What is Virtual Gathering Spaces

Graduate schools often operate in a decentralized community due to the diversity of disciplines and needs within; as such, the success of graduate students and their involvement are then left to the purview of the colleges and programs. However, we know that collaboration with programs and other campus departments are important in developing a sense of community for students in support of student success, retention, and graduation. Yet, the availability of student resources that fosters and supports student academic and professional socialization which are evident in traditional graduate programs are not always reciprocated in online programs. In this chapter, the author will draw from the theories of socialization, community of inquiry (COI) and the equivalency theory to create a sense of community for successfully engaging and preparing students in online graduate programs for their professional roles post-graduation.