The first day of class sets the tone not just for learning, but for belonging. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to design meaningful first-day experiences that go beyond icebreakers to foster connection, curiosity, and motivation. We’ll discuss how to communicate high expectations with warmth, invite students into your discipline’s big questions, and create a sense of psychological safety from the start. Grounded in the research on Gen Z learners and inclusive teaching, this workshop will also introduce tools for checking in with students throughout the semester—from Week 2 “muddiest point” activities to midterm action plans—ensuring that your course is responsive, reflective, and community-centered from day one to the final exam.