President's Message - Embracing the New Academic Year with Connection and Commitment

President's Message

Embracing the New Academic Year with Connection and Commitment

Dear Caring Campus Community,

The beginning of a new academic year is both exciting and daunting for students, as they face new opportunities and uncertainties. Welcome Week is a crucial time for colleges and universities to make students feel valued and part of the community, not just another face in the crowd. As the year begins, it's important for staff and faculty to establish personal connections with students, offering intentional support through inclusive activities, helpful resources, and genuine care. Always remember a supportive staff or faculty member can make a huge difference in a student’s college experience and life.

Moorpark College created a Caring Campus banner to reinforce from day one that every student belongs and is valued at the college.

We are gearing up for our Fall 2024 Caring Campus Academy (CCA) cohort, designed to help new hires integrate into the existing culture of care at their institutions. The CCA provides new staff and faculty with the essential strategies and knowledge to contribute to their institution’s supportive and welcoming environment for students. Mark your calendar with the CCA dates below – registration information coming soon!

Schedule:

Faculty Sessions (4 meetings, 90 minutes each)

Wednesdays: 9/25 - 10/16 1 p.m. (Pacific)
Thursdays: 9/26 - 10/17 10 a.m. (Pacific)
Fridays: 9/27 - 10/18 11 a.m. (Pacific)

Staff Sessions (5 meetings, 60 minutes each)

Wednesdays: 9/25 - 10/23, 10 a.m. (Pacific)
Thursdays: 9/26 - 10/24 11 a.m. (Pacific)
Thursdays: 9/26 - 10/24, 1 p.m. (Pacific)
Fridays: 9/27 - 10/25 9 a.m. (Pacific)
Fridays: 9/27 - 10/25 1 p.m. (Pacific)

In recognition of the impactful Caring Campus strategies you have been implementing on your campus, I would like to remind you applications to apply for Caring Campus Certification will open in September, with results announced in January 2025. This is a chance for colleges and universities to showcase their institution’s caring culture and receive varying levels of certification to affirm their commitment to student success.

Please remember to join our Caring Campus Network LinkedIn Group, a space to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in challenges designed to foster collaboration and connection, and celebrate the great Caring Campus work happening at your institution.

Join the CCN LinkedIn Group Here

We have another big announcement this month – we will be hosting a Caring Campus Conference from November 12-14, 2025. Keep an eye out for the official Save the Date and more details coming soon; we hope you can join us for this historic event!

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.

Institute For Evidence-Based Change | 562-688-5721

3711 Long Beach Blvd., Ste 5033 Long Beach CA 90807 | www.iebcnow.org