Feel free to use these example messages, prepared for delivery before typical course milestones, as models for your own course communications.
These messages are styled as email messages, but you could also post this information in a course discussion topic or in a course update.
To use keywords, you must send email messages; keywords are not supported in discussion topics.
Important:
Revise these message templates carefully to include facts for your own course, meet the needs of your learners, and reflect your own objectives and tone.
Search for the “{” and “}” characters to locate prompts and replace them with course-specific values.
Some of these messages also contain keywords (like %%COURSE_DISPLAY_NAME%%). Ensure you're using them appropriately.
Pre-launch Reminder
Subject: {course number} Starts Soon!
Hello %%USER_FULLNAME%%,
We are excited you are joining us for {course number}
%%COURSE_DISPLAY_NAME%%, offered by {organisation name}.
Class begins on {day}, {date} at {time} UTC (which is {time} {local time zone}).Note that many dates and times in our courses appear in your local time zone,
but some might appear in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Dates and times using your local time zone will include a timezone abbreviation.
UTC times will not.You can use a converter such as {link} to check your local time.
{course number} also has an official Facebook page: {add link}.
You can find content shared there before the course even begins.If this is your first course, consider exploring the demo course: {add link}
This gives you a chance to explore the platform and understand how to navigate content before {course number} begins.Your {course number} course team
Launch Day Welcome
Subject: {course number} Starts Today!
Hello everyone!
The course {course number} is now available from your dashboard {add link}.
Welcome to the course!You'll find first-week materials on the Course page, including videos and problem sets.
Please take a moment to visit the Home page to read handouts and course policies.
I’ll be your course lead and I hope you’ll enjoy learning {subject}.
It might be challenging, even frustrating, but it will be rewarding - and you’ll learn a lot.On behalf of the whole team, welcome and have fun!
{name} and the {course number} course team
Reminder to Register for Verified Certificate
Subject: Earn a verified certificate for {course name}!
Dear %%USER_FULLNAME%%,
Interested in a certificate to enhance your résumé or academic profile?
With a verified certificate, you can demonstrate your achievement to employers or institutions.Reminder: {date} is the last day to register for a certificate in %%COURSE_DISPLAY_NAME%%.
To upgrade, go to the course on your dashboard and click "Challenge Yourself".Good luck!
{name} and the {course number} course team
Weekly Highlights
Subject: {Course Name} – Week 1 Highlights
We hope you've had a great week!
Here's a summary of this week's discussions and a Q&A video with {Professor} addressing common questions.
Don't forget to complete this week's quiz by {date} at {time} UTC.
The next module opens on {time and date}.{Link to Video}
This week's forum highlights:
Discussion on urban stream restoration and its challenges: {Link to Discussion}
Community stories of successful restoration projects: {Link to Discussion}
See you next week,
{name} and the {course number} course team
Mid-Course Encouragement
Subject: {course name} Announcements
Dear learners,
We hope you're finding the course enriching.
Reminder: problem set {number} is due on {date} at {time} UTC.Check the Home page for the full schedule: {add link}
We're also celebrating your engagement in discussions.
Some of you have been designated community TAs - thank you!Updates:
Week {number} on {subject} is live on the Course page
Problem set {number} is due on {date} at {time} UTC
All deadlines are in UTC. Use a converter to plan your submissions: {add link}
Keep going - you're doing great!
{name} and the {course number} course team
Mid-Course Event (Exam Info)
Subject: {course number} Exam Info
Hello %%USER_FULLNAME%%,
Well done so far!
The {course number} exam begins next week.Key Details:
- Starts: {date} at {time} UTC
- Ends: {date} at {time} UTC
The exam is not timed - you may come back to it as needed, but all work must be submitted by the deadline.
Questions allow only one submission.
Exam covers weeks {number}–{number}.
You may consult the textbook and Internet for clarification (but not search for direct answers).
Forums remain open - but posting exam answers is a violation of the Honour Code.
Report issues using [EXAM] in the forum subject line.
Check the Home page for updates during the exam period.
Good luck!
{name} and the {course number} course team
Technical Issue
Subject: Technical Issue
Dear learners,
We encountered a technical problem with {video, assignment, etc.}.
{We are working to resolve it / The issue has been resolved.}To compensate, we've {extended the deadline / adjusted grading}.
Thanks for your patience - we appreciate your understanding!
{name} and the {course number} course team
Course Farewell and Certificates
Subject: {course number} Final Remarks
Dear %%USER_FULLNAME%%,
Thank you for making %%COURSE_DISPLAY_NAME%% such a success!
We loved your contributions in the forums, and hope you enjoyed learning {subject}.
Before you go:
Please complete the course survey on the Course page.
Certificates (score of {number}% or higher) will be available soon.
It can take up to two weeks for all certificates to be processed.You will retain access to video content after the course ends.
Assessments will remain visible but can no longer be submitted.Forums close on {date} at {time} UTC.
You'll still be able to view the discussions afterward.We hope you share what you've learned with others!
Best of luck for your final exam and beyond,
{name} and the {course number} course team
New Course Run Announcement
Subject: Announcing a new run of {course name}
Hello {course number} learners,
We’re excited to announce a new run of {course number} starting on {date}!
Thank you for making the previous run such a success.
What’s new:
{Success story from previous run}
{New content or features added}If you’d like to try again, earn a certificate, or recommend this course to a friend, now’s the time.
To learn more or re-enrol, visit the {course name} page: {add link}
We hope to see you in the next session!
The {course number} course team
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