While a polite and positive tone is important to any place, taken alone, it is not enough to invigorate a campus. Being pleasant is not enough if there is no substance. Such concentration on the superficial can lead to the perception that the online campus is impersonal and thus automatically and naturally ineffective. However, a true college campus focuses on creating a challenging and stimulating environment that helps students grow. In as such, the online campus is as vital as the physical campus in helping colleges meet their objectives.

Just as on the physical campus, the online college community requires clear and specific guidelines that both teacher and student follow in order to create a safe and stimulating place to think and discuss; meaningful and positive communication and group interaction on an academic level; and a true challenge with a true feeling of achievement. Teachers can use a combination of content modules, the discussion board and email, student presentations and homepages, and URL links to help create a vital environment that is personal on a level appropriate for the college campus.