Clearly communicating course expectations is essential for student success, as students often struggle to understand whether they are meeting course expectations throughout the semester. This interactive workshop explores how instructors can use the syllabus, learning goals, scaffolded self-assessments, and a variety of course communication tools to establish and reinforce expectations from the first day of class onward. Participants will leave with practical strategies for designing a transparent communication plan that helps their students understand expectations, monitor their progress, and succeed in their courses.