How can I shape expectations around program support during a time when I won’t be available to respond?

The key is to communicate early and clearly. In my experience, the more I communicate, the better it is, even if what I’m sharing isn’t ideal. Let your students know in advance that you’ll be unavailable, and make sure they see that message in more than one place.

Send several reminder emails leading up to your time away and post the message inside your Facebook group or course community as well. People need to hear it more than once to really absorb it.

Here are a few additional ways to support your students while you’re away:

• Ask a guest expert to step in and provide support inside your community. This can be a fun bonus and bring fresh energy to your group.
• Have a team member take over community support or answer common questions during that time.
• Record a few short videos in advance and schedule them to go out while you’re away. You can pop in with a message like, “I know I’m away this week, but I still wanted to encourage you and offer a few tips to help you stay on track.”

As long as your students feel seen and supported, even in your absence, they’ll continue to stay engaged and feel taken care of. It’s all about setting expectations and showing up with intention, even if it’s pre-scheduled.