Texas A&M University - Kingsville (TAMUK) president Dr. Robert Vela poses with students at their first day welcome event. TAMUK staff completed Caring Campus in spring 2024.

1. Remember that Caring Campus is all about making students feel like they belong. At every turn, in every interaction, consider the impact on students' feelings. Students are drawn to campuses where they feel embraced and valued, and their sense of belonging will ultimately drive their desire to persist at that institution.
2. Moments matter. Whether in the classroom, in the Registrar's Office, or in a bustling campus square, a single impactful moment can reshape a student's perception of belonging. From grand welcome events to small gestures like a warm greeting or recalling a student's name, seize every opportunity to craft unforgettable experiences.
3. The spirit of Caring Campus is centered on behavioral changes, not flashy displays. Events and swag are wonderful and useful, but true success lies in sustained, intentional efforts. What occurs in the weeks following an event? How consistently do faculty and staff cultivate a welcoming environment?
4. Embrace simplicity. One of the benefits of Caring Campus' focus on behavioral change is that it doesn't require logistical support or allocation of resources – smiles are free! It requires little beyond mindfulness and positivity to forge meaningful connections.
5. No one is in this alone. Caring Campus transcends individual efforts; it's about fostering a culture of care that unites students, faculty, staff, and leadership. While each person's contribution is vital, ultimate success hinges on collective responsibility. Caring Campus is meant to pull people together so they can truly work and act as a welcoming community.

IEBC Chief Operating Officer and Caring Campus Vice President Ken Sherwood helped to facilitate an insightful Caring Campus session with representatives from all five colleges in the Alamo Colleges District on March 25.

We are excited to announce that IEBC is expanding our Caring Campus offerings to District offices, with Alamo District leading the way as our flagship in this important endeavor. By coaching District office staff, supervisors, and directors in the principles and tools of Caring Campus, we will empower Districts to establish their own personalized Caring Campus commitments to fostering strong relationships and comradery between themselves and their colleges. This culture of care, emanating from District offices, will enhance the support and success of initiatives for students by ensuring college staff and faculty feel valued and supported.

Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help your campus or District office continue to build and nurture a culture of care.

Sincerely,

Brad Phillips

IEBC President/CEO

Contact IEBC at info@iebcnow.org, see our website, or call us at

562-688-5721 for more information.