This study examined the relationships between instructors and their students, and between students, to determine their roles in building positive relationships and an overall positive classroom environment. Of particular interest was the examination of instructor rapport with students and rapport between students. Students (N 0232) reported on their perceptions of interpersonal relationships in the classroom and on their perceived participation and learning. Results indicate that perceived rapport with instructors and classmates is related to perceptions of classroom connectedness. Instructor rapport, student rapport, and classroom connectedness enhanced student participation. Only instructor rapport consistently predicted participation, affective learning, and cognitive learning.College instructors strive to encourage student learning and to build a satisfying relationship with students (Ellis, 2004). However, Ellis argued that the primary job of an instructor is to promote learning, and thus called for more research to identify the instructor behaviors that contribute to that primary goal of promoting learning. Worley, Titsworth, Worley, and Cornett-DeVito (2007) argued that interpersonal relationships are essential in student learning. The Affective Learning Model (ALM; Rodriguez, Plax, & Kearney, 1996) has provided some insight into the impact instructors have on the learning processes of students. Specifically, the authors argued that positive instructor behaviors evoke affect toward the instructor and the class, which then enhances cognitive learning.Other scholars (Dwyer et al., 2004;Nuthall, 2004) countered that the focus should not only be on instructors, that studentÁstudent interactions should be assessed for their contribution to learning outcomes. The classroom is made up of multiple interpersonal relationships which contribute to the construction of a unique community. Generally, a positive classroom experience is associated with positive academic outcomes at the college level including adjustment, learning outcomes, and Brandi N. Frisby and Matthew M. Martin are at West Virginia University. Brandi N. Frisby can be contacted at