[1A1] Building connection and belonging in large remote and on-campus cohorts

Launching a brand new, large, core unit in 2021 was a unique and exciting challenge for the FASS1000 teaching team. With the lessons we learned in 2020 in our pockets and a view to whatever normality awaits us in the future, we welcomed our new Bachelor of Arts students to the University, to their studies, and to their degree as a fundamental part of understanding the world. Key to this welcome was a focus on building a sense of belonging in order to facilitate a smooth transition to Sydney life, and on developing a sense of connection within our geographically scattered cohort. In doing this we utilised literature-informed assessment design, did some fun things with Canvas, and made the most of free or low-cost eTools, and in this presentation we’ll share practically transferrable tips about what we did and learned along the way.