Cohort Course server template
For live cohort programs, bootcamps and challenges with start and end dates. One server, many cohorts: add a category per cohort and archive when it ends.
- Cohort-based courses
- Bootcamps
- 6 to 12 week challenges
Channels and categories
START HERE
- # welcome text
How the program works and the schedule.
Access: Everyone can read; only Staff can post
- # rules text
Rules and attendance expectations.
Access: Everyone can read; only Staff can post
- š£ announcements announcement
Program-wide updates.
Access: Everyone can read; only Staff can post
- # introductions text
Introduce yourself to all cohorts.
Access: Members can read and post
COHORT 1 (rename per cohort)
- # c1-announcements text
Session links, homework, deadlines.
Access: Cohort 1 role: read; Staff posts
- # c1-chat text
Cohort discussion.
Access: Cohort 1 role only
- š¬ c1-homework forum
One post per assignment. Tags: Week 1-6, Feedback given.
Access: Cohort 1 role only
- # c1-pods text
Private threads per accountability pod (4-6 people).
Access: Cohort 1 role only; pods in private threads
- šļø c1-live stage
Live sessions.
Access: Cohort 1 role only
ALUMNI
- # alumni-chat text
All past cohorts together.
Access: Alumni role only
- š¬ jobs-and-opportunities forum
Share opportunities.
Access: Alumni role only
SHARED
- # general text
Cross-cohort chat.
Access: Members can read and post
- # resources text
Program library.
Access: Everyone can read; only Staff can post
- š co-working voice
Drop-in work sessions.
Access: Members can read and post
ARCHIVE
- # (archived cohort channels) text
Move ended cohort channels here, read-only.
Access: Alumni read-only
STAFF
- # staff text
Facilitators.
Access: Hidden from everyone except Staff
- # mod-log text
Logs.
Access: Hidden from everyone except Staff
Roles and permissions
| Role (highest first) | Purpose | Key permissions | Assigned by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin | Owner | Administrator | Owner |
| Facilitator | Instructors, TAs | Manage Messages, Manage Threads, Manage Events, Mute/Move Members, Timeout Members | Admin |
| Cohort 1, Cohort 2, ... | Current cohort access (one role per cohort) | View that cohort's category | Staff from the enrollment list, or a purchase integration |
| Alumni | Finished a cohort | View ALUMNI and ARCHIVE | Staff when a cohort ends |
| Timezone: Americas / EMEA / APAC | Pod matching and event times | None | Onboarding question |
- Each cohort category: deny @everyone View Channel; allow that cohort's role. Duplicate the category for each new cohort (Discord's Clone Channel copies permissions per channel).
- Pods as private threads inside #cX-pods: facilitators add members; members can't see other pods.
- When a cohort ends: give everyone Alumni, remove the cohort role, move channels to ARCHIVE and deny Send Messages.
- Discord caps channels per category and per server; archive or delete old cohorts before you hit the limit (check current limits in Discord's help center).
Onboarding questions
Which cohort are you in? (required, pick one)
- ā¢ Current cohort (verify enrollment) ā Points to verification steps; cohort role is given by Staff
- ā¢ Alumni ā Points to alumni verification
- ā¢ Considering the next cohort ā Shared channels only
Where are you based? (required, pick one)
- ā¢ Americas ā Timezone: Americas
- ā¢ Europe / Africa / Middle East ā Timezone: EMEA
- ā¢ Asia-Pacific ā Timezone: APAC
Onboarding needs Community enabled. Never grant paid roles from an onboarding answer: anyone can pick any answer. See onboarding setup.
AutoMod rules
| Rule | Setting | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Block Mention Spam | On. Start with a low mention limit per message (Discord lets you choose the number) and enable raid protection. | Block message + send alert to #mod-log + timeout member |
| Block Suspected Spam Content | On for all channels. | Block message + send alert to #mod-log |
| Block Commonly Flagged Words | Enable the preset lists (insults and slurs, sexual content, severe profanity) that match your audience. | Block message with a short custom explanation |
| Custom keyword rule: scams | Keywords such as *free nitro*, *steam gift*, *airdrop*, *crypto giveaway*, *dm me for*. Exempt Staff. | Block message + alert #mod-log + timeout member |
| Member profile filter | Block the same scam terms plus impersonation patterns like *admin*, *support team*, *moderator* in usernames and nicknames. | Block member from interacting until they change their name |
| Custom keyword rule: invite links | Block *discord.gg/* and *discord.com/invite* outside staff. Exempt Facilitator. | Block message + alert #mod-log |
Configure in Server Settings > Safety Setup > AutoMod. AutoMod guide.
Recommended bots and why
Sesh recommended
Events and reminders
Cohorts live by the calendar: Sesh posts session times in each member's timezone and sends reminders.
Carl-bot recommended
Role menus, logging, tags
Reliable reaction/button role menus for anything Onboarding doesn't cover, detailed mod logs, and saved 'tags' for answers you type every week.
Craig optional
Voice recording
Discord has no built-in call recording. Craig records voice channels (announce it and get consent before recording).
Bot features and premium plans change; check each bot's site. Grant only the permissions a bot asks for, never Administrator.
Welcome messages
#welcome
Welcome to {Program}. Here's how it works:
ā¢ Live sessions: {day} at {time}, shown in your local time in the Events list.
ā¢ Homework: post in your cohort's homework forum by {deadline}.
ā¢ Pods: you'll be added to a private pod thread of 4-6 people in week 1.
First: answer the onboarding questions, then introduce yourself in #introductions.#cX-announcements (week 1)
Week 1 is live. Session: {event link}. Homework: {assignment}. Pod assignments are in #cX-pods. Reply here with ā
once you've watched the kickoff.Setup checklist
Before each cohort
- ā Create the Cohort N role
- ā Clone the previous cohort category and swap the role in permissions
- ā Create Scheduled Events for every live session
Week 1
- ā Assign cohort roles from the enrollment list
- ā Create pod private threads and add members
- ā Pin homework instructions
During
- ā Weekly announcement every Monday
- ā Mark homework posts with Feedback given
- ā Record sessions (with consent) and post links
When a cohort ends
- ā Give Alumni, remove Cohort N
- ā Move channels to ARCHIVE, deny Send Messages
- ā Post an alumni welcome in #alumni-chat
Guides for this setup
Get the Cohort Course pack
Ready-to-import pack for $49, or we build it in your server for $299.