• Welcome everyone as they join, and let attendees know they can take part how they wish (some attendees may prefer to just use the chat box, or not have their camera on).

• You may like to prepare a few questions or conversation starters to get the event going.

• Try to keep to your advertised event times.

• Briefly outline how to use the main features of the platform (e.g. muting, unmuting, captions, microphone, chat box, camera if applicable).

• You can use presentation slides in your session if you would like to (e.g. for a more formal event or a quiz). Please email us at oustudents-belonging@open.ac.uk for a slide template you can use. Make sure you check the accessibility of the slides with the ‘Check Accessibility’ tool on PowerPoint, under the review tab. You can also find more guidance on accessibility on the Microsoft website here.

Overall, try and make your event as welcoming and friendly as possible. Encourage students to introduce themselves and take part in the discussion. 

Remember that some students might not have attended an event before so a brief introduction to you, your co-host and Open SU would be great!