Introductory Email to Students
Below are two sample emails that you can send about 5-7 days before the semester starts. For instructions on how to access student email addresses on your class rosters, click here Rosters and Grade Input. It is easiest to copy and paste the email addresses into the bcc (blind copy) field of your email. NOTE: You should not email students through your MyAims course shell as they do not have access until the first day.
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#1
Hello!
The semester will be starting next week so I wanted to send you a quick email to introduce myself and provide some introductory information about your AAA 090 class. My name is __________ and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with you at the start, fresh start or continuation of your college journey at Aims Community college. AAA 090 is a course that will help you learn how to become a successful college student in a supportive environment with peers and a caring committed instructor. “Becoming” is a process and any student regardless of their previous experience in college can benefit from the curriculum in this course to advance their current skills and knowledge. But this course is designed for a new first time, first semester college student.
On the first day of class, you’ll get to know me as well as your fellow classmates. You will also be provided a syllabus on the first day which will outline everything you need to know about the course. But here are a couple items to know about and possibly get started on.
Required Textbook: Sherfield, Robert M., and Patricia G. Moody. Cornerstones for Community College Success. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Education, 2014. Print.
•Options for Purchasing
o Aims Community College Bookstore (located on the first floor of the College Center); You can look up the different costs at http://aims.bncollege.com which are between $33.99 (Rent – Digital) to $83.60 (Buy – New).
o Unless you have experience with digital textbooks, I would persuade you to purchase or rent a paper copy to avoid a large unnecessary learning curve.
o Online Sellers: You do not need to purchase your textbook at the Aims Community College Bookstore and can use an online seller. StudentRate.com http://www.studentrate.com is one website that allows you to compare various online sellers of textbooks to find the best deal. Make sure it does not take too long to be shipped to you.
• Accessing the Textbook (If you cannot purchase it because you're waiting on financial aid)
o Learning Commons (2nd floor of College Center): You can check-out the textbook to use for 2 hours at a time. You might be able to read the chapter and take notes during that time. You could also photocopy the pages to read at a later time.
o Free Chapters: I can provide digital copies of the first two chapters on the MyAims Course Shell (Click on Access My Courses Online from the student tab in your MyAims account). Beyond that, I would be violating publisher rights.
Materials: AAA is a course that will be heavy with paper (assignments and handouts) and it is essential to have a system to organize yourself. I recommend that you purchase a 3-ring binder (between 1 ½” to 2 ½” should be sufficient) & a set of 5 divider tabs to label (the ones that have pockets in them are my preference). Label divider tabs with “Syllabus,” “Assignments To Do,” “Assignments Returned,” “Notes,” “Handouts.”
Let me know if you have any questions about the course or starting college at Aims in general. I look forward to meeting you next week.
Regards,
Your Name
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#2
Hello!
As your AAA 090 instructor, I just wanted to introduce myself and provide information about the textbook and materials for the course. AAA stands for Advancing Academic Achievement and has been a part of Aims for 10 years. Watch this YouTube video of Lt. Governor Joseph Garcia speaking about the program. He captures the importance and spirit of the First Year Experience (FYE) program which AAA is a part of. You’ll learn a lot more about the course and the learning opportunities on our first day of class.
Below is information about the textbook and supplies in case you want to get a head start with being ready for the first day.
Required Textbook:
- Sherfield, Robert M., and Patricia G. Moody. Cornerstones for Community College Success. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Education, 2014. Print.
- It is available for purchase in paper form, digitally and renting for the semester on campus at the Aims bookstore http://aims.bncollege.com (2nd Floor of the College Center) but you are welcome to purchase or rent it from an online seller (just make sure that you purchase the correct edition).
- If you cannot purchase/rent it by the first day/week, plan to access it on campus at the Learning Commons (2nd floor of College Center). You can read it there or check it out. Another option is to photocopy the pages to read at a later time. You can click here to access the first chapter Chapter 1.
Materials:
- I provide handouts for all assignments and you’ll be taking notes during class, so I HIGHLY recommend that you organize yourself with a binder. Here is what to purchase.
- 3 Ring Binder (between 1 ½” to 2 ½” should be sufficient)
- Set of 5 divider tabs to label (the ones that have pockets in them are my preference). You might label divider tabs with “Syllabus,” “Assignments To Do,” “Assignments Returned,” “Notes,” “Handouts.”
“If you want something in your life you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something, you’ve never done." - JD Houston. You might have feelings of being uncomfortable, intimidated and/or excited starting college. As your AAA instructor, I’m your guide/coach to help your transition, learning what Aims has to offer and prepare you for success in your college career and beyond. Please let me know if you have ANY questions that come up. I look forward to meeting you next week and to a great semester.
Regards,
Your Name