Always seek the high road. More concrete than the aforementioned concepts is visual impact. Very simply, make sure the look engages the student before the reading even takes place. When you include an eye-catching quality, make sure it really improves, not detracts. Color may seem to be important, but if there's a lot of reading directly from the computer, consider using black and white.
High contrast is important.
Beginnings and endings of messages are points of emphasis, but with the nature of web pages, I would suggest putting as much as possible in the top of the frame. Consider having a link to other short pages rather than one long page, though some of this will depend on other factors. If you want students to be able to go to one web address and print out a copy of their syllabus, for example, use one page. In general, continually evaluate what is really in the best interest of the student. Regarding typeface, note the examples above.