ms. Lee.  I am calling to inform you I am to be the instructor for your University Success class to begin on Monday.  Do you have a moment for me?"

"Yes, I do."

"Thank you. Ms. Lee, I am responsible to inform you that our call is being recorded.  I am also required to ask you to confirm your personal information to continue our conversation.   Would you provide to me your email address, either of your phone numbers and your mailing address, please?

"Yes, my email address is [email protected].  My phone number is 777 - 777 - 7777.  My mailing address is 77 Earth Street East, Sciotoville, OH 77777."

"Thank you, Ms. Lee.  It is an honor to meet you and serve as the instructor for your first GCU class.  I hope you are as excited as I am to get started."

"I am Mr. Crawford.  I can't believe I am getting a call from my teacher.  I have never had this happen before."

Thank you, Ms. Lee.  It is our intention to provide you the best learning opportunity for success available.  I would like to raise a few questions if you do not mind and when I have complete them, offer to you an opportunity to raise any questions you might have.  Is that all right with you?"

"Yes, that is fine."

"What is your motivation for pursuing your degree?"

"I have encouraged my children to prepare for college after high school.  They have recently asked me why it is so important from them, when I have never gone.  I did not have a good answer.  So here I am pursing my degree in English.  I have always had the dream to be a writer."

"Thank you.  It seems that your family inspires each other.  Thank you for sharing that.  I will ask you a writing question next.  On a scale from 1 - 10; 1 equals not very good and 10 equals very good, how do you feel about your writing skills right now.  I ask this question because you will be writing throughout your online education."

"Wow, I don't know. I have never had to think about it like that.  People seem to enjoy when I speak in public at my children's school or at church.  Maybe I am a 7 or an 8."

"Ms. Lee, that's exciting for me.  I look forward to your work.  Do you have hobbies or other interests you are passionate about?"

"Mr. Crawford, I never get to talk about myself.  Thank you for the questions.  Not many people know this but I volunteer at long term care facilities.  I kind of know what it is like to feel lonely and uncared for.  I don't want anyone to feel like that if I can make a difference.  I also really like being creative with food.  My children's friends are always competing for whose turn it can be to come for dinner."

"Ms. Lee, I am almost finished.  What grade would you like to earn in my class?"

"I don't want to seem too uppity but I would really like to earn an "A".  My children are always proud to show me their good grades.  I would like to be able to do the same thing for them."

"Ms. Lee, if you are committed to doing the work necessary to earn an "A", I see nothing preventing you from doing do.  You have my commitment to you that I will make myself available to offer you every necessary and desired assistance you might require to help you accomplish your goal.  Have you any questions you would like to raise with me at this time."

"I do not.  Thank you so much for your call.  I feel much more comfortable about everything now.  I was beginning to get a bit nervous about it all.  It has been a long time since I was in school."

"You will do well.  You have excellent motivation for yourself and for your family.  I am excited for you.  Please make sure to remember this.  If at any time you feel unclear about anything that is expected of you, make contact quickly.  I am committed to making sure that you are clear not only about the what; that is expected of you, but also the how.  You are not alone.   You have support.  Thank you for spending time with me today and allowing me to spend some time with you.  Welcome to class.  Goodbye for now."

 "Good bye, Mr. Crawford.  Thank you."

This process works for the establishment of rapport to begin this seven weeks of journey into learning relationship.  The intent here beyond contact is meaningful connection.  This happens through faculty expressing genuine and sincere interest in the person of the student.  This builds mutual respect and trust.  When this happens, learning opportunities abound.  If any of this approach should prove to be worthy of your consideration and implementation, I will be interested to know how you build on it and improve the approach. 

I grew up in the 4 - H Club.  The goal there was to always make the best better. 

My next blog post will speak to my personal philosophy of education.