W&M’s Family Weekend Brings Online Students to Campus
On September 28, 2024, William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, with the support of the Online Graduate Student Advisory Council (OGSAC), transformed the traditional Family Weekend football game into a gathering for its online students, bridging the digital divide and reinforcing the sense of community that transcends the virtual classroom.
Online students gathered on campus, forged deeper connections with their peers and professors and enjoyed a 49-7 Tribe win over the Hampton Pirates.
Embracing Community Through Shared Experiences
The event was an opportunity for online students and faculty to connect beyond the screens where they first met. It provided a unique space for faculty to mix and mingle comfortably with their students and peers, spotlighting the human connection that forms the backbone of the educational experience. Faculty members enjoyed meeting their online students face-to-face, sharing that these in-person interactions offer significant depth to their teaching relationships. “Interacting with my online students in person, even just for a few moments, allows me to understand them much better,” one professor noted.
For many students, it was their first time stepping onto the historic William & Mary campus—an
experience that deepened their connection to the school and its enduring traditions. Residency Weekend held twice a year in the fall and the spring, is another opportunity for students to visit campus. At the football game, they engaged in lively discussions about courses and program progress and enjoyed seeing their professors and peers outside of a digital context. One attendee shared, “Attending this football game made me feel like I was truly part of the W&M community.”
From Online Connections to Lifelong Networks
The impact of onsite events extends far beyond a football game. They play a pivotal role in knitting the fabric of a supportive network that students can rely on throughout their academic journey and beyond. Students exchanged ideas with their immediate faculty, engaged with residential students and even met football players enrolled in the MBA program—a testament to the diverse and inclusive community William & Mary fosters.
These interactions reaffirm the belief that online education can still build meaningful connections to the university. Events like Family Weekend instill confidence in students, serving as a reminder that they are integral members of the W&M community. “It’s these connections,” one student reflected, “that give me a boost of confidence to keep going. I know I’m not alone.”
Energized for the Educational Journey Ahead
Face-to-face interactions support a well-rounded online education. They enrich the learning experience by offering emotional support, enhancing networking opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging. These onsite moments help motivate students while enhancing their perception of online education.
As the weekend ended, students and faculty left the event with a stronger sense of community, carrying the memories and strengthened ties from a well-spent weekend. William & Mary’s innovative approach to integrating online and residential experiences continues to set the standard, ensuring that no matter where students are located, they are always part of the Tribe.
