After enabling the bCourses Mailing List tool, instructors have the option to enable the Welcome Email feature, which automatically sends a message to new members as they join the course site. This message is sent to users in all bCourses roles (Student, TA, Lead TA, Teacher, etc.), and is sent to new members of the course site once per day. Users will receive this message even if the site is unpublished.
To create and enable a welcome email:
1. Navigate to the Mailing List tool (it may be hidden in your course navigation menu) and create a mailing list:
2. Author your welcome message. Enter a subject and message body.
If you wish to use hyperlinks or other formatting, you can enter HTML in the editor:
3. Toggle the welcome email feature to "active"
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often is the Welcome Email sent?
All new members of your course site will receive the Welcome Email within an hour of when they are enrolled. - If I modify the Welcome Email, will users receive another copy of the updated version?
No, members of your bCourses site will only receive the version of the welcome email that was active at the time they first joined your course site. - If a user leaves and rejoins the course site, will they receive the Welcome Email a second time?
No, users will only receive the Welcome Email once even if they are removed and re-added from a course site. - Will users receive my Welcome Email if the site is unpublished?
Yes, unlike bCourses Announcements, students will receive a Welcome Email even if your course site is unpublished. - If I disable the Welcome Email and re-enable it a week later, will users who joined the site in that week receive a Welcome Email?
Yes, anyone who has not yet received the Welcome Email will receive the latest version when the tool is re-enabled - Who gets the Welcome Email?
All roles, including TAs and other instructors, will receive the welcome email. - How do I confirm who received my Welcome Email?
Review the CSV log of Welcome Email recipients to see who received your Welcome Email, when, and at which email address. - What if I want to stop sending Welcome Emails to new course site members?
Click the "Active" toggle and change it to "Paused" to stop sending Welcome Emails.