Provide structure and routine

When you are transparent and explicit about your course objectives, your students will feel more inspired and involved. Students need to be able to see where they are in the course and what they will need to do to "catch up" if they fall behind. Your syllabus and course site can provide this information. This is crucial during times when students may need to miss classes or withdraw from activities due to personal illness or a family situation.

It's crucial to be upfront and clear about what is expected of them in terms of behavior, class rules, and even individual assignments because your students will probably be primarily or entirely online. Students who take classes online or those who are preoccupied with the shifting circumstances on campus might not have the time or mental energy to ask you for clarification on a section of your syllabus that might be unclear.