Interpersonal presence refers to the cues individuals use to form impressions of one another and form/maintain relationships. The physical cues used to convey interpersonal presence in face-to-face learning environments are absent in text-based computer-mediated conferencing (CMC) courses. Learners' perceptions of interpersonal presence in CMC courses were examined in a study during which eight graduate students completed an online questionnaire about their impressions of interpersonal presence in CMC courses. Participants' notions of what constitutes interpersonal presence in CMC courses broke down into personal style (how people "come across" as a person) and collegial style (how people "come across" in terms of being a fellow student). Participants identified the following methods of conveying interpersonal presence in CMC courses: personal identifiers, socializing efforts, and communication style. According to the participants, two types of interwoven relationships develop in CMC courses. They are social (based on mutual personal interests) and collegial (based on mutual academic interests and purpose). Some participants valued social relationships more highly than others did; however, all participants valued collegial relationships quite highly. Group tasks, group size, and the course instructor also influenced development of collegial relationships. It was concluded that online courses must contain opportunities for conveyance of social and collegial cues. (Contains 13 references.) (MN)